Thesis
Feasibility analysis for a proposed off-grid Renewable Energy & Engineering building at Murdoch University
Honours, Murdoch University
2017
Abstract
Murdoch University wishes to explore the possibility of the implementation of a new renewable energy precinct on the South street campus. It is desired that the building employs the latest state of the art technologies for clean power generation such that the precinct is both a showcase and a functioning learning facility. The feasibility study was conducted on the goal that the proposed building is off-grid, relying on the grid only for backup, and therefore proof of the power generation capabilities of the newer technologies is essential, whilst also ensuring that the viability of keeping the building off grid is proven.
After assessing the solar and wind resource, the decision was made to design the system to meet the load for the worst-case scenario – the month of May. Upon assessing the solar and wind power generation capabilities, it was found that the proposed building-integrated photovoltaic and small wind system is capable of easily meeting the required load.
The proposed system was then compared with an alternative system, which uses standard building materials and crystalline silicon photovoltaic panels for power generation to make a cost comparison. The study found that the proposed system was more expensive by 25.21 percent. However, this was expected as the technologies proposed are quite new. As the building was desired to be a showcase, and the 25 percent difference is not too significant, the construction of the precinct is therefore recommended.
Details
- Title
- Feasibility analysis for a proposed off-grid Renewable Energy & Engineering building at Murdoch University
- Authors/Creators
- Joseph Cappeluti
- Contributors
- David Parlevliet (Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Honours
- Identifiers
- 991005540347707891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Engineering and Information Technology
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis
Metrics
181 File views/ downloads
161 Record Views