12-09-2014, 02:17 PM
Solar Powered Air Conditioning for Elderly, Low Income Houstonians
Solar Powered Air.ppt (Size: 521.5 KB / Downloads: 117)
Introduction
The Need
Air conditioning can be as high as 25-40% of a household’s annual energy costs
Many low-income residents cannot afford this and go without air conditioning
60,000 homes in Houston without power in 2001; only 14,443 in all of Texas received assistance
Senior citizens accounted for 14 out of 20 heat-related deaths in Houston in 2001
Brief Survey of Solar Electric Power
More than just a set of solar panels
Variety of components required for proper functioning
Photovoltaic Panel
Three basic types: single crystal silicon, polycrystal silicon, and thin film/amorphous
Convert sunlight directly into DC electricity
Overview of Mars Testbed Solar Recharge Station
Some in-house JSC experience with solar power systems
Environmental Office (COD) and Advanced EVA Group built a solar recharge station as part of a Mars testbed activity
Used commercially available components from Solarcraft (Stafford, TX)
Purpose was to demonstrate how state-of-the-art technology can improve life on earth as well as explore space
Reads like a prelude to this project
HSC will seek to tap into their expertise and possibly their relationship with Solarcraft
Will also seek to coordinate with MOD and Engineering Directorate organizations involved with solar power
Solar Powered Air Conditioning System
Two main options exist:
Daylight-only system (no batteries)
Simpler, significantly less expensive
Offers no cooling between sunset and dawn
Continuously operating system (requires batteries)
Provides constant temperature
More expensive and complex
Presentation will explore both options, but will not choose between them
Subsystem Data
In order to conduct a preliminary sizing, data was compiled on commercially available solar power subsystems and air conditioning units
Voltage, wattage, amperage, BTU cooling capacity, price, vendor, etc.
Preliminary System Sizing
Complete solar-powered air conditioning system sized based on current vendor prices
Should not be construed as an exact specification of what the system will look like or cost
Prices, component availability subject to change
Chapter may decide to construct items in-house rather than use commercial equipment
Preliminary System Sizing – Option 1 (Daytime-only)
Photovoltaic Panel
SAPC-165 multicrystalline module
156 W per module, $612
Total of seven required, for cost of $4284
Panel Mounting
UTRF64 Passive Tracking Mount
Tracks sun passively (no electric power)
Holds all seven SAPC-165, costs $989
Preliminary System Sizing – Option 2 (Continuous Operation)
Batteries
AGM batteries chosen - 12V Concorde PVX-2120L offers the best value (2520 W-hrs)
Six batteries required to meet power goal
Cost $304.95 each, for a total of $1,829.70
Photovoltaic Panels
15 SAPC-165 providing 2400W at $5,999.85
Inverters
Two Powerstar 1300 Inverters at $1,080
Fundraising
Need chapter members to join Finance Zone to help Marlo in this area
Need new members from business directorates within JSC and contractors, especially B, H, and L mail codes
Engineering Roadmap
This paper is only a first step, not a complete analysis
Need for additional studies - engineering work continues
Deepen understanding of solar power systems
Resolve outstanding technical issues
Generate
Finalized specifications
Safety reviews
Implementation procedures
Candidate Selection
No mechanism in place yet to select recipients – must be accomplished prior to first delivery
Churches, United Way, etc. work routinely with the types of elderly we wish to serve
Coordinating with such organizations will help us to identify responsible elderly with genuine need
Conclusion
We can’t help everyone suffering in Houston
We will make a difference
We will pioneer a roadmap other organizations can follow
Enhance image of NASA, NSBE, contractors, partners
Gain sense of satisfaction – we will have used our skills to change the lives of people