College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 4
College of Engineering
Department - Author 4
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 4
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Date
6-2023
Primary Advisor
Eileen Rossman, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
The goal of this project is to develop and deploy a water-cooling system to reduce the danger of heat exhaustion among communities of farmworkers. Currently, it is difficult to keep chilled water available throughout the workday when using portable water coolers. The idea uses a refrigeration system to chill the water supply by using the power take-off (PTO) on farm equipment and a corresponding generator to get around this restriction.
The project places a strong premium on keeping the chilled water supply at a maximum temperature of 59°F to ensure compliance with the California Department of Industrial Relations' requirements. Each employee needs one liter of water each hour, hence the system is made to accommodate a team of up to 20 people.
From this project, we were able to successfully build a large water cooler meeting all the engineering specifications with easy use for farmworkers. The findings of the project revealed that the water-cooling system successfully maintained the chilled water supply at a maximum temperature of 59°F as per regulatory guidelines. The system was able to meet the water requirements of a crew of up to 20 workers, with each worker consuming one liter of water per hour. The use of standard, pre-filtered five-gallon water jugs allowed for quick and convenient refilling.
The significance of these findings lies in the potential to mitigate the risks of heat stress faced by farmworkers. By providing continuous access to chilled water during work hours, the water-cooling system can help prevent heat-related illnesses and improve the well-being and safety of farmworkers.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/717
Project Video
ME_S2023_F26_Poster.pdf (2677 kB)
Project Poster
ME_S2023_F26_SOW.pdf (1604 kB)
Scope of Work
ME_S2023_F26_PDR.pdf (4535 kB)
Preliminary Design Review
ME_S2023_F26_CDR.pdf (2150 kB)
Critical Design Review
ME_S2023_F26_Drawings.pdf (8370 kB)
Drawing Package