Riding the Crest of the Wave
Janet Hughes
Energy from Effluent
Haydn Luckman entered his Gold CREST project in the NIWA Auckland City Science and Technology Fair 2002, where it was selected for the National Science Fair. There Haydn carried off the Genesis Energy Premier Award in Technology, and a trip to London to attend theYouth International Science Forum. He was also guest exhibitor at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition en route.
His technological adventure began with an idea for reducing the cost of domestic water heating by utilising the heat that disappears down the shower drain with the wastewater. He wrote a proposal, and it became clear that he needed to extend his theoretical knowledge and practical skills before he could test his idea. He needed to learn the basics of heat transfer, computer modelling and prototype construction; and to this end his assessor suggested he needed the help of an engineer.
With Dr Joe Deans of the Auckland University School of Engineering as his consultant, Haydn gained access to the knowledge and tools he needed to pursue his vision – the project "took my understanding of theories learned at school to a higher level". The university allowed Haydn to use facilities such as the Thermodynamics Laboratory, where much of the testing phase of the project was carried out. He learnt to manage his time effectively and gained a practical understanding of design processes. CREST also developed his verbal and written presentation skills, bridging the gap between school and tertiary-level expectations.
The university experience was decisive in Haydn's choice of tertiary studies. As he explains it, "During this time I got to see a great deal of what goes on in the School of Engineering, and I liked what I saw!" His interest in physics and engineering was long-standing, and had been nurtured by a succession of school technology projects. Now it was confirmed in a practical way; and a "final push" took the form of a $1000 scholarship from the University of Auckland for his entry in the Auckland Science Fair. Haydn is now in his first year of a conjoint engineering/Commerce degree.
