This model represents the device that will be built in the next upcoming weeks. On the right side is a hole which captures fuel. In the same compartment will be a CO2 sensor. The CO2 will diffuse to the adjacent compartment where the plants (not shown) are held. The oxygen will diffuse out of the left side hole. Unwanted gases will diffuse out of the holes on top of the left compartment.
Overall View
 |
Right Side View
 |
Top View
 |
Left Side View
 |
Adjusted View
Materials
1. Clear, hard plastic
2. English Ivy plants
3. Carbon dioxide meter
4. Bicarbonate indicator solution (potassium chloride, thymol blue, cresol red, ethanol, sodium bicarbonate)
5. Balloons (source of carbon dioxide during the experiment)
|
FAQs:
1. How does it work?
The goal of the filtering system is to primarily convert carbon dioxide emissions to oxygen, so it is better for the environment and for the population's health. The system works in two different parts: filtering of the gases and the conversion of carbon dioxide to oxygen.
The gases are released from the car exhaust into one side of the fiberglass structure. They slowly diffuse to the other part of the structure but rest in this side first to decrease the pressure and the concentration of the gases. If the concentration is too strong, it will damage or destroy the plants. The gases then go through a partition with several holes in it, to the other side of the structure that is filled with English Ivy. The English Ivy converts the carbon dioxide into oxygen through photosynthesis, and releases the oxygen into the atmosphere.
In case there is a build-up of too many gases and the concentrations are too strong, the carbon dioxide meter within the first part of the structure will make a noise that would trigger the closing of the gas source (the hole that allows the car exhaust fumes to enter). This will allow the gases to diffuse slowly until the carbon dioxide reaches safe levels for the plants.
2. How would one monitor the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels coming out of and going into plants?
Chemical tests can be done to monitor the percentages of carbon dioxide going into the plants. One such test is the bicarbonate indicator solution test, where the plants are covered and bicarbonate indicator solution is added. If the color changes from red to yellow, the solution contains carbon dioxide and if it changes to purple, carbon dioxide is barely present if at all. The carbon dioxide can also be monitored using a carbon dioxide meter. The meter will be placed in a bag with just the plant (not the roots or the soil) and this will indicate the levels of carbon dioxide in the plant.
The oxygen levels can be stoichiometrically determined based on the amount of carbon dioxide measured. There are also meters to measure the amount of oxygen present.
3. How would the filtering system be attached to the vehicle?
The filtering system would be attached to a hitch that is seen on the backs of cars and trucks. It looks like a rack attached to the back of the car. This hitch would be leveled with the car exhaust to get as many gases into the filtering system as possible.
4. Is it harmful to be around the car exhaust emissions during testing?
The car exhaust emissions could be very dangerous depending on how close one gets when testing the device. It is better to always protect the open areas (eyes, nose, and mouth) and stand at a reasonable distance from the fumes. When the car is running, stay back and do not approach the device until the car has stopped and the fumes have cleared from the area.
5. What was the motivation for this project?
The carbon dioxide levels worldwide are reaching ridiculous heights and the health of many is deteriorating because of air and water quality. Recently, an article was posted on Haaretz indicating that the carbon dioxide levels are the worst right now and have not been this high in 800,000 years (http://www.haaretz.com/news/world/1.585530).
With the rapid construction and expansion of cities and more metropolitan areas, pollution is inevitable. This project intends to take a small step toward better air quality and better living, even with growing cities and industries.
6. Is this a project that would be researched and implemented in the future?
This project seems to be very beneficial to everyone because improved air quality will improve health as well. Along with benefits to living beings, it also improves the environment. Even if vehicles are all changed to hybrids or pure electric vehicles by the time that this technology can be available to the public, it will still be useful in hybrid cars and it can be scaled to improve emissions from factories. Harmful gases such as carbon dioxide are released in many forms so this technology can be implemented on virtually any system to better the environment and the health of many.
