Background
What: We hope to optimize and then have the MEOW be integrated into community events. CCAT’s history has undergone various renditions of pedal powered innovations. The most recent being the MEOW, refer to links for a more thoroughhistory.
Why: The MEOW is a historical staple for CCAT and the community Integrating photo-voltaic knowledge, pedal power insights, and community enrichment. Unfortunately, the MEOW is currently underutilized and we hope to plug the MEOW’s capabilities into events on campus in order to demonstrate off the grid energy opportunities.
When: By the end of spring semester 2019
Who: Karina Coronado, Bryce Baker, Colton Evans, Cassidy Fosdick
Problem statement
The objective of this project is to expand or improve the CCAT MEOW unit in order to increase awareness and accessibility to the entire campus. We will attempt to improve its versatility, aesthetics, or the systems efficiency for the time allotted to complete this project.
The following main categories have been identified as areas that need improvement :
Lack of User Interface
1. Developing a way for students to utilize the power made. Extension cord from inside to outside with a power strip would suffice 2.Making a sign that explains how the power was being produced 3.Having a meter that reflected how much power was remaining and being currently used by the user 4.Having a way that the user interface would disconnect if power dropped below a certain level, so that core functions of the meow would not be disrupted. As an example, hydroponic system being dependent on the MEOW. 5.Bikes:Developing a way to have a bike covered and accessible so that someone could provide additional power There are two additional bikes that can be utilized in the meow(currently only two are working)
Clarity
1.It is unclear exactly how the display unit functions 2.It is currently showing that the battery has not been fully charged in over a year 3.Data on screen does not seem to reflect what outside conditions are 4.Manual needs to be located and posted on this document in a link 5.Once we can figure out how much power is being produced we can look at optimization 6. Solar inverter needs to be examined.
Optimization
1.Looking at common appliances being used at CCAT and linking them to the meow 2.Figuring out how much “extra” power is available when Meow is powering all primary power functions for CCAT (hydroponics, lights, water heater, ect.) Basically how much will be available for public charging? 3.Also how will the charger turn off so that primary functions are not disrupted 4.Looking at alternative uses for the Meow with other organizations and around the community
Maintenance
1.Figuring out if tags are currently up to date 2.Tire rotation/inspection 3.Brakes 4.Testing Lights 5.Learning how to equalize batteries 6.Developing panel cleaning schedule 7.Cleaning off rust