Oceanside Elevator

We are designing our own hydraulic elevator using ocean waves.
Grade 8

Problem

Main Question:

  • How can we work towards cleaner energy using hydraulics?

Method

  • Idea:
  • Design a building that includes a hydraulic elevator and other creative alternative energy sources.

             Questions to research:

  • Examples of hydraulic systems in architecture?
  • Are hydraulic systems a clean source of energy?
  • How common are hydraulic systems? 
  • Inspiration for our hydraulic elevator 
  • How do hydraulic systems work?

    Follow-up Questions:

  • How can we make our hydraulic elevator have a cleaner source of energy?
  • What are some pros and cons of hydraulic elevators?
  • How can we make our hydraulic elevator have a cleaner source of energy?

Follow up questions (based on school fair feedback):

  • Pros and cons of saltwater - Edwin
  • Non-corrosive material - Edwin 
  • Why saltwater/buoyancy - Celia 
  • Ways to limit damage/cons of saltwater - Celia 

Analysis

Our project analyzed the uses of environmentally friendly energy sources and uses for some of them in a building. we worked to design a hydraulic and solar based building including a hydraulic elevator and many clean energy sources. 

Conclusion

Our design could continue to be developed as new technologies are invented. This design could impact many buildings along the coastlines with energy efficiency across the world. This elevator design could also be used in many other buildings or structures near the ocean. In short we believe that if created this could have a significant effect on trying to make the Earth a greener planet.

 

Citations

Bibliography:

  • Singh, K. (2023, August 5). Hydraulic Bridge - Civil Engineering Portal. Civil Engineering Portal - Biggest Civil Engineering Information Sharing Website. https://www.engineeringcivil.com/hydraulic-bridge.html 
  • Rolling bridge. Architectuul. (n.d.). https://architectuul.com/architecture/rolling-bridge 
  • Yell. (2020, February 21). Famous structures that rely on hydraulic technology. HP Hydraulics. https://www.hphydraulics.co.uk/famous-structures-that-rely-on-hydraulic-technology/ 
  • Which type of lift is best for the home?. Platinum Elevators. (n.d.). https://platinumelevators.com.au/which-type-of-lift-is-best-for-the-home/ 
  • 16 types of hydraulic machines used in construction Sapphire Hydraulics. Sapphire Hydraulics. (2022, December 29). https://sapphirehydraulics.com/hydraulic-machines-construction/ 
  • What is a hydraulic system? definition, design, and components. Vector Solutions. (2023a, November 13). https://www.vectorsolutions.com/resources/blogs/what-is-a-hydraulic-system-definition-design-and-components/ 
  • Installations tips. Why are Hydraulic Elevators the Safest Option? (n.d.). https://www.home-elevator.net/info-why-are-hydraulic-elevators-the-safest-options.php# 
  • Kgay. (2023, August 17). Designing hydraulic systems on high-rise, large buildings. Consulting - Specifying Engineer. https://www.csemag.com/articles/designing-hydraulic-systems-on-high-rise-large-buildings/ 
  • Where are hydraulic systems found in everyday life?. Worlifts. (2023, February 2). https://www.worlifts.co.uk/expert-guides/where-are-hydraulic-systems-found-in-everyday-life/ 
  • Harris, T. (2023a, March 8). How elevators work. HowStuffWorks Science. https://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/elevator1.htm 
  • How do hydraulics work?. Hydroline. (2023, August 28). https://hydroline.fi/blogs/how-do-hydraulics-work/#:~: 
  • Cleanliness in Hydraulics. Hydroline. (2023a, August 28). https://hydroline.fi/blogs/cleanliness-in-hydraulics/ 
  • Hussey, R. (2023, May 11). Hydraulic elevators: Here’s how & where they work. Stanley Elevator. https://www.stanleyelevator.com/blog/hydraulic-elevators/ 
  • Importance of thermal balance for hydraulic elevators. Elevator World. (2022, January 5). https://elevatorworld.com/article/importance-of-thermal-balance-for-hydraulic-elevators/ 
  • kevin35199. (2021, September 6). Everything you need to know about hydraulic elevators. BramaleaElevator. https://bramaleaelevator.com/post/everything-need-know-hydraulic-elevators# 

Acknowledgement

Thank you to our family and friends for helping us stay motivated throughout the span of our project. Thank you to Allison, our mom, for keeping us on task and always working towards our final goal. Thank you to our cats May and Oli for emotional support when we needed a break and always being entertaining. Thank you to our teachers, Ms. Lai, Mrs. Roulston and any other helping hands along the way for teaching us about hydraulics and introducing us to science fair. Finnally, thank you to the judges at our school science fair who gave us lots of helpful feedback to improve our project overall. We truly appreciate your willingness to help us and we wouldn’t have made it this far without your help.