ASEE Zone 2 Conference 2017

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Renewable Energy Harvested Through Kinetic Flywheels and DC Motors and its Impact on Engineering Education

With the end of the age of fossil fuels in sight, businesses, universities, and private homes are implementing renewable energy technologies to generate power. In an attempt to transition into this new era and recognize the growing concern for environmental cleanliness, the University of Florida has made a commitment to creating a carbon-neutral campus by the year 2025. Considering this commitment, the research team has taken a new clean-energy technology and made it more cost-efficient. The device, a kinetic pressure plate, includes an integrated flywheel, as well as a DC motor. Compared to the industry standard in kinetic plate technology, using piezo electric crystals to generate electricity, the suggested technology is far more cost efficient and accessible. When pressure is applied to the plate, the DC motor generates an electrical current, which can be stored in a battery, used immediately, or sent back to the grid. The kinetic plates can be installed at high-traffic areas on campus, embedded in the pavement. They will then generate electricity when stepped on (plates will be able to withstand the maximum force of a human footstep without breaking.) There are several options, considering what to do with the electricity generated: The electricity produced can be used to power street lights or stored in underground batteries on campus. The electricity can also be sold back to the grid, which can lead to further savings on energy, for UF. The introduction of the suggested technology to the University of Florida, as well as other institutions, will act as a key step in the pursuit of carbon-neutral campuses and a cleaner, healthier Earth. In addition, installing our kinetic plates in the public will bring awareness to such renewable technologies, as they will be seen by students every day.
With each kinetic plate installed, an educational sign or plaque will accompany the plate, describing the plates’ significance and how they work. This will bring the idea of renewable energy into citizens’ everyday lives. As students interact with this hands-on renewable technology, they will realize that even they can make a difference, prompting them to pursue further education in this field. With growth in the renewable sector, engineering instructors may increase research opportunities for students, in this field.

Author(s):

Tia Belvin    
Chemical Engineering
University of Florida
United States

Jonathan Farji    
Mechanical Engineering
University of Florida
United States

Jonathan Robuck    
Chemical Engineering
University of Florida
United States

Cody Wilde    
Mechanical Engineering
University bof Florida
United States

Maxwell Sibner    
Mechanical Engineering
University of Florida
United States

Fazil Najafi    
Cicil and Coastal Engineering
University of Florida
United States

 

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