In this project, we set a goal in creating a power system that would cycle between two forms of green energy generation. The primary form of generation will be solar energy. This source will charge a custom-made battery charger and supply power to a load. When solar generation cannot produce sufficient power, a threshold of six watts, the system will then turn on the back up hydro generators. This type of system will beneficial to the consumer that wants to lessen the need for more traditional methods of creating energy, while improving their green thumbprint on the world. Currently most green energy systems will only use one form of generation. With this system, we can provide a user with a more sustainable and longer lasting system for residential use.

In the figure below, you will see the block diagram of the design for group 37.

Figure 1: Block Diagram

Energy consumption is increasing every day. This is due to the constant upgrades in technology. As we become more advanced, the need for more power arises. Power companies are scrambling to find new methods to meet the power needs of customers. However, with the need for more power, comes the need for better ways of making electricity. In today’s market, green energy has increased in both popularity and efficiency. At an individual’s home, solar panels are becoming a more prominent option for green energy solutions. This allows each customer to generate their own power and causes less reliability on conventional methods of power generation. Another method of green energy is the use of hydro generation. Hydro plants have become the most efficient methods of making green energy. However, they can only be used for short periods of time. With this in mind, our goal is to combine the two forms of green energy generation together. Simply put, we would use solar energy to power a pump that would then push volumes of water across the hydro generators. This is the basic concept behind a two-cycle power system, which is when you use one source to power another source. Solar power is changing the power industry. As the technology of the panels increases, the efficiency of the panels also increases. Panels are increasing in life and power output. Using one of the new types of panels, we will be able to produce enough power to constantly run a pump and charge a battery system. A battery system is key, because one of the major drawbacks to solar is the inconsistency of when power can be generated. Whenever there is a major storm or the sun sets for night, the power generated by the solar panel will either decrease or have nearly no output at all. Storing the excess power will allow us to maintain power needed for the pump. Micro hydro generation is a newer form of green energy. This system is mainly used in places where running water, for example a downhill stream, is abundant. Micro hydro is also used in places where solar is less effective. These generators can range from 10 W to 600 W. Naturally, the amount of water that can be accessed will dictate the output of the system. Because of the reliance on a decent flow of water, hydro generation is only a viable option in certain locations and applications. For this project we will be designing a hydro system to have a set output. Power to provide the water flow will be given by the solar system. By powering our own water flow, the system will be able for use in a large area. Combining solar and hydro power together, we will create the two-cycle system that we set out to achieve. With the use of the two power sources, we will need a method of controlling the two. First controller will be for the battery charging system. Using a microcontroller, we will read the battery life and begin charging at a set threshold. Because batteries lose their max charge, when they are constantly charging, the system will need to adjust the power flow depending on the percentage of the battery. If the battery is at full charge, then the system will send constant power to the water pump. If the battery needs to be charged, the system will send small amounts of solar energy to keep it at the threshold. Successfully keeping the battery at the appropriate level, will ensure the customer that the pump will be able to push water across the hydro generator for the length of the night. Another controller will be needed for the load of the system. Let's say, the system begins to produce more energy than is needed. When this happens, we need to know what to do with the excess energy. The best idea would be to send the excess power to the existing power grid. In order to perform this task, we will need another microcontroller to read both the power coming into the house and the load demand of the house. If the incoming power is greater than the power needed, we will use a relay to connect the system and begin feeding power to the power company system. Being able to produce power for the whole system will make an individual home a generating source for the power company. Another benefit to connecting to the grid is if the need for power to run the pump is needed. Our system could use this power and still maintain a greater output.

The document below contains the divide and conquer paper for group 37.

The document below contains the Senior Design 1 paper for group 37.

The slides for the critical design review are seen below:

In the video below, group 37 demonstrates their design in action. This specific demonstration is the midterm demonstration.

Video 2: Midterm Demonstration

The document below contains the conference paper for group 37.

The slides for the final presentation are seen below:

In the video below, group 37 demonstrates the final presentation for their project.

Video 4: Final Demonstration

The document below contains the final documentation paper for group 37.