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Three students from [[Humboldt State University]], [[User:Desimac100|Destinee McGuire]], John Cylwik, and [[User:Wilsinn92|Wilson Franca de Souza]], are tasked with the job of restoring the system to working condition. There is a visible issue with the batteries housing units which appear to be slightly bulging. Since the batteries contain hazardous chemicals, there is a possibility of damaging the environment, humans, and the [[MEOW]]. The first goal of our project is to see what is causing the batteries to expand in their housing units and properly dispose of the old batteries. Then, if we discover the problems and buy new batteries, we will continue to work on the [[MEOW]]'s system.  
Three students from [[Humboldt State University]], [[User:Desimac100|Destinee McGuire]], [[User:jcylwik1|John Cylwik]], and [[User:Wilsinn92|Wilson Franca de Souza]], are tasked with the job of restoring the system to working condition. There is a visible issue with the batteries housing units which appear to be slightly bulging. Since the batteries contain hazardous chemicals, there is a possibility of damaging the environment, humans, and the [[MEOW]]. The first goal of our project is to see what is causing the batteries to expand in their housing units and properly dispose of the old batteries. Then, if we discover the problems and buy new batteries, we will continue to work on the [[MEOW]]'s system.  


[[File:Battery.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2| This is one of the batteries that was being used for the [[MEOW]] and the photo is not detailed enough to show the slight bulging.]]
[[File:Battery.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2| This is one of the batteries that was being used for the [[MEOW]] and the photo is not detailed enough to show the slight bulging.]]
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“The warm season lasts from June 24 to October 13 with an average daily high temperature above 62°F. The hottest day of the year is September 2, with an average high of 64°F and low of 50°F.”<ref name="Arcata Weather">"WeatherSpark Beta." Average Weather For Arcata, California, USA. https://weatherspark.com/averages/29570/Arcata-California-United-States./> </ref>
The warm season lasts from June 24 to October 13 with an average daily high temperature above 62°F. With an average high of 64°F and low of 50°F. The cold season lasts from November 26 to April 14 with an average daily high temperature below 56°F. With an average low of 39°F and high of 54°F. The length of the day varies significantly over the course of the year. The shortest day is December 21 with 9:14 hours of daylight; the longest day is June 20 with 15:09 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise is at 5:43am on June 11 and the latest sunset is at 8:53pm on June 29. The latest sunrise is at 7:51am on November 3 and the earliest sunset is at 4:48pm on December 9. Daylight savings time (DST) is observed in this location.   The median cloud cover ranges from 83% (mostly cloudy) to 95% (overcast). The clearer part of the year begins around May 18. The cloudier part of the year begins around November 13. The sky is clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 42% of the time, and overcast or mostly cloudy 58% of the time. The probability that precipitation will be observed at this location varies throughout the year. Precipitation is most likely around March 12, occurring in 56% of days. Precipitation is least likely around August 8, occurring in 11% of days. Over the entire year, the most common forms of precipitation are light rain, moderate rain, and drizzle. Light rain is the most severe precipitation observed during 49% of those days with precipitation. It is most likely around February 21, when it is observed during 29% of all days. Moderate rain is the most severe precipitation observed during 28% of those days with precipitation. It is most likely around December 16, when it is observed during 19% of all days. Drizzle is the most severe precipitation observed during 11% of those days with precipitation. It is most likely around June 30, when it is observed during 7% of all days. [13]<ref name="Arcata Weather"></ref>
 
“The cold season lasts from November 26 to April 14 with an average daily high temperature below 56°F. The coldest day of the year is December 23, with an average low of 39°F and high of 54°F.”<ref name="Arcata Weather"></ref>
 
“The length of the day varies significantly over the course of the year. The shortest day is December 21 with 9:14 hours of daylight; the longest day is June 20 with 15:09 hours of daylight.”<ref name="Arcata Weather"></ref>
 
“The earliest sunrise is at 5:43am on June 11 and the latest sunset is at 8:53pm on June 29. The latest sunrise is at 7:51am on November 3 and the earliest sunset is at 4:48pm on December 9.”<ref name="Arcata Weather"></ref>
 
“Daylight savings time (DST) is observed in this location during 2012, starting in the spring on March 11 and ending in the fall on November 4.”<ref name="Arcata Weather"></ref>
 
“The median cloud cover ranges from 83% (mostly cloudy) to 95% (overcast). The sky is cloudiest on March 9 and clearest on September 16. The clearer part of the year begins around May 18. The cloudier part of the year begins around November 13.”<ref name="Arcata Weather"></ref>
 
“On September 16, the clearest day of the year, the sky is clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 42% of the time, and overcast or mostly cloudy 58% of the time.”<ref name="Arcata Weather"></ref>
 
“On March 9, the cloudiest day of the year, the sky is overcast, mostly cloudy, or partly cloudy 76% of the time, and clear or mostly clear 24% of the time.”<ref name="Arcata Weather"></ref>
 
“The probability that precipitation will be observed at this location varies throughout the year. Precipitation is most likely around March 12, occurring in 56% of days. Precipitation is least likely around August 8, occurring in 11% of days.”<ref name="Arcata Weather"></ref>
 
“Over the entire year, the most common forms of precipitation are light rain, moderate rain, and drizzle.”<ref name="Arcata Weather"></ref>
 
“Light rain is the most severe precipitation observed during 49% of those days with precipitation. It is most likely around February 21, when it is observed during 29% of all days.”<ref name="Arcata Weather"></ref>
 
“Moderate rain is the most severe precipitation observed during 28% of those days with precipitation. It is most likely around December 16, when it is observed during 19% of all days.”<ref name="Arcata Weather"></ref>
 
“Drizzle is the most severe precipitation observed during 11% of those days with precipitation. It is most likely around June 30, when it is observed during 7% of all days.”<ref name="Arcata Weather"></ref>




Revision as of 01:05, 7 May 2015

Template:305inprogress

This is the MEOW as of January 29th 2015.

Abstract

The Mobile Energy Operation Wagon (MEOW) was in need of new batteries and a change in the position of the battery case. This was a project conducted by a group of Humboldt State University students in the spring of 2015 to prolong the life of the new batteries and reestablish the MEOW to working order.

Background

This is the interior of MEOW as of January 29th 2015 with the bikes and solar panels.
This is the MEOW's electronic system and battery case in the upright position.

The Mobile Energy Operation Wagon or MEOW is a trailer that has mounted solar panels that generate renewable energy and stores that energy in batteries. The MEOW is currently located on the Humboldt State University campus at the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology or CCAT. The MEOW was constructed in 2003 to be transportable renewable energy source for a variety of events, specially CCAT May Day festivities [1]. Sadly in 2010 the MEOW was stolen and stripped of all valuable materials and the solar mounting rack built in May of 2005 was ruined [2] [1]. Fortunately, funding was able to be gathered to help bring the MEOW back on its paws! In May 2012, a new mounting rack for the solar panels was constructed and attached to the MEOW[3]. In November of 2012, a group students rejuvenated the MEOW’s solar energy system [3].


Three students from Humboldt State University, Destinee McGuire, John Cylwik, and Wilson Franca de Souza, are tasked with the job of restoring the system to working condition. There is a visible issue with the batteries housing units which appear to be slightly bulging. Since the batteries contain hazardous chemicals, there is a possibility of damaging the environment, humans, and the MEOW. The first goal of our project is to see what is causing the batteries to expand in their housing units and properly dispose of the old batteries. Then, if we discover the problems and buy new batteries, we will continue to work on the MEOW's system.

This is one of the batteries that was being used for the MEOW and the photo is not detailed enough to show the slight bulging.


Our project is going to be from January 26 2015 to about Mid-May 2015 which is the 2015 Spring semester. Humboldt State University is located in Northern California in the United States. The University is located next to the City of Arcata. This region is a coastal zone with mild weather with high humidity throughout most the year.

Problem statement

The objective of this project is to restore the Mobile Energy Operation Wagon (MEOW) to working condition by assessing the problems with the solar system and changing the battery case position to retain battery lifespan.


Criteria

Criteria Constraints Weight (0-10)
Safety Safe for people to be close to batteries without possibility of shock 10
Ease of Use People who do not know the MEOW can easily understand the system 9
Maintainability MEOW can be easily diagnosed and fixed in a short period 8
Cost Within given budget 7
Educational Value Easier the explanation for how the MEOW works 7
Effectiveness Produces power (more is good) 6
Insulation Keep MEOW batteries between optimal temperatures to prolong battery life 5

Literature Review

Battery

In nickel metal hydride (NMH) batteries some charging energy is converted into heat and used to expand gases. The batteries in the study made sure that after the batteries had a full charge, the input would be cut off. Overcharging can cause problems and should be eliminated. The system in the book was a mobile unit that was used to broadcast radio. [4]


“There is more to comparing batteries than just cost or amp-hour ratings. For example, based only on cost, the Concorde AGM's do not look so good. On the other hand, you probably would not want to store a flooded battery in your computer room. There is no one best battery for all applications. If the batteries are in a remote communications site, low maintenance might be the most important feature. For the off-grid full time home, capacity. life, and long term cost would probably be the most important.”[5]


Rechargeable batteries sales throughout the world included Nickel-cadmium, Nickel metal hydride, and lithium-ion batteries from 1986 to 2005. Lithium-ion batteries were the largest part of the sales in 2005. the cadmium batteries are still used but in fewer quantity because of the possible heavy metal exposure. For cadmium batteries, an estimated lifespan of 15 years for industrial batteries, 6 years for electric vehicle batteries, and 3 years for consumer batteries.[6]

Solar

"Deployment of renewable energy sources can be a key feature of regional development and assists in achieving greater social and economic cohesion within a country. Grid extension, noise and pollution are avoided in PV projects. In both centralised and decentralised systems, adverse visual impact is also avoidable with sensitive design." [7]


The article reports that solar developers and contractors are gearing up for new sector growth as more U.S. states allow direct sale of solar power to electricity customers. It reveals that utilities and regional firms are eyeing on smaller but mass-volume rooftop solar installations for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. The opportunities for growth in the residential market are highlighted.[8]


“With the several types of energy storage systems and the range of requirements for the various services categories, it can be difficult to determine the suitability of a system for a given application. Discharge time of a system is one characteristic that can immediately identify possible options for a given application. By comparing the stored energy quantity and power requirements of the application with the characteristics of the battery technologies, one or more suitable types may be identified. Following this process, battery technologies can be compared on other merits such as cycle life, cost, and efficiency.”[9]


“Photovoltaic solar energy is one of the most widely used renewable energy. A key component in photovoltaic generation systems is the DC-AC converter [1,2]. In these applications multilevel inverters are usually used. These can give an AC voltage from several DC sources, that is, from the photovoltaic generators. Multilevel inverters have lower output harmonic content monolevel inverters.”[10]


In Medford Oregon, the average yearly insolation availability in kWH/m^2 for a fixed panel with a latitude tilt of -15 degree is 4.88. This is the closest latitudinal location to Arcata California. For a tracking array, the available insolation averages 6.5 kWH/m^2. Knowing the solar insolation is very helping in determining the solar panel systems potential throughout the year. Inverters are an important aspect to an electrical system because it dictates the wave output (square, modified sine, or sine) and affects the efficiency.[11]

Bike

Biking is the most energy-efficient way to travel compared to animals and machines. During the Race Across America, the average efficiency was about 20% which is fantastic and in no reach of fossil fuel cars. 374 calories are required to produce 100 W per hour and the average person can produce about 0.75 W for several hours and 225 W when pressing hard for a few minutes. A physically fit cyclist can produce 375 W for a few minutes and 525 W for up to a minute.[12]


Sun potenital

The warm season lasts from June 24 to October 13 with an average daily high temperature above 62°F. With an average high of 64°F and low of 50°F. The cold season lasts from November 26 to April 14 with an average daily high temperature below 56°F. With an average low of 39°F and high of 54°F. The length of the day varies significantly over the course of the year. The shortest day is December 21 with 9:14 hours of daylight; the longest day is June 20 with 15:09 hours of daylight. The earliest sunrise is at 5:43am on June 11 and the latest sunset is at 8:53pm on June 29. The latest sunrise is at 7:51am on November 3 and the earliest sunset is at 4:48pm on December 9. Daylight savings time (DST) is observed in this location. The median cloud cover ranges from 83% (mostly cloudy) to 95% (overcast). The clearer part of the year begins around May 18. The cloudier part of the year begins around November 13. The sky is clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 42% of the time, and overcast or mostly cloudy 58% of the time. The probability that precipitation will be observed at this location varies throughout the year. Precipitation is most likely around March 12, occurring in 56% of days. Precipitation is least likely around August 8, occurring in 11% of days. Over the entire year, the most common forms of precipitation are light rain, moderate rain, and drizzle. Light rain is the most severe precipitation observed during 49% of those days with precipitation. It is most likely around February 21, when it is observed during 29% of all days. Moderate rain is the most severe precipitation observed during 28% of those days with precipitation. It is most likely around December 16, when it is observed during 19% of all days. Drizzle is the most severe precipitation observed during 11% of those days with precipitation. It is most likely around June 30, when it is observed during 7% of all days. [13][13]



Discussion on literature found to help understand the MEOW

Construction

Image Description
Meow Battery case size and sketch.jpg
 This is a preliminary sketch of MEOW battery case with dimensions.
How to attach Battery case.jpg
 This is a sketch of the battery case being reattached to the MEOW trailer.
John and Battery Case.jpg
 This is John pulling off the bolts that hold the battery case in the MEOW upright.
New battery case position.jpg
 The Battery case new position in the MEOW, not yet bolted down.

Timeline

Objectives Relative Week
Pending groups Week 1 Jan 19th
Group meeting Week 2 Jan 26th
Gather background on MEOW/Research on solar power Week 3 Feb 2nd
Go to MEOW and access batteries Week 4 Feb 9th
Take batteries to check voltage at NAPA Week 5 Feb 16th
Creating Budget/approval Week 6 Feb 23rd
Research battery types and Look at battery housing Week 7 Mar 3rd
Negotiate battery type and start the approval process Week 8 Mar 9th
Re calibrate equipment to test old batteries in system (if Sun available) Week 10 Mar 23rd
Research more about MEOW’s current system (no schematic found) Week 11 Mar 30th
Pull battery case down and determine EQ setting not on Week 12 Apr 6th
Attach battery case in the laying down position Week 13 Apr 13th
Attach new batteries and test system if available sun Week 14 Apr 20th
Prepare for festival Week 15 Apr 27
Report turned in and Appropedia page completed Week 16 May 4th

Costs

This was the proposed costs to bring the MEOW back to working order using estimates from the internet.
Quantity Material Source Cost ($) Total ($)
4 Trojan 31-Gel 12V 102Ah Gel Battery Civic Solar 370.26 1,481.04
1 2x4x8 plank The Home Depot 2.64 2.64
1 Lock Nut Pack(19) The Home Depot 2.94 2.94
10 Zinc 5/16-18x3-1/2 Hex Bolt The Home Depot 0.63 6.30
10 Zinc 5/16 Flat Washer Pack Bolt Depot.com 0.09 0.90
Total Cost $1,493.82



This was the costs associated with moving the battery case and purchasing new batteries for the MEOW. Funding for new batteries was from CCAT.
Quantity Material Source Cost ($) Total ($)
4 12V 115ah AGN SLA batteries Redding Vender 235.00 940.00
1 2x4x8 plank The Mill Yard 2.93 2.93
1 Lock Nut Pack(19) The Mill Yard 1.90 1.90
1 Zinc 5/16-18x3-1/2 Hex Bolt Pack (29) The Mill Yard 2.90 2.90
1 Zinc 5/16 Flat Washer Pack (9) The Mill Yard 0.90 0.90
Total Cost $948.63
Proposed Cost $1,493.82
Cost Savings $545.19

Operation

The MEOW has another Appropedia page dedicated to care and use of the MEOW. This page can be accessed here CCAT MEOW/OM. Previously, the page had included the information of equalizing the batteries. This is not recommended for sealed batteries, as indicated in the user manual of the solar system, and this could drastically shorten the lifespan of the batteries. To prevent the EQ setting, do not access the setting. The default system set up is without a EQ phase in the charging of the batteries.

Maintenance

Schedule

Instructions

image
How to Operate the MEOW

Conclusion

The battery case position change was not difficult to accomplish. The most challenging aspect was getting the authorization to drill into the MEOW. The construction was smooth except for the loss of a 1/2 inch socket which caused John to use a 1/2 inch wrench to tighten the bolts down. The socket was found after the construction was completed. Research for new batteries was conducted to aid in the help of ordering new batteries. This process was hard to deal with because the communication chain took a while. The batteries purchased were not any of the specific brands researched but CCAT was able to negotiate a deal for the price. The best price they could find with the specification the MEOW needed. Hopefully we are able to have the MOEW in working condition for the May Day Festival on May 2nd. (will post picture of the festival and write more once event has happened)

Testing results

Discussion

Lessons Learned

The MEOW project was huge! So many ideas were thrown around of what was wanted to be done. The main goal was to get the MEOW up and running but deciding on how to tackle the project was difficult. The idea process was great but getting feedback and approval on the ideas was challenging. The communication to the client should have had more frequency because of the limited times the client meet together. Construction was delayed and little testing was able to be done on the MEOWS charging potential with the new batteries.

Next Steps

The MEOW is a large project and has many possibilities. Another team could work on re-establishing the bike power that was once associated with charging the batteries. Many people at the May Day Festival were mentioning the bike power ad would like to see it return. Another potential project would be doing maintenance on the trailer the solar system is housed in. The interior floor could use new paint, the trailer is starting to rust due to the humidity in Humboldt, and spiders seem to making the MEOW their home. These are just two potential next steps for the life of the MEOW.

Troubleshooting

Team

References

Template:Reflist

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.times-standard.com/20110125/ccat-recovers-mobile-energy-wagon-board-meets-to-discuss-future-of-meow-after-it-was-stolen-vandalized-last-month
  2. ↑ http://www.appropedia.org/CCAT_MEOW_rack
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://www.appropedia.org/CCAT_MEOW
  4. ↑ Abdurakhmanov, K. P., O. Ochilov, and A. G. Strizhevskii. 2008. Solar photovoltaic battery charger for mobile radio stations.Applied Solar Energy 44, (4) (12): 249-255, http://ezproxy.humboldt.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/231325042?accountid=11532 (accessed February 4, 2015). />
  5. ↑ "Northern Arizona Wind & Sun." Deep Cycle Battery Types Comparisons. http://www.solar-electric.com/deep-cycle-battery-types-comparisons.html./>
  6. ↑ Wilburn, D2007. Flow of Cadmium from Rechargeable Batteries in the United States, 1996-2005. Reston, Va.: U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey./>
  7. ↑ Archer, Mary D., and Hill, Robert, eds. Clean Electricity from Photovoltaics. London, GBR: Imperial College Press, 2001. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 8 February 2015. Copyright © 2001. Imperial College Press. All rights reserved. <http://site.ebrary.com/lib/hsulib/reader.action?docID=10255424>/>
  8. ↑ Carr, Housley. "Rooftop Solar Set To Soar." Engineering News-Record, October 2, 2013, 8. />
  9. ↑ Leadbetter, Jason, and Lukas G. Swan. "Selection of Battery Technology to Support Grid-integrated Renewable Electricity." Journal of Power Sources 216 (2012): 376-86. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378775312009500/>
  10. ↑ Reinoso, C.r. Sanchez, M. De Paula, D.h. Milone, and R.h. Buitrago. "Photovoltaic Inverters Optimisation." Energy Procedia 14:1484-489. Accessed February 4, 2015. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610211045413#. />
  11. ↑ Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems: A Handbook of Recommended Practices. Las Cruces: Photovoltaic Design Assistance Center Sandia National Laboratories, 1995./>
  12. ↑ Perry, David. 1995. Bike Cult : The Ultimate Guide to Human-powered Vehicles. New York: Four Walls Eight Windows./>
  13. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Arcata Weather
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