Sustainable Island Energy Grid
Design renewable energy systems for Caribbean islands using multiple sources
Earth Systems
Engineering Design
Structure & Properties of Matter
Advanced Level
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.
4-5 weeks
3-4 students
Advanced
Learning Objectives
- Analyze renewable energy sources available in Caribbean climate and geography
- Understand energy storage and distribution systems for island grids
- Design integrated energy systems combining multiple renewable sources
- Study material properties for energy generation and storage applications
- Present energy solutions to local utility officials and policymakers
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
Assessment Strategies
System Design (30%)
Comprehensive energy system design with technical specifications and integration plan
Efficiency Testing (25%)
Data collection and analysis from renewable energy source testing
Cost-Benefit Analysis (25%)
Economic and environmental impact analysis with supporting calculations
Policy Presentation (20%)
Clear communication of energy solutions to officials and stakeholders
Required Materials
Energy Generation
- • Small solar panels (various sizes)
- • Wind turbine kits or materials
- • DC motors for generators
- • LED lights for testing
- • Rechargeable batteries
Measurement Tools
- • Digital multimeters
- • Voltmeters and ammeters
- • Light meters
- • Anemometers (wind speed)
- • Data logging equipment
Construction Materials
- • Building materials for island model
- • Electrical wire and connectors
- • Switches and circuit components
- • Mounting hardware
- • Weather data and island maps
Extension Opportunities
- Partner with local utility companies for real-world insights
- Create energy conservation campaigns for schools
- Design smart grid technologies and monitoring systems
- Connect with renewable energy companies
Caribbean Focus
- • Address hurricane resilience in energy systems
- • Study trade wind patterns for wind energy
- • Investigate geothermal potential in volcanic islands
- • Consider tourism energy demands
- • Explore wave energy from ocean currents