Oct 4th-Green Engineering Exploratory- Passive Solar Project Introduction

Solar Power-Why doesn't everyone use solar?

What are the issues to consider?

What are types of solar energy other than photovoltaics?

Why doesn't everyone put solar panels on their houses, etc.?

Observations:

• Direct sunlight is much stronger than indirect sunlight/shade; angle makes a huge difference
• Location/direction matters- south-facing surfaces are the most effective
• Solar Panels
• Energy can be stored in batteries
• Most household devices use AC power; photovoltaic panels produce DC power- needs a power inverter to transform it to AC to feed into the power system- AC power more efficient to send over long distances, at high voltages

There are issues that come up with paying for solar power-

• Economics of solar
• Cost of solar panels has dropped
• Solar users are paying too much

Solar City,etc.-

• Cost of storage can be expensive.
• Block Island North Lighthouse-solar powered+ windpower; offshore sites more efficient for windpower

Is solar energy always "green"?

Mining lithium for batteries is an environmental issue, due to problems with water-jet mining.

Battery recycling not done enough.

• Elemental lithium is flammable and very reactive. In nature, lithium occurs in compounded forms such as lithium carbonate requiring chemical processing to be made usable.
• Lithium is typically found in salt flats in areas where water is scarce. The mining process of lithium uses large amounts of water. Therefore, on top of water contamination as a result of its use, depletion or transportation costs are issues to be dealt with. Depletion results in less available water for local populations, flora and fauna.
• Toxic chemicals are used for leaching purposes, chemicals requiring waste treatment. There are widespread concerns of improper handling and spills, like in other mining operations around the world.
• The recovery rate of lithium ion batteries, even in first world countries, is in the single digit percent range. Most batteries end up in landfill.
• In a 2013 report, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) points out that nickel and cobalt, both also used in the production of lithium ion batteries, represent significant additional environmental risks.

Videos:

Transitions in society can take years to make.

Near Joshua Tree National Monument- Energy Palen Solar Farm:

Challenge: Build a solar chimney:

Your task is to construct a solar chimney that will produce the most energy, but you need to play by the rules:

RULES:

1. Every team must submit a completed worksheet.
2. The chimney must be:
1. No taller than 6 feet
2. Fit inside a circle with a 3 foot radius
3. Be Free standing
4. Be portable
3. Your team is allowed to use any scrap items in the shop, including items from the prototype bins. The teacher will provide black paper and a single motor.
4. Your team is allowed to use 1 item that is not found in the shop( teams will have to plan and bring in the item). Teams are not required to use an outside item.

Steps:

1. The first class period is all about research. What already exists? How do they work? What are the key features that make it work? How do the existing chimneys inform you on materials that you will need?
2. Plan out what materials you will need. Include measurements and quantities.
3. Sketch your design to be detailed.
4. Collect your supplies and begin building. You have 4 class periods to build your chimney.