West Virginia University Renewable Resources of St. Paul Minnesota Analysis I am attaching the tech report in this Please read it and the bulleted listed I

West Virginia University Renewable Resources of St. Paul Minnesota Analysis I am attaching the tech report in this Please read it and the bulleted listed I made for you before writing the abstract.the aim is 1/2 pageread the technical report so you can understand everything let me know The Analysis of Renewable Resources of
St. Paul Minnesota
Team 13
Authors
Abualsaud, Haider
Aldhemeer, Saleh
Cartmel, Eva
Cek, Grace
Submitted To
Kristin Brewster
Engineering 101
Freshman Engineering
Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
December 1, 2019
Signatures: By signing this, we agree that we have not received any unauthorized
assistance on any aspect of this project. We have each read and edited this report.
Abualsaud, Haider: Was a part of the writing the following sections: Background,
Introduction
Aldhemeer, Saleh: Was a part of the writing the following sections: Background,
Problem Statement
Cartmel, Eva: Was a part of the writing the following sections: Background
Cek, Grace: Was a part of the writing the following sections: Background, Methods and
Materials, Results, Introduction
Abstract
•
What was the objective of the project?
o Provide renewable energy for 200 households in St. Paul
o Wanted to generate it efficiently (small energy losses and low overall costs)
o Fulfilled objective by using a 2 MW turbine capable of generating power for
1000 households.
o Turbine cost was expensive by other factors were taken into consideration to
lower it.
▪
For example, selling access power to Illinois Power in exchange for
maintenance.
•
How was it done?
o Investigated different forms of renewable energy
o Analyzed the climate for St. Paul (wind speed, elevation, sunny days, etc.)
o Determined the turbine would generate the most power outside of St. Paul in
Jackson County.
•
What was the conclusion?
o Fulfilled objective by using a 2 MW turbine and transporting the energy back to
St. Paul. Found the best source of renewable energy for the given climate.
•
Aim for about ½ a page
Table of Contents
Abstract ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. i
List of Figures …………………………………………………………………………………………………… iii
1
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1
1.1
Problem Statement ……………………………………………………………………………….. 1
1.2
Background ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
1.2.1
Wind Energy …………………………………………………………………………………… 1
1.2.2
Solar Energy …………………………………………………………………………………… 1
1.2.3
Geothermal Energy …………………………………………………………………………. 1
1.2.4
Hydro Energy………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
1.2.5
Background Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………. 1
2
Methods and Materials ………………………………………………………………………………… 2
3
Results ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
4
Discussion …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
5
Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
5.1
Future Work …………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
6
References ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
7
Appendix ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
iii
1
Introduction
As the world’s population continues to grow, the demand for energy has
increased drastically. The world as a whole has relied heavily upon nonrenewable
resources such as coal and natural gas. These energy sources have proven to be
reliable in terms of meeting energy demands, but they will not be able to supply the
need for more power. Renewable resources are needed to fill the growing energy need
and prevent the effects of global warming from spreading. Renewable energy often
appears as a better and healthier alternative to nonrenewable, yet it is not ideal in all
locations.
St. Paul Minnesota, for example, has a cold climate with harsh winters.
Incorporating renewable energy sources has proven to be a challenge. The objective of
this report was to find a source that would be inexpensive to the residents and efficient
as well as reliable in generating large amounts of power. By utilizing renewable energy,
the town will not only maintain a healthy environment but will improve the living
standards by reducing imports and creating job opportunities for the local population.
1.1
Problem Statement
The problem this study sought to address was the identification of potential
renewable energy sources to create a system that will provide enough electrical power
for a town of 200 households. The population of the world continues to grow, and
current energy resources are insufficient in meeting the requirements of increasing
population in the long term. Researchers and infrastructure designers must look toward
the integration of sustainable energy sources as fossil fuels will eventually run out. One
of the easiest ways to identify the best course of action is to try a small-scale approach,
in order to confirm that it works, before scaling up.
The problem of identifying the best renewable energy source are twofold. First,
the power requirements of the population need to be met. Second, reliability on a daily
and yearly basis mut be considered. There are many different sustainable energy
options, however, including solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. Researchers
analyze weather data, regional factors, and available potential energy sources to ensure
that the most appropriate option is chosen, while keeping the community’s needs for
reliable energy in mind.
1.2
Background
1.2.1
Wind Energy
At least one full year weather data is needed to determine whether or not wind
energy is suitable for a particular location (Nikolić, Vlastimir, et al pg.264). High wind
speed and consistent wind direction indicate the location is a viable and the high wind
turbine costs can be justified (Zhang et. al). Low wind speed and unpredictable wind
direction means the location would not produce enough energy to justify the expensive
wind turbines and the turbines would not consistently produce electricity (Nikolić,
Vlastimir, et al pg.264). High wind speeds and with unpredictable directions can still be
harnessed effectively, either with turbines at various angles or special turbines that are
able to capture wind coming in different directions (Nikolić, Vlastimir, et al pg.258).
Although new types of wind turbines are always in production, there are two main
types of turbines in use today: the horizontal axis and the vertical axis (Wind Explained:
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Types of Wind Turbines). The horizontal axis turbines are giant, modernized windmills.
The vertical axis windmills look a bit like giant eggbeaters (Wind Explained: Types of
Wind Turbines). The vertical type can capture wind from nearly every direction, and they
are quieter than horizontal windmills, making them ideal for cities (Wind Explained:
Types of Wind Turbines). However, they are not nearly as effective as horizontal axis
turbines and, as a result, are less used than their horizontal counterpart (Wind
Explained: Types of Wind Turbines).
The technologies for aeroelasticity and aerodynamics have reached maximum
performance limits (Nikolić et al., 2016). However, requirements for the structural
stability needed for larger blades remain a challenge (Nikolić, Vlastimir, et al pg.258).
The available options provide comprised expectations of architectural designs and
optimal aeroelastic performances.
Like other renewable energy forms, wind energy has its pros and cons. Similar to
solar energy, which depends on the shining of the sun, wind energy entirely depends on
the strength of blowing wind, which allows it to be sustainable. All these are natural
sources that will be in existence even in the next coming hundreds of years (Liang, WeiChih, and Le-Ren Chang-Chien 62). Wind energy also generates negligible greenhouse
gas emissions like many renewable energy sources. The main con from wind energy is
it is very location dependent. In order to use resources efficiently, wind turbines can only
be placed in specific areas of the world.
In order to for a wind turbine to be constructed and put into use, there are several
requirements. The biggest hurdle is capital, wind turbines are expensive, one can cost 3
million dollars, and that does not consider maintenance costs (“How Much Do Wind
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Turbines Cost?”). As a result, those purchasing or setting up wind farms want to be sure
they will make their money back. The second hurdle is location. The obvious part of
location is wind speed, and while that is a major factor, there are other major and
unobvious considerations. For instance, it is important to have road access for
maintenance and installation of the turbine (“10 Steps to Building a Wind Farm”). If a
road is not already in place, then one will need to be constructed. There also needs to
be a power grid or line available for wind turbine to supply power to (“10 Steps to
Building a Wind Farm”). Wind turbines need to be in the open or on a ridge, there
cannot be any surrounding obstacles that could restrict wind flow (“10 Steps to Building
a Wind Farm”). Finally, zoning laws need to be considered (“10 Steps to Building a
Wind Farm”). Wind turbines can make noise and make them unfit for a residential area
and an eyesore.
1.2.2
Solar Energy
Solar energy is generated by harnessing the energy from the sun’s rays. The energy
comes from inside the sun, where a fusion process takes place. Hydrogen atoms crash
into each other, helium atoms form, and a large amounts of energy are released (“Solar
Energy”). This energy can be harnessed and transformed into useable forms. Solar
energy is the most readily available energy source in the world (Marsh). Every second,
the sun fuses an average of 620 million metric tons of hydrogen and emits enormous
amounts of energy in the form of particles and waves (“Solar Energy”).
Weather systems and methods of electricity production are directly related to
how the Earth reacts to the enormous amount of energy emitted by the sun (Marsh).
Thirty percent of the sun’s rays are reflected back into space. The majority is absorbed
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and contribute to the greenhouse effect. The sun warms the Earth, allowing it to sustain
life. The sun also provides resources consumed every day. Plants need sunlight to
properly perform photosynthesis and produce useable forms of energy for consumption
(“Solar Energy”). Fossil fuels are generated through heat, provided by the sun, and
pressure. Theoretically, there is enough solar energy hitting the Earth’s surface every
hour to satisfy the Earth’s energy need for almost an entire year (Marsh).
The sun releases energy in the form of photons which are commonly collected
through the use of photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic cells, commonly referred to as solar
panels, are constructed out of silicon. Silicon has a positive and negative side allowing
for the transfer of electricity (Murmson). Photovoltaic cells are commonly arranged in
rows to collect more sunlight than a single cell. After energy is collected, it is changed to
a useable form via inverters and transformers. When it is initially collected, solar energy
is in direct current which is not ideal for the electrical grid. Inverters change the direct
current to alternating current. From there, transformers are utilized to modify the amount
of electrical power supplied to different systems to create a balance and avoid power
surges (Murmson).
Solar energy has the capability to power the globe, but that is not a reality due to
multiple disadvantages. The initial cost of purchasing photovoltaic cells, an inverter, and
other components is expensive. Buyers typically do not see direct economic pay backs
until at least twenty years after buying the equipment (“Pros and Cons of Solar
Energy”). Additionally, the system takes up a vast amount of space which could be used
for food production, housing complexes, or scenery. Solar energy is also heavily
dependent upon weather and climate. People living in sunny desert climates will benefit
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more from solar power than a people living in cold and stormy regions (“Pros and Cons
of Solar Energy”). The imbalance and inconsistency of solar energy makes it less
reliable. However, it is a clean source of energy that is able to satisfy energy needs
under ideal conditions.
On the other hand, solar energy provides multiple benefits to combat its
disadvantages. It allows for independence from foreign nations for power and lowers
utility bills (Sepco). Furthermore, the equipment is reliable, requiring little upkeep once
set up.
In the end, solar energy is a reliable and renewable energy source that will
always be readily available. It can satisfy the world’s energy demand and it is becoming
more efficient (Sepco). On the downside it is expensive, takes up space, and only
functions at full capacity in certain regions.
1.2.3
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is energy that is derived from the earth’s crust. The distance
from the surface of the earth to its center is about 400 miles (Ryan). The core is
approximately 5000 degrees Celsius (Ryan). The heat was trapped when the big bang
occurred and rapid cooling trapped heat inside. Then, the heat was sustained by the
high pressure. The heat from the core is conducted outwards, to the mantle (Leardini
and Falcon pp. 507-526). The rock is hot enough that it melts and forms magma, which
can reach the surface through cracks and faults in the earth’s crust (Ryan).
Rainwater can seep through these fault lines to reach the mantle (Ryan). The
water becomes superheated and returns to the surface as hot springs or geysers
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(Ryan). However, the water can become trapped on the way up and form a geothermal
reservoir, which can be used to produce electricity (Ryan).
Wells can be drilled to the reservoir and turbines installed to use the steam to
produce electricity (Ryan). Many areas have harnessed geothermal power, like Olkaria,
Kenya and Iceland, and rely on geothermal energy for a significant amount of their
nation’s power (Ryan).
Geothermal energy provides areas several benefits. First, the energy is clean.
That is, there are no harmful emissions that could damage the environment or people’s
health, either short term or long term. It is also renewable. There will always be water
trickling down to the core and the steam used in geothermal plants can be used
efficiently so that there is little loss. (Gesell et al. pp 328-397).
Geothermal energy is also versatile. It can be used as a hot water source for
homes, businesses, and recreational areas such as hot springs, pools, and spas. Hot
springs, geysers, and other natural phenomena related to geothermal energy can
become a tourist attraction and bring revenue to the area. Overall, Geothermal has few
cons aside from its dependence on location.
1.2.4
Hydro Energy
Hydroelectricity is electricity produced by the falling of water. This can be used in
many shapes and forms, but there is a general system that is used on various scales.
The water is channeled, or an existing channel is used to turn a turbine (Hydroelectric
Power: How it Works). The turbine is connected to a generator, which typically uses the
rotation of magnets around a conductor to generate electricity (Hydroelectric Power:
iii
How it Works). This electricity is then conducted to power lines where it provides energy
to homes and businesses (Hydroelectric Power: How it Works).
This can be employed in several forms, but there are three main forms. The first
form is the most obvious, the dam. The dam has a sluice gate, which can control the
flow of water that powers the turbine (Types of Hydropower Plants). This allows a dam
to be able to respond to the electricity demand within seconds (Benefits of Hydropower).
A dam’s lifespan is 50-100 years, and this can be extended with proper maintenance
and equipment upgrades (Renewable Energy Essentials: Hydropower). The second
form is the battery pump around (Types of Hydropower Plants). This is used in areas
where there is less water and in support of other renewable energy. The water flows
downhill, powers the turbine, and collects in a pool (Types of Hydropower Plants). When
less power is needed by the community, extra power is used to pump water from the
pool back to the top (Types of Hydropower Plants). Alternatively, the power for the
pump can be supplied by solar or wind power (Hydroelectric Power: How it Works). For
instance, wind power generation is often highest at night (Hydroelectric Power: How it
Works). A pump around can store this energy for use the next day (Types of
Hydropower Plants).
While dams have several advantages, there are disadvantages. The main
disadvantage is the displaced people and ecosystems upstream. There is often rich soil
by rivers, which attracts farmers and towns form. When a dam is built, the entire area is
submerged, and people need to move. The third form can be set up by using existing
mini waterfall or redirecting the water down a channel (Hydroelectricity). There are other
set ups, but these are the most common. This form can be used by single households
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who want to live off-grid or try to save money on electricity (Hydroelectricity).
Alternatively, this form is used in rural area where electricity from a plant is not currently
possible.
Hydropower comes with its pros and cons. It currently generates the most energy
compared to other renewable energy sources and is used in several nations worldwide
(“Renewable Energy Essentials: Hydropower”). It can respond to sudden increases in
energy demand in seconds, unlike solar and wind energy. Additionally, it is safe and
clean compared to nuclear and fossil fuel energy (“Hydroelectric Energy Pros and
Cons”). However, the initial construction of dam or other set up is expensive
(“Hydroelectric Energy Pros and Cons”). The pro is that operating costs are low once
the structure is built (“Hydroelectric Energy Pros and Cons”). Additionally, as shown in
California, droughts can affect the available water and reduce waterflow. Finally,
hydropower will never be able to provide the majority of the electricity the world needs.
There just are not enough locations that a dam or other set up can be constructed
(“Hydroelectric Energy Pros and Cons”). While hydropower can play a huge role locally,
other options must still be explored for areas where hydropower is not geographically
possible.
1.2.5
Background Conclusion
Each source of renewable energy is unique and ideal for different locations around
the world. There are some locations that could be ideal for all the sources and some
locations that may not be ideal for any. However, as technology advances and people are
forced to adapt, renewable energy will be made to work and there will be innovations as
it becomes more common.
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2
Methods and Materials—Disproving is guys
A year of data from St. Paul’s airport was provided to analyze and determine
which renewable energy was the most suitable for the area. By analyzing the
temperature, soil temperature, and other data on the river, it was determined that solar,
geothermal, and hydroelectric energy…
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