EC.711 D-Lab: Energy
D-Lab: Energy offers a hands-on, project-based approach that engages students in understanding and addressing the applications of alternative energy technology in developing countries where compact, robust, low-cost systems for generating power are required. Projects may include micro-hydro, solar, or wind turbine generators along with theoretical analysis, design, prototype construction, evaluation and implementation. Students will have the opportunity to travel to a developing country during spring break to research and implement projects.
Course Information
| Instructors: | Libby Hsu |
| Semester Offered: | Spring (Offered since 2010) |
| Lecture Location: | N51-350 |
| Lecture Times: | WF12-3 |
| Units (credit hours) | 3-3-6 |
| Class Size: | 16 students |
| Grading: | A/B/C/D/F |
Recent Projects
| 2013 | Biodigester Maintenance | Educational materials on the installation and maintenance of biodigesters in the developing world for both children and adults |
| Ice Cream Churn | A pedal-powered ice cream churn developed with youth in El Salvador for income generation | |
| Ice Shaver | A pedal-powered device for making shaved ice developed with youth in El Salvador for income generation | |
| Rabo Quente | A safer resistive water-heating showerhead for use in the favelas of Brazil | |
| Solar Water Heater | Improvements to an economical rooftop solar water heating system | |
| 2012 | Emissions Testing of Cooking Fuels | Emissions testing of alternative briquettes made of waste from the garment industry in Haiti, and comparison to charcoal and wood. |
| Low-Cost Solar Cell Encapsulation | Method of encapsulating solar cells using an EVA laminate and a Solar Cooker in northern Nicaragua with professional finish and minimal solar cell breaking | |
| Orange Juice Sealer | Redesign and improve microchip and mechanics for orange juice sealer to improve robustness and longevity of the device | |
| Solar Water Distillator | Large scale water distillation device that is inexpensive, robust, simple to build, and with a 24 hour or shorter distillation cycle | |
| 2011 | Barrel on Fire | Low cost dugout and sealing process improves the agri-waste charcoal-making process by reducing heat exposure and safety risk to the user |
| Dehusking Insert | A cheap, local process which dehusks rice more conveniently; this allows for personal consumption and income generation | |
| Orange Juice Sealer | Improvements on a low-power heat sealer device to preserve surplus orange juice in single-serving plastic bags for transport and later sale | |
| Solar Cellphone Charger | Compact device to convert solar energy to a usable voltage for charging cellphones, to be built locally in Nicaragua | |
| 2010 | Charcoal Stove | A culturally appropriate charcoal stove that physically and visually integrates into existing local wood stoves |
| Plastic Bag Sealer | A device for sealing single use plastic bags for long term juice storage | |
| Solar Cell Cutter | A device for accurately scoring and cutting scrap solar cells to be made into cell phone chargers | |
| Solar Water Distiller | A device for distilling salt water to be used in deep cycle batteries in solar installations |