Design Problem

5 years ago Hurricane Juan hit Halifax head-on and knocked power out to the city for days.

Schools, universities, malls well everything was closed while we tried to clean-up.

For the thousands of people without power we learned that it was possible to cook nearly anything on the BBQ.

What if instead of being forced to live without electricity due to a natural disaster, we simply could no longer produce enough to meet demand?

70% of the electricity generated in the US is from fossil-type fuels. Nearly 20% more is from nuclear which generates incredibly toxic waste.

We find that the simplest of tasks becomes increasingly difficult. Say for instance making a cup of coffee. In order to make coffee we need to boil water, which requires a large amount of energy (~84 kJ for 1 cup) . If the was an energy shortage, making coffee could be something that we may have to do without.For some though coffee may be deemed a necessity and they may try to develop some alternative to an electric coffee pot or kettle to boil their water to make their precious coffee.

Using the design process find a way to raise the temperature of 1 cup (250 mL) of water from 20 °C to 60 °C (coffee drinking temperature) without using any non-renewable energy source. The water will be provided to you in a Pyrex glass beaker. You may not use any device that relies on electricity supplied from a traditional source (i.e. a wall outlet).

Extra NotesYou must be able to build and test your idea. Therefore it is strongly recommended that the designs be kept simple and straightforward using common materials.

Your group must complete a life-cycle analysis that will evaluate the re-usability of your materials

1. Campers often are without electricity for long periods of time. What methods are used when camping to boil water?

2. Why are these methods not allowed in this assignment?

3. How much electrical power does a typical coffee maker consume?

4. How much electricity is consumed by a typical coffee shop? Cite your sources here.

5. 90% of the electricity produced in the US is from non-renewable sources. Make a list of everything you do in a day that requires electricity. Now from your list eliminate 90% of the consumption, what would you power if you only had 10% of your typical electrical consumption available?

6. What is the current projection for the depletion of all fossils fuels from our planet?

1. Did you solve the technological problem? How?

2. List 2 positive and 2 negative aspects of your final design.

3. What engineering principles or concepts did you learn from this problem?

4. List the differences between your original idea(s) and your final design.

5. What improvements or innovations would you make to your final design to make it more successful or reliable?

Your group of 3 will be assessed using the Design Rubric. You MUST include the following:

- Ideas (1 sketch from each group member)- Final Design (with rationale)- Evaluation Questions (answered and fully supported)- Life Cycle Analysis