Development Engineer, Solar/Hybrid Storage Systems
Note: We have been reviewed by the College of Engineering Internship Coordinator and have been approved for the StepUp and StartUp Program. Only students who have been registered for the StepUp & StartUp Internship (SUSU IP) can apply for this position. If you have questions about your eligibility don't hesitate to get in touch with Alejandro Chacon, College of Engineering Internship Coordinator, at 702-895-1892 or Alejandro.chaco@unlv.edu.
The Vision: To be the world's provider of air conditioning run by the sun.
Status: We started in the fall of 2021, and now have happy clients, a warehouse, EnergyStar rating (in 2 weeks), and app (see 'Airspool' on iOS/Android), a following, and momentum.
Internship Description
We currently offer Airspool units which can run on DC (pure solar power), AC (pure grid power), or a combination of both. For the latter, which effectively blends solar power (from 80v to 380v DC) and alternating current from the grid or from an inverter (110v to 240v AC), there are some complex electronics involved. We need someone to enhance our current battery storage to allow the battery power to either flow back to the Airspool unit or into an inverter. We also need someone to examine the current way this is being managed, and design, or advise on what would be needed to design, a more-universal system which could be used in any rooftop or split system from .75 to 5 tons. This upgrade would thus use the existing ‘infrastructure’ of the system (e.g., the duct word; the coils; the box), but upgrade its compressor and fan motors to be brushless DC and inverter compressor such that previously-installed air conditioning systems or heat pumps would be upgraded to run as solar hybrid. The benefits to this of course would be enormous. Existing, inefficient units could become better than they were when they rolled out of the factory at a fraction of the cost of a new installation.
Additionally, we need someone to configure an Internet-of-things app which may piggyback off any open-source control system, but is not contractually tied into one platform. Currently, we use the Tuya platform, and it’s effective, but we cannot link all of our users together, for instance, and, since it originates in China, it may be banned (ala TikTok) at some point, so that’s a scary proposition. Also, there are aspects to the current platform which are too generic and inaccurate for us. See ‘Airspool’ at Google Play or in the Apple app store.
Finally, we want to start researching this technology for larger variable refrigerant flow systems which have multiple inside units hooked up to on outside unit.
Learning Objectives
- Develop your skills in printed circuit board design based on analysis of our current system. Learn how to combine DC solar power, DC battery power, and alternating current to run the air conditioner, always running using first, and alternating current to fill in when it's a bit cloudy (so, partly using DC at these times, and partly using AC), and nighttime (all AC).
- Learn IOT Pull data from the unit to display it first on an app and later on the web. Develop an app to allow users to opt in to share their unit's efficiency as part of a community. Data will also help us know how systems perform in different parts of the U.S., and later the world.
- Analyze how off-the-shelf DC motors (for blower and condenser fan) and inverter compressor can be used with our control software to convert any standard air conditioner into a solar unit, so instead of scrapping these older units, they become bionic.
There's a long runway for solar air conditioning. What interests you? If it's a good fit, let's pursue it.
Requirements
- Adaptive and self-driven to communicate well and respond well in a start-up environment.
- Good PCB/microprocessor/IC hands-on experience and interest.
- IOT/sensor input/actuator output hands-on experience and interest.
- App development skills a plus
- A belief in what we're pursuing and why it's important.
Hours: 40 hours/week. Flexible on how, when, and where you want to work. Some work will happen at 611 N. Main St., Las Vegas, NV 89101.
How to apply: Via Handshake or email dave@airspool.com on why you're a great fit. Be specific in your cover letter as to how your abilities or desires toward learning match Airspool's needs.