Heritage High School, Vancouver
Third Place, Technological Challenge
Production of Biodiesel from Algae
Currently our district’s waste vegetable oil is our only source of raw material for biodiesel production. Our new project growing algae for oil extraction will provide a new source. The use of algae in the production of biodiesel potentially solves a controversy. Many of the oils used in commercial production of biodiesel are also common food sources, such as corn and soybeans. The concern is that increased demand for these raw materials will increase food prices therefore increasing starvation in the world’s poorest countries. Algae is not commonly used as food, therefore its use answers this concern. We will grow algae in large black pond tubs covered with plastic to protect the algae while allowing light to pass through. After harvest the oil will be pressed out and used to make biodiesel.
Most Innovative
Energy Generation
Goal: Comparison of Piezo and electromagnetic methods for generating energy from floor motion in high traffic areas.
– Calculate energy that can be produced by each method
– Return on investment
– Dance floor and high traffic area system
Have high visibility to the public and focus on raising awareness for alternative energy.
Biodiesel Processing
Our presentation will focus on the process students use to make biodiesel at Heritage High School. They will explain how waste vegetable oil is collected from the district’s cafeterias and processed by mixing with potassium hydroxide and methanol, resulting in production of biodiesel and glycerin. The biodiesel is further purified by pumping it into separation tanks and filtering it through a Purolite (dry wash) System. The biofuel is then quality tested and introduced back into our community through partnerships with Fuel Only, C-Train and Arbor Biofuels. Throughout the entire enterprise, students work collaboratively to produce industry-grade biodiesel benefiting their own education as well as the environment in their community. Engineering students design and build systems, chemistry students perform chemical tests and calculations, and small-gas-engines students put the biodiesel to practical use in diesel engines. All participating students present the HHS Biodiesel Program to interested individuals and groups.
Solar Energy
The main objective of the “Solar Energy” group is to research, design, and install solar panels to run our school’s biodiesel production facility using renewable energy. The group has applied for a grant to design and implement this program. The first step in the process will be for the students to determine how much energy is required to run the biodiesel equipment “off the grid.” They will be researching a variety of designs and types of solar panels used to determine which will best fit the needs of the program. Then they will be building a model using information gathered aided by a student from our 3-D animation team and develop a presentation for the competition. Additionally, these students are using this project as their senior culminating project for graduation.
Carbon Emission Converter — Fischer-Tropch Synthetic Fuel Generation
Goal: Propose a structure that pulls in pollution and exhaust from the city, then processes the pollution using Fischer-Tropch Synthetic fuel generation, which extracts CO2 and generates liquid fuels. Add focus on energy (and CO2) inputs required to power the process. Potential contribution: The liquid fuel produced is a high energy density storage medium that’s compatible with existing filling station and vehicle infrastructure. Review cost and energy balance feasibility.
Enviro-Motion — Zero Emissions City Transportation Fleet
Goal : Reduce CO2 emissions in downtown Portland by providing electric scooters and battery-assisted bikes to the traveling public. Provide plug-and-go recharging stations with battery replacement options. Motivate the public to use our cheap, fast, no pollution transportation option. Offer clean, zero-emission transportation choices to areas of Portland that have insufficient mass transportation options. Propose WSU Pullman campus as a test project.
“You are setting the pace — the dynamic — for a better and brighter future.”
—Elson S. Floyd, Ph.D.
President, Washington State University