We've completed a few projects recently, and we figured we should share them with you guys.
Concept for the Living Lab
First and foremost, there are now data loggers on the solar panels! They log temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, and the current generated by the panels. (The current sensor is not pictured, as it's in the battery box.) Their original purpose was to evaluate the panels' efficiency; there are plans to eventually build a greenhouse (called the Living Lab--see left) near the panels' current position, and we want to know if a solar array would be a feasible way to power it.
The weather-related loggers will also effectively serve as a mini weather station for Olin! We can use it to contribute to weather databases, for projects, and maybe have it update a website so there is always accurate weather information specific to Olin.
The weather-related loggers will also effectively serve as a mini weather station for Olin! We can use it to contribute to weather databases, for projects, and maybe have it update a website so there is always accurate weather information specific to Olin.
Data logging in action.
Lastly, with the data loggers in place we'll be able to tell how often they are used--and if our attempts to make the area a more attractive place to plug in your laptop/electric razor/speakers are being met with success or failure. An example of what happens when you plug in two laptops and an iPod dock can be seen on the right.
A second project we've finally been able to complete is dorm composting. As of yesterday, there is now a clearly-labeled bucket in the East Hall kitchen designated for compost. The two of us (and any volunteers) will be responsible for taking the compost down to the pile by the garden every time the bucket gets full. We will also be recording the weight of the compost so that we can tell how much food waste is being diverted from landfills. Please contact us if you wouldn't mind helping us out with the emptying and weighing!