Finding the Optimal Alternative Energy Technology for Homes in the Mountains Of Asheville, North Carolina
Our world energy crisis has put everyone in a situation where we must start investigating and implementing alternative energy solutions. Continuing to depend on utility companies for power will put our predecessors in an even tighter energy bind. In this research, wind turbines, fuel cells and photovoltaic systems are evaluated and compared in order to determine which technology can serve as the optimal alternative energy solution for homes in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. To achieve the goal of finding an optimal solution, a phone inquiry was conducted along with a fuel cell experiment and finally a decision matrix was developed. During the phone inquiry, the closest manufactures were called and asked about shipping feasibility issues. It was determined that photovoltaic systems were the most practical solution, because their manufacturers are located relatively close to Asheville. The fuel cell experiment exposed the fact that fuel cells have a major downfall; it takes some time for them to reach their rated voltage output. This takes away from their availability, because it causes a need for a back up battery to operate while the fuel cell is charging up. The decision matrix was the final deciding factor in selecting one alternative energy solution. After analyzing the decision matrix, photovoltaic systems proved to be the optimal solution because of many reasons. Mainly, they proved to be the best, because their operation and maintenance costs are the least, their fuel is free, they are the most practical in terms of shipping feasibility and they have the most positive effect on the environment.
School:
North Carolina A&T State University
Department:
Architectural Engineering
Research Advisor:
Tarek Abdallah
Department of Research Advisor:
USACERL
Year of Publication:
2003