This project examined the feasibility of reducing waste material by 3D printing by converting existing PET waste into 3D filament and using agricultural waste (wheat straw) to replace traditional plastic infill.
Over the 2020-2021 school year, our senior project group was challenged to create a profitable business case, operational model, and facility process to pivot glass bottles in San Luis Obispo from recyclable materials to reusable materials. We strongly believe we have shown business viability and look forward to seeing where future entrepreneurs, financiers, and industrial engineers take it next!
This project is a submission to the ASHRAE 2021 student design competition. Our goal was to design a building that met the requirements and approached net zero energy.
Physics Professor Pete Schwartz has a hot tub in his backyard and four 425 Watt solar panels on his roof. Currently, his panels heat his hot tub directly using resistive heating elements, and he cannot use his hot tub in the evening. Our team, Ra Energy, designed a thermal energy storage system, so Dr. Schwartz can use his hot tub after the sun sets. Energy storage can shift electrical load away from the late afternoon when people return to their homes, and it is a crucial technology necessary to create a sustainable future.
