This is the final update for the Spring 2024 semester! With only one month before the end of the course, each team focused on finalizing the last items of priority before preparing to hand off the projects. Each team’s final contributions are detailed below:
Team Biodigester:
While the new solar collector was discussed and begin in the previous month, the team was able to better assemble the larger solar collector that would replace the existing one in the system. This solar collector aimed to diminish kinks in the solar collector as well as allow a larger area for the water to heat up. Other improvements to this solar collector include a coating on the wood that would decrease wear from the rain. Additionally, insulation was added behind the tubing to maintain the heat within the tubing. Further improvements can be made by adding a clear acrylic sheet to the front of the solar collector to prevent elements from entering the solar collector and causing buildup. The tubing can also be secured to the insulation sheet to prevent overlaps and kinks along the tubing.
New Solar Collector
Team Biodigester also overcame an issue with using a battery to power the system instead of solar panels. The battery turned off after 6 hours of inactivity. Inactivity for this system was defined as the pump being off and not cycling water through the system. To prevent the battery from turning off, the pump was turned on using a timer to ensure that the system ran before the cut-off time.
Team Lighting:
In the last month of the semester, Team Lighting received feedback from their implementation trial. For the theft resistant test, two prototypes were installed at an Austin park, and both were unfortunately stolen. Although the prototype was covered to cover the bright colors from the materials and only the conduit and the LED were visible after installation, these choices were not helpful in preventing the prototypes from being stolen. Another test that was done on another prototype is a waterproof test; the prototype was installed at the Brackenridge Field Lab for 45 days. The main material that was being tested during these days was the 3D-printed material used to make the encasement. The encasement was able to withstand the UV radiation and rainstorms within the 45 days. While successful in this time frame, testing over a longer period should be conducted and further waterproofing can be considered.
Waterproofing Test with Prototype Installed
Team Pad:
During this time, the team continued to distribute pads to the participants that were interested in participating in the experiment used to compare two types of absorbent materials and the durability of the pads. At the same time, the team received feedback from each pad used and compiled it for review. Three of the main concerns were leakage, whether there was sufficient absorbency, and whether the inner layer moved while the pad was in use.