Nanoparticles and Aqueous Amine-Based Formulation to Develop CO2 Foam for Sequestration and Oil Recovery
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important greenhouse gas that helps trap heat in our atmosphere; without it, our planet would be inhospitably cold [1]. It is the fourth most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere. It is a byproduct of normal cell function when breathed out of the body, and produced when fossil fuels and organic wood compounds are burned [2]. However, an increase in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere can contribute to climate change and ocean acidification, and exposure to high levels of CO2 can produce a variety of health effects [3]. Human progress and economic innovation have led to increased emissions, causing climate change and affecting all living creatures. Current levels are 36.8 Gt CO2 in 2023 and are expected to reach 54-56 Gt CO2 by 2030 [4]. Figure 1 displays the current atmospheric CO2 measurements at Mauna Loa Observatory without seasonal variations [5].
Autonomous Ecosystem Surveillance Robot
Our project, the Autonomous Ecosystem Surveillance Robot, aims at closing the aquatic gap in biosecurity measures by including several functions, such as water quality monitoring, aquatic species monitoring, and seabed topology surveillance. Several instances have shown the need for such a system, as demonstrated below. The United States Corps of Engineers completed an electrich fish barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in 2002, in order to prevent the invasive Asian carp from moving into the Great Lakes. The introduction of the Asian carp into the Great Lakes would be an ecological disaster, as the Great Lakes provide an ideal habitat for the carp to proliferate, choking out native fish species that exist there. This would result in a major loss for the fishing industry in the area. One of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie, suffers annual algae blooms threats, which affect up to 12 million people in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. These algae blooms are caused by runoff pollution, which occurs when rainfall washes fertilizer and manure from farmland into Lake Erie, fueling algae that can make water toxic to humans and animals alike. In addition, there are many existing customs regulations around the world that are set in place to ensure biosecurity of national ecosystems, such as in Taiwan, where it is illegal to bring pork from abroad. Despite this, there still exists a very large gap in biosecurity measures; that of the aquatic nature. Through these three functions, we have the ability to protect local aquatic biodiversity via the ability to detect invasive species, therefore allowing authorities to properly deal with them. This allows less harmful measures to be taken against them, thereby limiting collateral damage to endangered native species. Coupled with the ability to map bodies of water, the Autonomous Ecosystem Surveillance Robot is an extremely potent tool to preserve aquatic biodiversity and to ensure biosecurity of local waters.
Automatic Solar Panel Sprinkler Irrigation System
As the global demand for sustainable agriculture practices and renewable energy sources continues to rise, the integration of solar power technology with irrigation systems has gained significant attention. This abstract presents an overview of an innovative solution known as the "Automatic Solar Panel Sprinkler Irrigation System," which combines solar panels and smart irrigation technology to efficiently manage water resources in agricultural settings. The proposed system leverages solar panels to generate electricity and simultaneously operate an automated sprinkler irrigation system. Solar panels are strategically positioned in proximity to crop fields, utilizing photovoltaic cells to convert solar energy into electrical power. This energy is then harnessed to power the irrigation system, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly method for crop hydration. In Solar Power Generation the system consists of photovoltaic panels designed to capture solar energy during daylight. This renewable energy source is converted into electrical power, which is stored in batteries for subsequent use. Automated Sprinkler Irrigation is an advanced control system manages the irrigation process, ensuring efficient water distribution based on crop requirements. Soil moisture sensors and weather data are integrated to optimize irrigation scheduling. In Remote Monitoring and Control, farmers can remotely monitor and control the irrigation system through a user friendly interface, accessible via smartphones or computers. This feature enables real-time adjustments and ensures that water resources are utilized optimally. In Water Conservation the system is designed to minimize water wastage by delivering precise and targeted irrigation, reducing over-watering and the associated environmental impact. In Cost Savings the harnessing solar power, this system reduces electricity expenses, making it an economically viable solution for farmers, particularly in regions with ample sunlight. Using a tracker with an automatic solar panel sprinkler irrigation system can be a smart and efficient way to optimize the system's performance. And the most important thing is that in my prototype it is under the panel and will track the location of the Sun and with that it will lead to the Automatic movement of the panel from east to west and when the evening starts it will go back to its position.