Project Overview
Students become energy engineers, designing comprehensive renewable energy systems for Caribbean islands. This project integrates meteorology, materials science, and electrical engineering to address energy independence and sustainability challenges faced by island nations.
Week-by-Week Implementation
Week 1: Energy Assessment and Research
- • Research Caribbean energy challenges and current infrastructure
- • Study renewable energy resources (solar, wind, wave, geothermal)
- • Analyze weather patterns and energy potential
- • Investigate energy storage technologies
- • Interview local utility company representatives
Week 2: Energy Source Testing
- • Test efficiency of small solar panels under different conditions
- • Build and test wind turbines with various blade designs
- • Measure energy output throughout different times of day
- • Compare energy storage in different battery types
- • Document performance data in engineering logs
Week 3: Integrated System Design
- • Design hybrid energy systems combining multiple sources
- • Build scale model of island energy grid
- • Create energy distribution networks
- • Test system reliability and backup capabilities
- • Optimize energy flow and storage management
Week 4: Economic and Environmental Analysis
- • Calculate cost-benefit analysis of renewable vs. fossil fuels
- • Analyze environmental impact and carbon footprint reduction
- • Study material lifecycle and recycling considerations
- • Create implementation timeline for real island
- • Develop maintenance and upgrade strategies
Week 5: Policy Presentation
- • Prepare comprehensive energy transition proposals
- • Create visual presentations with data and projections
- • Present to local energy officials and policymakers
- • Receive feedback and refine recommendations
- • Share findings with community stakeholders
