Overview
Many technologies from the past which did not rely on fossil fuels or electricity, such as wind-powered sails, passive cooling systems in buildings, and mechanical pumps, were replaced by fossil fuel-based innovations. Could these old-fashioned solutions be revitalized using modern materials, smart controls, and digital optimization to create greener, more efficient, and scalable solutions for today’s challenges?
Challenge
Select a traditional technology and re-engineer it for modern application. For example, you could explore high-tech sails or wings for ships to harness wind power, or how to integrate smart sensors and/or AI into passive cooling systems for buildings. Your solution should demonstrate how modern materials, digital integration, and innovative design can breathe new life into these traditional technologies.
Output ideas
Develop design mock-ups, prototypes, or a proposal outlining your approach, methodology, and potential impact. Create visual representations or simulations that demonstrate how your reimagined technology would function in real-world settings.
Resources
Shukla, P. C., Ghosh, K., Revival of the Modern Wing Sails for the Propulsion of Commercial Ships, International Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering, (2009) https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1327971
Bhamare, A., Rathod, M., Banerjee, J., Passive cooling techniques for building and their applicability in different climatic zones—The state of art. Energy and Buildings 198, pg 467-490 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2019.06.023
