The Renewable Energy Solutions Division develops sustainable energy technologies that address global challenges in the nexus of water, food, and energy. Through hands-on design and prototyping, members work on projects such as solar-powered desalination systems and hydroponic growing technologies. By integrating engineering innovation with practical implementation, the division strives to create renewable solutions that can be adopted by communities.
Members are expected to attend the weekly general-body meetings Wednesdays 6 - 7PM and weekly sub-team meetings.
The Solar Desalinator sub-team is currently working on a project which involves building and designing a desalinator that is both inexpensive and easy to build with easily accessible and non-toxic materials. Ideally, the desalinator will be able to be implemented in any community, regardless of available resources.
Team Lead(s):
Jeffery Cai (jc2565@cornell.edu), Walt Chavarria (wlc55@cornell.edu)
The Hydroponics sub-team designs and builds hydroponics systems, conducting research across various fields, including pH and EC sensor automation, the effects of upward windflow on plants, and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) to study the interaction between nutrient particles and plant roots. We collaborate with the Jung Lab, which is affiliated with the BEE department, providing support through equipment and expertise. The team's goal is to develop an affordable and effective hydroponics setup while communicating the benefits of hydroponics to both Cornell and the Ithaca community.
Team Lead(s):
Luke Chang (lc753@cornell.edu), Bowen Yu (by289@cornell.edu)
The Inclusive Innovation sub-team is part of a larger, worldwide initiative committed to addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities. This initiative unites chemical engineers, biomedical engineers, mechanical engineers, designers, and problem solvers from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on the development of assistive and accessible technology solutions. As a member of this project subteam, you will actively participate in designing and constructing inclusive and sustainable technologies, harnessing the power of innovative design and creativity to empower individuals with disabilities.
Team Lead(s):
Natalie Tauras (nt389@cornell.edu)
Solar Oven
The Solar Oven sub-team worked to reconstruct and improve upon a solar oven made by ESW in the early 2010's in the Bovay Lab, as the current solar oven was outdated and inefficient. Improving it would have allowed for more effective solar testing and sealing for ESW teams. The team also worked to improve ESW's solar simulator- a setup of lights that can mimic incoming solar energy. Additionally, the team collaborated with faculty in CBE to research how broken solar panels could be refurbished and recycled.
Sustainable Living Outreach
The Sustainable Living Outreach sub-team focused on outreach concerning what individuals can do to live more sustainable lives and make an impact concerning climate change. The team utilized the networks that ESW has developed within the Cornell community to deliver engaging sustainability-related content to a college audience.