The development of a wind and solar power calculator for use within the private sector

Haenke, Michael (2010) The development of a wind and solar power calculator for use within the private sector. [USQ Project]

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Abstract

[Abstract]: This dissertation is the documentation and design of a power calculator for use within the private sector. A power calculator is a way of determining an expected output from a given energy source over a specific time. This calculator is focused on power produced from solar and wind energies.

We live in exponential times, both in terms of population growth and energy consumption. A nation is defined by this consumption. As the primary sources of fuelling power stations dwindle, and as these fuels affect the earth, it is becoming more and more important to find alternative forms of energy.

The development of an energy calculator is used to develop an assessment of the viability of implementing specific power sources. The major feature of this calculator is to determine factors such as power output, sizing and cost. An individual calculator needs to be developed for both solar and wind energy.

Although these two forms of energy provide cleaner and more sustainable options than the major energy forms currently in use, they struggle to compete across all fields. Both energy forms are more expensive and cannot operate one hundred per cent of the time as there are restrictions on where and when they can work.

As a prediction, the calculator can only give - at best, a monthly representation, as weather conditions will change daily. It will also not be completely accurate, though the calculator does give a real value for expected power generation.

The calculator is limited by this lack of accuracy. As a monthly representation it does give a solid representation of a specific model of either a solar or wind source.

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Item Type:	USQ Project
Refereed:	No
Item Status:	Live Archive
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre:	Historic - Faculty of Engineering and Surveying - Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering (Up to 30 Jun 2013)
Supervisors:	Kamel, Fouad; Schmidt, Erik
Date Deposited:	03 May 2011 03:13
Last Modified:	03 Jul 2013 00:38
Uncontrolled Keywords:	energy/power consumption; solar energy; wind turbine; electric power generation; energy sources; wind energy; electrical energy; power distribution
Fields of Research (2008):	09 Engineering > 0907 Environmental Engineering > 090702 Environmental Engineering Modelling 09 Engineering > 0906 Electrical and Electronic Engineering > 090607 Power and Energy Systems Engineering (excl. Renewable Power) 09 Engineering > 0906 Electrical and Electronic Engineering > 090608 Renewable Power and Energy Systems Engineering (excl. Solar Cells)
Fields of Research (2020):	40 ENGINEERING > 4011 Environmental engineering > 401199 Environmental engineering not elsewhere classified 40 ENGINEERING > 4008 Electrical engineering > 400805 Electrical energy transmission, networks and systems 40 ENGINEERING > 4008 Electrical engineering > 400803 Electrical energy generation (incl. renewables, excl. photovoltaics)
URI:	https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/19018

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