balboni designCura
Hydrogen Generator for Triaged Medical Sites
The American Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and the National Guard are tasked with establishing relief operations after all types of disasters. Electricity is critical to this objective, but often a casualty of the damage.
While programs like FEMA are funded by tax payers, Doctors Without Borders sources 89% of its income from private international sources. That capital goes toward travel expenses, equipment, and training for its members. A disconnect from federal funding means privately-held relief groups are capable of dispatching support without bickering over politics.
Dr. David Lauter
Dr. Lauter was assigned by Doctors Without Borders to perform surgeries but also practices beyond his field, including conducting c-sections, which in the United States is typically handled by a specialist.
General Sarah Toolan
General Toolan is a member of the Crisis Response Unit of the Third Marine Expeditionary Brigade. With her supplies packed and ready to go, she is always on stand-by for her next assignment.
Marcus Garvey
Marcus is assigned to the Ethiopian Red Cross Society for disaster preparation and response 30 days out of the year. He completed 36 hours of basic aid training in Addis Ababa before working in the field.
Dr. David Lauter
Dr. Lauter was assigned by Doctors Without Borders to perform surgeries but also practices beyond his field, including conducting c-sections, which in the United States is typically handled by a specialist.
General Sarah Toolan
General Toolan is a member of the Crisis Response Unit of the Third Marine Expeditionary Brigade. With her supplies packed and ready to go, she is always on stand-by for her next assignment.
Marcus Garvey
Marcus is assigned to the Ethiopian Red Cross Society for disaster preparation and response 30 days out of the year. He completed 36 hours of basic aid training in Addis Ababa before working in the field.
The typical approach to portable power is a gasoline or diesel generator. Petroleum fuels have unparalleled energy potential—or energy stored within their chemical composition—but the release of Carbon Monoxide and greenhouse gases means a new fuel must be adopted.
We also need to identify the devices our users will be powering. Thee devices—a patient monitor, defibrillator, and a surgical lamp— were identified as the most critical for disaster relief. Their combined energy profile, calculated by averaging the energy usage of popular models of the respective device, rages from 5 to 13 amps at 120 volts.
Photo Copyright 2016 Toyota Motor Corporation, Shell Oil Company.
Hydrogen
An attractive fuel source due to its marginal environmental impacts and increasing efficiency. Consumers are amenable to filling their vehicles with Methanol, and replacing petroleum infrastructures with cheep Hydrogen systems.
Solar
Solar energy has seen a sharp rise in consumer interest and market share since Elon Musk founded SolarCity—a solar company that leases solar panels to consumers. Refinements in manufacturing and software have managed to elevate solar panels out of labs and into reality.
Kinetic
Kinetic generators are an effective means for powering a flashlight or a radio, but has limited applications due to the intense effort required by the user. In disaster situations, all available energy, whether chemical, physical, or electrical, must be used sparingly.
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Our initial concept, which explored a modular design where modules are stacked ontop of eachother. Prior to having a supplier for the fuel cell components, we made few assumptions of what would or would not be possible—from a technological standpoint.
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A 3D printed human factors model, demonstrating a small Hydrogen tank and the quick connect port on a fuel cell. Out designs for the fuel cells and tanks were based on samples and data sheets we received from Horizon Fuell Cell Technologies.
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This is the initial concept drawing that sparked our final prototype.
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With a clear understanding of the hardware we were working with, we constructed a rough HF foamcore model.
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After further interface and form refinements, Stephanie (far left) began assembling a refined HF model. This iteration has handles on both sides, as demonstrated by Stephanie and Kayla (far right). To simulate the projected weight of the device and how it behaved, we filled the model with sandbags and water bottles.
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The refined HF model with a basic paint job.
TSA & FAA-Compliant
Cura is fully compliant with US and global flight regulations for checked luggage. The double-insulated Methanol tanks, hazardous contents labels on the travel cover, and weight-saving materials enable Cura to be stowed as checked luggage on commercial airlines. With a locking handle and durable multi-terrain wheels, Cura can be toted just like a wheeled suitcase.
Antimicrobial Protection
All surfaces—including the touch screen and modular components—are coated with Sharklet film: a thin layer of textured plastic that prevents bacterial colonies and mold spores from developing. The technology is an example of biomimicry, as the textured surface is derived from shark skin! It requires zero maintenance, and is FDA compliant.
Modular Fuel System
Cura's modular Methanol fuel tank is designed to slide in and out of a quick-connect port without tools. Once depleted, tanks can be refilled by the end-user, or exchanged for fresh ones stocked at HQ.
All The Power
Cura's two fuel cells are powered by an ARM-based computer, just like the one you're using right now. With real-time demand management software, both cells can generate 5,800 Watts—enough to power three 15 Amp devices for 14 hours. Notice the plugs? Cura's computer automatically detects the voltage and frequency of connected devices, so equipment from around the world can be used all at once.
All Digital
Primary/Secondary Research, Plywood, Foamcore, 3D Printing
Andrew Balboni, Stephanie Saucier, Kayla Rakower
Dan Harel, Senior ID Studio 1, RIT
September - December 2015
Primary/Secondary Research, Plywood, Foamcore, 3D Printing
Andrew Balboni, Stephanie Saucier, Kayla Rakower
Dan Harel, Senior ID Studio 1, RIT
September - December 2015
