Jacy Hanada was born and raised on the island of Maui where she graduated from Maui High School in 2022. She currently attends the University of Portland pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, Jacy plans to pursue a career that involves 3D modeling and design. In her free time, she enjoys art, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
Home Island: Maui, Hawai‘i
High School: Maui High School
Institution when accepted: University of Portland
Project Site: Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, Pukalani, Maui
Mentors: Brialyn Onodera & James Hoag
Project title: Recommending a Vibration Damping System for DKIST’s Chiller
Project Abstract:
The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) is the largest solar telescope in the world and thus operates under intense heat from the sun. To maintain the telescope and manage the heat load, the telescope has a primary cooling system composed of six chillers. However, due to vibrations, a pipe fitting on one of the chillers, CH-05, has loosened, causing a refrigerant leak, which decreases the efficiency of the chiller and poses health risks if exposed. To categorize the vibration output from the chiller, a PicoScope and an accelerometer are used to record and analyze vibration in MATLAB. Key points were initially determined by inspecting the chiller’s framework and piping. Multiple datasets were recorded under different conditions, which solidified the key points where vibration originates and contributes. Vibration data was collected from the chiller across various modes, including on, off, compressor load, and offloading, to analyze vibrations in both static and operational conditions. Chiller CH-06 was also studied because it is identical to CH-05 with a different assembly, but it is not experiencing a leak. The same key points were measured on CH-06 to compare to CH-05 and determine if the assembly differences are causing the vibrations to loosen the fitting. The results of the analyses shall be used to recommend a vibration-damping system.