Grantee Research Project Results
Renewable Energy for the RiverSphere
EPA Grant Number: SU831891Title: Renewable Energy for the RiverSphere
Investigators: McLachlan, John , Pandian, Shunmugham R. , Meffert, Doug
Current Investigators: McLachlan, John , Pandian, Shunmugham R. , Culley, Briarme , Pace, Cassandra , Manasse, Colin , Etheridge, Daniel , Meffert, Doug , Davey, Elizabeth
Institution: Tulane University
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: September 15, 2004 through September 14, 2005
Project Amount: $9,779
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2004) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Description:
Identifying and implementing the most effective renewable energy techniques for the southern Louisiana region is critical to the sustainability of the region in the near future.
Objective:
We have been asked to design a renewable energy system for the RiverSphere, an environmental education and research center on the Mississippi River in downtown New Orleans, and, in particular, to consider the use of low-speed mini-turbines in the river. A thorough review of feasible renewable energy systems will be conducted; after considering which the best renewable energy system for our location, a system will designed for the site. This project will conduct a locally oriented analysis of renewable energy for a state that has few renewable energy systems or experts, and could also design an environmentally benign hydropower system that would be adaptable to locations on the Mississippi and other rivers. The development of renewable energy is an important part of sustainability in Louisiana in multiple ways. Louisiana has much to lose from climate change, and reducing the greenhouse has emissions of the state would do much to help the communities in the region. New technologies will provide job options for an area that has failing economy and is reliant on fossil-fuel extraction as a major industry. Finally, as Louisiana produces about 1% of the world’s greenhouse gas emission, it is essential that Louisiana discover a way to reduce these emissions. This project will produce a report that isolates the most feasible technology based on cost-benefit, efficiency, energy production, and environmental savings. IT will also produce a technical design that utilizes this technology. Through it s incorporation into the RiverSphere, the project will educate children, the general public, and the university students; it will give the student team experience working in renewable energy systems and working on a multidisciplinary team.
Supplemental Keywords:
water, global climate change, ecological effects, clean technologies, industry, renewable, cost benefit analysis, engineering, Gulf Coast, Louisiana., RFA, Scientific Discipline, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, Air, Sustainable Industry/Business, POLLUTION PREVENTION, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Energy, climate change, Air Pollution Effects, Environmental Engineering, Atmosphere, energy conservation, water powered turbines, environmental monitoring, cleaner production, environmentally friendly technology, green design, low speed mini-turbines, RiverSphere, clean technology, emission controls, energy efficiency, engineering, pollution prevention design, alternative energy source, outreach and education, renewable energy, environmentally conscious design, green technologyRelevant Websites:
http://www.cbr.tulane.edu Exit
Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.