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Off-Grid Solar Power System Engineering Service Learning (Engr. 4692.01S) Zach Dombi, Vincent Mazzone Bradley “Scott” Valentine, Peter Worley 5/29/2014
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Presentation Topics 1.Project Details a.Background b.Objectives 2.Design a.Process b.Electrical c.Mechanical 3.Post-Trip Results a.Issues Encountered b.Objectives Achieved/Deliverables c.Sustainability and Ownership d.Cost Analysis 5.Conclusion 6.References and Acknowledgements
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Introduction RoleTeam MemberSpecialization Team LeaderZach DombiElectrical CommunicationPeter WorleyMechanical DocumentationScott ValentineElectrical FinancialVincent MazzoneChemical Team Members
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Background Information: Problem ●Model Home ○Stability ○Health ○Living Condition ●Residential Electricity ○Lights ○Cellphone ○Television ○Fans ○Refrigerator
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Background Information: Goal ●Vocational School Dorm ○Model home plus wings ○8 students ●Off-Grid Power ○Grid unreliable ○High rates ○Long term vision ●Wind Power Impractical
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Need ●Scope o Construct pilot off-grid solar system at local home o Power numerous appliances o 1 day autonomy ●Constraints o $1,400 budget o Local parts o Safety o Replicable design
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Objectives ●Deliverables o Functioning solar system o Information and maintenance packet o On-site testing Power levels Completed circuit o Economic Analysis Rate of return
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Design Process 1.Determine desired electrical devices 2.Determine energy demand 3.Size inverter - max wattage a.Max wattage 4.Determine insolation or sun-hours/day 5.Select solar panels a.15% inverter loss b.16% 20 year loss 6.Size batteries - 50% depth 7.Determine wire and circuit breakers
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Pre-Trip Electrical Design ●Panel 180 W ●Safety box ○Battery - 105 Ah ○Charge Controller - 15 A ○Inverter - 450 W ●Light bulbs with strings
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Pre-Trip Mechanical Design ●Pole mount ●Security bolts ●Concrete foundation
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In-Country Implementation ●La Bonanza ●Rural, impoverished community ●House does not have its own grid connection
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The House ●Living room, kitchen, bedroom ●2 lights, one outlet ●Unsafe
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Electrical Box ●Protection from environment ●Child safety ●Ventilation
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Mount Frame ●Scrap metal ●Welded ●Bolt panel to frame
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Mount Pole ●Two galvanized “canteletas” welded together ●Significantly cheaper than metal pole ○$40 vs. $100 ●13 feet ○4 feet in the ground ○9 feet above the ground The beams were laid on each other and welded along the seam every few feet on both sides.
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Foundation ●2 foot diameter by 4 feet deep hole ●Concrete with rebar ●Ingenious Dzwonczyk Collar
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Final Assembly
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Location of Electrical Components within Home
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Electrical Wiring ●Four Outlets ●Four Light fixtures ●One circuit
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General Wiring Diagram
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Issues Encountered ●The amount of cement needed ●Alignment of the bolt holes o Panel and mounting system ●Securing the wood platforms ●A short in the system o Grounding error ●The iron
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Objectives Achieved and Deliverables ●Six main objectives/goals ●Local parts versus low cost ●Maintenance manual and a day of education ●Under budget
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Sustainability and Ownership ●All major parts bought locally ●Minor parts can be purchased in country ●Aiding in the installation ●Education seminar
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Cost Analysis Total Cost: $1,177.23 ●$1053.80 in Honduras all major solar panel components and other miscellaneous items ●$123.43 in United States minor items (i.e. screws, outlets, fixtures) Install CostUtility Rate(monthly)Most Economical Grid Connection$143if < 150 kWh: free if > 150 kWh: $0.24/kWh X Solar System (180 W)$1,177if <30 kWh: free
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Economic Analysis ●If use > 200 kWh/month there is an economic case for solar ●WGM compound uses ~ 220 kWh/month ●WGM vocational school would use more Install Cost Energy Usage Monthly Bill Grid Connection$143200 kWh$48 Solar System (1 kW)$4,500200 kWh (provides) 0 Install CostSimple Pay-BackRate of Return Solar System (1 kW)$4,5007.8 years12.8%
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Non-Economic Analysis ●Grid power erratic (frequent power outages) ●Remote villages unable to be grid-tied o Islands o Hill/mountain sides
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Conclusion ●Achieved goals set by scope of work ●Objectives adjusted while in country to account for new information ●Easily replicable if funds are able to be generated ●Ownership established ●Viable for use in areas with no possibility of grid access in the foreseen future
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Acknowledgments ●Roger and Mariant ●Larry and Angie Overholt and WGM ●Engineering Education Innovation Center ●Solar Education and Outreach: Jason Mulligan ●Wiring Lab: Mike Lichtensteiger
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References 1. http://www.state.gov/e/eb/rls/othr/ics/2012/191162.htmhttp://www.state.gov/e/eb/rls/othr/ics/2012/191162.htm 2. https://www.worldcityweb.com/past-events/global-connections/7808-energy-forum-ways-to-cut-energy-costs-in-latin-americahttps://www.worldcityweb.com/past-events/global-connections/7808-energy-forum-ways-to-cut-energy-costs-in-latin-america 3. http://www.siliconsolar.com/off-grid-solar-systems.htmlhttp://www.siliconsolar.com/off-grid-solar-systems.html 4. http://tyconpower.com/products/images/world_insolation_map_04-1250x691%20%281%29.gifhttp://tyconpower.com/products/images/world_insolation_map_04-1250x691%20%281%29.gif
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