Homework Ten

My thoughts on "scientific proof" is that you can not proof science. Like what was mentioned in class you can proof mathematics. Science is just theory's that are tested and for example like a hypotheses. "That is, it is always allowed that some valid experiment could show that the hypotheses is incorrect, either wholly or in part (referred to as falsifiability), so that it must be rejected or modified. So in science, absolute proof is usually impossible. "(quoted from this site: http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/36328). I do agree with this statement because a person can make a hypotheses and then run test, and they hypotheses was wrong, so therefor this person would have proven his hypotheses to be wrong, but it is not a proof. Also, with scientific experiments you are never certain of actually values of results which is a good explanation of why there is no scientific proof. "The more times an observation is repeated and the greater number of different observations and theories that it ties into and agrees with, the more confident we are about how well we actually understand something." (I found this on the site: http://www.holycross.edu/departments/biology/kprestwi/behavior/e&be_notes/E&BE_04_Sci_Meth&Philo.pdf ) Which I agree with, and feel that this is what I was trying to say........

Part 2:
Here is what I have so far on my report, which is differently longer then 250 words.

Section 1:
What is Energy Efficient?
When you think about efficient energy most people think of using less energy. For example, turning off lights when you’re not in that room, or hang drying clothes instead of using the dryer, and ECT. These are ways to save/use less energy, but what about change your lighting in the house? What do I mean, for example instead of using the incandescent lights lets change them all out for compact fluorescents. According to Wikipedia it states that, “Efficient energy use, sometimes simply called energy efficiency, is using less energy to provide the same level of energy service. For example, insulating a home allows a building to use less heating and cooling energy to achieve the same temperature. Another example would be installing fluorescent lights and/or skylights instead of incandescent lights to attain the same level of illumination. A 13 watt fluorescent light bulb outputs the same amount of visible light as a 60 watt incandescent bulb, so you are getting more light for less energy. Efficient energy use is achieved primarily by means of a more efficient technology or process rather than by changes in individual behavior.”


Section 2:
Why do we need to be more energy efficient?
Most of us don’t think about how much money we spend on energy, or how much toxin’s are released in the air from our homes and office buildings. Becoming more energy efficient will put money back into our wallets, and also help the environment because there will not be as much oil, coal and electricity into the air and water. This will help slow down global warming if we can reduce and change to more efficient habits. “There are many benefits to building energy efficient new homes that include:
 Reduced Costs: An energy efficient new home is constructed to keep heat from escaping so you are not running the furnace 24 hours a day. Many mortgage companies offer incentives to people building energy efficient new homes. There are also federal tax incentives for building energy efficient new homes.
 Sound Investment: Each year more people are looking for energy efficient homes. Building an energy efficient new home now will increase the future value of the home.
 Peace of Mind: Building an energy efficient new home allows homeowners to enjoy their home knowing they are meeting energy efficiency guidelines.
 Fewer Pollutants: It is estimated that 16 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the energy used in houses nationwide. When you use less energy, you decrease the amount of pollutants being released in the environment. This will lead to less of an impact on global warming.
 Improved Air Quality: Cold drafts blowing through the home can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of sickness. An energy efficient new home ensures air tightness keeping the home cozy. These new homes also protect against cold, heat, drafts, and moisture. Not only does an energy-efficient new home improve indoor air quality, it keeps temperatures consistent.
This information is according to the Free Online Library.”

Section 3:
What are some ways to be more energy efficient?
Also from the Free Online Library they state that: “General features of an energy efficient new home include:
 Engineered Lumber: Build a new home using lumber from trees that are identified as a renewable species because they grow fast and help protect the environment. Roofing: Selecting durable roofing materials such as cement reduces the amount of regular roofing waste entering landfills.
 Improved Insulation: Better quality insulation that is properly installed in attics, walls, ceilings, and floors, will decrease energy use and reduce energy costs.
 Energy-Efficient Windows: Manufactured and installed windows using new technologies that include protective coatings and improved frames. These windows ensure that heat stays outside during the summer and inside during the winter. Energy efficient windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight.
 Energy Efficient Doors: Installing improved seals around doors and patio doors will stop cold air flowing into homes or warm air escaping.
 Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling systems: Furnaces, heat pumps, and thermostats that are energy efficient allow new homes to use less energy and save money. Energy efficient heating and cooling systems are quieter and reduce indoor humidity.
Solar Heat: A number of new energy efficient homes are designed to benefit from solar heat coming through larger windows
 Ducts: Sealing the heating and cooling duct systems reduces drafts, moisture, and dust. Tight ducts will ensure that the proper amount of warm or cool air is reaching every room.
 Energy Efficient appliances: Modern and energy efficient appliances allow you to save money while using less energy. Appliances include ovens, dish washers, washer and dryer machines, and refrigerators, etc.
 Low-Flow Faucets, Shower Heads, and Toilets: Decreases water use and reduces hydro fees
 Air Filtration Systems: Installing energy efficient air filtration systems is healthy for the family and saves money.
Whether your home energy comes from oil, gas, or coal, it has a direct impact on the environment and your wallet. These energy sources contribute to global warming, habitat loss, and increases toxins in our air and water. By building an energy efficient new home, you can do your part to help the planet while lowering your energy costs.”


Section 4:
Class examples of energy efficiency
During class we talked about several different ways you can use to either gather information or ways to look at how to change and make lighting more energy efficient. The three main items that I will talk about will be the Dephi Method, Predictions for Lighting (add ons), and Triz Method.
First I will show the findings that I found while using the Dephi Method in class. In a blog I had posted the following, “How long till we (U.S.) are more energy efficient in our homes and offices?" was the question I asked in class on Wednesday? We used the Delphi method to discuss how long it would take before this would happen. Before the discussing was done we took a poll and hear is the results: 50, 55, 60, 60, 100, 200, 200-250, infinity, infinity, infinity, don't know. So when finding the median range of this set of numbers it would be 200 years before we would be more energy efficient. Then there was a pole taken after the discussion which were: 60, 60, 65, 100, 100, 100,100,110-150,150,200-250, infinity. So then taking the median range would now be 100 years before we become more energy efficient.” With this finding just with our class it will take about 100 years before we have become energy efficient in our homes and office buildings.

Next we used predictions for lighting (add ons) which were neat ways to add on to the lighting with it still being energy efficient. Some of the examples are as followed:
 illumination of dark
 programmable color (mood detection, example if I am sad the light is blue)
 programmable direction
 can display information
 heat less bulb
These are a couple of ideas that the class has come up with that could be add ons to and efficient light.
The last topic is the Triz Method. Triz is where you get ideas about the feature technologies. I have picked some of the Triz topics and applied them to ways to make lighting more energy efficient:
 Segmentation: Lights, Applications, installation
 Taking out: remove the heat, but keep the light
 Local Quality: make it where there is a dimmer and directionality
 Assymetry: 3-way lighting---- 1 click turns on 2 lights, 2 clicks turns on 3 lights then 3 clicks turns on all 5
 Universality: Lights can light up a room and not heat a room
 Preliminary action: while making energy efficient bulbs make them smaller at the same time
 Continuity of useful action: have the lights have a sensor on them so they can detect when someone is in the room or not( will eliminate people not Turing off lights when they are done)
 Color changes: Lights change to your mood........Blue for sad, yellow for happy, etc.
 Turn Lemons into Lemonade: make a recyclable light bulb
 The other way round: have the light bulb click in instead of screw