My Capstone Project is an engineering project, centered around microgeneration in homes. Microgeneration is a term for energy generated on a small scale. An example of microgeneration in homes would be the use of solar panels to power a fan. While the best known way to generate power on a small scale is solar energy, there are many more effective ways to generate energy within a home. Technologies such as micro-combined heat and power units could allow for home owners to reduce carbon emissions, save money, cut strain on the electrical grid during peak consumption hours, and not jeopardize safety or structural stability. Furthermore, they are able to not only power a home, but to heat and cool homes as well, meaning that they can handle the two most strenuous and energy consuming tasks in a home while generating electricity at the same time.
Micro-combined heat and power units are, essentially, highly efficient natural gas engines that can be used to generate electricity. The greatest byproduct of this operation, heat, can be used to heat water for the homeowners, or can be used to create steam in yet another generator. By combining these technologies with an electrical storage device (such as a lead acid battery), any unused electricity generated during the day can be accessed later, or can be sent back into the power grid, which would result in a cut to homeowner's energy bill. My end product would be a website to spread awareness of microgeneration and serve as a guide to interested individuals looking to purchase some form of microgeneration.
While installing microgeneration technologies into a home is not a fix all in terms of environmental concerns or expenses, it is a viable way for individuals to reduce their own carbon emissions, electrical expenses, and prevent power outages or blackouts. In essence, these technologies are supplementary, but could be very impactful if adopted on a larger scale.
My capstone proposal did not pass. The committee wanted to know if my project was hardware or software.
