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Walden West Outdoor Science School

Insulation Demonstration Model for Walden West (ENGR 110, Fall 2011)

Student created a model to show the effectiveness of various insulation materials.

Student: Guillermo Gallardo

Advisor: Shoba Krishnan

Student created a model to show the effectiveness of various insulation materials. This model would be used to teach visitors about insulation and how insulating your walls in your house reduce energy consumption. The materials compared were: fiberglass roll, blue jeans, and cellulose. The student used SolidWorks to develop the system design. A radiant heat lamp was used as a heat source and an electronic thermometer was to measure temperature differences. For the enclosure, the student decided to use double-pane window glass, supported in a wooden frame; this solution provided a sturdy (relatively low-cost) enclosure that would enable the visiting students to see the insulation and readings on the thermometer inside the system.