Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/297333
Faces of Technology student :KHQPRVWSHRSOHÁLSRQDOLJKWVZLWFKWKH\ don't necessarily understand the mechanics of how electricity is generated to power WKHOLJKWWKH\MXVWNQRZLW·VHDVLHUWRVHH Undergraduate student Brandon Ealy not only understands the mechanics, he's working at the University of Central Florida's (UCF) Center for Advanced Turbines and Energy Research to develop new and better ways to generate that power. "It's pretty exciting that what we're doing now will impact society in the future," said Ealy. Along with primary investigator, Jay Kapat, Ph.D., Ealy is researching gas turbine combustion responsible for generating electricity. Gas turbines – similar to those in commercial jets – compress air, mix it with fuel and burn the mixture in a combustion system, which sends high-pressure gas through a turbine, which in turn spins an electric generator. Sponsored by Siemens Energy with matching funds from the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, Ealy's research looks at ways of improving the design of individual turbine blades. Perfecting the blades' design and minimizing the amount of pressure lost in WKHFRPEXVWRUFDQUHVXOWLQDPRUHHIÀFLHQW machine. "We will generate more power with less fuel and hopefully fewer emissions as well." Reducing emissions, he says, is the biggest driver for research today. He always knew he wanted to be an engineer, and now, thanks to his current research Ealy's future career path is more GHÀQHG´,QHYHUWKRXJKW,·GEHGRLQJWKLV kind of research as an undergrad at UCF," said Ealy. "After this experience, I want to continue working in the power generation industry." Pursuing Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering | University of Central Florida Faculty Advisor: Jayanta Kapat, Ph.D., Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Corridor Matching Grants Research Program project conducted with: Siemens Energy His participation in UCF's EXCEL program was the catalyst for Ealy's involvement in this research project. The EXCEL program fosters success by encouraging students to pursue undergraduate research opportunities. "I'd recommend the EXCEL program to other students," said Ealy. "It's cool to see my research directly applied to the latest design, rather than working in theoreticals. It's great to see how our research has an impact on the PDUNHWSODFHDV6LHPHQVZRUNVWRZDUGWKHPRVWHIÀFLHQWPDFKLQHµ Powering the Future Brandon Ealy florida.HIGH.TECH 2014 PLAY