Jameson quickly brought everyone up to speed on the mission and introduced the new website, blog and forum. We hope these will generate some new ideas and discussion, so please check back often. He also outlined the research projects we have setup and their application in the Smart House. Eric asked for help from anyone familiar with web-design, especialy anyone with a background in more complex techniques such as vector art or illustrator.

Aaron Sakulich then gave a quick talk on the history and importance of the Earth Cement Project, while requesting help from any interested volunteers. The job descriptions are listed in the previous post and remember if you have an idea for a project that fits, we can probably make it work. We are currently organizing it so can receive research credit for your work. This would also look great on your resume especially if you contribute significantly to a paper.

Eric discussed the reflective IR coatings project. This project is also very interesting, because initial results have demonstrated that introducing near IR scattering particles into a latex or acrylic base causes IR radiation to be reflected, decreasing the average surface temperature by approximately 20 degrees F. This unexploited technology has direct applications to exterior coatings that improve energy efficiency in the Smart House. Please have a look at Eric’s post below for more details and contact us if you have any questions.

Last, but not least, Jameson mentioned the biosensors project and the importance of health monitoring in our Smart Design. My personal favorite is the smart toilet. More details on this project should be forthcoming.

If you are interested in getting involved in any of the above research projects, please e-mail info@drexelsmarthouse.com.

-Chris

The Insulating Architectural Coating group (we can’t quite call them paints, since ) is using selective near-IR scattering filler particles to insulate building materials from IR radiation produced by the sun. For those non techspeak folk: Basically, normal (TiO2 based) paints don’t efficiently insulate surfaces from heat produced by the sun, so this group is using specialized particles in the paint to reflect selected IR radiation, reducing the surface temperature of the coating.

The project has already seen promising (unpublished) results. Advanced architectural coatings are important to the smart house because they will significantly improve energy efficiency.

This group is looking for two students who are interested in this project. Research will involve mixing and testing samples using infrared radiation, exploring coating methods, materials, applications in the smart house, and ASTM standards. Please email join@drexelsmarthouse.com or attend todays’s meeting if you are interested.

This table is a great example of smart design and efficient use of space.

This video is in Spanish, but it shows a new way of ironing (or not ironing rather). Ironing is one of those things that has changed in decades, but this device dries and irons your clothes at the same time. An even better device is the WashDryIron which takes care of everything all at once. Read about it here.