By: Michael Ragan & Eric Wood
Adviser: Dr. L. Grega
This mission of this project is to design a system which will implement alternative, green energy on the TCNJ Campus. The two types of energy considered are solar and wind. Currently, TCNJ produces roughly 85% of its energy on campus via a co-generation plant. This project will propose options to cover the remaining 15% of the energy that is purchased via PSE&G, thereby making the campus self-sufficient. The location of the system will be the roof of the Lot 6 parking garage. This location was selected to be the most suitable due to its elevation and openness. Large projects like this can be aesthetically displeasing, and being raised up as it will be will keep it out of direct sight. The design consists of solar canopies, which will cover all of the parking spots atop the garage. Vertical axis wind turbines will be situated around the perimeter of the roof, approximately 8 meters apart. Both energy production methods will be implemented in the most effective and efficient ways possible. A major component of the project will include a cost-benefit analysis. The goal is not only to make the campus self-reliant in its energy consumption, but to accomplish this task in an environmentally friendly way, while being cost-effective and saving the College money at the same time. In calculations, initial costs, payback periods, as well as maintenance costs will all be examined. State and Federal funding will be looked into extensively, as it plays a major role in the practicality of such an expensive system, especially for a state college. The project must also take specific standards, local codes, and technical regulations into account before advancing. Every aspect of the project will be achieved using the highest of ethical standards, and will aim to deliver great engineering value to the college, while benefitting the environment for the betterment if all.