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Alternative Energy Evaluation May06-16
Abstract
Proposed Approach

• System with alternative sources as primary and
  electric utility as backup
• Technologies Considered

In todays 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.
Introduction

• 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

Estimated Resources and Schedule
Personnel Efforts
Financial Resources

Other Resource Requirements None
Project Schedule
Project Requirements

• 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
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.

• End-product testing
• End-product documentation
• End-product demonstration
• Project reporting

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

Faculty Advisor Tom Baird
Client Dr. Lamont Prof. Patterson
Team members Steve Chebuhar (EE) Anhtuan Dinh
(EE) Ryan Ferneau (CprE) Justin Jorgensen (EE)
Website http//seniord.ece.iastate.edu/may0616/