In today’s world of ever-increasing energy prices and environmental concerns, alternative energy sources are constantly being researched. This project will examine several available alternative energy sources for rural areas. There are three primary areas of focus. The first is for a user who wants to use alternative energy as a primary source with electric utility as backup. The second case uses electric utility as the primary source with alternative sources used as backup. The third case involves using only alternative sources with no utility backup. The team will examine the viability and costs of several different energy sources including solar, wind, micro-turbines, hydro, biomass, and fuel cells. Emphasis will also be placed on the types of loads. This information will then be put into spreadsheet form and placed on a website. This website will serve as a first step for someone who is interested in utilizing alternative energy sources in addition to or as a replacement for electric utility. Faculty Advisor Tom Baird Design Objectives Provide costs for numerous different models of each alternative energy source Provide documentation of sources for all costs and technical specifications Functional Requirements Minimize cost and maintenance of system Design Constraints Some sources may not be usable in certain situations Measurable Milestones Problem definition Technology selection End-product design End-product prototype implementation Summary Alternative Energy Evaluation May06-16 System with alternative sources as primary and electric utility as backup: Technologies Considered Solar, wind, micro-turbines, hydro, biomass, fuel cells Various types of energy storage including batteries, hot water, compressed air Testing considerations Testing of viability of systems will be done by consulting the client and comparing the design to existing alternative energy systems Project Requirements Estimated Resources and Schedule General Problem Statement Increasing energy costs and environmental concerns create a need for alternative energy sources. Rural residents are best able to implement alternative energy sources due to having more space and less government regulation. General Problem Solution Determine energy needs of typical farmer or rural resident Analyze costs associated with each source Determine how practical each source is Analyze each of the three cases Organize data into spreadsheet form Operating Environment Data will be organized and presented on a website that can be viewed using Windows XP. Intended User A rural resident or farmer looking to supplement or eliminate electric utility. Intended Uses To provide information to a rural resident interested in alternative energy Assumptions User must have basic PC skills and internet access Six possible alternative energy sources will be considered Limitations Costs will be approximate for installation, maintenance, and fuel User will reside in Iowa Expected End Product Microsoft Excel spreadsheet detailing system cost Website containing spreadsheet and links for more information Introduction AbstractProposed Approach Personnel Efforts: Project Schedule: Other Resource Requirements: None Financial Resources: Client Dr. Lamont & Prof. Patterson Team members Steve Chebuhar (EE) Anhtuan Dinh (EE) Ryan Ferneau (CprE) Justin Jorgensen (EE) This project will examine the viability of various alternative energy sources for a rural resident. The user can combine alternative sources with electric utility or use alternative sources for all energy needs. Data containing prices and technical specifications will be presented in spreadsheet form on a website. The user will be able to easily determine which alternative sources would best meet their energy needs. Also included will be information related to how to interconnect with electric utility service. A wind turbine can be used as a primary energy source for a farm Solar panels are useful to generate electricity or heat water A diesel generator can be a primary source or backup Website: User Considerations Primary Solar WindFuel Cells Micro Hydro Bio gas Storage Compressed Air Thermal Battery User Backup Diesel Gen. Gas Turbine Utility Micro turbine End-product testing End-product documentation End-product demonstration Project reporting