This is all the work we have done so far on this project. This section of our blog shows our accomplishments, our problems, and documents the entire project.
Okay, so how about a fan shaped metal structure? It would maximize the surface area—very important as dew collects on the surface—the larger the surface are, the more water can potentially be collected. It naturally funnels the water into the “drill” structure below. It can easily be constructed (even by us) from a perforated...
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We are trying to think out-the-box, or a cone, in our case. In a very interesting video, an engineering class proposed a dew harvester constructed from a metal mesh coated with a hydrophobic layer. This approach would increase the total surface area thereby increasing the average amount of dew that could be collected. Nick...
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We came across the use of clay pots for irrigation while doing research on water conservation done by farmers in rural communities. So here’s a description of VERY old technology. A large clay unglazed pot is buried in the ground next to a plant. Clay is very porous, so when this pot is filled...
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Recently, we’ve been busy contemplating about our D.R.I.P.S. idea. We’ve even started putting together a prototype! (Although being in high school it’s a little more difficult.) We’ve considered various materials: clay, plastic, metal. We want to design something that the local population can easily produce themselves. We assume that cost of production is a...
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We’re continuing the difficult task of researching the dew collection process. I’ll post a few links in our research section shortly. But the big news today is that we’re going to France to present our D.R.I.P.S. idea. We’ve been working on this for several years (since about 2008). EDF Sustainable Design Challenge gave us...
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We’ve heard from the EDF Sustainable Design Challenge and the DRIPS project has been “validated.” We are off to the next stage of the competition!
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EDF Evaluation Question: “Please describe shortly below how your project contributes to change energy together for better living (sustainable behavior).” Answer: I think the question is asking us to evaluate our project, Deep Root Irrigation and Precipitation System, in terms of its impact on the communities where it will be deployed. We believe there...
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Raw Materials is part of the EDF Evaluation Matrix for our design. It deals with Proximity, Recycled Origin, Renewable & Plentiful, and Limited Quantity. Proximity EDF Evaluation Matrix doesn’t provide a definition for this item. The D.R.I.P.S. will be manufactured in the proximity of where they will be deployed. Recycled Origin “ISO 14021 defines recycled content as...
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New Behavior/Scenario is part of the EDF Evaluation Matrix for our design. It deals with Information and Education, Shared Use, Relevant Lifetime, and Human Proximity. Information and Education “The product (or service) implements actions to preserve the environment and/or to reduce social inequalities in order to develop sustainable behaviors.”—EDF Evaluation Matrix D.R.I.P.S. project is designed...
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Governance is part of the EDF Evaluation Matrix for our design. It deals with Equity, Transparency, Open & Free, Context Accommodation, and Cooperation. Equity “The product (or service) generates, during some steps or its whole life cycle, positive interactions or benefits for the stakeholders.”—EDF Evaluation Matrix D.R.I.P.S. technology is intended to be sold and manufactured at...
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Delivery and Installation is part of the EDF Evaluation Matrix for our design. It deals with Pack and Logistics Optimization, Storage Time and Space Reduction, and Low Impact Installation. Pack and Logistics Optimization “Weight, volume, distance and means of transportation.” —EDF Evaluation Matrix We hope that the D.R.I.P.S. will be manufactured in the geographic proximity...
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Production is part of the EDF Evaluation Matrix for our design. It deals with Clean and Economical Technology and Production Management. Clean and Economical Technology “Regarding water, air and soil pollution emissions.” —EDF Evaluation Matrix A D.R.I.P.S. model produces no pollution whatsoever. Production Management “Environment management — ISO 14001. Reduction of the production cycle.”—EDF Evaluation Matrix...
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Disruptive Technology is part of the EDF Evaluation Matrix for our design. It deals with Consumption Peak Smoothing and Cultural Acceptance. Consumption Peak Smoothing “The product (or service) allows homogenizing the consumption periods and places.” —EDF Evaluation Matrix By providing water during those seasons where water might be scarce and allowing the collection of...
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Product Service System is part of the EDF Evaluation Matrix for our design. It deals with Product Extension Service and Product Utility (or Function) Services. Product Extension Service “Offering additional services, mainly for the product being sold (e.g. maintenance, guarantee, and takeback).”—EDF Evaluation Matrix Not applicable to D.R.I.P.S. project. Product Utility (or Function) Services “The...
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We’ve got an invitation to The Energy Lab — EDF’s new pavilion in France, featuring the winning designs from the EDF Sustainable Design Challenge....
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Our project and its video was just posted on The Water Channel! Here’s a description of what they do: TheWaterChannel was launched at the...
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So now we have three prototypes: two from India and one locally-produced. They are very different. But the latest version is what we are...
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We just got our first glimpse of DRIPS from India — these were produced in India and are being shipped to us now. Can’t...
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This year (2011), we are still focusing on food. We want to know the true cost of food — its price; the distance it...
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