Problem 1.4.1 Renewable Electrical Energy Design (VEX)



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Problem 1.4.1 Renewable Electrical Energy Generation and Distribution

Introduction

|In today’s technology-driven society, consumers depend on effective and efficient electrical |[pic] |

|energy generation and distribution. Electrical energy generation is accomplished through the | |

|conversion of energy forms by the use of electromagnet induction or chemical processes. To | |

|provide reliable and cost-effective electrical energy to consumers, utility companies use and | |

|depend upon multiple methods of electrical energy generation. Current methods of electrical | |

|energy generation utilize resources such as fossil fuels, solar thermal energy, biomass, | |

|geothermal energy, nuclear energy, hydroelectric, wind, solar electric, fuel cells, and | |

|batteries. | |

| | |

|Consumer demand for reliable, usable, and low cost electrical energy drives utility company | |

|operations and profitability. Consumers require electrical energy in varying locations, times, | |

|and quantities depending upon application. Utility company operational considerations include | |

|customer-driven peak and off-peak energy demands and energy production process capability. | |

Equipment

VEX POE kit

2 Fuel cells

Distilled water

2 Solar panels

Multimeter

Solar and fuel cell connector wire

LEDs - 3mm red (represent residential consumers)

LEDs - 3mm amber/yellow (represent industrial consumers)

Solderless breadboard

Two 330 Ω resistors

Procedure

Your team will design and create a renewable electrical energy generating and distribution system that utilizes wind, solar electric, and fuel cell energy conversion systems. Successful system design will demonstrate strategic power generation and distribution to meet the demand of both residential and industrial consumers. System design effectiveness will be based on the total number of successfully supplied industrial and residential consumers during a simulated 24 hour electrical energy demand cycle.

Design Constraints

Simulated 24 hour electrical energy demand cycle – 1 hour is represented by 15 seconds

|24 Hour Electrical Energy Demand Scenario |

|Operational Time |Simulated Operational |Environmental Conditions |Residential Demand |Industrial Demand |

| |Duration | |(Red LED) |(Amber-Yellow LED) |

|7:00 PM – 6:00 AM |165 seconds |Wind and darkness |Minimal |Minimal |

| |(2min 45sec) | |(Lit LEDs x 1) |(Lit LEDs x .5) |

|6:00 AM – 4:00 PM |150 seconds |Wind and sunlight |Maximum |Minimal |

| |(2min 30sec) | |(Lit LEDs x 3) |(Lit LEDs x .5) |

|4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |45 seconds |Wind and sunlight |Maximum |Maximum |

| | | |(Lit LEDs x 4.5) |(Lit LEDs x 2) |

Allowable electrical energy generation devices

o (2) Solar cells (teacher-provided)

o (2) Fuel cells (teacher-provided)

o Turbine(s) (student-created)

The turbine (e.g. wind, tidal, or geothermal) operation will be simulated using a VEX 393 motor. The turbine can be simulated by using any size gear or wheel in the VEX kit, and turned using your hand. No cranks or further mechanical advantage should be attained to prevent damage to the motor or other VEX parts. More speed can be created by transferring motion from a bigger gear connected to a smaller gear attached to the VEX motor

System dimensions may not exceed 22 in. by 15 in. by 18 in. high.

LEDs must be wired in two individual banks – one representing industrial demand and the other representing residential demand.

LEDs within the banks must be wired in series and require a 330 Ω resistor.

Preliminary Investigation

Research LED specifications, including voltage, current, and resistance requirements.

|Consumer Group |LED Color |Voltage Requirement |Current Requirement |Resistance Requirement |

|Residential | | | | |

|Industrial | | | | |

Calculate testing scenario requirements. Test banks must be wired in series and must include a 330 Ω resistor.

|Residential LED Scenario Requirements |

|Number of LEDs |Voltage Requirement |Current Requirement |

|2 | | |

|3 | | |

|4 | | |

|5 | | |

|Industrial LED Scenario Requirements |

|Number of LEDs |Voltage Requirement |Current Requirement |

|2 | | |

|3 | | |

|4 | | |

|5 | | |

Research and test individual power generation devices. Important: Do not do a short circuit current test on the fuel cell. Refer to the Fuel Cell User Guide.

|Device |Voltage Output |Current Output |

| | | |

| | | |

| | | |

Calculate and test possible power generation device circuit configurations connected in series, parallel, and series-parallel. Consider all testing scenarios and device quantity limitations.

|Device Configurations |Voltage Output |Current Output |

| | | |

| | | |

| | | |

| | | |

| | | |

Documentation Deliverables (Written or multimedia format)

Title Page: Include the title of the project, a picture of the system and team members, team member names, course title, name of your school, and the date.

Research Summary: Summarize your research, including all information gathered during preliminary investigation. The research summary should be less than one page.

Design Brief: Include a description of the problem and all constraints.

Brainstorming Sketches: Include copies or originals of your team’s five brainstorming sketches.

Final Solution Sketch: Include copies or originals of the final design sketches.

Modification Sketches: Include copies or originals of all modification sketches.

Prototype: Include a description of the final solution, image(s), test data, and calculations.

Wiring Diagram: Include wiring diagram for power generation and distribution during each electrical energy demand cycle. Include sources, loads, switches, and other components as well as voltage, current, and resistance values.

References: Use APA format to list all sources that were used to complete this activity.

Conclusion

1. Explain the limitations of electrical energy production created exclusively by renewable energy sources.

2. Explain the relationship between demand, production, and profitability. Explain how consumer demand influences electrical energy production and distribution.

3. Explain the importance of efficiency related to electrical energy. [pic]

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