PSU's Laboratory for Magnetomechanical Energy Conversion and Control at Portland State University focuses on investigating novel magnetomechanical devices for energy conversion applications, in collaboration with energy startup FluxMagic, Inc. The mentor has two projects for interns to help design and test magnetically geared electrical machines: one focused on ocean renewable power generation, and one focused on air transportation.
Ocean Wave Energy Project
The oceans wave motion is very slow, and in order to generate electricity from the sea using small, low-cost wave generators, new methods for coupling the wave generators motion with the ocean are needed. This project will involve building and testing a small variable stiffness magnetic spring that can create both positive and negative stiffness. A normal mechanical spring used, for example, in cars and bicycle shock absorbers, has a fixed positive stiffness that cannot be changed. As you push down on the spring the force increases and pushes back. The force divided by the corresponding stroke length gives you the stiffness value. A negative stiffness spring is a spring that operates in reverse: the more you push down, the further it pushes away and not back. A negative stiffness spring is unstable when used by itself, but when combined within a wave energy generator, it can form a stable system and will allow the ocean wave generator to generate much more electricity through the resonance phenomenon. The summer intern will use existing parts to build and test a prototype demonstrator of a negative stiffness magnetic spring.
Maglev Drone Project
Maglev vehicles use magnetic fields to create lift, propulsion, and guidance forces. Maglev’s non-contact operation enables speeds in excess of 500 mi/hour to be attainable. In order for Maglev transportation to be low-cost the track material needs to be low-cost and passive (not electrified). Electrodynamic wheels offer this potential by creating lift, thrust and guidance forces through the rotation of magnetic wheels. By configuring the wheels in a dual configuration axial recentering forces are also created. This project will involve using 1” diameter single pole magnetic rotors to build and modify a table-top test maglev drone for demonstrating the electrodynamic wheel lift performance along and around an aluminum guideway test track. The maglev drone uses off-the shelf aircraft drone components such as outrunner motors and controllers. The maglev drone is controlled using an Arduino controller board.
These projects will involve working with the mentor, a Ph.D. student, an undergraduate student, and co-interns. The students will be provided with guidance throughout the project, but they must be willing to work in intern teams with minimal supervision. The necessary parts and equipment to work on this project are already in place at PSU. Interest in using a 3-D printer and familiarity with Arduino boards is beneficial.
PSU Disability Services
It is University policy to grant reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or to meet course requirements. Students with disabilities are encouraged to discuss their needs as soon as they receive acceptance of this ASE position. After acceptance, please also provide a letter of accommodations from PSU Disability Services (http://www.pdx.edu/drc/).
PSU Diversity Statement
Respect for cultural and human biological diversity are core concepts at PSU. Each voice has something of value to contribute to a discussion. The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department supports PSU’s commitment to diversity, and welcomes individuals of all ages, backgrounds, citizenship, disability, education, ethnicity, family status, gender, gender identity, geographical location, language, military experience, political views, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and work experience (See https://www.pdx.edu/sphr/diversity-statement).
We strongly encourage students to apply who are from one or more systemically and historically excluded group, including but not limited to, non-cis-gendered students, girls, BIPOC, first-generation college bound students, low-income/low-resourced students, students with disabilities, who are neurodivergent, and those who speak a primary language other than English.
This internship will be in-person as permitted by Federal/State/Local/PSU guidelines. To reduce the risks of coronavirus exposure, mentors and interns will act in accordance with applicable COVID guidelines and procedures. Selected applicants will be required to review and sign a waiver agreement.
If you have any questions about the application, website technical issues and/or this position description, please contact Saturday Academy at ase@saturdayacademy.org. Do not contact the mentor directly. Contacting the mentor directly is grounds for disqualification of your ASE application.
The student must be interested in magnets and interested in using 3-D printers. A willingness to learn or be able to use arduino programmable boards is a plus. Interested in building and working on magnetic prototype components. No experience needed but must have a strong motivation to self learn.