Blog 7- Mechanical Systems

 

(Wind Turbines in Friesland, WI)

This week in Building Systems we learned about Mechanical Systems. In mechanical systems there are many different energy sources, which consist of: bioenergy, coal, electric power, fossil fuels, fusion, geothermal, hydrogen, hydropower, natural gas, nuclear, oil, renewables, solar, and wind. All these fit within two categories, renewable (energy/biomass program) and nonrenewable.  

Renewable energy is sources that clean sources that can be used over and over again, such as solar, wind, water, geothermal, and bioenergy. However, currently in our society there is a debate about whether renewable energy can replace fossil fuels. While nonrenewable resources are natural materials made from the Earth, they are not an endless source and will eventually run out.  

Oil is a fossil fuel used in 99% of cars and 40% of all energy currently in the U.S., making our country dependent on the Middle East where most of this resource is collected.  

(Natural Gas)

Natural gas is also a fossil fuel and is considered clean burning. Natural gas is obtained through “fracking” using water, sand, and chemicals to fracture rocks that release natural gas. However, this process endangers water sources by creating toxic waste.  

Coal is a fossil fuel obtained from mining. Coal takes a long time to form and therefore is not renewable. Additionally, it creates pollution and greenhouse gases which play a part in global warming.  

(Nuclear Energy)

Hydrogen is a fuel source for automobiles, is created using several other energy sources, and can be considered a renewable source. Nuclear energy is produced in power plants in the U.S. It is a source that has been used for years that emit low carbon energy, however, power plants are known to explode causing enormous damage.  

(Hydropower)

Hydropower is produced using water sources using a dam like structure to control water flow, which is a renewable resource. Solar power is used both in residential and commercial applications, which uses the sun as a renewable energy source. Wind power is used throughout the U.S. using the wind to move blades on a wind turbine/mill, to create renewable energy. 

(Wind Power)

Electric power is created from coal, natural gas, or renewable sources. Fusion plasma energy is created by fusing nuclei together to create energy.  

A system that uses these energy sources is HVAC, which works to heat, ventilate, and air condition buildings for the comfort and health of humans who inhabit the buildings. Humans are incredibly sensitive when it comes to temperature, the ideal room temperature should be anywhere between 68-76 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that with the ever-changing climate, especially in the Midwest, HVAC systems have to work hard to keep a consistent temperature throughout the entire building. This also relates to the humidity and air circulation. Not to mention, personal preference affects this and noises, inconsistency, and drafts may annoy people.  

(Wood Stove)

There are many ways in which a building can be heated, such as: hydronic, air, electric, wood stoves, and fireplaces. Hydronic systems are usually used in larger buildings and facilities which are powered by water boilers. In residential systems radiators help to distribute the heat. Electric systems radiate heat, relying on the surfaces of a building; walls, ceilings, and floors. In a furnace air is forced through the system turning cold air into warm air. In wood systems, they can be high efficiency by burning wood in stoves or fireplaces. Geothermal systems use natural occurring energy that is obtained from below the Earth’s surface.  

(Geothermal System)

Cooling systems work in three different ways: avoiding heat gain, passive cooling strategies, and mechanical cooling. Some of these systems are heat pumps, central station, split system, and through wall units. 

As interior designers, these systems affect our designs, so we must use them to our advantage. We can make sure that ducts, registers, and returns are placed in areas that are unnoticed or even enhance a design. We can also coordinate light fixtures, sprinkler heads, projectors and screens, smoke detectors, and ceiling details so they all look like they belong together, and nothing sticks out in a bad way.  

 

Blogging Assignment: 

The renewable energy source that I chose to do my blogging assignment about is wind turbines. As someone who grew up being able to see wind turbines from my bedroom window, I thought it would be quite fitting. 

Wind turbines are placed on a landscape to capture wind and convert it into energy that forms electricity. In and around Friesland, Wisconsin many wind turbines were placed in fields when I was in fourth grade, so while I remember the controversy of them being built, I barely remember living without them. These raise some environmental concerns, such as bats and birds flying into them, or possibly even aircraft. Some people say that they object to the appearance and others even the noise (but as someone who grew up around them the appearance brings back the feeling of home and the noise is only noticeable when you are super close).  

Often putting in these wind turbines causes resistance, in Friesland, they were spread out among fields, however, they can be quite close creating farms of wind turbines. As someone who is Dutch and grew up in a Dutch Community, I find it ironic that wind turbines were installed. 

The concept of wind turbines comes from windmills. Windmills are a classic part of the Netherlands landscape and are loved and adored, having been around since the Middle Ages. “In the Netherlands, windmills are generally divided into two categories: polder mills, used for pumping water to drain the land, and industrial mills, used for various purposes including grinding grain, sawing wood, making pigments for paint and making paper.” (Holland). While the original purpose of windmills is different and they look much more charming, they have the same overall concept.  

 

Pros: 

• Clean, sustainable, and abundant 

• Cost effective 

  Price decreases as technology improves 

• Efficient use of land 

• Revitalize rural economies and support agriculture 

Cons: 

• Variable energy source (relies on wind) 

• Not aesthetically pleasing (I feel this is subjective) 

• Can be loud 

• Construction can cause local disturbance 

• Can negatively impact wildlife if not carefully designed 

 

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/get-inspired/dutch-icons/windmills-in-the-netherlands#:~:text=They've%20been%20a%20defining,in%20Zeeland%2C%20dates%20from%201221. 

https://www.perchenergy.com/blog/energy/advantages-disadvantages-wind-energy