Final Project

Design Journal

Group #9
Group Members
Ryan Oliver
Diego Bell
Si Qiu
Purdue University
Tech 120

Fall 2015

1
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Table of Contents
Introduction
Problem Statement
List of Stakeholders
Field Work Plans
Background/Summary
Benchmarking Existing Solutions - (Jared Joyce)
Benchmarking Existing Solutions - (Ryan Oliver)
Benchmarking Existing Solutions - (Si Qiu)
Benchmarking Existing Solutions - (Team 9)
Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Recommendation

2
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Introduction
Problem Statement
People need a cleaner, safer energy source to help improve the environment because excessive
use of fossil fuels could lead to global warming.

List of Stakeholders
Farmers, people who drive, and energy companies are all stakeholders.

Field Work Plans

Observations - All students.
1. Observe exhaust fumes
Location: At intersections
Purpose: To get an idea for the amount of pollution vehicles emit.
2. Observe number of vehicles on a road over a given period of time.
Location: State street/ Grant street
Purpose: Figure out how many cars are emitting pollutants in a given area over a given
amount of time (how much pollution could be happening).
Interviews
1. Ask farmers about their usage of diesel/fossil fuels.
2. Ask a atmospheric science teacher/student about global warmings future effects
on people.
3. Ask Purdue students about how they choose their cars.

3
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Background/Summary
(description can be added later to this section)
(Notice this section is a level 1 heading and will span multiple pages)
(Notice the following subsections are level 2 headings)

4
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Benchmarking Existing Solutions - (Jared Joyce)

Key words:

Clean Energy
Environment
Fossil Fuels
Global Warming
Companies
Exhaust
Fumes

Solutions:
(description and reference to the publication or website)
Human powered energy sources
http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.lib.purdue.edu/science/articl
e/pii/S0306261911008336

Solar energy
http://www.nature.com.ezproxy.lib.purdue.edu/nature/journal/v514
/n7522/full/514276b.html

Hydropower
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezproxy.lib.purdue.edu/doi/10.1002/
cind.796_14.x/abstract

Interview 1 - Farmer Vogt

Question 1: What kind of energy do you use around your acreage; diesel, gas, solar power?
Answer: We typically use diesel fuel just because it is the most reliable and our machinery only
takes it.
Question 2: To what extent is your knowledge on global warming?
Answer: I understand the idea but from what I have heard it is just a rumor.
Question 3: Would you be willing to convert your machinery to solar power or buy new solar
power equipment if global warming was confirmed?
Answer: If it was an important matter, where it was coming soon if gas was illegal, then yes just
to continue my business.
Interview 2 - Student Saul

5
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Question 1: What kind of energy do you use to get around campus; diesel, gas, self-powered?
Answer: I typically walk or ride my bike to classes and get places.
Question 2: To what extent is your knowledge on global warming?
Answer: I know its used to explain an increase in the average temperature of the Earth's
atmosphere.
Question 3: Would you be concerned if global warming was confirmed?
Answer: Of course I would, it means the world would be in danger.
Interview 3: Student Andrew
Question 1: What kind of energy do you use to get around campus; diesel, gas, self-powered?
Answer: I walk to all my classes I dont have the money to purchase a bike.
Question 2: To what extent is your knowledge on global warming
Answer: It is cause from the fumes from our cars and has the potential of destroying the world.
Question 3: Would you be concerned if global warming was confirmed?
Answer: I would contact my local representative to get him to pass a bill to stop gas fumes and
other global warming causes for the benefit of the world.

MADLIB
People who drive cars need more environmentally-friendly options for fuel sources to reduce
the causes of global warming

Refine Solutions
Instead of a car that you must charge at a charging station. Solar panels will be placed at the top
of the car catching light throughout the day in order to drive the vehicle along.

6
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Benchmarking Existing Solutions - (Ryan Oliver)

Key words:

Clean Energy
Alternative Energy
Alternative Fuel Sources
Global Warming
Solar Power
Wind Power
Electric Cars

Solutions:
(description and reference to the publication or website)
Solar Energy
http://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/detail?sid=7ce47e4b-50c3-4771-9e7c194d6ac73871%40sessionmgr111&vid=1&hid=125&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d
%3d#AN=100961110&db=aph
Wind Turbine
http://web.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=9031c1cb-36c8-4c99-b84a9e43448ef25d%40sessionmgr4001&vid=6&hid=4209
Electric Vehicles
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378775314011781
Interview
Interview 1: Student, 18, from Evansville.
Question: What concerns do you usually have when you are choosing a vehicle?
Is it four-wheel drive, and how much mileage does it have on it?
Question: How often do you drive?
Back home, its really all there is to do.
Question: How much do you know about global warming?

7
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

It exists?
Question: Would you drive a vehicle with a different power source than gasoline?
Yes.
Question: Which would you prefer?
Which is better?

Interview 2: Student, 18, from Indiana.

Question: What concerns do you usually have when you are choosing a vehicle?
Look nice and have good mileage.
Question: How often do you drive?
I have never driven before.
Question: How much do you know about global warming?
I know a little bit.
Question: Would you drive a vehicle with a different power source than gasoline?
Absolutely.
Question: Which would you prefer?
Electrical.
Interview 3: Student, 17, from Vietnam
Question: What concerns do you usually have when you are choosing a vehicle?
Is it good and durable? Is it environment friendly? Will it waste a lot of gas?
Question: How often do you drive?
Very often.
Question: How much do you know about global warming?
Its an important issue right now, I guess?
Question: Would you drive a vehicle with a different power source than gasoline?
Yes, I would, if it was electric. I do like the sound of an engine, though.
Question: Which would you prefer?
I would prefer an electric car if I could afford it, because its smoother and quieter.
Viable Solution: Moveable solar energy station with plugs to install appliances or to charge an
electric vehicle.

8
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Benchmarking Existing Solutions - (Si Qiu)

Key words:
global warming
innovation
green economy
resource efficiency
alternative fuel
sustainable
Solutions:
(description and reference to the publication or website)
1. A new model carbon trading system
Description: This trading system was created by the Berkshire School in Sheffield,
Massachusetts. The pollution emissions trading system was implemented between dorms by the
School in order to both help reduce global warming pollution and educate the student body. This
approach encourages students to achieve reductions in pollution with economic incentives. In
addition, the program also reduces the School's electricity use.
Reference: Fournelle, J. (2008, April 16). Eight U.S. Colleges Win National Award for Their
Innovations in Reducing Global Warming. Retrieved from https://www.nwf.org/News-and-

9
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Magazines/Media-Center/News-by-Topic/Global-Warming/2008/04-16-08-Eight-US-CollegesWin-National-Award-for-Their-Innovations-in-Reducing-Global-Warming.aspx
2. Alternative fuels and biofuels for aircraft development
Description: The project has made an research about potential alternatives to oil and has
selected some of the ideas for subsequent tests of suitability. One of them is first blending
kerosene and biofuels, later using completely new molecules. The projects total cost is about
9.76 million euros and the duration is 4 years.
Reference: Alfa-Bird. (2008, January 7). Alternative fuels biofuels for aircraft development.
Retrieved from
https://ec.europa.eu/research/environment/pdf/innovation_for_resource_efficiency.pdf
3. The discovery of new catalysts and materials
Description: The project aimed at developing alternative catalytic synthesis routes to create
high-throughput chemical processes. The total cost of the project is nearly 22.2 million euros and
the project lasted for 5 years.
Reference: TOPCOMBI. (2005, January 3). Towards Optimised Chemical Processes and New
Materials by Combinatorial Science. Retrieved from
https://ec.europa.eu/research/environment/pdf/innovation_for_resource_efficiency.pdf

Observation
WHAT
(What are they doing?)

HOW
(How are they doing it?)

WHY
(Why are they doing it this
way? Take a guess!)

18 to 26 vehicles are
waiting at/passing over the
crossroads in front of
KNOY hall at 6pm on a
weekday afternoon.

While one direction (ex.

North-South) of the
crossroads is good to go, the
other direction (ex. WestEast) is under red light. The
cycle length (the green time
plus any change interval) of
the traffic signal for either
direction is about 135
seconds.

People are heading home at

about 6pm. Maybe that is the
reason why there were many
cars waiting at the
crossroads.

Over 46 vehicles are

Except for vehicles that were

The vehicles parking in the

10
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

parking in the parking lot

beside Hawkins residence
hall at around 1pm on a
weekday afternoon.

already in the parking lot,

there were more cars coming
in the parking lot when I left
the observation spot.

Hawkins parking lot mainly

belong to Purdue students.
The actual number of
parking space needed is
probably higher than the
number provided.

3 to 10 vehicles are
waiting at/passing over the
crossroads in front of
Purdue Memorial Union at
around 1am on a Sunday
afternoon.

The cycle length of the traffic

signal for either direction at
this crossroads is about 60
seconds.

On Sunday around noon,

most students and college
staffs were not on campus,
thus decreasing the amount
of vehicles at the crossroads.

Possible problems observed: The large amount of cars at crossroads indicated peoples
dependency on fossil fuels. Therefore, individuals need a cleaner and affordable alternative fuel
to deduct carbon emissions from vehicles.
Process for data collection: I found places where I can see the crossroads clearly and observed
traffic flow and traffic lights.
Quantitative data related to problem: 18 to 26 vehicles are waiting at/passing over the
crossroad in front of KNOY hall at 6pm on a weekday afternoon. Over 46 vehicles are parking in
the parking lot beside Hawkins residence hall at around 1pm on the same day. 3 to 10 vehicles
are waiting at/passing over the crossroads in front of Purdue Memorial Union at around 1am on a
Sunday afternoon.

11
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Currently biofuels are often considered individually. However, different kinds of biofuels can
vary in efficiency to different devices and parts. Providing more options of biofuels to consumers
can relatively improve the effectiveness of a fuel.

12
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Benchmarking Existing Solutions - (Diego Bell)

Key words:

Global Warming
Clean Energy
Reduce CO2 Emission
Solution
environment
Innovation

Solutions:
Biofuel
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306261910005702
Solar Energy
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0038092X63900069
Hybrid Cars
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es702178s
18 year old female student from California. Engineering major.
1. What do you know about global warming?
a.
It is affecting the climate.
2.
Do you feel that it is a serious issue?
a.
I feel that it will become more serious over time.
3. What would be you be willing to do to combat global warming?
a.
Id drive a hybrid car if that would help.
4. What could be done to make sure that happens?
a.
If they were cheaper and looked better, I wouldnt think twice about buying one.
19 Year old male student from Georgia. Management Major.
1. What do you know about global warming?
a.
I heard it is rising the sea level
2.
Do you feel that it is a serious issue?
a. Yea
3. What would be you be willing to do to combat global warming?
a.
Maybe Id drive a hybrid.
4. What could be done to make sure that happens?

13
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

a.

If they looked better and were more powerful I would definitely drive one.

18 Year old male student from Indiana. Chemistry major.

1. What do you know about global warming?
a.
It is making the climate hotter, and melting the ice caps.
2.
Do you feel that it is a serious issue?
a. Yes, because in a few years low-laying areas will be permanently flooded.
3. What would be you be willing to do to combat global warming?
a.
I would use natural gas more.
4. What could be done to make sure that happens?
a.
Make switching to natural gas appliances easier.
Madlib
Environmentally conscious individuals need more practical environmentally-friendly fuel
options in order to reduce the effects of global warming because the changing climate is causing
water levels around the world to rise.

Benchmarking Existing Solutions - (Team 9)

14
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Key words:

Global Warming
Green economy
Resource efficiency
Innovation
Clean Energy
Alternative Energy
Alternative Fuel Sources
Reduce CO2 Emission
Sustainable
Solar Power
Wind Power
Electric Cars
Environment
Fossil Fuels
Companies
Exhaust
Fumes

Solutions:
1-5 (5 is the best)
Solution

Cost

Time

Efficiency

Effectivenes
s

Space

Total

Human
Powered

11

Solar Energy

18

Biofuel

14

Electric
Vehicles

15

Hydroelectric
Power

14

The best solution: Solar energy is the best solution, because it is an effective and low-cost way
to avoid carbon emission and other gas pollutants.
New problem statement: Consumers need a more effective, lower cost way to produce energy,
because carbon emission and gas-based pollutants can damage the environment.

Methods
-

Refer to our in class design process

15
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Ideation

Prototyping
-

decision matrix
solution development
User Feedback
Solution Refining

16
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Composite Character Profile:

Martha
22 years old
College student
Owns a vehicle to drive home every week
Has some basic knowledge of global warming
Does not like the smell of petrol
Willing to use an alternative fuel if it is clean and affordable

Group #9
The 5 Whys: The environment is being damaged by Global Warming
1.Why? - The ozone layer is being damaged and the climate is changing.
2.Why? - The air is being polluted.
3.Why? - Vehicles are spewing smog into the air.
4.Why? - Fossil fuels are being burned for energy.
5.Why? - Other fuel sources are not readily available.
Stakeholders: Drivers, energy companies, and farmers.
Criteria: Efficiency, Effectiveness (in relation to environmental effects), Cost, Time to
implement, and the space it takes up.
Efficiency will be measured by amount of energy produced, effectiveness will be measured by
the amount of harmful effects the solution causes, cost will be measured in the amount of money
required to implement the solution, Time will be measured by length of time elapsed, and the
space will be measured by the size of the product.
Problem Statement 1: Energy consumers do not have ready access to environment-friendly fuel
sources, and the sources they do have access to are damaging the environment.

Problem Statement 2: Energy consumers are unaware of the harmful effects of fossil fuels, and
they do not know about other fuel sources.

17
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Problem Statement 3: Food producers need a less harmful alternative to fertilizers for increasing
food production and crop health, because fertilizers release an excessive amount of harmful gas
into the air.

Prototyping

18
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Final Prototype
Materials: Rubber (wheels), metal (wheels, extending pole), high power car battery, hard
plastic (casing, box), wiring, electric outlets, surge protectors, light sensors, motorized servos,
LCD screen and simple computer, and a high efficiency solar panel.
Improvements: The prototype now has bigger wheels to make it easier to move. The
prototype also had a better battery installed to better store the energy gained from light and
improve the usability of the prototype. Light sensors and small motorized servos were installed
into the prototype so that the product can sense light and move to maximize the surface area of
the panel that is receiving the light. An LCD screen was installed to show information obtained
by the computer and sensors to show how much energy is available for use.

19
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Team 9
Names: Jared Joyce, Ryan Oliver, Diego Bell, Si Qiu
Faculty member: Paul Parsons
Date: 11/02/2015
Location: Wang Hall 4004
1st Meeting Agenda:
(Times are approximations.)
5 Minutes: Introduce ourselves, our majors, and our problem.
10 Minutes: Go over problems/obstacles and issues encountered in the design process.
5 Minutes: Talk about future plans relating to the project.
10 Minutes: Get feedback from the mentor.
5 Minutes: Review
Critics:
1. We need to redefine our problem statement and make the solution better fit the
global issue.
2. Think more about possible constraints such as culture, geographical environment
and economical level. For instance, a mobile solar energy station could be affordable for
most families in rich countries, but not in some less developed countries. Therefore,
requirements should be weighted differently.
3. Making a prototype would be helpful. The prototype does not need to be highly
completed, but it should be able to clearly express ideas.

20
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Name(s): Jared Joyce, Ryan Oliver, Si Qiu, Diego Bell

Section: TECH 120000-C05 (10:30 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Prototype description: Cardboard box with circles for wheels and with a cardboard stand
leading to a cardboard sheet that represents a solar panel.

What feedback did you receive from your peers?

Its neat that it can move.

How well can it run a bunch of stuff?
Is it better than just putting solar panels on a house roof?
How expensive is it?
Make the wheels bigger, make it easier to move.
Remote control/ light sensors to account for weather?

How do we present it the best way possible.

- third world countries do not have the infrastructure but this allows it.
- electric cars do not have well accessible mean to charge their vehicles.
-

21
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Results
-

Communicating the Project

Video
Graphic
Technical report (kickstarter) - a write-up of the journal
- summation of the journal

22
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

23
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Discussion

24
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Conclusion

25
Final Project Journal
Purdue University

Recommendation