Project Name : The Engergy Saving Manual
Theme Name : Natural Resource & their Conservation
Objective/Aim: To demonstrate that improvisations can help save energy and accrue savings
Scientific Principle: Human-effort used to run a compressor which runs a refrigerator. (alternator?)
Materials Used: Modified static cycle, cycle parts (chains, sprockets, freewheels), plywood, hardware (from local stores), polystyrene, old refrigerator parts
Working Investigation: The project revealed that human effort produces a respectable amount of energy (around 200 watts), which can drive a refrigerator compressor (among other uses). The project was also educative to understand the intricacies of the refrigeration cycle. The project also brought out the various complexities of work and energy transmission. It also taught the nuances of engineering design process, wherein every step involved saving energy and cost at every stage and avoid inefficiencies and wastages.
Scientific Principle: Conservation of heat of LPG combustion (during cooking) that usually goes waste. It can heat one litre of water faster than without the baffles; the point is proven. This shows that heat that would have generally been wasted is redirected to add to the useful heat.
Materials Used: Standard Pressure Cooker, one Stainless Steel vessel modified as a baffle, LPG cylinder, LPG stove
Working Investigation: The project brought to light the amount of heat wasted unnecessarily during combustion of an important commodity in daily life: LPG
Name of the School: Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Sr. Sec. School, K.K. Nagar, Chennai.