Renewable Energy Living Lab: The Bright Idea
Does solar energy make sense everywhere, or only some places? Would another form of energy work better? What information might help you decide?Copyright (left) SunShot Initiative, US Dept. of Energy, (right) National Renewable Energy Laboratory Newsroom
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/sunshot/index.html
http://www.nrel.gov/news/features/feature_detail.cfm/feature_id=1658?print
Students use real-world data to evaluate the feasibility of solar energy and other renewable energy sources in different U.S. locations. Working in small groups, students act as engineers evaluating the suitability of installing solar panels at four company locations. They access data from the online Renewable Energy Living Lab from which they make calculations and analyze how successful solar energy generation would be, as well as the potential for other power sources at those locations. Then they summarize their results, analysis and recommendations in the form of feasibility plans prepared for a CEO.
Many different methods are available to collect energy and generate electricity; some are better suited to a particular area than others. Engineers use data to understand the problem and evaluate viable solutions. When designing systems to produce or transmit sustainable energy, engineers look at opportunities to harness all types of renewable resources such as sunlight, wind, biofuels, geothermal heat and flowing water. Installing solar panels in an area with inadequate sunshine would not be the best choice. Part of an engineer's job involves conducting research and evaluating data to determine the feasibility of technologies for specific areas and conditions.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Use renewable energy potential maps to collect data on various energy forms.
- Analyze data and draw conclusions based on given specifications.
- Describe factors contributing to renewable energy feasibility.
- Construct an explanation based on evidence for how changes in climate have influenced human activity.