Document 6525053

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Document 6525053

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS PROGRAM
Campus Sustainability Grant Application – Cover Sheet
PROPOSAL INFORMATION
Project Title: Designing and Constructing an Outdoor Solar Charging Station for Personal Electronic Devices
Adjacent to the Tate Student Center Expansion
PRINCIPAL STUDENT INVESTIGATOR (PROPOSER) INFORMATION
Name: Brian Holcombe, Elizabeth Crute, and Katie Dean
Email: brianh@uga.edu (Brian Holcombe)
Phone: 706-244-3892
Degree Program / Graduation Date: Anthropology, 2015 and Environmental Engineering, 2016
FACULTY / STAFF SPONSOR INFORMATION
Name: Dr. David Gattie; Dr. Julie Velasquez Runk
Email: dgattie@engr.uga.edu; julievr@uga.edu
Phone: 706-542-0880 (Dr. Gattie) and 706-542-3922 (Dr. Runk)
Title / Department: Associate Professor and Coordinator / Environmental Engineering; Assistant Professor /
Anthropology
ADDITIONAL PROPOSAL INFORMATION
The proposal includes the following fields (check all that apply):
__X__
__X___
_____
__X__
Education
Research
Service / Social Entrepreneurship
Campus Operations
Summary of Budget:
Personnel Funding ………………………………..…….
$6,000
Equipment…………………………………………………
$0
Supplies / General Expenses..…….………..…………..
$11,020
TOTAL……………………………………………………..
$17,020
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2013-2014), REV 08.27.13
2 UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
PROPOSAL OVERVIEW
Project Description
In an effort to bring more awareness to the benefits and viability of solar power, we propose installing an
outdoor solar charging station that students can use for recharging their personal electronic devices and using
notebook computers. To ensure optimal reliability on both sunny and overcast days, this station will be connected to
the University power grid. The solar panels and tables will be installed at the southernmost corner of the grassy lawn
facing Lumpkin Street in front of the Tate Student Center expansion. The scale of the project will be congruent with
the site in an unobtrusive way, but will be conspicuous enough to attract student attention. A single array of eight
solar panels will power electrical outlets at two UGA-standard outdoor tables (Attachment 1 & 2). The station will
include a monitoring device that shows how much power is being produced as well as an interpretative sign that
describes the project details. In addition to its contribution to both established and ongoing campus sustainability
initiatives, this station will also serve as an informal educational experience for students and visitors alike. It is
intended to become a destination for students to interact and meet with each other, study outside using a computer,
complete class assignments, or simply use the Internet between classes.
Expected Outcomes
Providing a new, unique space where students can gather outdoors and use their personal electronic
devices, this station will also generate conversation and contribute to the campus dialogue about sustainability
initiatives and practices. It will serve as a laboratory where students from different disciplines can conduct alternative
energy and sustainability-based research, such as participation rates and reactions or monitoring energy production
and consumption. Like other grant proposals in recent years, we expect that this project’s impact will create a popular
desire for more solar charging stations around campus. The relatively simple design of the station will allow for easy
replication at new sites in the future. Our research shows that other colleges and universities around the country
have purchased prefabricated outdoor solar charging stations from a Michigan-based company, EnerFusion,
(www.enerfusioninc.com). While those installations are similar to this proposal, ours is distinguished by the fact that
this is a student-designed project with construction and solar panels provided by a local solar company. We will use
this distinction to attract the attention of local media outlets, bringing focus to the efforts of the University’s attempts
to reduce its environmental impact. Finally and most importantly, this project will contribute significantly to the
sustainability priorities outlined in UGA's 2020 Strategic Plan in several ways that are outlined in greater detail in the
following section.
Contribution to Sustainability at UGA
Several priorities outlined in the 2020 Strategic Plan are addressed in this proposal, and we intend for this
project to be a substantial contribution to campus sustainability initiatives. It will allow students an otherwise
unavailable opportunity to go outdoors and use their notebook computers, cell phones, and other devices without
battery constraints, but with a reduced impact on the overall campus energy demand. Once operational, this solar
charging station will improve efforts to minimize energy consumption and add to the University power grid, thereby
reducing the dependency on fossil fuels. This will in turn reduce the University's carbon emissions. Based on our
research, we expect a highly positive student reaction to this project, which may lead to an increased demand for
more outdoor solar charging stations (See Attachment 3). Installing more solar charging stations will help meet the
goal of a 10 percent increase in energy generated from renewable sources by 2020. The Strategic Plan also
expresses the installation of interpretative signs around campus that describe sustainability efforts as a priority. This
project includes implementing signage that would inform users of the purpose and benefits of the solar charging
station. Finally, this station will serve in part as a teaching tool as well as a potential laboratory for research into
various academic fields. Offering both a formal and informal educational opportunity, the solar charging station will
enlighten and inform its users about approaches to sustainable living. By creating accessibility for students to get
outside the confines of buildings, this project will positively affect students’ moods as well as influence their opinions
about solar power. We think that the recent installation of the Big Belly waste receptacles has been a major boon to
campus sustainability, and we expect that our solar charging station can have an equal if not greater impact. By
installing this charging station, the University demonstrates its commitment to improving sustainability and setting a
strong example to other University system schools.
Relevant Partnerships
Our team consists of Brian Holcombe (anthropology), Elizabeth Crute and Katie Dean (both environmental
engineering). We have received approval from University Architects for site location and Facilities Management
Division specifically regarding project constraints, including public receptacles and grounding of the station.
University standard picnic tables, Victor Stanley’s Homestead Series model CP-4 tables, will be used to ensure
uniformity and visual appeal. This has been approved by University Architects. We will purchase the panels from
Turnsol Energy in Watkinsville, GA, and the owner, Drew Bowen, has agreed to a discounted rate for labor hours to
install the solar panels. Even with this donation, the budget for the project will exceed the grant limit of $5000. With
this in mind, once the project is approved, we will request donations from the College of Engineering, the
anthropology department and Franklin College, as well as the College of Environment and Design. There will be
scheduling and construction coordination with Turnsol Energy, University Architects, and Facilities Management
Division, the division that oversees Construction, Energy Services, Grounds, Operations & Management, and
Sustainability.
Campus Sustainability Grant Application – Compliance Form
Please answer all of the following questions, and explain in full where required.
Will this project require compliance review in any of the following areas?
Please place an “X” on the appropriate line to indicate “Yes” or “No” for all three compliance areas.
1. Animal Use
____ Yes
__x__ No
If “Yes,” please reference the section and page number in the proposal describing animal use:
For more information contact:
Animal Care and Use, http://www.ovpr.uga.edu/acu/index.html
706-542-5933
2. Biohazardous Materials
____ Yes
__x__ No
If “Yes,” please reference the section and page number in the proposal describing biohazardous material use:
Office of Biosafety, http://www.ovpr.uga.edu/biosafety/index.html
706-542-9876
3. Human Subjects
____ Yes
__x__ No
If “Yes,” please reference the section and page number in the proposal describing human subject use:
Human Subjects, http://www.ovpr.uga.edu/hso/index.html
706-542-5318
Name: Brian Holcombe, Elizabeth Crute, and Katie Dean
Title: Designing and Constructing an Outdoor Solar Charging Station for Personal Electronic
Devices Adjacent to the Tate Student Center Expansion
Date: November 5th, 2013
_X___ By placing an “X” on this line, I certify I will fulfill all requirements pertaining to compliance if this grant is
approved.
Campus Sustainability Grant Application – Budget Sheet Complete all sections.
I.
Personnel *,**
Number
Contractors
Amount/Person
Total Amount
Drew Bowen of Turnsol Electric, Inc.
$6000
UGA Staff
$
UGA Student
$
Other
$
Total Amount: $6,000
II. Equipment**
Type of Equipment
Length of Use
Cost
1
$
2.
$
3.
$
Total Cost:
$
III. Supplies/General Expenses**
Type of Supplies
1. 8 Winaico Solar Panels
Comment
Cost
250 Watt each
$2000
2. 8 Enphase Microinverters
$1520
3. Racking Structure
$1000
4. Signage & Communication
$500
5. Monitoring System
Accompanies Enphase Microinverters
6. 2 University Approved Tables
$1000
$5000
Total Cost:
$11,020
* This budget is an approximation of anticipated project expenses. We anticipate the actual cost of the project to be less. We are
investigating further ways to reduce costs, including reducing the scope of the project to 1000W or using one picnic table. We
would also like to spend less money on labor costs. Should we receive the $5000 offered through this grant, we will further
investigate donations and ways to reduce costs. Any suggestions made by the selection committee to make this project as feasible
and as inexpensive as possible will be appreciated and accepted.
Implementation Plan
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to install a solar charging station with two tables adjacent to the Tate Student Center
where students can sit outside and work using their personal electronic devices.
Specific Aims
•
Create an outdoor space for students to use and recharge their personal electronic devices with a solar
charging station
•
Reduce dependency on the campus power grid by installing solar panels which will reduce harmful
emissions
•
Integrate energy generated by the solar panels into the University power grid
•
Encourage students to reduce their personal energy consumption
•
Influence the sustainability dialogue on campus
•
Educate students on renewable energy through interaction and dialogue
•
Provide a further contribution to the University’s sustainability efforts
•
Garner positive media coverage of the University’s steps to improve sustainability
Implementation Methods and Materials
Throughout our research, Drew Bowen of Turnsol Energy has advised us about energy consumption
demands, the design process, and the technical specifications of installing a solar charging station. His
recommendations have strongly influenced our design, budget, and the technical specifications of our proposal. The
solar charging station will be situated on the south side of the grassy lawn in front of the Tate Student Center
expansion (See Attachment 4). The solar panels that power the charging station will face south to optimize solar
harvesting. We propose a solar charging station that connects to the University power grid and allows eight users to
charge their various personal electronic devices. The charging station will consist of eight 250 Watt Winaico Solar
Panels and eight M250 Enphase Microinverters. The panels will be fused together and constructed to make a steel
awning that faces south with a 20-25 degree angle tilt up from zero. The panels will also serve as an awning for the
tables, primarily reducing glare on electronic devices and offering shade. The panels will have a mechanical ground
and will be constructed in accordance with the National Electrical Code.
Our project will include a monitoring system that will be able to measure and record incoming solar
radiation, panel energy production, and energy usage from the eight receptacles. The difference in solar energy
produced and energy consumed by students at the station will be how much energy is being fed back into the grid.
Also, if the technology is available, we would like to make this data available online for students to access
We propose connecting to the grid in order to benefit sustainability initiatives at the University of Georgia.
With eight 250 Watt panels, the charging station will not only be able to serve eight receptacles at maximum demand,
but it will also be able to contribute electricity back to the grid when the harvested electricity is not being utilized. With
the grid connection, students will be able to work outside despite weather conditions that would prevent solar energy
production, namely cloud cover. We believe that students would enjoy and take advantage of the opportunity to work
outside even during weather conditions not suited for solar energy harvesting. Students would be utilizing energy
even if this outdoor station were not available. However, because of the grid connection, these panels will contribute
to renewable energy production to the Tate Center power supply. We will work with Facilities Management to comply
with the University’s requirements to restrict outdoor power receptacle use on football game days.
Another important component to this station is aesthetics. We intend for the two tables needed in this project
to be uniform with other outdoor University tables used throughout campus. The solar panel awning and support post
should be painted to match other installations and hardware in the area. We communicated these intents to Lara
Mathes of University Architects, and she agreed.
Merit and Feasibility
The recharge station will be installed on site in front of the Tate Center expansion, facing Lumpkin Street.
Robert Lewis of Facilities Management, Lara Mathes of University Architects, and Drew Bowen of Turnsol Energy all
highly agreed on the viability of this site for our project. The site is ideal for the following three reasons: its long
durations of solar exposure, its visibility to high density foot traffic on a daily basis, and its location adjacent to the
Miller Learning Center and the Tate Student Center, two university buildings dedicated to student learning where
students across all disciplines attend class and to study.
The University campus, and indeed the state and southeastern region, are ideally suited to harness the
energy of the sun’s rays to produce electricity using photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic cells operate by harnessing solar
radiation through semiconductors. Electrons are activated and travel through electrical circuits to produce electricity.
Micro-inverters are used to convert the electricity produced from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) so it
can be utilized. The micro-inverters also ground the system, preventing electricity leaks from carrying electricity to
metal components of the structure, diminishing any safety concerns. Our system will be connected to the grid to
utilize all electricity produced by the panels, as well as to allow students to operate during times when solar energy
cannot be produced. Excess energy produced by the panels will be directed to the Tate Center power supply,
providing a reduction in the electricity needed to power the building. When solar electricity is not being produced,
students have the ability to work outside and use electricity from the building. This does not consume more energy
than is currently in demand, since the students would alternatively be using that electricity, only inside the building.
The maximum estimated usage for eight receptacles is about 680W. This estimate represents the station
powering eight Apple notebook computers with an 85W adaptor. However, the eight 250W panels we propose will be
capable of producing 2000W. We designed for this to include a safety factor, to allow the panels to produce more
energy even during cloud cover, and to provide additional energy into the power grid at the Tate Student Center. The
eight panels aligned also provide enough cover for both tables. Our final decision to incorporate into the campus
energy grid and install a 2000W array was made at the recommendation of Drew Bowen.
Panel installation and labor will be provided at a reduced cost from Drew Bowen. The panels will be
purchased from Winaico, estimated to cost approximately $1/Watt. Various costs include installation materials, eight
Enphase Microinverters, the awning structure (racking system), two tables, and appropriate signage. Once installed,
the panels will require maintenance only in regards to necessary repairs (e.g., a fallen tree, lightning, vandalism). As
we have been advised throughout the process, the direct focus of this grant is on the implementation of the charging
station because the University-standard tables expand the project’s budget by $5000. Our team is confident that if
our proposal is approved, we can obtain the additional funding needed to install the appropriate tables on the site.
We have verbal verification that additional funds may be made available to match our efforts.
Expected Timeframe
The following dates and actions are subject to change as necessary. We will coordinate with Turnsol
Energy, University Architects and Facilities Management Division on the construction dates. We expect construction
to be completed and the solar charging station to be installed well before the end of the semester. However, because
of the level of coordination between multiple departments and contributors, we will be able to adjust the timeframe as
needed in order for the project to be completed by June 30th, 2013.
•
December 4, 2013:
Grant proposal accepted and funds awarded
•
December 5 – 13, 2013:
Schedule January 2014 meetings with potential donors
•
December 5 – 13, 2013:
Finalize designs and coordinate construction plans and dates
•
January 6, 2014:
Begin implementing communications strategy Phase 1
•
January 2014:
Construction begins at the site with proper approval
•
January/February 2014:
•
February/March 2014:
Construction is completed and station opens to students
•
February/March 2014:
•
April – December 2014:
Data collection period
•
December 2014:
Present a data analysis report to Office of Sustainability
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2013-2014), REV 08.27.13 10 UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
Communications Plan
In order for this station to be successful, frequent student use and interaction must be achieved. It is very
important to inform students of this project and its location, thus we plan to implement a three-phase communication
strategy.
•
Phase One will begin at the start of the spring 2014 semester. We will create eye-catching and informative
fliers to post and distribute throughout the Miller Learning Center, Tate Student Center, and other highly
trafficked buildings across campus where permitted, including instructional buildings and residence halls.
These fliers will feature our rendered design, location on campus, and the expected completion date. We
will also solicit environmentally based student organizations to tell their members at meetings and via
Listservs about the project.
•
Phase Two will begin once construction is underway. We will offer prepared press releases or interviews to
local print media sources such as The Red & Black, the Flagpole Magazine, and the Athens Banner-Herald,
as well as local broadcast media outlets such as WUGA, WUOG, and the Grady Newsource. We will also
request promotional coverage from the UGA News Service website and ask for ongoing promotion on the
Office of Sustainability’s website and social media accounts. Throughout Phase 2, we will continue to
request promotional assistance from environmentally based student organizations.
•
Phase Three will begin once construction is completed and the charging station is open to the public. We
will offer a second press release to announce the completion of the station and encourage students to use
it. We will also request mention in the Anthropology Department’s quarterly newsletter and the College of
Engineering’s newsletter CENGReports, as well as any other campus publications that will feature our
project. In order to connect with students and gauge their reactions and opinions of the station, we will
create a Facebook page and connect with sustainability-related groups on campus to advertise our project
on their social media accounts. Finally, an interpretive sign will be placed at the site location that will discuss
important aspects of the project and key partners involved. Interpretive signage will be developed in
collaboration with the Office of University Architects and FMD Grounds Department to ensure compliance
with UGA sign standards.
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2013-2014), REV 08.27.13 11 November 4, 2013
UGA Office of Sustainability
RE: Dean/Crute/Holcombe Solar Proposal
Dear Committee Members:
It is with a high level of enthusiasm that I offer this letter of support for the solar
charging station sustainability grant proposal submitted by Katie Dean, Elizabeth Crute, and
Brian Holcombe.
I have worked with Katie and Elizabeth for the past two months as they formulated
their original solar charging station idea into a much more solid concept that is ready for
detailed design and implementation. Their current concept of a 2000-watt solar charging
station built into tables in the Tate Center area for student usage will be a very nice amenity
for the campus and will reflect UGA’s core commitment to implementing practical
sustainability designs. I am also very pleased to support their project from the standpoint
that they are working to incorporate the necessary social aspects of solar power and are
now working with Brian Holcombe, a student in anthropology. This combination of technical
expertise and social qualities will provide the UGA campus with a very nice sustainability
design feature that is technically functional and socially acceptable. To date, these students
have productively engaged the appropriate experts from campus and from our local solar
industry who will inform and constrain their design so that it conforms to all university
requirements and is up to date with industry standards. They have kept me abreast every
step of the way so far and we have had extensive, detailed conversations about their
design. As of today, they have thoroughly vetted significant issues and laid the necessary
foundation for completing the design in a timely, organized manner. As such, I am now
prepared to engage with them as their mentor and sponsor for this design.
If I can provide any additional information in support of this proposal, please don’t
hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
David K. Gattie, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Coordinator
Environmental Engineering
College of Engineering
University of Georgia
Driftmier Engineering Center
Athens, GA 30602-4435
E-mail: dgattie@engr.uga.edu
PH: (706) 542-0880
Driftmier Engineering Center • Athens, Georgia 30602-4435 • (706) 542-1653 • FAX (706) 542-8806
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institute
12 Franklin College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Anthropology
4 November 2013
Selection Committee
Campus Sustainability Grant Program
UGA Office of Sustainability
1180 East Broad Street
Athens, Georgia 30602
I am pleased to write this letter in support of Brian Holcombe’s proposal for a Campus Sustainability
Grant at the University of Georgia. Brian and collaborators Katie Dean and Elizabeth Crute, both
engineering students, propose to construct a solar charging station adjacent to the Tate expansion, which
has clear significance for improving campus sustainability. If awarded I look forward to actively working
with him on the planning and implementation of the project.
Brian is currently a student in my 15-student Anth4400 Green Culture course. He is progressing well in
the course, and is a frequent contributor in class discussions. As part of the course students have
thought up their own projects for submission as a Campus Sustainability Grant proposal, made their
own contacts, carried out their own literature review, and written their proposal. He was an enthusiastic
participant in this process, and when he learned that engineering students were planning a similar
proposal, he quickly contacted them to create this collaborative proposal.
In his proposal Brian, Katie, and Elizabeth seek to construct a solar charging station where students can
plug in and use their electronic devices while studying outside. This is an interesting proposal for UGA
because it will help reduce energy consumption of non-renewable resources. The visibility of such a
station outside of the Tate expansion could also help generate excitement about UGA sustainability
efforts and foster knowledge of the possibilities of renewable solar energy generation. The idea clearly
relates to the UGA Strategic Plan, as it not only reduces emissions but the inclusion of an interpretive
sign will inform users about solar power and advance campus dialogue about sustainability issues.
Additionally, these students have found a solar panel provider in Drew Bowen, owner of Turnsol Energy
in Watkinsville, and have been coordinating with UGA Architects and Facilities Management Division,
both of which give their approval of the project.
In conclusion, I think Brian is a fine student who has strong interests in sustainability and a fundable
proposal to construct an outdoor solar charging station on campus. I also commend him for working
with engineering students to create this collaborative, interdisciplinary team. I enthusiastically endorse
this project, and am excited about its prospects to improve sustainability at the University of Georgia.
Thank you for your consideration of Brian Holcombe, Katie Dean, and Elizabeth Crute,
Baldwin Hall • Athens, Georgia 30602-1619 • http://anthropology.uga.edu
Telephone (706) 542-3922 • Fax (706) 542-3998 • anthro@uga.edu
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution
Attachment 1 – CAD drawing of potential location of tables
Attachment 2 – CAD drawing of potential solar charging awning
Attachment 3—Survey Results
We conducted an informal survey of 167 students using Clicker questions in three different classes. Our results show
that a majority of students use their computer on campus, either daily or infrequently. More than 80 percent told us
that they would use an outdoor solar charging station if one were available. Furthermore, our study found that more
than half of the respondents did not know that there is an Office of Sustainability on campus. It is our opinion that this
proposed project addresses all of these questions. Students are using their personal electronic devices on campus
with frequency and in large numbers. Our solar charging station will allow them the opportunity to use renewable
solar energy. Interpretive signs at the site will bring attention to the fact that the Office of Sustainability made the
project possible.
Attachment 3 continued
Attachment 4—Location Photo
Anticipated Grant Project Metrics
•
Construction is completed on the station.
•
Students use the station with success and frequency.
•
Measure data using social media feedback related to student participation, what personal electronic devices
people are using and charging, and whether there is interest in installing another station
•
Measure data using Enlighten monitoring system to examine energy generation and grid contribution
•
Achieve 10% of energy produced used at the outdoor receptacles (30% of possible usage)
Works Cited
Solar Power-Dok Product Portfolio. Web. 5 November 2013.
http://www.enerfusioninc.com/products/solar-power-dok/portfolio
Kilner, Gil. “How Do Photovoltaics Work?” NASA Science News. Web. 4 November 2013.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2002/solarcells/
“Small Solar Electric Systems.” Energy.gov. Web. 4 November 2013.
http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/small-solar-electric-systems
Dutzik, Tony and Sargent, Rob. “Lighting the Way: What We Can Learn from America’s Top 12 Solar States.”
Environment Georgia. Web. 4 November 2013.
http://environmentgeorgia.org/sites/environment/files/reports/Lighting_the_way_GA_print.pdf
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2013-2014), REV 08.27.13 20

Document 6525053

Transcription

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