HomeMy WebLinkAboutGirdwood Test Station Feasibility StudyProposal 2008 School of Engineering 3211 Providence Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508 7/25/2008 Girdwood Renewable Energy Test Station: Feasibility Study Photo by Brian Yanity
PROPOSAL 7/25/2008 2 Feasibility Study for a Girdwood Renewable Energy Test Station Abstract: A feasibility study is proposed to investigate options for building and operating a research station in Girdwood, Alaska, dedicated to the development and testing of low-environmental-impact renewable energy conversion technology, in particular small-scale hydroelectric, wind, and tidal turbines, generators, and associated power storage and transmission mechanisms. Field testing of these technologies would be conducted in the Girdwood area, providing research and teaching opportunities for University of Alaska faculty and students. Public viewing of these efforts and interpretive displays of renewable energy concepts and technologies will also be investigated for integration in facilities contemplated at Girdwood. Other sustainable technologies may be incorporated in the facilities, such as green building and low-energy consumption architectural, mechanical, and electrical features. The feasibility study will result in recommendations for development, preliminary design of facilities, a schedule and budget for proposed research, development, and public education activities, and short-term and long-term business plans for operation, maintenance, improvement, and financing of facilities and activities proposed. Prospective partners from the Girdwood community, State and Federal Agencies, and commercial interests will be indentified. Conceptual Overview A Renewable Energy Test Station in Girdwood, Alaska is proposed for operation by the University of Alaska Anchorage, School of Engineering in collaboration with public and commercial partners yet to be determined. The Test Station would serve as an intellectual and technological nexus for evaluation of multiple small-scale hydro, wind, and tidal turbines and generators. Field testing of these technologies would be conducted in the Girdwood area, with the goal of providing research, testing, education, training, and consultancy services for small-scale renewable energy development and other sustainable low-environmental-impact technologies across Alaska. The Test Station would help prepare university students for careers in the renewable energy industry and associated professions and inspire students of all ages to study science and engineering related to sustainable development. The feasibility study will focus on sites for facilities in Girdwood that would be accessible and efficient for demonstration and testing of technologies for micro-hydro electric, wind, and tidal power generation, storage, and transmission. Girdwood provides a unique environmental setting in which all of these energy systems are potentially available. A test station at Girdwood would prospectively consist of: • Prototype micro-hydroelectric generation facilities, perhaps including o Impulse (e.g., Pelton wheel-type ) turbines and o In -stream reaction turbines, • A prototype wind-driven electrical generation facility, • A prototype tide-driven electrical generation facility, • A prototype hydrogen cell or other innovative power storage facility, • A secure building designed and equipped with tools, instruments, and specialized features for o storage and maintenance of system components, o test assembly of field apparatus,
PROPOSAL 7/25/2008 3 o centralized monitoring of satellite field installations, o storage of instruments and equipment for field site characterization and monitoring, and o a public area for display and demonstration of renewable energy technology to university and secondary school classes and the general public • A vehicle suitable for delivery of components to the facility from Anchorage and from the facility to satellite field sites in the Girdwood area. Educational Opportunities Undergraduate and graduate students from UAA majoring in civil, mechanical, electrical and computer systems engineering and in science disciplines associated with design and evaluation of natural resource developments could regularly use the proposed facility and community relationships for demonstrations and project assignments, as well as for research associated with undergraduate honors and graduate project reports and theses. Students from UAF could also take advantage of these unique opportunities through collaborations with UAA or travel to Girdwood. Faculty from both campuses could use the facility to advance their research associated with renewable energy resources and to involve undergraduate and graduate students in that work. Courses already in engineering curricula that could use the facility for demonstrations and exercises include: • Fluid Mechanics, Basic and Advanced • Water Resources Engineering • Surface Water Dynamics • Ground Water Dynamics • Electrical Engineering Undergraduate and graduate courses could furthermore be developed that focus on renewable energy involving extensive use of the proposed facilities. The vision for the Girdwood Renewable Energy Test Station is to help expand the use of renewable energy and sustainable development in Alaska by using both established and new technologies, in combination with the state’s natural and human resources. The Test Station will create a pool of technical and environmental knowledge relating to small-scale hydroelectric, tidal and wind power, as well as the interface of these energy sources with other technologies such as diesel and natural gas generation. Already a tourist destination and ski resort, the community of Girdwood would attract widespread attention to Alaska renewable energy research. The community would benefit from local renewable energy research and be known as a model community for sustainable development. Scope of Feasibility Study The proposed study will evaluate the feasibility of a research and education facility dedicated to development and testing of renewable energy conversion technology, in particular small-scale hydro, wind, and tidal turbines/generators. The study will determine Girdwood community
PROPOSAL 7/25/2008 4 sentiment and concerns and generate community feedback and support for the proposed test station. The study will be conducted by members of the UAA School of Engineering faculty with involvement of students and public and commercial partners to be indentified throughout the study. The following tasks will be accomplished. • Meet with local and regional community interests and prospective public and private partners to determine interests and preferences for test station capabilities, features, and associated activities • Develop refined objectives and tangible goals to be achieved by development of the proposed station in the form of planning and design criteria • Identify prospective sites for the central Girdwood facility and for satellite installations testing or demonstrating particular technologies • Formulate alternative strategies, organizational schemes, and scenarios for university, public, and commercial partnerships in development, operation, and maintenance of the facility, including o Acquisition of real estate o Design and construction of permanent facilities o Financial support by the university in partnership with other public and commercial interests, and o Environmental and other impacts or issues associated with proposed developments • Compare alternatives and recommend actions most likely to achieve goals and objectives and specific criteria developed early in the study • Present preliminary designs for recommended developments • Formulate short-term and long-term budgets and business plans for operation, maintenance, improvement, and financing of facilities and activities proposed, including participation by public and private partners • Present a comprehensive report of all analyses and findings of the study, including an executive summary and other abbreviated versions for dissemination to the general public. Schedule July 2008 Initiate study September 2008 Initial meetings with interest groups; develop objectives and tangible goals; preliminary identification of development sites; first quarterly progress report December 2008 Continue contact with interest groups; preliminary formulation of alternate strategies; second quarterly progress report March 2009 Continue contact with interest groups; refine alternative strategies and preliminary comparison; initiate conceptual designs for most promising options; third quarterly progress report May 2009 Draft feas ibility study report presented for review and comment June 200 9 Final feasibility study report published. Contact for further information: Orson P. Smith, PE, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Civil Engineering Department, School of Engineering, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508; afops@uaa.alaska.edu; 907-786-1910