green deicer project plan draft - iowa state...
TRANSCRIPT
Group May0914
Project Plan Date: October 9, 2008
To: Dr. Gregory Smith
From: Group May0914
Subject: Project Plan for Green De-icier
Introduction
The project plan memo presents group May0914 project plan. It includes
referenced justification for the project, an overview of the project operations, the
project requirements, and the overall project direction. In addition, the project plan
seeks authorization and confirmation to proceed with the development and
construction of the Green De-icier.
System Purpose
The client contracted our senior design group to help design a system that melts
winter snow and ice from steps of a deck using green energy. Potential exists for the
client to file a patent and market the product if satisfied with the outcome of the project
research, the final system design, and the operational prototype.
System Description The basic operation of the de-icing system begins with a wind generator with either a
vertical turbine design or a standard turbine design. The electric current produced
from the generator runs though a diode or rectifier circuit for transformation from
alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). Incorporated into the system, at the
generator is line protection, which protects the line from a short circuit or overload. In
addition, located at the generator is a line disconnect. The line disconnect separates
the generator from the line for maintenance or other reasons. In addition, a voltage
regulator regulates energy flowing through the line to maintain a constant voltage at
the storage device (battery bank). The rate the generator spins is not easily to
control, therefore voltage on the line is tough to control without a voltage regulator.
The voltage regulator allows proper voltage for the battery and protects the battery
from overcharging conditions. The DC line also contains a line disconnect and line
protection. Next, in the system is the control panel, which acts as the brains of the
system, and provides a user interface for the customer to control the system. The
control panel receives information from a temperature senor, moisture sensor, and a
barometer sensor under an automatic setting. The automatic setting allows the
system to operate at the proper times, without human interaction. Furthermore, the
control panel includes an inverter that takes 12volt direct current and converts to
120volt alternating current for operation of the control system and the external
devices plugged into the outlet. The external portion of the control panel contains a
GFIC outlet, to plug in the de-icing heating coils or other AC devices. The line from
the control panel to the GFIC outlet is line protected by a fifteen-amp breaker. The
GFIC provides user protection from electric shock due to potentially wet conditions
found outside. In addition, the heating mats are surface mountable and water
resistant. They also contain internal protection for the user from electric shock.
System User Interface The user interface consists of a control panel that provides the user options other
than the automatic system function. First, the panel contains a main disconnect
breaker to shut the AC portion of the system off. When the breaker is in the on
position, a system operation light shines to let the user know the system is operable.
In the center of the panel is a hand/off/auto selector switch. The selector switch
allows the user to override the automatic functions when the switch is in the hand
mode position. Hand mode allows the user to control or influence when the system
operates. In order to turn on the outlet in hand mode the user must push the start
button. The outlet remains on until the user pushes the stop button, selects off on
the selector switch, or rotates the main disconnect breaker to the off position. The
customer may not want the system on at night or may leave on vacation, these
simple controls allows them to incorporate what they want rather than the system
operating according to the input of the sensors.
System Diagram
System Requirements
The system must function as a de-icing system for extreme winter elements of ice,
snow, and wind then during the summer provide an alternative source of electric
generation in the hot humid summer elements. This means the system must be
able to generate heat at a temperature high enough to melt ice and snow in the
freezing temperatures of winter. Furthermore, the system provides a cost effective
source of clean energy. The system must be safe for both the user and person(s)
standing near the system. Furthermore, the de-icing system and all the required
system components meet both state and national electric codes for electrical safety.
Furthermore, the de-icing system and all the required system components meet
Underwriters Laboratory standards for safety. Next, the system has to have a
friendly and easily operable user interface for a wide range of customers. Likewise,
the system needs to be small, attractive, and adaptable to attract buyers.
System Operating Environment
Environmental operating conditions focus on outdoor conditions located in central
Iowa. During the winter conditions, temperatures are well below zero and during the
summer, conditions are hot and humid. Other environmental elements, such as
wind, rain, snow, ice, sleet, hail, and sunlight impact the system. The system is
outdoors, exposed to small animals or other sources of nature.
System Advantage The system provides an environmentally clean way of de-icing steps without
hazardous or corrosive products or manual labor. In addition, the system operates as
a dual-purpose system that can provide energy to power miscellaneous items such
as lawn lights, pond pumps, or any other AC powered device within the technical
specifications of the generator design and battery storage capacity.
System Initial Design Change The initial de-icier project design idea required the use of solar generation. At that
point in time, the client and the senior design committee overlooked the initial
feasibility factor of a solar powered de-icing system in the Midwest. Deficiencies
became apparent. The first deficiency of the initial project is the overall cost and
effectiveness of solar panels. The initial design idea had a cost factor beyond what
the client anticipated and beyond the marketing price range of most consumers. In
addition, Iowa and the Midwest lack an efficient source of sunlight particularly during
the winter months. The days are shorter and overcast most of the winter period.
Average climate trends during the winter rarely allow for half a day of sunlight thus
limiting a user to approximately 40% efficiency. Taking into account a solar panel has
an efficiency of approximately 20%. The overall efficiency of the system powered by
sunlight is too low to justify the expense in designing the system. On the other hand,
research proves wind to be an abundant and efficient source of energy that is local to
the Midwest. The two figures below display the overall efficiency of the United States,
in both solar and wind energy generating capabilities.
Resource Requirements Gen parts- materials for base , blades, misc parts, gen Gen lines Control panel parts Inverter parts Batt and volt regulator Line protection-fuses ,disconnects Outlets Enclosure Wire Sensors Mats
Market
The two main products are similar to our design. They are shown in figures #1 and
2 below. The main difference is our snow melting mats will be using alternative
power. They will be “green” and better for the environment. It would not be feasible
for us to build our own mats as the cost of doing so would be more than the cost of
what is already available on the market. Even though there is a de-icing mat
available. There is nothing on the market similar to our overall system. The system
includes the mat as well as the power system for the mat. This is the area where
our design is new and unlike anything else.
Our original design involved using solar cell panels for the power system. This
however turned out not to be feasible for our client. Instead we are focusing on
using a different alternative power system, wind energy to power the deicing mat.
Once the client has paid for the initial system, the costs of using the deicer would
be very minimal. The advantage of this design is minimal future costs, a green
system, and a power system that may be used to pay other device during the
summer.
Figure #1: Clear-Step Snow Melting Mats Figure #2: WarmTrax
stair treads
http://www.warmzone.com/snow-melting-mats.asp
http://www.calorique.com/Products22.asp
As for potential customers (mainly the affluent or the elderly in climates
with harsh winters), they seem to be looking for the following:
1- Saftey for people and pets
2- Little operation required (turn on and forget)
3- Automatic switches
4- Fast melting
5- Easy to install
6- Little maintanance
7- Long Lasting
8- Warranties
9- Customization
10- Low Cost
11- Little increase in utilies
12- No unique electrical connections needed (ex: GFI switch)
13- The mats have traction
14- Weight limits (ex: for driveways)
Project Risks The project idea is not marketable. The project is not cost effective enough to
consider buying over shoveling snow using manual labor. Lack of financing may lead
to an incomplete project design and prototype.
Project Schedule
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Gre
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De
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rW
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The Green De-icier project team divides into lead positions as follows:
Director of Resource/Communications/Secretary: Louis Landphair
Director of Research and Design: Jamasen Parham
Director of Marketing and Project Resources: Michael Anderson
Director Testing/Data Collection: Jesse Erickson
Director of Group Organization and Presentation: Shawn Merselis
Director of Computing/Technical/Solar Decathlon Matthew Bray
Each member holds responsibility for their lead position and assisting with every step of the project until completion. We remain efficient and accurate by strategizing and dividing the workload.
We follow a schedule set out by the Iowa State University Senior Design Committee and mentors. The schedule is below:
DEADLINE
PROJECT
9.27.08 DRAFT PROJECT PLAN AND PROJECT PLAN PRESENTATION FILE
10.11.08 FINAL PROJECT PLAN AND PROJECT WEBSITE
11.1.08 PROJECT QUESTIONS
11.15.08 PROJECT DESIGN REPORT DRAFT AND PRESENTATION
11.29.08 FINAL DESIGN REPORT
12.13.08 DESIGN REVIEW
12.15.08 FINAL PROJECT REPORT AND PROJECT WEBSITE
We meet on a weekly basis every Thursday 8:00 am in Durham 114 to discuss upcoming deadlines and project direction, to prepare for presentations, and to learn about each other. Announcing and scheduling of additional meetings occurs when needed.
With this information, we seek authorization to proceed with the design of our Green De-icier. We encourage input and suggestions relating to project design and construction techniques. Please contact the group at [email protected] or any of the team members listed below with questions or comments.
Mike Anderson Matt Bray Jesse Erickson
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Shawn Merselis Louis Landphair Jamasen Parham