Q&A Project Prompt Summary
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is energy from natural sources and/or processes that are constantly being replenished as they are consumed. For example, some major sources of renewable energy include solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, ocean energy, geothermal energy, biomass energy, and hydrogen energy. Renewable energy has been a major design focus in recent years because of their sustainability as opposed to nonrenewable energies such as fossil fuels (oils/gas/coal), which require considerable efforts to extract and only exist in finite quantities.
What are Hala Industries’ energy needs?
On average, Hala Industries consumes around 20 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of energy per day. Upon asking the analysis team regarding how your company will need to match Hala’s energy needs, their response is the following: “Our team will provide an assessment method to your company based upon the type of structure built and the type of renewable energy used. Once your company has selected a design, we will provide guidance for testing of your prototype structure in order for you to demonstrate that an equivalent amount of energy is generated. Please let us know when the type of structure and energy method is determined and we will get back to you as soon as possible.”
What are the environmental design constraints of Hala Industries? (ie. Where will the structure be built?)
Hala Industries has allotted the empty dirt lot at Gliderport near UC San Diego for the construction of the energy source. Gliderport is a well-known cliff area that overlooks the ocean and is a popular spot to watch the sunset. However, Hala Industries has warned us that in order to preserve the limited parking spaces, your team has limited ground space, but is free to build up to a height of 600ft (~182.9m). Prototype models will be built on a 1:15 scale size. In other words, maximum prototype height will be 40”.
Below the cliffs is the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at UC San Diego, where scientists work to understand and protect the planet by investigating our oceans, Earth, and atmosphere to find solutions to our greatest environmental challenges. Most of the ocean life around La Jolla is considered a sensitive environment and disturbances could be impactful to the research performed at Scripps.
Being located near the ocean also has its effects on the weather in this location. Marine layers and cloud cover are very common in this region. The moisture also often carries salt from the ocean, causing certain metal materials nearby to rust or corrode at an accelerated pace.
How are the people living nearby affected by this construction?
The location of the Gliderport lot is near businesses and UC San Diego, possibly blocking their views or access to the cliffs. The university is willing to accept a renewable energy structure at this location only if they can build an attached research center. If the energy source can be integrated with a building structure within the lot dimensions, both parties (Hala Industries and UC San Diego) will be pleased.
What are the loads on the project?
To combat the high winds and earthquakes occurring in the region, the structure must be able to withstand a certain lateral force. An analysis team from your company has determined that in order to demonstrate compliance with this, the prototype model must be able to withstand a minimum lateral force of 15 lbs. and up to an ultimate maximum of 30 lbs.
What is the budget?
The budget of the structure is directly related to the weight of the prototype structure. The finance and analysis teams of your company have crunched the numbers and found that as long as the prototype model does not exceed 1.75 lbs., the structure will be within the grant budget.
What needs to be submitted as part of the application?
Team member profiles
Drawings of proposed design - Neat hand sketches of design iterations and computer generated sketches of final design
Physical prototype
Short video showing prototype iterations and performance
Written proposal technical report
Presentation summarizing the proposal
Instructions and guidance on what to include within each deliverable will be provided later.
What are the criteria CREE is using to evaluate the project?
Creative: How much thought has been put into the design? Were different designs or iterations made to optimize and improve the structure?
Aesthetically pleasing: How high is the quality of your prototype model? Do the cuts and connections show good craftsmanship?
Structural performance: Can the prototype model sustain the loads that will be applied?
Energy efficiency: How well can the structure convert energy?
Cost effective: Is the proposed design within budget? Is it an efficient design that utilizes materials and engineering concepts effectively?
What are the available materials for the prototype?
CORI cardboard
Balsa wood sheets
Chipboard sheets
Poster paper
Construction paper
Printer paper
Popsicle sticks
Tongue depressors