Energy & Environment
Explore generation, heat, storage and grids by measuring energy conversion and losses.
10 experiments
Times include reading the explanation and completing all six steps. Your pace may vary.
Solar cell and maximum power point
Vary irradiance, temperature and load to find the current–voltage curve and maximum power point.
Wind power and the cube of wind speed
Vary wind speed and blade radius to compare power with the Betz limit.
Hydropower and head
Vary flow, head and efficiency to measure conversion of gravitational energy to electrical power.
Electrolysis and hydrogen fuel cell
Vary current and time to compare hydrogen and oxygen amounts and round-trip energy losses.
Heat engine and Carnot efficiency
Vary hot and cold reservoir temperatures to compare work, waste heat and efficiency limits.
Heat pump and performance coefficient
Vary temperature lift and compressor power to explain heating output greater than electrical input.
House insulation and heat loss
Vary insulation thickness and temperature difference to compare wall heat loss and accumulated energy.
Battery capacity and discharge rate
Vary discharge rate to compare delivered energy under the voltage curve and usable capacity.
Renewables and grid balance
Compare daily demand with renewable generation and see how storage affects backup generation and curtailment.
Energy conversion chain and overall efficiency
Vary three stage efficiencies to track final energy and losses at each stage.