Today's Interesting Engineering

[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

All you need to know about the TriFan 600

What if you don’t have to go to the airport to board your flight? What if your destination cannot be reached with a helicopter in a single flight? What if helicopters take just too long?

Now what if I told you there is a new aircraft design that solves all these problems? Behold, the TriFan 600 is an innovative aircraft design inspired by these three problems listed, among other things as well. This design was presented by XTI Aircraft Company on Start Engine, a crowdfunding website.

So how does this work exactly?

In order to prevent the hassle of airports and runways, the TriFan 600 has the ability to vertically take off like a helicopter. In order to get to a destination that is out of the limits of helicopters and at a speed comparable to current jets, the TriFan 600 can cruise like an airplane.


[Image Courtesy of The Telegraph]


SEE ALSO: Hitler’s six engine plane that should never have left the ground

The TriFan 600 has three ducted fans, two on the wings of the aircraft and one at the rear end of the aircraft. These fans give the aircraft the ability to take off vertically, but once the plane is in the air, the side ducted fans rotate forward to propel the aircraft forward.

The TriFan 600 can reach its maximum cruising speed of 400mph (643km/h) in 90 seconds. It’s maximum cruising altitude is 30,000 feet, which can be attained in 11 minutes.


[Image Courtesy of Start Engine]


As would be expected of a high-tech aircraft, it comes with advanced safety features such as autopilot and automated controls for takeoff and landing. In fact, the sliding cover for the rear ducted fan is also a safety feature designed to protect the engine while it’s in horizontal flight.

How about its looks?


[Image Courtesy of Start Engine]


The TriFan 600 was initially designed for businessmen. However, it can readily be seen that it has the potential to benefit other clients as well. These might include leisure and personal use, medical use and transportation for high profile government officials.


[Image Courtesy of Start Engine]


With this in mind, the TriFan 600 is a very spacious aircraft that is designed to provide maximum comfort. It can take up to six passengers, including the pilot.

How much will it cost?

The TriFan 600 is estimated to cost around $10-$12 million. It might probably be a good idea to start saving from now.


[Image Courtesy of Start Engine]


Source: Start Engine



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[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

WaterDrop – New hope for water-stressed regions?

According to the World Resources Institute, global demand for water is likely to increase dramatically over the next few decades. This will be driven by rapidly growing populations which in turn will drive rapidly increasing consumption, not only of drinking water but also of water for farm irrigation and for various industrial processes. Additionally, more people will move into cities, particularly if conditions in rural and coastal areas decline because of increasing climate change. Analysis by the WRI, using climate modelling and socioeconomic scenarios, shows that extremely high water stress will become a fact of life in 33 countries around the world from 2040. Among the worst affected will be Chile, Estonia, Namibia, and Botswana.

However, in response to this looming crisis, a number of businesses and entrepreneurs around the world have been looking at solar powered devices for generating water. Prominent among such individuals is Ap Verheggen, a creative artist who is known for his highly acclaimed sculpture. Verheggen introduced SunGlacier to the world in 2011, with the aim of generating a more positive dialogue about climate change, but it’s now rapidly developed to become a source of ideas that will help people adapt to extreme heat and water stress.

Ap Verheggen​

SunGlacier itself is basically a solar powered structure in the shape of a leaf that produces water. It works by using the principles underlying condensation to create ice in the Sahara desert. The artwork was designed in cooperation with coolant specialists Cofely Refrigeration and was tested using a shipping container, in which Verbeggen’s manage to produce 10 cm of ice. Verbeggen believes that a lot more can be produced, from condensation, purely by using solar power, in short it isn’t even necessary to have any water present in the first place since you could simply produce it out of the moisture in the air. Speaking to the Engineer, Mr Verbeggen said that Egypt actually has the same amount of humidity as the Netherlands, which means that the projects he is developing may actually be one of the most important research programs of modern times, given the chronic water shortages now being experienced in areas such as the Middle East, and increasingly perhaps, California.

SunGlacier​

This sounds like a completely whacky idea, but Mr Verbeggen’s newest idea is a hand-held device called WaterDrop which would produce water from condensation that is also drinkable.

“If temperatures rise, the air contains more water” Verbeggen wrote on his blog. “Normally, higher temperatures also mean more sunshine. So, why not focus on harvesting water out of the air, powered only by renewable solar energy? In this way drinking water and water for agriculture become available in most dry parts of the planet.”


The idea is that these devices will use PV modules to generate solar power which would then cool the air thus generating condensation. The PV modules would also create an airflow by powering a fan. This would drive the water into a small cistern to collect it. Mr Verbeggen also thinks small rocks could be incorporated into the design in order to add minerals to the water. A replaceable carbon water filter would act as a spout.

The device is still way off from development but it would become far more viable in time as the efficiency of solar cells increases.

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[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

New life for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)?

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Mayor Kenoi at the July 9, 2011 blessing of Makai Ocean Engineering’s Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion test tower at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii. (Pic: Hawaii County, Flickr)​

A new power plant in Hawaii is using a renewable energy process that previously proved to be unpopular because of its low levels of efficiency. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) utilizes the temperature difference between deep, cooler, water and shallower, warmer, water to run a heat engine to generate electricity. It is a base load electricity generation system providing electricity all day, all year round. Unfortunately, the process is not very efficient because the temperature differential is fairly small. This means that its economic feasibility is minimal.

The theory behind OTEC emerged around 1881 when a French physicist named Jacques Arsene d’Arsonval developed the concept. This was then taken on by his student, Georges Claude, who built the world’s first OTEC plant in Cuba in 1930. Unfortunately, this was destroyed in a storm soon after its construction. Various smaller plants appeared but OTEC was never really of any interest until the 70’s and 80’s, and even then for just a short period due to a fall in oil prices.

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OTEC explained (Pic: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL))​

Despite this rather uninspiring history, OTEC could potentially contribute to base-load power supply. Pelc and Fujita (2002) have concluded that the process could generate up to 88,000 terrawatt hours per year of power without affecting the ocean’s thermal structure and in 2010 a technology similar to OTEC was used to develop a thermal engine that was able to power an unmanned submarine indefinitely.

The new power plant in Hawaii has been built by Maki Ocean Engineering, which is expecting it to generate enough power for up to 120 homes. The system uses ammonia, which has a low boiling point compared to other liquids and which is passed through pipes surrounded by warm water. This causes the ammonia to evaporate into a gas which in turn powers a turbine thereby generating energy. The process is reversed by using freezing cold water taken from water at a depth of 900 metres to turn the ammonia back into its liquid form, again powering the turbines.

The new plant is currently installed at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) but the company wants to take it further out into the Pacific Ocean, thereby reducing the distance the water has to travel when being pumped into the system. Maki believes that 12 such plants could power all of Hawaii.

One of the big advantages is that this system is able to run without any peaks or troughs in supply, however the plant is still very much in its initial testing stages, although there are similar projects currently in operation in Japan and South Korea. The plant in Hawaii is only really meant for research, which is just as well because it actually only produces around 100 kilowatts of power, and most of that is used by the pumps. The plant’s primarily function is to test heat exchangers, which tend to be fairly expensive. Maki says that when a generator is added, the plant will be able to design an automatic control system, thereby improving both the plants performance and the cost predictions for commercial plant designs.


Luis Vega of the Hawaii National Marine Renewable Energy Centre believes that the first large scale plant to use OTEC could be the 16 MW New Energy for Martinique and Overseas (NEMO) project, due to be constructed off the coast of Martinique. This is a collaboration between two companies based in Paris, Akuo Energy and defence company DCNS and will be located about 5km off the Martinique coast. It will be able to supply around 11 MW of energy to the island with the remaining 5 MW powering the plant and pumps. Construction of the project is due to start next year with a view to commercial operation beginning in four years’ time. According to Emmanuel Brochard, of DCNS, it will be the first industrial-scale OTEC plant in operation.

“The success of the NEMO project is a source of pride for Martinique and all the French overseas regions” said Akuo Energy chief executive Eric Scotto, speaking to reNEWS. “This decision on a European level consolidates the development of our group in insular tropical regions, on the most appropriate marine renewable energy technology for these specific areas.”

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[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

Students turn food waste into Fruitleather

Six students from Willem de Kooning Academie, a Dutch design school, just developed a method that transforms rotten fruit, that would otherwise go to waste into an eco-friendly leather. Called Fruitleather Rotterdam, the project produces a textile material that can be used in the production of stylish accessories such as handbags and wallets, and even car seats.

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The idea came up when the group of students visited a street market in Binnerotte Square and was shocked by the amount of fruit that were thrown away at the end of the day. Willing to solve this huge environmental problem with the help of design, students collected a lot of mangoes, oranges and apples, among other fruits, to manufacture Fruitleather Rotterdam – and it was a complete success!

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The creators don’t reveal much about the process of transforming rotting fruit into the ecological leather, but ensure that they intend to invest heavily in the project. According to the UN, every year, a third of the food produced globally is wasted and ends up in the trash. So, there’s a tremendous opportunity for business, right?

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Via: Ecouterre

Image sources: Fruitleather Rotterdam



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[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

Water saving Nebia shower head earns $3 million in crowdfunding

We know very well the importance of saving water in our day-to-day activities. And taking long showers are probably one of the biggest wastes of water. What if a new technology would allow us to save shower water by up to 70%?

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The Nebia shower is a project currently seeking crowdfunding through Kickstarter, and has already raised almost US$3,000,000, when their initial goal was to earn only US$100,000. The idea of this shower head is to use 70% less water than a regular shower by atomizing water into millions of tiny droplets with 10 times more surface area than a regular shower. That is, the device would work more like a cleansing sauna, rather than a conventional shower.

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The first units of Nebia were available for US$249, but it is now only available for US$299. The price is not so high when compared to what it will cost when it hits the market, US$399. Considering the water savings, a Nebia shower head that is used 4 times daily would eventually pay for itself in 3 years of use.

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This is because, it seems, the idea of the shower founders was never to popularize the invention – or to make a greater number of people save water – but to create a premium product, which enhanced the bath experience itself. Still, the economy of resources now appears to be the main motto behind the initiative. Would you be willing to buy a US$300 shower head in order to have a fancier bath?

https://d2pq0u4uni88oo.cloudfront.net/projects/2003599/video-571623-h264_high.mp4

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Via: Kickstarter

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[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

Intel Processor Chips through the years


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[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

Watch this ingenious maneuver to get your car out of the mud!

There is nothing like a muddy 4 Wheel Drive and getting it dirty is the funnest part of the ride. However, getting stuck in the mud is really not that much fun at all. And there’s nothing worse than being stuck in the middle of nowhere without any help to get your car out of the mud. That’s what happened to Dan Mengedoht, who managed to engineer his way out of the mud with a clever idea. Watch this video and next time you find yourself stuck, just use this trick to get your car out.

http://interestingengineering.com/w...09/11929482_10153704948630676_242775236_n.mp4

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[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

Smartphone Holography

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Back in 2010, an article in Computer World magazine quoted Paul Bloom, IBM’s Chief Technology Officer, offering this prediction – “We see 3D video technology moving into the cell phone, which will have the ability to transmit information off the cell phone to create a 3D hologram, projecting the hologram on any surface in life size.” Bloom elaborated on the social and technical aspects this technology might improve, like the ability of a technician to see a malfunctioning system in holographic real time, thereby greatly enhancing diagnosis and repair. While it might seem strange to many that IBM would be conducting smartphone research, it’s actually not; although they don’t make them currently, IBM arguably produced the first one – Introduced at the 1992 COMDEX, the IBM Simon phone was the first to include PDA functions; it was briefly marketed to consumers through BellSouth. (Remember Bell?)​

Yet here we are three quarters of the way through 2015, and those bold predictions are nowhere to be seen – no smartphone holography – Yet. Do a Google search for ‘IBM Cell Phone Holographic Research 2015,’ and what you get is a whole raft of 2010 sources featuring that same set of predictions from 2010 – Consumer Reports, Gizmodo, Bloomberg, DailyTech, and so on – And not one high priority search return showing actual current research.​

Check the website for IBM’s Almaden Research Center, the one quoted as leading the charge in that 2010 piece and you see…. Nada; not one primary topic devoted to cell phone holography. Subsequent drill down searches through the headings of Science and Technology, Cognitive Solutions and Foundations, and Accelerated Discovery for Industry Solutions also came up blank.

Remove IBM from that search, making it ‘Cell Phone Holographic Research 2015,’ and you still get a bunch of those cloned 2015 articles, with a few interesting additions. One of those is a cool little trick for making your own cell phone holographic projector out of an old CD case. It’s nifty, but it’s still just a parlor trick with a smartphone, a reflected 2D image. Nonetheless, just like that 2010 article, every tech and science and interesting stuff website, and news source has published a version of the trick. That said, one big unanswered questions still looms – why aren’t there functional holographic projections from cell phones in 2015? The problem, unsurprisingly, is size.​

The holographic method was invented in the 1940s by the Hungarian Physicist Gábor Dénes, for which he won the 1971 Nobel Prize for Physics. His work piggybacked on X-ray microscopy research conducted in the 1920s and ’30s. The discovery was, in fact, an unanticipated result of research intended to improve the quality of electron microscopy.

A real hologram is a recorded light field converted into a truly three dimensional image, and it doesn’t require hacked up CD cases, funky glasses, or any other adjuncts to be seen. Laser generated holograms provide images of a clarity and detail that they’re virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. The problem for cell phone generated holography is the fact that high quality holography requires multiple lasers and mirrors, things you’re simply not going to get on a cell phone. Yet, that is – Not yet.​

Successful cell phone holography will make big bucks for the first producers. Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, and AMD, among others, are spending billions of dollars to win that race. Yet all those heavy hitters may well get beat by a small, California based startup called Ostendo; they’ve spent the majority of the last decade quietly developing a cutting edge chip system under the guidance of CEO and Founder Doctor Hussein El-Ghoroury.​

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In 1998, El-Ghoroury sold his previous company, Commquest Technologies, a mobile chipset maker, to none other than IBM. He took the proceeds from that sale and started Ostendo, with the primary intention of developing viable 3D smartphone based holography, and he’s almost there. Ostendo’s QPI chipsets fit comfortably in the palm of a hand, definitely scaled for integration into existing smartphone designs. Late this year, the first commercial iteration of the QPI, a 2D model, will ship; the follow up chipset, expected in early 2016, will feature full 3D holographic capability. A single QPI chip is capable of projecting images up to 48″ diagonal in size; ganged sets will be capable of far larger imagery.

El-Ghoroury has said, speaking on the status of cell phone technology as it currently exists, “Display is the last frontier.” It appears that his company is poised to cross that threshold.​

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[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

Did this aircraft passenger just record a UFO?

Aboard a Ryanair flight was a passenger sitting on the window sear admiring the view from outside as the plane was taking off. The view was so fascinating that the passenger decided to pull out their smartphone and started recording a video of the scenery. Little did they know that they would record one of the strangest things you’ll ever see from the window of a commercial aircraft.


[Image Courtesy of Lions Ground News]


The video, which was shared by Lions Ground news channel on YouTube, has over 150,000 views. Just about 10 minutes after takeoff, the passenger seemed to capture what seems to be like a UFO in her video. This strange object went past the right wing of the aircraft and almost immediately after that, the engine made some weird noise which can be heard in the video.

In the video in description, it was written that, “After four minutes recording this UFO event happened. The engines made a lot of noise and the pilot made suddenly a sharp manoeuvre. The UFO endangered the aircraft. A lot of panic was on that plane.”

Lee Cox also said that, “I am going with a bird, but I couldn’t rule out a drone either, do they make drones in brown? I don’t think it’s extra-terrestrial though.”


[Image Courtesy of Lions Ground News]



While EvlisLivesOn said: “It seems to travel fast as its travelling in the opposite direction.. probably large bird or drone.. plane is not that high.”

Even though the object looks significantly smaller than the average aircraft, Yan Beadle said: “Have to say I think it was probably a military fast jet at 500+kts passing head on.”

Interestingly enough, Luwdmke is skeptical about the authenticity of the whole story. He even said: “A reliable source has told me this was 100 per cent photo-shopped.”

Here is the video recorded by the passenger.

http://video.dailymail.co.uk/video/...07/1418450360_4468482440001_4468467367001.mp4

Source: Daily Mail

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[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

15 ideas on how to decorate with bamboo

The concern for sustainability and the environment motivates the search for alternative uses of natural resources, especially when it comes to decorating. In order to adjust to this environmentally friendly trend, many professionals are now using bamboo to decorate exteriors and now even interiors. In addition to bringing a rustic feeling to the room, decorating with bamboo also brings the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to save the environment since unlike wood when it’s cut, bamboo grows back.

If you are going for a natural, elegant and minimalist decoration, this could be just what you’re looking for and we are going to show you a few ideas on how to implement bamboo into your house decor. Take a look at these decorations to get inspired.


Transform an old mirror using bamboo cut into small pieces giving the room an attractive and unusual decor.


You can create colorful and rustic candlesticks using pieces of bamboo poles to provide light and style to your bedroom, living room or even the bathroom, while giving the room a fresh bamboo aroma.


Cut the bamboo sticks diagonally to give it a different touch. Then assemble them to make a lovely lamp for your living room.


Tiny pieces of bamboo can be used to make this lovely pencil holder for your office. Feel free to paint it in case you want a nice touch of color on your desk.


Another simple and practical way to provide a minimalist detail to your kitchen is to use bamboo as an utensil holder to keep your cookware in sight and easy to use.


If you love decorating your house with family photos, try using thin bamboo sticks to create the perfect picture frame to highlight those photos of special moments with your loved ones.


To give the room a relaxing and natural detail, use a few pieces of bamboo poles cut in different sizes to create rustic flower vases.


Or switch it around and place the bamboo poles in geometric vases to create a modern look.


Delicate garden ornaments can be made by simply using small pieces of bamboo and some rope. You can even go a bit further and turn it into lovely wind chimes.


If you want to go big and built furniture out of bamboo, you can start with this coffee table, that uses bamboo poles as a base. Keep in mind that bamboo is a very durable material (some even call it “natural iron”), so no need to worry about the weight of the glass.


If you love fine wine this idea is perfect for you! You can create your own wine rack using bamboo poles wide enough to accommodate the bottles.


Thinner rods can also be used to create small ornaments to decorate the wall or even to create organizers to hang those keys that you never find or place the bills you should remember to pay.


Do you lack garden space but dream of growing your own herbs and spices and whatnot? Look at this easy and economical idea that lets you create vertical gardens even in small spaces.


Build a bamboo pyramid as a plant support on your garden.


Here is an original idea to organize your jewelry and also decorate your bedroom using bamboo sticks held by small wooden blocks.


Via: La Bio Guia

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[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

POD Idladla: South Africa’s solar powered nano-home

Pod Idladla is a modular, prefabricated nano-home designed and manufactured in South Africa by architect Clara da Cruz Almeida (concept and architectural design) and product design company Dokter and Misses (interior and product design).

The homes are prefabricated to client specifications. They begin life as a shell but can also be supplied with a fully fitted interior. Furthermore, as a modular design, they can be combined as units in order to provide a larger home with a variety of multi-use areas.

Dokter and Misses was established in Johannesburg in 2007 by industrial designer Adriaan Hugo and graphic designer Katy Taplin. The company’s main business is designing furniture, lighting and interiors for private and corporate clients and educational institutions. Their designs conform to a modernist style with strong lines and bold colours which form graphic shapes and spaces.

Clara da Cruz Almeida is a professional consulting architect who has travelled the world extensively including visits to New York, Hong Kong, Beijing and London.

The thinking behind Pod Idladla is that of a simpler life that enables people to concentrate on other things that really matter. The nano-home is designed in such a way that it is easy to clean and saves time when it comes to routine everyday tasks such as cooking. This is because everything is within easy reach from a single particular position. Furthermore, because the pod can be easily moved, you can just transport it from place to place, which in turn means you would never potentially have to go house-hunting ever again. The spaces inside the pod are designed to be dual use and they can be changed around according to the particular desires of the owner.

“With a tiny house you need to get out, to live in society – go to the theatre, go to the movies, interact with other people” said Clara da Cruz Almeida, speaking to mblife. “We can learn to live without all these excess [material] things. It’s about making life simpler.”

The Pod Idladla is 20.52 square meters (221 square feet) in size and so serves as an ideal starter home for first-time buyers. It can also be used as a holiday home. The mezzanine bedroom is large enough for two occupants while the task room can be used as a guest room while also doubling as an office or laundry room. The corridor between the front and back spaces is where the shower is located and there is also an outdoor deck area. One potential drawback is that the pod has to be installed on site by a qualified installer, but since it is transportable, you should never really have to disassemble or reassemble it, merely just rearrange the interiors. It also needs small footings as a foundation. You may also need permission from the local council before installing it, depending on where you plan to install it and the local planning regulations. An even bigger drawback though is that at present it is not available outside South Africa.

SEE ALSO: Solar Powered Grill Eliminates the Use of Air Polluting Fuel

Interestingly, the pod taps into an international trend towards smaller and more affordable houses. Clara da Cruz Almeida was motivated by the stresses presented by financial barriers to home ownership faced by young and middle-class adults in South Africa. This provoked her into thinking about a new model of home ownership in which the home isn’t necessarily attached to the land on which it stands. Part of her research for the project involved visits to New Zealand where she found tiny houses built of timber that are quick to assemble with little waste.

The pod can be purchased in South Africa for 200,000 Rand (£9,544, $14,659) to 700,000 Rand (£33,404, $51,290) depending on the extras fitted, such as solar panels and grey water systems.

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[DaveM]

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Amsterdam uses clever landscaping to dampen airport noise

Architects, engineers and designers teamed up to find a sustainable way to reduce the noise level around Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and they came up with a clever solution: building a garden around the airport. Now, we are not talking about a colorful garden filled with beautiful Dutch tulips, but a labyrinth landscape formed by trenches and ridges which cuts down airplane noise.


Image courtesy of Schiphol Airport


The garden, called “Buitenschot Land Art Park” was built around the Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. The project is an artwork – after all it is signed by the Dutch land artist Paul de Kort – and also has a very practical function. According to its creators, who set up 35 noise monitoring points around the region, the 80-acre garden cuts the airport noise by 50%

Schiphol Airport is the main international gateway to the Netherlands and one of the largest airports in Europe, with around 1,600 takeoffs and landings every day. Due to its intense traffic, locals have been complaining about the noise since 2003.


Image source: H+N+S Landscape Architects


In 2008, while seeking a way to reduce the noise around Schiphol, researchers found that the noise level decreased in the fall when the farmers plowed their fields, creating furrows in the ground. The multiple ridges created on the ground would absorb the sound waves, deflecting the sound and muting the noise. Then it was just a matter of time for them to figure out a way to install this kind of noise reducing landscape around the airport.

Paul de Kort’s design for the Buitenschot Land Art Park was inspired by the 18th-century scientist and musician Ernst Chladni, who had shown the connection between geometric shapes and sound waves, a work which is now know as Chlandini’s patterns. De Kort created the garden with the help of a GPS to map 150 perfectly straight and symmetrical furrows with 1.8m high ridges between them. In the valleys, he designed parks and bike paths, while keeping the ridges covered with vegetation.

Airports in other cities in Europe and the United States are also studying the possibility of incorporating this exotic noise-absorbing landscape around their facilities.

Images: H+N+S Landscape Architects


Via: Smithsonian

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[DaveM]

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Tack couple builds their own house!

The American couple Malissa and Chris Tack got a little carried away with the “Do It Yourself” trend. They not only built their own house from scratch, made from sustainably-sourced wood, but also all pieces of furniture in it.

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The 140 m² property located in Snohomish, Washington, took seven months and a total of 800 hours of work to complete. The house, which cost $20,000 to build – is based on a dual axle utility trailer, which gives it mobility. Upstairs on a mezzanine loft, the couple sleeps on a queen sized bed, which occupies the entire space.

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The place also has a nice bathroom and a sized kitchen big enough for their day-to-day activities. Four solar panels provide the energy needed to run the house and everything in the kitchen runs on propane gas. The natural wool insulation and siding, made of cedar, ensures the perfect temperature – even in winter. And natural light is achieved with the eleven windows of the house.

So, you do you think you would be up for this kind of DIY project?

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Via: Inhabitat

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[DaveM]

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BrightSource Energy to help build CSP plants in the Chinese Gobi Desert

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BrightSource Energy’s Ivanpah CSP plant under construction (Pic: BrightSource Energy)​

Leading US concentrating solar power technology (CSP) company BrightSource Energy has teamed up with the Shanghai Electric Group Ltd (SEC) to form a joint venture for the construction of CSP plants in China. The two companies will provide engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for the projects which will utilise BrightSource Energy’s solar power tower technology. The announcement was made during a signing ceremony during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (APEC) in Beijing, China and was witnessed by senior representatives from the U.S. government, including the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce H. Andrews. APEC was selected as the venue because it focuses on addressing both the region’s economic and environmental challenges by speeding the transition toward a global low-carbon economy in a way that enhances energy security and creates new sources of economic growth and employment.

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) generates solar power by using mirrors to focus sunlight on a central tower which converts the concentrated light into heat which in turn drives a turbine. This is connected to an electrical power generator or alternatively powers a thermochemical reaction. CSP is now being rapidly commercialised across the globe with 740 MW of generating capacity being added worldwide between 2007 and 2010, most of which was added in 2010. One of the largest CSP plants in the world is the Shams-I project, developed by Masdar in Abu Dhabi.

The first project likely to be developed by the BrightSource Energy – SEC JV will consist of two 135 MW CSP plants as part of the first phase of the Huanghe Qinghai Delingha Solar Thermal Power Project, mostly owned by the Huanghe Hydropower Development Co., Ltd (Huanghe), a subsidiary of the China Power Investment Corporation (CPI).

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CSP mirrors at BrightSource Energy’s Ivanpah plant (Pic: BrightSource Energy)​

The Huanghe Qinghai Delingha Solar Thermal Power Project will be located in China’s Qinghai province and will incorporate six 135 MW CSP plants in total with the first phase including two 135 MW solar thermal plants with thermal energy storage. Construction of these two plants will begin this year with completion expected in 2017.

“Concentrated solar thermal power with integrated thermal energy storage is a cost effective way to bring reliable, dispatchable renewable energy to the grid today” said David Ramm, CEO of BrightSource Energy. “By partnering with Shanghai Electric we will deploy our best-in-class solar thermal technology to help China meet its growing energy needs and emissions-reduction goals.”

Mr. Bi Chengye, General Manager of SEC’s CSP Division, added that the SEC and BrightSource Energy JV will benefit the development of China’s CSP market. The technology faces two challenges with regard to its commercial take-off. One of these concerns the reliability of the technology and the other is the relatively high construction cost. BrightSource Energy’s successful Ivanpah project has shown great stability in commercial operation and SEC, as the contractor and major equipment supplier to the project, can help solve the management issues during the construction phase in China, thereby helping to control the total cost.

A feasibility study for the project has already been completed and will be reviewed by a panel of experts appointed by Huanghe and the Qinghai Province Development and Reform Commission (DRC). Pending the Qinghai DRC’s approval based on recommendations from the Expert Panel, the National Development and Reform Commission will also approve and recommend a tariff for the project’s first phase.


As part of their proposal submitted to Huanghe, BrightSource and SEC have provided a term sheet regarding the proposed EPC services, which are subject to Chinese regulations and approval by Huanghe and its higher authority China Power Investment Corporation. The project also builds on BrightSource’s Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with CPI and CPI’s subsidiary, Huanghe, enabling the company to act as the technology supplier for the project as part of the U.S.–China Renewable Energy Partnership (USCREP). This was just one of seven initiatives announced by President Obama in 2009.

A new form of CSP is currently generating interest across the world. This is called STEM. It is aimed at off-grid applications and is expected to be able to provide 24-hour industrial-scale power, mostly for mines and remote communities in other parts of Europe, Australia, Asia, North Africa and Latin America. STEM uses fluidised silica sand as a thermal storage facility and a heat transfer medium for CSP. The technology has been developed by Magaldi Industries of Salerno, Italy and will enter commercial operation in Sicily this year.

Source: BrightSource Energy press release

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[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

Canon develops incredible 250-megapixel camera sensor

Canon is developing a 250-megapixel CMOS sensor, which can be used with a regular DSLR. Therefore, it is possible to capture images with about 250 million pixels (19,580 x 12,600), the highest amount of pixels in a CMOS smaller than a full-frame 35mm sensor according to the manufacturer.

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Just to give you an idea, the professional cameras with the highest resolution currently on sale, the Canon 5DS and 5DS R, “only” have 50.6 megapixels. Also, according to the company, the sensor is capable of capturing images so detailed that you can clearly read the lettering on the side of a plane flying 18km away.

The CMOS APS-H achieves an ultra-high signal readout speed of 1.25 billion pixels per second and the manufacturer ensures that in spite of the pixel count, the new sensor has an excellent noise reduction performance. But it is not only in capturing images that the new sensor Canon draws attention. According to company, the CMOS APS-H has the ability to capture videos with a resolution that was approximately 125 times that of Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) video and 30 times that of 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) video.



Due to the high cost of implementing this technology, we will not see this sensor in the market anytime soon. According to the company, they are “considering the application of this technology in specialized surveillance and crime prevention tools, ultra-high-resolution measuring instruments and other industrial equipment, and the field of visual expression.”

Via: ExtremeTech

Images: Canon

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[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

AirPod is Tata Motors’ air-powered vehicle

The AirPod is a compressed-air powered car engineered by Luxembourg-based Motor Development International (MDI), and the Indian automotive company Tata Motors. The three-wheeled vehicle uses pneumatic motors that work on pressurized air to drive the pistons. The car, which doesn’t have a steering wheel, is controlled by a type of joystick.

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Th idea of a vehicle running on compressed-air is not as revolutionary as it seems. Old trams, common in the early 20th century, were already using a similar technology. But what Guy Nègre, creator of MDI, wanted to develop was a compact car with an attractive price and zero pollution to circulate in urban centers.

SEE ALSO: The Immortus solar car charges as you drive

By mixing an old technology with a futuristic design, the AirPod has capacity for three people, driver included, weighs 200 kg and has a fuel tank with a capacity of 175 liters of air. According to MDI, the car has an autonomy of 128 km, is capable of reaching up to 80 km/h and can be fueled in minutes at the cost of only one Euro.

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The company has also developed a different model which increases the autonomy of the vehicle to 800 km with the addition of gasoline, which would be used in heating the air in the compression chamber. In this model, specifically, gases such as nitrogen oxide and CO2 are emitted into the atmosphere, but in very low quantities.

The structure of the AirPod is light, small and compact, but the back seat is actually facing backwards. Another setback is the car’s stability, especially in roads that aren’t so flat.

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Currently, the technology has also been purchased by the American group Zero Pollution Motors, which seeks to introduce the vehicle in the American market, which is very receptive to clean energy vehicles. Prototypes are being tested by KLM and AirFrance to be used as zero emission vehicles at the airports of Amsterdam and Paris.

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Via: 2050 Magazine​

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[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

Clean air and smog-free rings, courtesy of the Smog Vacuum Cleaner

Industrial innovation over the last few centuries has developed a multitude of mechanical devices, some of which have polluted our environment, particularly with regard to high-density cities in which the majority of the human population on Earth now live. In some cities, such as many of those in China, this pollution is highly visible while in others it may be less so. Nevertheless, the impact on human health is a very real issue. For example, in the Netherlands, the level of atmospheric PM10 pollution, consisting of tiny particles that can be absorbed into the lung where it causes damage, is 30 micrograms per cubic meter in large public areas. This is considerably higher than the 20.1 microgram Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average.

Artist and innovator Daan Roosegaarde claims that the smog level in the Netherlands has reduced average life expectancy in the country by 9 months. He believes that human society should do more to make modern cities ‘livable’ again. To this end, Mr Roosegaarde and his team of experts have developed the world’s largest ‘smog vacuum cleaner’, a device called the Smog Free Tower. Studio Roosegaarde worked alongside ENS Europe and Bob Ursem from the Delft University of Technology, with the added assistance of the Smog Free Movement crowd on Kickstarter. The project has also been supported by the City of Rotterdam, the Port of Rotterdam, the DOEN Foundation and Eneco.

The project aims to promote clean skies in urban environments through the creation of ‘smog free bubbles’ in public spaces, allowing people to breathe and experience true clean air for free. It’s not only intended to be a real solution for local air pollution but also aims to provide a sensory experience enabling people to discover for themselves what a smog-free future could be like. The project also acts to empower ordinary citizens so that people become part of the solution to polluted environments alongside governments, non-governmental organisations (NGO’s) and the cleantech sector.

Mr Roosegaarde launched the project on September 4th in Rotterdam at a ceremony attended by the city mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb. The Smog Free Tower works through patented ion technology. The prototype device is 7 meters high and cleans 30,000 cubic metres of air per hour using only as much electricity as a water boiler and running on green energy. It was funded by a Kickstarter campaign launched on July 22nd this year which managed to raise $54,000 and currently stands in a garden at Vierhavensstraat 52 in Rotterdam where it is busily operating and ‘doing its thing’, as Roosegaarde puts it.

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Rotterdam City Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb inspecting the prototype Smog Free Tower with designer Daan Roosegaarde (Pic: Studio Roosegaarde)​

There is an interesting side-line in that the smog dust collected by the tower is being used to create jewelry, incorporating the carbon-containing smog particles. These particles are compressed to make items like the Smog Free Ring and Smog Free Cufflinks. Each item effectively donates 1000 cubic meters of clean air to city environments.

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Smog Free Ring (Pic: Studio Roosegaarde)​

“It’s the largest smog vacuum cleaner in the world” said Mr Roosegaarde in an interview via Skype. “It sucks up the polluted air from the top and purifies it via positive ionisation, charging neutral small particles, the negative ion surface attracts the smog, with positive ions, they can be positively charged. The clean air gets spit out below and that creates a bubble of clean air. It’s mobile, so we can transport it in a day and a half or so.”

The total amount of pollution the device is able to clear naturally depends on the level of pollution present in the first place where the device is deployed. The smog level is measured by an air quality index developed by governments to compare the amount of pollution in various locations.

“So for example, where I am right now in Schipol in Amsterdam, its 33” Roosegaarde explains. “When its 50 in the Netherlands you have to stop building roads and stuff like that because it’s too bad for people. I think when its above 18 or 20, the United Nations already says it’s not healthy anymore. The goal is to purify air as much as possible, that’s what the focus is on.”


Mr Roosegaarde intends to travel around the world presenting the device to city administrations in cities such as Beijing and Mumbai. There’s a delegation from Beijing coming to Rotterdam shortly on a visit, which is why he is now busily mobilizing his team. He also wants to present the project to Mexico City, Paris and possibly also Los Angeles.

“Those cities are our top five right now” he says, “but it’s growing. In the beginning, people say “it’s not possible” and so on, but now, with innovation and everything, we finally have it, people are starting to wake up and so that’s good news. Of course, it’s not the real solution. That comes with clean technology and electrical cars. But I don’t want to wait, I want to operate now and I think by showing what the future could look like, could smell like, could feel like, that creates an intensive connection, to make sure that these great designs are not necessary anymore in 10-12 years.”

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Daan Roosegaarde (Pic by Studio Roosegaarde, Flickr)​

Award-winning artist and innovator Daan Roosegaarde is known across the world for his futuristic designs that explore the relationship between people and technology. His previous work includes ‘Dune’ and the ‘Smart Highway’. Mr Roosegaarde works from his design laboratory in the Netherlands, Studio Roosegaarde, with a team of designers and engineers. The lab also has a branch located in Shanghai.

Mr Roosegaarde has also won the Accenture Innovation Award, INDEX Award, World Technology Award, Charlotte Köhler Award, two Dutch Design Awards, and China’s Most Successful Design Award. He has presented his work at exhibitions all over the world, including at Tate Modern, the National Museum in Tokyo, the Victoria and Albert Museum and various public spaces in Rotterdam and Hong Kong, and been nominated as Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum.

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[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

How to make bismuth crystals on your own

Bismuth (Bi) is a chemical element that has a white, silver-pink hue in its native form. It is one of the first 10 metals to have been discovered and it has an atomic number of 83. Until 2003, it was considered as the element with highest atomic mass that is actually stable. In 2003 however, it was discovered to be weakly radioactive because its primordial isotope showed an alpha decay with an incredibly long half-life. This half-life was estimated to be around a billion times the estimated age of the universe.


[Image Courtesy of Side Effects]


Upon exposure to air, the surface of bismuth crystal oxidizes. The level of oxidation varies over the whole surface of the crystal which gives it some unique physical properties. For example, since the oxidation layer over the surface of the crystal varies, different wavelengths of light interfere after reflection from the surface of the crystal. This makes the crystal exhibit a rainbow of colors so to speak.

How can they be made at home?

With the help of NightHawkInLight, we are able to present a video to you on how to make your own personal bismuth crystals. You would need some bismuth ignots and a frying pan for starters. You might also want to get some goggles, thick leather gloves, and anything to protect your clothes and body, just in case.


Source: NightHawkInLight

The post How to make bismuth crystals on your own appeared first on Interesting Engineering.

 

[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

10 Of the World’s Most Amazing Water Bridges

Here are ten amazing water bridges that have been engineered around the world spanning from the late 1700’s to the early 2000’s.

Lune Aqueduct

(Source: Wikipedia, Lune Aqueduct )​

Built at three times the estimated cost the British government had for the Lune Aqueduct constructed in 1797 for over £48,000! It’s 664ft. long, 20ft. wide, 61ft. high and carries the Lancaster Canal. It’s located over the River Lune in Lancaster, United Kingdom.

Edstone Aqueduct

(Source: Wikimedia, Edstone Aqueduct)​

The Edstone is the longest aqueduct in England and is one of 3 that run along The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal located in Warwickshire. This aqueduct was completed in 1799 and is 475 ft. long.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

(Source: Google.ca, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct)​

Located in Wrexham County Wales the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct connects the Llongollen canal to the valley of the River Dee. It was completed in 1805 and is the longest and highest water bridge in Britain. It’s 1000ft. long, 11ft. wide and 5.5ft. deep. The Pontcysyllte is 126ft. above the river using 53ft. support pillars and is an architectural Heritage site.

Avon Aqueduct

(Source: Wikipedia, Avon Aqueduct)​

Completed in 1821 the Avon Aqueduct is the longest of its kind in Scotland and the second longest in the UK. It’s 810ft. long, 50ft. wide and 86ft. high. Located in Linlithgow, Scotland this bridge crosses the River Avon and carries the Union canal.

Barton Road Swing Bridge

(Source: Wikimedia, Barton Swing Aqueduct)​

Built in 1894 the Barton Swing Aqueduct is the only swing truss bridge in the world. It is located in Greater Manchester England and connects the Bridgewater canal to the Manchester ship canal. Large boats can pass under and small boats can pass over because of its innovative design. Its length is 195 ft. and it’s with is 18 ft.

Briare Aqueduct

(Source: Wikipedia, Briare Aqueduct)​

This aqueduct located in Briare France crosses the Loire River and carries the Canal Latéral à la Loire. It’s the second longest aqueduct in the world and was opened in 1896. This bridge is 2172ft. long, 18ft. wide and 7ft. deep.

Ringvaart Aqueduct

(Source: Land of Facts, Ringvaart Aqueduct)​

Located in the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer Ringvaart Aqueduct is the oldest in the Netherlands. It was built in 1961 however two new portions were completed in 2006 making the new length 5905ft.

Veluwemeer Aqueduct

(Source: Scoopers, Veluwemeer Aqueduct)​

The Veluwemeer Aqueduct connects the mainland of Hardeerwijk with Flevoland, the largest artificial island in the word. It’s 82ft. long, 62ft.wide, 9ft. deep and was completed in 2002. Small boats can pass through it and there are footpaths located on either side for pedestrians.

Krabbersgat Naviduct

(Source: Wikipedia, Krabbersgat Naviduct)​

The Krabbersgat is a naviduct waterway with a lock and has a 1640ft. long polder, is 525ft. wide and is 20ft. off the ground on a raised embankment. It opened in 2003 and cost €55 million before taxes to construct.

Magdeburg Water Bridge

(Source: Scoopers, Magdeburg Water Bridge)​

The Magdeburg Water Bridge is the longest waterway in the world and is 3012ft. long, 112ft. wide, 14ft. deep, and 2264ft. over land. It opened in 2003 and connects the Elbe-Havel Canal to the Mittelland Canal.

Source: Wikipedia

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[DaveM]

In today's Interesting Engineering we have the following

Cancer patient receives world’s first 3D printed rib cage

For the first time ever, a patient has received a customized 3D-printed titanium sternum and rib cage replacement. The 54-year-old Spanish patient developed sarcoma, a type of cancer that affects the deeper layers of tissue, often manifested in bones, cartilage, blood vessels, and muscles. This aggressive type of tumor grew around the sternum, compromising parts of the rib cage that had to be removed.



Usually in cases like this, it’s not possible to replicate the bone structure perfectly due to the complexity of the rib cage, which needs to be flexible enough to allow expansion when breathing, and not compromise the internal organs. Therefore, the solution so far was to install a titanium plate in the patients chest, which is far from ideal.

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This time however, a surgical team at the University Hospital of Salamanca ordered from Melbourne-based company Anatomics an implant project that could satisfactorily replace the bone structure of the patient. Using high resolution CT scans, they managed to perfectly reproduce the parts of the rib cage and sternum removed. 3D printing laboratory Lab 22 was asked to create the part using a $1.3 million electron beam Arcam 3D printer.

Two weeks have passed and the patient has already been discharged from the hospital and is recovering well from surgery.


Via: Gizmodo

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