Technologie Centrum
Projects
Beam-up project
In the studentproject Energy from an unexpected quarter aims to produce electrical or mechanical energy from thermal radiation. There are the following parts in this project:
1) Cooling by radiation
2) Transport of residual heat to a central spot
3) Conversion of thermal energy into electrical or mechanical energy by means of a thermo-electrical generator
In this sustainable energy project we investigate new ways of energy harvesting and passive engergy transport. The goal is a thermal motor which works on 'cold' and to let sail a small boat in the canals of Amsterdam without fuel or a battery.
Bird tracking project
Our department developed a solar powered, light weight GPS tag with rechargeable batteries, a tri-axial accelerometer, two way data-communication to a ground station network, automated data processing and visualization in the Virtual Lab. Researchers from multiple organizations are working with this system to study migration, navigation, foraging strategies on land and at sea. The system will continue to develop fostering research needs of a diverse community.
Telescope project
The Anton Pannekoek Observatory of the FNWI has the largest optical telescope in the Netherlands for educational purposes. It's located on the roof of our institute. The technical department developed an automatically closing mirror shield, and assisted with installation of the soft- and hardware infrastructure.