The proposal is a written description of a problem affecting society, and a realistic and innovative solution capable of solving it. In groups of four to five members, describe a solution in a way that justifies the costs of producing it. Whatever the situation either a local problem or a global crisis, be persuasive in your solution. Each group will be divided based on discipline and interest in the solutions presented. Follow APA format and use credible sources for your sources, evidence, and budget. Because of each situation’s originality, some statistics and or resources may not be available. Everything is relative, what makes sense in these scenarios, use your best judgment and divide the work accordingly.
Air Drones Project Proposal
to Combat Smog in Los Angeles
Clensair: Nelson Cheng, Luis Cortazar, Josmar Mateo, Enrique Pimentel,
Abstract
The project proposal will discuss an air drone innovation that will provide a solution to an ongoing pollution issue in Los Angeles. The paper will discuss the situation that the solution solves, which incorporates the causes and effects of smog. The proposed innovation will be explained in terms of technical specifications and how it works, as well as the different division teams who will work on the innovation. A detailed breakdown of the budget for the project and the cost of the innovation will also be discussed.
Air Drones Project Proposal
to Combat Smog in Los Angeles
Introduction
Millions of Americans suffer from the effects of air pollution in urban cities. The leading problem is smog, a fog/ haze combined with smoke and other atmospheric pollutants. Thanks to the Clean Air Act of 1970, the government has managed to control and regulate the air quality in this country for almost fifty years. Despite this and the many advancements in science and technology since then, many urbanites still suffer the inhumane conditions in the air. The resulting effects are hospitalizations and medical expenses that cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. The best course of action is to introduce a new air pollution control system, one capable in paying for itself by increasing the quality of the air we breathe and keeping everyone healthy, especially the children and elderly (who are most affected).
Current Situation
Smog is a form of air pollution that has a negative effect on our lungs, it is particularly harmful to very young children and people with asthma, (Conserve Energy Future). It contains a pollutant called ozone, where smog is common in big cities, as it is a mixture of different types of emissions like car pollutants and open burnings, (Health Line). Areas that are affected by smog have reduced visibility and make it difficult for the people in the area to breathe. Moreover, smog affects plants and animals in that it stops their growth and eventually kills them. Smog in Los Angeles has become an ongoing problem for the Californians and their environment and is one of the smoggiest cities in the U.S., (CBS News).
Image 1: Avoidable deaths due to Smog
Even though there have been many vehicle emission rules and clean-fuel standards placed, Los Angeles continues to suffer from worsening smog, (LA Times). The problem is caused by the hotter temperatures and weather patterns which trap pollution near the surface of the Earth. In a recent year, only four days in June of 2014 had healthy air for the city of Los Angeles, which led to a 5% increase in emergency room admissions for the Dignity Health Community Hospital, (LA Times). If smog continues to worsen in Los Angeles, hospitals may see drastic increases in admissions and the health of the inhabitants will continue to deteriorate.
Image 2: Number of bad air days in Southern California 1990-2017
Plan of Action
Our plan to solve this situation is Clensair, a code name for a fleet of drones equipped with air filters designed to remove the impurities in the skies. A fleet is expected to consist of 15 filter drones and a mother drone, to serve both as a manual override for the drones’ charging station and for impurity collection. Because of safety reasons, each drone will be tracked and equipped with sensors to prevent colliding with one another, birds, or planes. The use of sensors has also been used to detect CO2 levels near active volcanoes, this technology can also be adapted into our drones. The dangerous Smog forms with the ozone found in the Troposphere. (EPA)This means our drones will have to withstand altitudes of 30,000 to 50,000 feet. In addition, they must be able to withstand such conditions, most hobbyist drones can only reach 11,000 feet. However, certain government drones have been tested and proven to reach and operate at these levels, such as the B. 4. 1. 2. Altair. (NASA).
Image 3: Drone inspiration- NASA B.4.1.2. Altair
Consumer drones can only fly for about 10 to 30 minutes; the drones we intend to build will have the capability of remaining in the air for a minimum of an hour to get the task done as efficiently as possible. The fuel supply will either have to be a powerful battery or biofuel; in either case, the point is to not create more emissions. This operation will be operated by a team of roboticists and sanitation engineers to maintain control of the drone fleet(s) as well as the mother drone. For air safety, an air traffic controller will oversee the flight paths of the drones to make sure they do not cause problems for anyone.
Example Models
Concept Art from Yanko Design
Image 4: Yanko Design’s concept of filter drones
Concept Art, Original Design Model 1 Air filter Drone
Image 6: Clensair Drone AFD-M1
Image 5: Sketch of Clensair Drone
Work Schedule
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Month1 |
Month2 |
Month3 |
Month4 |
Month5 |
Month6 |
Month7 |
Month8 |
Month9 |
Task 1 |
Identify the Problem |
Month 1 |
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Task 2 |
Identify a Solution |
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Month 2 |
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Task 3 |
Sketch Idea |
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Task 4 |
Review of Los Angeles and Smog |
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Month 3 |
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Task 5 |
Review of Drones |
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Month 2 |
Month 3 |
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Task 6 |
Review of Air Filters |
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Task 7 |
Prototype of Air Filter Drones |
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Month 5 |
Month 6 |
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Task 8 |
Beta Testing in a Controlled Situation |
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Month 6 |
Month 7 |
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Task 9 |
Beta Testing in Los Angeles with 1 Drone |
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Month 7 |
Month 8 |
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Task 10 |
Beta Testing in Los Angeles with All Drones |
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Month 8 |
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Task 11 |
Full Launch of the Air Filter Drones |
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Month 9 |
