October 7, 2008
This morning, our producer joined us for breakfast to reveal the Infinite Potential Web site. We watched the opening video, and more importantly, we played the roller coaster game. Everyone was jealous of Madhu's avatar. However, it was thrilling to finally see some of the content that has been developed since Boot Camp.
We started with the easy concepts of magnetism at the foundation for understanding how to generate electricity. So why did we need magnets? In simple terms, I like to think of magnets as a group of cooperative atoms. The atoms of the magnet pull on the electrons in the surrounding magnetic field. In the last century, scientists expanded upon this ability to literally move electrons, as demonstrated by Jackie, to transfer mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical energy of electrons moving through thin wire. I was especially satisfied by our effective use of the scientific method as we attempted to optimize the efficiency of our small-scale generators. Unfortunately, time constraints only gave us a short time to play and experiment, for an Argonaut always has another job to do!
I really enjoyed the creativity as we drew pictures of Einstein in iron filings, and used potato chip containers for generators. Our ability to turn the simple mechanical movement of a pencil into enough electricity to power a small light bulb amazed me even more. Just as we discovered the simplicity of fuel cells at Boot Camp, today we dissected an electric generator and explained this modern phenomenon with magnetic properties. All it takes is a bright idea, a bit of engineering and technology and some understanding of the properties of matter to make a scientific breakthrough!
October 8, 2008
After three days of preparation and background knowledge, the Argonauts were ready to tackle the real focus for the week: the fluidized bed model. I had originally expected a 10-foot tall sphere, but what we found was a 5-story complex, as big as a small skyscraper. The control room contained large computers and an assortment of buttons and knobs, but the machine itself was large, loud, and dirty. The Argonauts needed to wear hardhats and ear protection to enter the building because of the open-grating platforms. If a screw accidentally fell from the top level, a worker on the ground level could be seriously injured. Safety always comes first.
Wielding enough mathematics to make even a college student cringe, the Argonauts observed how the computers in the control room could take the results of experiments in the circulating fluidized bed to make predictions and conclusions if certain molecules were introduced into the system, including carbon dioxide. Fortunately, the Argonauts never actually used any of the buttons or knobs.
In order to work with the contraption on an observable level, Jim the engineer brought in a convenient small-scale model. This was the best part of the day because the 50-foot tubes were too big and concealed to understand their true functions. With a small model, you can really appreciate the unique engineering and efficiency of the design.
The fluidized circulating bed at NETL actually wasn't full size. In fact, it is just a prototype of what might be industrially produced in the future. The NETL fluidized circulating bed is much more unique and interesting because different particles and air pressures can be introduced to the experiment to simulate different gases and particles. For example, the pressure could be modified to match that of carbon dioxide, and particles of the same density as a carbon dioxide absorber could be added to the circulation. This setup perfectly matches the real situation without using either carbon dioxide or the carbon dioxide absorber. Also, another scientist used a high-speed camera to take measurements and discover the unexplored properties of thermodynamics. I wish my experiments were that easy.
At the mission debrief, Larry emphasized the importance of new, rising researchers and continued funding because, due to the infamous Valley of Lost Experience in the 80s, coal technology hasn't progressed steadily over the past decade. If anything, research has come to a standstill due to the bad public reputation of coal as a major polluter. Only the scientific predictions and facts can be trusted, and all signs point towards coal for the next few centuries. So if we already have a long-term goal and solution, why aren't we focused on the short-term problems? It will become twice as hard to help the environment in the future if we choose to ignore our current emerging technologies. For now, the Argonauts are hopeful for the success of Larry's quiet project as a sign of dedication to what is right and not just what is publicly supported.
Q&A with Argonaut Tim:
What was it like meeting your host researcher and how does his research speak to the needs of our society?
I quickly realized that this group of highly trained and educated scientists was just as excited to start working as we were. It is very cool to relate to these renowned scientists on a basic, enjoyable level. They don't mind going down to the basics to work with us; in fact, the researchers still love working with the sciences that first attracted them. This will make it much easier to work with the host researcher, now that I can relate my interest with Dr. Shadle's interest.
The background session with Dr. Shadle didn't start until later than we expected that evening. The session focused on using coal as a short-term answer to a long-term energy shortage. I was able to make a connection between technology, coal prices and coal demand during Larry's presentation, and I saw the consequences that could arise from a lack of experience and education in the field of coal technology. If new researchers and research facilities don't arise to upkeep the efficiency and cleanliness of modern coal facilities, our world economy could potentially suffer from an inescapable energy shortage. Our production must stay ahead of the population, especially until alternate fuels develop enough to replace coal as a major resource.