Name:
Period:
Date:
Mission Scenario
A remote coastal research station needs an average of 48 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electrical energy each day. It must operate year-round with limited fuel deliveries.
| Option | Expected daily energy | Reliability | Estimated installed cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar array | 36 kWh average | Low at night and during storms | $42,000 | Quiet; low maintenance |
| Wind turbine | 30 kWh average | Variable; strongest in winter | $51,000 | Needs open exposure |
| Diesel generator | Up to 100 kWh | High if fuel is available | $18,000 plus fuel | Noise, emissions, deliveries |
| Battery bank | Stores up to 60 kWh | Depends on charging source | $38,000 | Storage, not generation |
1. Analyze the Need
- How much energy is needed in seven days?
- Can solar alone meet the average daily requirement? Show the shortfall.
- Can wind alone meet the requirement? Show the shortfall.
- How much average energy would solar and wind produce together?
2. Compare System Designs
| System | Meets average demand? | Main strength | Main risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar + battery | |||
| Wind + battery | |||
| Solar + wind + battery | |||
| Solar + diesel backup |
3. Reliability Event
A three-day storm reduces solar production to 8 kWh per day. Wind produces 38 kWh per day during the same period.
- How much energy is produced each storm day?
- What is the daily deficit or surplus?
- Could a 60 kWh battery cover the full three-day deficit?
4. Recommendation
Recommend a primary system and backup strategy. Use numerical evidence, reliability, cost, and environmental impact.
Submission Checklist
- All analysis questions are answered.
- Required calculations, tables, sketches, or diagrams are complete.
- The final recommendation uses evidence from the lesson.
- Your name, class period, and date are included.
Closing Reflection
What was the most important engineering or manufacturing decision you made in this lesson? Explain why it mattered.