Author: mmr2202

Zero Emission Fuel Cell Bus

mmr22021 Comment

Problem: Energy / Climate Change

Summary: http://inhabitat.com/toyota-to-test-zero-emission-fuel-cell-buses-in-tokyo/

  • Toyota and Hino Motors have manufactured a zero emission bus by using fuel cells. The bus is being implemented in Tokyo, Japan for commuters on pre-established routes.
  • The field test is currently going on from July 24th through July 30th.
  • The bus uses hydrogen-based technologies that are similar to the Toyota Mirai.
  • The system features two fuel cell stacks and motors alongside eight high-pressure hydrogen tanks that can store up to 480 I (106 gal) of hydrogen. It can produce a maximum power output of 114 kW in each of its two units.

Stakeholders:

  • Toyota, Hino, other automobile manufacturers, city governments, commuters, local transportation companies.

Implementation:

  • Determine the success of the field test.
  • Educate other cities about the technology.
  • Scale up to mass production and eventually be implemented into all urban cities.

mmr2202

The SmartFin

mmr22022 Comments

Problem: Water / Climate Change / Health

Screen Shot 2015-07-14 at 6.48.49 PM

Technology:

  • The SmartFin allows data to be gathered without having to consciously and physically collect the data.
  • This allows the creation of a “citizen scientist” – thus allowing surfers and other familiar water users already exposed to the elements gather data using a ‘SmartFin.’
  • The SmartFin is simply a fin that attaches to the bottom of a surfboard, like any other fin, but the SmartFin is able to read the elements of the water such as temperature, salinity, pH, location, and wave energy.
  • This information can help scientists further understand the changes of our local and global water system. I believe this technology also has further capabilities that have not been reached yet.

Stakeholders:

  • Recreational water users; scientists; NGOs; government agencies.

Steps for deployment:

  • This technology is still being tested and explored.
  • Create an app that is user-friendly and allows for a data-driven platform.
  • Attempt to connect with stakeholders, such as surf conglomerates, in order to implement the technology for use by the citizen scientists.

MMR2202

Water evaporation as a power source

mmr22021 Comment
  1. Issue: Energy and water

The number one source of energy uses fossil fuels, which are natural resources that are increasingly becoming scarce. It is difficult for new potential sources of energy to be created in a sustainable way that reuses a natural resource. The issue regarding water is the environmental problem of smaller bodies of water becoming evaporated and nonexistent.

  1. Water evaporation as a power source

http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/water-evaporation-could-power-future-devices.html

  • Columbia University researchers are working on an energy source using water vapor. Water evaporation is a form of solar energy and, on a small scale, can be harnessed and then utilized to power small devices.
  • Researchers are using bacteria that naturally absorbs water really well. When the bacteria absorbs water, it swells; when it loses water, it contracts. This acts as a small muscle, which the team is using to power the small machines.
  • While at the beginning stages, this has the potential to be extremely effective due to the very low cost of the project.
  1. Stakeholders: energy utilities, homeowners, energy consumers, etc.
  1. In order to deploy this technology, researchers would have to genetically modify the spores used so they do not germinate into bacteria. Then, an in-land body of water, i.e. a reservoir, would need to be covered with a water evaporation-powered machine. This will lead to two advantages: the power generated from the machine and the slowing down of the evaporation process for the body of water.

MMR2202

The Snail – Micro Induction Heating

mmr22021 Comment

1)The winner of the 2010 Electrolux Design Lab Competition, the Snail, addresses the sustainability issue of energy.

2) Article: http://newsroom.electrolux.com/uk/2010/09/24/the-snail-micro-induction-heating-wins-electrolux-design-lab-2010/

  • The Snail, a micro induction heating system, uses high-density sugar crystal batteries for its energy source.
  • The device attaches by magnets to the side of a cooking container and its built-in sensors detect what you would like to heat and adjust the settings for food, time, and temperature appropriately.
  • The miniature design of the product allows for it to be utilized anywhere, in any condition or location.
  • While the Snail is still in the prototype stage, the device has the potential to replace modern-day products such as microwaves, stovetops, and ovens.

3) Stakeholders may include: developing countries, homeowners, and appliance manufacturing companies.

4)

Stage 1: Conduct additional research and create test models.

Stage 2: Establish a pilot program in a local community or developing region.

Stage 3: Monitor and analyze results. Make necessary adjustments to product before becoming readily available to consumers.

MMR2202

TZOA – Wearable Enviro-Tracker (MMR2202)

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1)

  • Problem: Heath – Air pollution & Air quality

2)

Unknown

  • The TZOA device uses sensors to detect air quality, temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and UV exposure.
  • The TZOA mobile app, allows the user to view real-time air quality data that allows the user to monitor and manage their air quality. Ultimately, creating a crowd-sourced map of environmental data in real-time.
  • The app encourages and recommends ways for improving the users air quality.

3)

  • Stakeholders may include: Government health departments both state & local, policy makers, local communities, hospitals, physicians, individuals with health concerns

4)

  • Steps for deployment:
  • Promote in urban regions
  • Engage policy makers
  • Monitor analyze data