The A.M. research group researched how LEDs effect algae growth. They concluded Algae growth using red and blue LEDs has been done in the past (one example was in Japan, 2004). The use of blue LEDs is attributed to having grown algae much more efficiently than fluorescent lighting with green algae. Another topic was the use of liquid nitrogen in cell wall rupturing. They concluded LN₂ (boiling point ≈ -196° C) can freeze the water inside cells, causing the water to expand, and thus rupturing the cell wall. Liquid nitrogen, however, must be carefully transported and handled, since improper use of LN₂ can cause the freezing of water inside human cells, causing frostbite and other damage. Their future research plans is to Research on the: Transport of Liquid Nitrogen, Safety Precautions in Handling Liquid Nitrogen, QCOM Corporation’s Grower’s Choice Greenhouse System (tentative), Eutrophication of Bodies of Water for Rapid Algae Growth, Application of LED Use in Algae Growth, Carbon in Algae Growth (needs more detail from Facilities Engineering).

By: Justin Venezuela (AM Research)

The growing algae group talked to the algae to oil group about cleaning out the tanks they have and giving them the algae that is there. For short term plans they are to work with algae to oil to clean out the tanks we have, sterilize them, and begin growing new “good” algae that Travis is getting. The long term plans is to establish a constantly growing algae sample for other groups, while setting up experimental samples for us to experiment with various ways to improve algae growth efficiency. Some possible purchases are to buy more Algae (Travis has information), potentially various chemicals to be used for sterilization (we are looking into our possibilities), and tubing, if none is available in the building. Some additional are to look into other sterilization options besides chemicals. A change in plans will lead to a change in possible purchases.

By: Taylor Wrobel (Growing Algae)

The group Algae to Oil has not done any experiments, but their future plans are to finish filtering algae out of the tanks so that they can be used by the growing algae group and continuing research for their group. The algae has been concentrated in beakers but progress is slow and uneven.

By: Brian Finn (Algae to Oil)

This week the Oil-to-Diesel group ordered the ASTM manual with the standards for biodiesel which will be useful when we start determining the quality the biodiesel they will be making and have already made. They are also still in the process of learning how to use the GC with the help of Josh Debner and hope to really get started soon.

By: Brian Carvalho (Oil to Diesel)

The facilities engineering is creating an algae growth system for the grow algae group. The morning contingent has developed a preliminary plan for an algae growth system. They have obtained CAD software so that we can get plans into a computer and begin acquiring the parts necessary. They are having mild problems with the CAD software, which is slowing them down slightly. Also, the processor book was supposed to be an instant transaction, but is now taking far longer.

By: James Fagan (Facilities Engineering)

This week, The BDP engine was ordered from a supplier here in the US. We are still awaiting the orders with the actual airplane, gyro's and other electric parts to arrive. I have been told that the order is with the suppliers who are waiting for CREC to give them a check before they will ship our parts. We spent this week sorting out the engine order, and we will be working on an airspeed indicator for the airplane for the remainder of this week and next week. The only thing we can do at this point in time is work on what little we can until the parts come in.

By: Ben White (Model Airplane)