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Team Members
- Chris Corey
- Josh Crowley
- John Fischer
- Tim Myers
- Neil Severson
- Kristine Thompson
Abstract
Renewable and efficient energy is a premier frontier for innovation in industry today. In particular, smart grid and smart power technologies provide digital, robust, and intelligent control of traditional power systems. Our project is inspired by an Engineers Without Borders project in Rwanda -- a school facility that will eventually utilize a solar panel array and need to utilize several different sources for its power needs. The need for scalable systems that can handle multiple sources is also increasing among wealthy nations as energy sources diversify from traditional power plants. In other parts of the world where grid power may not be cheap or reliable, these capabilities are just as useful.
Project Description
Our team proposes to implement a scalable model prototype for managing multiple power sources and power usage in a building. This design will include the ability to monitor load usage, and to use this information to intelligently decide how to control the various power sources, and how to manage energy storage in battery banks. In developing this project we plan to focus on efficiency and optimization through power and load profiling. Some primary functions and devices in the power management systems are:
- Multiple source inputs, AC/DC automatically switchable
- Output to loads of standard 120v 60Hz AC
- Smart PV array and regulation
- Battery storage bank
- Ability to power loads while charging batteries
- Prioritize loads for control (with manual override)
- Monitoring usage of loads and identifying peaks
- Intelligent response to peak load times for battery charging
- Real-time cost-benefit analysis of sources
- Predictive modeling of load usage
- Web interface for information analysis, remote monitoring, and user feedback
- Adaptive charging based on weather predictions and power profiling
This system will be implemented using simulated power sources, smart switching modules, dynamic power converters, as well as smart breaker boxes for load monitoring. Additionally we will use software to provide an intelligent interface for analysis and control of the system and its monitoring capabilities.