Energy Supply

Part of my research on emergency shelters includes evaluating available energy sources. The Netherlands has their fair share of power plants, but they also make use of coastal wind power (which is a very exciting sight to some environmental engineering students).

My first encounter with a wind turbine!

An important question is what happens when central power is disrupted? One answer is to look to alternatives... maybe even as far as bicycle-power, another popular energy source in the Netherlands (even if they may not know it).

Can you get adapters in that size?

-Caryssa

Happy Workplaces

Wednesday was spent in Hoofddorp at Dura Vermeer. I appreciate being able to work with the team there, and everyone always has time for a quick hello. So far most people we've come across seem to enjoy life. It might have something to do with the bright and inviting decor at work.

Dura Vermeer shared workspaces

The fancy coffee machines don't hurt either.

...and I don't normally drink coffee

I spent time focusing the scope of my research project on smart shelters. The project is missing a technology and best practices review, so I have been collecting papers to build on that information. I think that a lot of the sustainable practices used in buildings can also be applied to the shelters, but the primary function of a technology may need to change. Technologies with multiple benefits or uses (such as green roofs) will probably tend to be the better features for smart shelters, as they are for sustainable design.

I have also been looking into Maslow's hierarchy of human needs, or other similar systems. Most emergency shelters focus on the short-term survival needs of people; but safety, self-fulfillment, and other higher needs should also be considered for proposed shelter functions, especially for longer stays.

-Caryssa

Research update

I'm so happy today (^-^). After few days struggling with pumping sludge to the system, I can handle the system well this morning. Last few days and even today early morning, I was having "fun" (T.T)  with cleaning the mess when the sludge split over the floor. I was so used to deal with that kind of mess when I was at USF but still, I felt so embarrassed here whenever the sludge was all over the floor. Anyway, everything is under control now :) hopefully, after temperature control added (this afternoon), the system will be good to run the gypsum leachate. Finger crossed :)
Anh