Renewable Energy Living Lab: Power Your School
Wind or solar? Which renewable energy source would produce best at your school?Copyright (left) Idaho National Laboratory, (right) The White House https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1269&mode=2&featurestory=DA_531113
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/04/22/resilient-and-sustainable-economies-gulf-coast
Students use real-world data to calculate the potential for solar and wind energy generation at their school location. After examining maps and analyzing data from the online Renewable Energy Living Lab, they write recommendations as to the optimal form of renewable energy the school should pursue.
Many different methods are used to collect energy; some methods 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, or power, engineers look at opportunities to harness renewable resources such as wind, sunlight, biofuels, geothermal heat and flowing water. Building a wind turbine in an area with little wind would not be the best choice. Part of an engineer's job involves determining what technologies are best suited for any given area and conditions.
Scientists and engineers around the world gather data through observation and experimentation and use it to describe and understand how the world works. The Renewable Energy Living Lab gives students a chance to evaluate U.S. renewable energy sources. Using the real-world data in the living lab enables students and teachers to practice analyzing data to solve problems or answer questions, in much the same way that scientists and engineers do every day.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Describe the difference between wind turbines and solar panels.
- Use maps to analyze the potential for generating various types of renewable energy.
- Explain the factors contributing to renewable energy feasibility.