Assistance on science project: Hybrid renewable energy system

[hanahkoh]

Hello, I am currently a student in high school who is trying to design a hybrid renewable energy system incorporating solar, wind, and thermal energy. The main purpose of this project is to reduce the amount of environmental damage renewable energy sources deal and contribute to sustainable energy technology. The main part that I need help on would be the designing and building, I am not proficient in this field, so a person who is more knowledgeable would be great.

Some information:
Solar energy is utilized by basic monocrystalline solar panels.
Thermal energy is utilized by a parabolic solar cooker that turns a turbine with steam from the pressure cooker. (This is the main part I need help with)
Wind energy is utilized by cross axis wind turbines.

It would be great is anyone could provide any information, advice, or criticisms to this project. Thank you very much.

 

[rb1957]

"surely" as a high school project "no one" is expecting you to design the complete system. I think being able to sketch out the components of the system, like a flow chart, based on some idea. The idea you have (looks like using solar energy to create electricity). Now the confusion seems to creep in ... you mention "monocrystalline solar panels" ... if these are PV panels then they create electricity directly. But then you talk about a pressure cooker ... like the solar energy heats a fluid (not necessarily water, what property of the fluid do you think you want to emphasize ?) which turns a turbine to create electricity ... a more novel concept. Something similar has been put into practice in SoCal, using mirrors to concentrate the solar radiation (I could tell you, but I think it's better for you to find out things for yourself, or at least try to). This would lead you to some of the issues encountered and this I think is the point of the project ... to have an idea then to think about pros and cons and real world experience, and why you think your idea addresses some of these problems.

 

[hanahkoh]

"surely" as a high school project "no one" is expecting you to design the complete system. I think being able to sketch out the components of the system, like a flow chart, based on some idea. The idea you have (looks like using solar energy to create electricity). Now the confusion seems to creep in ... you mention "monocrystalline solar panels" ... if these are PV panels then they create electricity directly. But then you talk about a pressure cooker ... like the solar energy heats a fluid (not necessarily water, what property of the fluid do you think you want to emphasize ?) which turns a turbine to create electricity ... a more novel concept. Something similar has been put into practice in SoCal, using mirrors to concentrate the solar radiation (I could tell you, but I think it's better for you to find out things for yourself, or at least try to). This would lead you to some of the issues encountered and this I think is the point of the project ... to have an idea then to think about pros and cons and real world experience, and why you think your idea addresses some of these problems.

Thank you so much, i'll put that into consideration. The sources are all connected to motors. The turbine is spun by the steam that comes out from the pressure cooker once it is heated up by the parabolic mirrors. The solar panels are used as storage energy, like a battery. Yes, I've addressed most of the pros and cons and currently working out the kinks. Is the system in SoCal a concentrated solar power system? If so, I have researched it. Thank you once again for the advice.

 

[waross]

Thermal energy is utilized by a parabolic solar cooker that turns a turbine with steam from the pressure cooker.

You may want to research Stirling engines.

The main purpose of this project is to reduce the amount of environmental damage renewable energy sources deal and contribute to sustainable energy technology.

A novel idea for better understanding and possibly extra marks:
Research the environmental damage done by the manufacture of each type of renewable solution.
Add that information to your design flow chart.
More extra marks:
Research the source of your present energy supplies, electric and natural gas, or other.
Show the actual saving in carbon equivalents your design may produce.

 

[hanahkoh]

You may want to research Stirling engines.

A novel idea for better understanding and possibly extra marks:
Research the environmental damage done by the manufacture of each type of renewable solution.
Add that information to your design flow chart.
More extra marks:
Research the source of your present energy supplies, electric and natural gas, or other.
Show the actual saving in carbon equivalents your design may produce.

Thank you so much, I will research those topics. I am designing a prototype, so I will definitely need to demonstrate the saving. I have already researched the environmental impact. Thank you again for your input.

 

[rb1957]

"Is the system in SoCal a concentrated solar power system?" ... yes, it uses mirrors not PV cells.

"The solar panels are used as storage energy, like a battery." ... not what I meant ... PV panels are a source of electricity, like batteries; but they aren't a storage device.