Project Plan. Group May0914. Introduction

Transcription

1 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

2 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.

3 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.

4 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.

5 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

6 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. stair treads Figure #1: Clear-Step Snow Melting Mats Figure #2: WarmTrax 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

7 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

8 Week Green Deicer Assemble Control Box Design the Control Box Research Logic Boards and pricing Research Switches and pricing Research Control cases and pricing Purchase control box components Control Box testing Assemble Inverter Circuit Design the inverter circuit Research GFIC outlets and pricing Research breakers and pricing Research inverters and pricing Research inverter cases and pricing Research control sensors and pricing Purchase inverter circuit components Inverter circuit testing Assemble Wind Generator Design the wind generator assembly Research blades and pricing Research generators and pricing Research rectifiers and pricing Research disconnects and pricing Design the wind generator case Research case pricing Purchase Wind Generator components Wind Generator testing Research regulators and pricing Purchase regulator Research batteries and pricing Purchase batteries Rsearch heating mats and pricing Purchase heating mats Final Assembly Final Testing Red lines represent the inner and outer fences. 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

9 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 DRAFT PROJECT PLAN AND PROJECT PLAN PRESENTATION FILE FINAL PROJECT PLAN AND PROJECT WEBSITE PROJECT QUESTIONS PROJECT DESIGN REPORT DRAFT AND PRESENTATION FINAL DESIGN REPORT DESIGN REVIEW 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 may0914@iastate.edu or any of the team members listed below with questions or comments.

10 Mike Anderson Matt Bray Jesse Erickson Shawn Merselis Louis Landphair Jamasen Parham