Active window shutter update

Wayne was working on the gaskets for the prototype today. We discovered that the motors are just on the borderline for compressing the gasket material. We are looking at a different motor or gearbox assembly. We are also looking for a way to disengage the drive system for manual opening.
The photos show the gasket material, and the dual shutters installed.

NHARC water systems II

We spent the afternoon working on the plumbing again in the NHARC. We reinforced the shelf for the water tank, and installed the fitting tree that Paul put together the other day. Ryan set up a wood frame for mounting the pumps and plumbing for the water heaters. The photos show Ryan working on a heat exhanger, and the installed fitting tree. Also shown is the heat pump/ water heating assembly.

NHARC water systems

We spent most of Monday afternoon working on the NHARC water systems. Ryan was busy plumbing in the water heaters, while Paul worked on the pressure tank.

Better seals than Sea World.

Wayne is installing the first attempt at seals on the prototype window shutters.  No Orcas here, though.

Modified mushroom core drill

Wayne modifies these up with a stop for Dave.

Narc water systems

Active shutter update

Wayne installed the panels into the frame today, and was able to perform an operational check. The assembly performed as planned, and we are now ready to install the gasket material on the panels. The photos show Wayne installing the panels.

We had a visitor!

Mike's son, Sean, came to visit today. Sean is hearing impaired and attends the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf, in Faribault, MN. He is normally at the MSAD campus during the week, and hasn't had an oppourtunity to see what we do here at HUG. He is home this week on spring-break. He had a great time recycling some of our old equipment, and just following us around for the day. Thanks for visiting, Sean!

dry composting toilet

We decided to remove treatment plant beds from the greenhouse in the Cob Cabin. We installed plumbing to route the excess water from the dry composting toilet to the actual septic system. The photos show the composting toilet and the diaphragm pump mounted to it.

Active window shutter

Wayne was busy today on our active window system. Basically what it will do is turn the insulating value of an R5 window into an R50 wall. The photos show Wayne assembling the coverings, and the the frame that he will be installing them into.

CNC projects

Wayne was busy today on the CNC router, making the guide tracks for the automated shutter prototype. He also made Ryan a new loom for creating the tubing coils for our prototype heat exchanger. The photos show the completed tracks, the completed loom, and the CNC router in action. Also shown is Wayne in the process of programming a run.

Air quality

We have just received a few AIR-STAT air quality monitors. The AIR-STAT is a microprocessor controlled device that continuously monitors temperature, Humidity, VOC's, and odorous gases. Paul has been testing them this afternoon, and finding that they are fairly sensitive to odors and air contaminants. The photos show Paul testing the monitors. Also shown is Paul and Scott brainstorming the best way to integrate the monitors with the HUGNET system.

Whoops! Too Hot! Part IV

We removed the remaining insulation and realized that more inspection is needed. Most of the insulating panels were adhered to the ice and water barrier, and many of the solar panels were warped. The photos show some of the heat damage to the insulation and barrier, and the wall with all of the panels removed.

Water Pumps

We are beginning to test various hand water pumps for use as a backup on the ARC houses. We would like to find the best performing pump that is reliable and affordable. The photo is of a PVC pump and our test barrel.

Custom Machining

Wayne was busy yesterday with fabricating some adapter fitting out of brass for the NHARC heating system. We are finding that our old machine lathe is not quite up to to the task of precision prototyping anymore. Wayne was able to harness his considerable talent and get the job done. We are now evaluating rebuilding this machine, or procuring an new lathe. The photos are of a partially finished brass fitting.

NHARC water heating

Ryan has been working hard at getting the water system in the NHARC up and running. We are currently in the process of installing all of the plumbing and ensuring that the layout is logical. The photos are of the water heater which we modified for preheating the hot water system. We machined some custom brass adapter fittings (see next post) that use the heating element ports, and are currently pressure testing the whole assembly before installing it. Installation will occur later this week.