Energy Projects
Air Pollution in Asia
Air pollution is a major factor that creates bad influence to human health and cause respiration disease. This project will introduce air pollution in general point of view, describe the cause pollutants, human effects, and explain critical environmental effect in present time. For further information on air pollution, the air pollution index will introduce the pollutant criteria and the air quality detector, monitoring system. In order to provide best suggested methods for preventing air pollution issue, this project compares all technical solutions and government policies published by Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan; so the result will be best suitable and efficient for other Asian countries. More Information...
Air Pollution in Asia, 2006
Air pollution is a major factor that creates bad influence to human health and cause respiration disease. This project will introduce air pollution in general point of view, describe the cause pollutants, human effects, and explain critical environmental effect in present time. For further information on air pollution, the air pollution index will introduce the pollu6tant criteria and the air quality detector, monitoring system. In order to provide best suggested methods for preventing air pollution issue, this project compares all technical solutions and government policies published by Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan; so the result will be best suitable and efficient for other Asian Countries. More Information...
Alternative Renewable Energy Sources, 2004
This project considered the imminent depletion of the world´s fossil fuel supply. Impacts of fossil fuel usage on the environment and humanity have been studied in depth. Alternative, environmentally friendly, sustainable energy sources, primarily wind and solar, were investigated as possible solutions. The economic and technical feasibility of implementing these sources and their potential impact on the energy market were researched. A system dynamic model was developed to simulate the relationships between the essential factors affecting the global energy market. More Information...
Alternative Renewable Energy Sources, 2004
After careful analysis of growing future energy concerns, we have looked into providing a cost effective, renewable energy solution for the Western United States. We propose a wind farm in the Midwest and carry out cost analysis of this work site that will theoretically generate enough electrical energy to power the entire West Coast. More Information...
Alternative Vehicles, 2004
The purpose of this IQP is to research and discuss the various forms of alternative energy powered motor vehicles currently under development and to obtain information pertinent to automobile manufacturers via surveys to that will provide insight into the publics perceptions of such vehicles. This insight will aid in the development of a representation of how drivers are using their automobiles as well as a set of standards/criteria such alternative vehicles would have to meet in order to make them commercially viable. More Information...
An Energy Efficient Alternative to Daytime Running Lights, 1999
This project investigates the feasibility of Daytime Running Lights by examining the effectiveness of these devices by conducting research and analyzing the cost benefit relationships. Having made these suggestions, the project suggests alternative ways of achieving the effectiveness of the DRLs. One of the most energy-efficient alternatives was designated and built. The results showed that the alternate approach required the consumption of 559, 000 barrels of extra gasoline in the U.S. per year while the energy consumption rate of the most energy efficient DRL was determined to be 56, 000, 000 barrels of gasoline per year. More Information...
Atmospheric Modeling of Carbon Dioxide
The project considered the energy balance of the earth and the impact of trace gases on this balance. This issue was investigated through the use of a seven reservoir model of the earth´s ecosystem. Simulations based on actual carbon dioxide data were used to predict the concentration of this gas in the lower atmosphere and its impact on Human society. Various strategies to increase the intake of this gas by plants and other ˜sinks˜ were considered.
Atmospheric Pollution in Athens, Greece, 1998
Pollution has been a major problem to the city of Athens. In this project, we had two goals first to give information on how pollution created by cars and airplanes affected the ancient ruins, and the people of the city of Athens, and second to examine three major infrastructure works and how they are going to affect the amount of pollution created by the emissions of those two sources. It was found that after these major works are completed, the amount of pollution in the Attica basin will be significantly reduced. More Information...
Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Their Impacts, 2005
The objective of this project was to research global warming and its impact on the earth and society. We focused on the impacts of fossil fuels and the resulting increase of carbon dioxide emissions. The global climate models we used demonstrated a large increase in carbon dioxide concentrations due to anthropogenic sources. To mitigate the adverse effects of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere we considered geosequestration, metabolites and enzyme for plants and addition of carbonate ions into oceanic sinks. More Information...
Carbon Reduction Tools for Municipal Buildings
In an effort to reduce carbon emissions in the UK, the London Borough of Merton began work with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) researching carbon reduction methods. This project furthers this general goal by developing a replicable model which municipalities can use to map out energy usage of their buildings; as well as constructing a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) financial feasibility toolkit to help municipalities plan and implement District Heat and Power using CHPs. More Information...
Clean Air Vehicles, 1998
The history of the development of Electric Vehicle is presented. Present day EV technology is examined and compared to gas-powered vehicle performance. Feasibility of EV´s widespread introduction into society is investigated. Obstacles are discussed and recommendations are made for a successful campaign. More Information...
Electricity Monitoring on the WPI Campus (WPI Related)
This report, prepared for the Plant Services Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, evaluates the present status of WPI´s electricity monitoring system, on a building-by-building basis. It includes a comprehensive report of the electricity meter functionality for several dormitories and academic buildings. Also, it presents a short and long-term plan to improve the school´s ability to monitor its electricity consumption. More Information...
Energy Efficiency in Water Infrastructure
The purpose of this project is to increase the energy efficiency of water infrastructure in Puerto Rico. This report contains technical and financial feasibility data regarding renewable energy systems and pipeline maintenance procedures. This data is followed by recommendations of cost-effective and environmentally-safe systems as well as maintenance procedures to be implemented. The report concludes with the social implications that will follow this implementation. The project team prepared this information for the Architecture and Engineering firm CSA Group, Inc., which will allow this company to promote energy-efficient practices to their clients through a brochure that the team provided at the conclusion of the project. More Information...
Fuel Efficient and Environmentally Sound Autos, 2005
This project proposes a study into alternative fuel sources and also questions the educational level of the general public concerning hybrid technology. A thorough background investigation was done on the current state of alternative power sources for automobiles with a concentration on hybrid technology. This background information was used to develop a survey to evaluate and educate the public. The results of this survey concluded that people educated about hybrid technology have a greater desire to learn about it. More Information...
Fuel Efficient Daytime Running Lights, 2004
In 2002 there were approximately 11 million vehicles involved in accidents in the United States. 90% of those vehicles (approximately 9.9 million) were passenger cars or light trucks. As the number of drivers on the roads increase there is an increase in the need to make driving conditions safer. Also in the past year gasoline prices have hit a 23 year high, so there has also been a growing interest in making automobiles more fuel efficient. In the name of safety Lobbyists for years have been trying to get Daytime Running Lights made mandatory on all passenger vehicles. This project examines the efficiency, usefulness, and economical impact of Daytime Running Lights. More Information...
Global Warming and Ozone Depletion The Global Implications, 2002
This project explored global warming due to greenhouse gases and ozone depletion due to CFC. The impact of these effects on society have been studied and some policy recommendations were made. More Information...
Global Warming and the American Desert
The project examines the effects of global warming and other trends on the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin, as well as how those changes will affect the rest of the United States.
Green House Effects Concentrate on Ozone Depletion, 1998
This project studied the impact of ozone depletion on human health and aquatic and terrestial ecosystems. To study the possible evolution of this phenomena a model was derived to simulate the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere as a function of latitude. In view of these studies we were able to make some policy recommendations to mitigate the impact of ozone depletion on mother earth. More Information...
Hybird Cars as a way to a Cleaner Environment, 2005
This project focused on gasoline-electric hybrid cars. In order to gain the public perception, we conducted a survey to focus on acceptable differences. Issues such as the trade off between acceleration and improved mileage were examined. In addition, the subject of incentives was considered as a way to increase the acceptance of hybrid technology. More Information...
Hybrid Vehicle Emissions Analysis, 2002
The object of this analysis of hybrid vehicles is to determine what ecological impact they will have when introduced into Worcester, MA vehicle population. The ability to reduce a vast amount of pollution created each year is valuable by any means possible, and the hybrid vehicle may be one solution. An internal combustion powered vehicle pollutes seven times more than a hybrid gas-electric vehicle. To totally replace all of the vehicles on the road in Worcester with hybrids would reduce the pollution to 16 percent of its current amount: only 1, 000 tons of airborn pollution compared to the current 6,250 tons. The best solution at this point is most likely a ˜phasing in˜ of new hybrid technology. More Information...
Improving Electrical System Management for Boylston, MA
This project was intended to assist the Boylston Municipal Light Department in modernizing their management and record keeping processes. After compiling information about the town´s electric infrastructure, our project group developed a sustainable computerized system that allows for efficient record-keeping and information updating practices for the electric infrastructure. Furthermore, we made strong recommendations about how to better organize and execute daily maintenance tasks in a more proficient manner. More Information...
Investigating and Promoting Extensively Natured, Green Urban Rooftops in Puerto Rico
This report, prepared for the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, investigated the feasibility and desirability of utilizing vegetated (green) roofs in the tropical climate of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Feasibility was assessed through experiments on the performance of various plants and soils and development of a temperature sensor network to collect data for a heat transfer model. Desirability was assessed through interviews with employees in targeted industries. Green roofs were found to yield substantial benefits at both the economic and environmental level. More Information...
Mapping and Evaluating Carbon Dioxide Reduction in Merton
In effort to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions, the London Borough of Merton hopes to identify all municipal activities that directly create or indirectly affect CO2 emissions, and map these activities to the departments responsible for them. This project assists that goal by initializing the identification process, creating a database framework to house the list of potential reduction measures for each activity, and developing methods for rating each measure’s implementation and financial feasibility. More Information...
Sustainable Energy Sources for Rural Ghana
This project investigated renewable energy sources for Mr. Kofi Amoafo, a machine shop owner from Ghana, West Africa, who now works in England because high diesel prices in Ghana made his business unprofitable. In addition to a system recommendation, this project created tools to assist in the identification and implementation of compatible renewable energy systems in Ghana. These tools included a questionnaire and flow chart to identify energy options and a database of NGOs in Ghana, to identify possible project sponsors. More Information...
Tracking and Reducing Greenhouse Gases at WPI (WPI Related)
This report, as conducted at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, explored the carbon emissions directly produced as a result of on-campus activities. The purpose the inventory is to evaluate the current status at WPI and evaluate several possible options to reduce these emissions. This report will address the necessary background, methods, results, analysis and recommendations. With this report we hope to establish a precedent for yearly inventories aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions at WPI. More Information...
US ENERGY GOALS AND POLICY A Critical Look at Existing Energy and Sustainable Energy for the Future
The project developed a viable, comprehensive, energy plan for the United States with the intent to drastically reduce the dependence on foreign oil over the next 20 years. To this end a pragmatic and comprehensive evaluation of various energy technologies was made. The intent is to encourage widespread adoption of solar and wind energy technologies in the US before there is an energy crisis as transition after that point becomes problematic. More Information...
Water Meter Replacement Evaluation
The Puerto Rican Water and Sewer Authority (PRASA) is losing money because of failing water meters and under-billing. The goal of our project was to help PRASA by recommending an efficient replacement plan. To do this we performed a customer survey to determine their satisfaction with the authority. We also interviewed the directors of Customer Service to gain knowledge of the replacement effort and its problems. Replacement plans from around the world were compared to Puerto Rico´s to determine where Puerto Rico ranks. Finally, we performed a cost benefit analysis on metering systems using new reading technology. We made recommendations on new meter technology, as well as ways to improve the efficiency of the meter replacement plan, enabling the replacement of 200,000 meters a year. More Information...
Wind Energy Assessment of Massachusetts Using Geographic Information System, 1999
This project is a pilot study for a full Massachusetts wind energy evaluation which uses IDRISI, a Geographic Information System (GIS) program, to create wind energy potential maps for Massachusetts. Also involved is an economic evaluation which will be continued by more students in the future using the project team´s report and a similar methodology. The results obtained indicate that all areas having a Class 4 or above designation should be explored as possible windfarm sites and that this project has further potential for other groups in the future. More Information...
Wind Power Suitability in Worcester, Massachusetts
The goal of this project was to identify criteria needed to determine the suitability of potential wind turbine sites in Worcester, Massachusetts. The report first discusses physical, environmental, economic, and social factors that affect the suitability of potential wind power sites. We then completed a case study for a site in downtown Worcester, directly applying the criteria. Our hope is the project will raise local awareness of renewable energy and illustrate the practicality of a clean energy project. More Information...
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