Overview
Simulations allow analysis of complex systems on a small-scale. They are carried out to gain insight into complex systems, such as traffic prediction, biological synthesis, and robotic systems. Designing a system such that it allocates its energy and resources sustainably, allows resources to be available for other purposes.
The main objective of this project was to design and simulate a renewable energy system to tackle a daily-life setting where wasted energy is being used to power a system that consumes a lot of energy.
Problem Statement
The project addresses several key challenges in energy management:
- Waste of energy generated during physical activities in gyms
- High energy consumption of household appliances like washing machines
- Need for sustainable energy solutions in daily life
- Optimization of energy generation, storage, and consumption
- Integration of renewable energy sources into existing systems
Solution
The renewable energy system is made up of 3 subsystems:
1. Energy Generation Subsystem
Captures energy from gym equipment and human activities:
- Kinetic energy from exercise equipment
- Mechanical energy conversion systems
- Energy harvesting from human movement
- Integration with existing gym infrastructure
2. Energy Storage Subsystem
Efficiently stores and manages captured energy:
- Battery storage systems
- Energy management algorithms
- Charge/discharge optimization
- Storage capacity planning
3. Energy Consumption Subsystem
Utilizes stored energy for high-consumption appliances:
- Washing machine and dryer power supply
- Load balancing and distribution
- Energy consumption monitoring
- Efficiency optimization
Technical Implementation
System Modeling
The system was modeled using MATLAB and Simulink:
- Mathematical modeling of energy generation
- Storage system dynamics and efficiency
- Consumption patterns and load profiles
- System integration and optimization
Simulation Framework
Comprehensive simulation environment included:
- Real-time energy flow simulation
- Performance analysis under various conditions
- Efficiency calculations and optimization
- Economic feasibility analysis
Proposed Systems
Three different system configurations were designed and analyzed:
Proposed System Designs
Proposed System 1
Initial system design focusing on basic energy capture and storage integration.
Proposed System 2
Enhanced system with improved energy management and distribution capabilities.
Proposed System 3
Advanced system with comprehensive optimization and smart energy management.
Results & Impact
The system designed in this project utilizes energy generated in a gym to power a washing machine and a dryer. Washing machines draw the most amount of electrical energy in any home and energy generated during a workout can be used to power these machines. Hence, allowing the saved electrical energy to be utilized for other purposes.
Key Achievements
- Successfully modeled renewable energy system integration
- Demonstrated energy capture from gym activities
- Optimized energy storage and distribution
- Reduced household energy consumption
- Provided sustainable energy management solution
System Benefits
- Reduced electricity bills for households
- Increased gym revenue through energy generation
- Environmental impact through renewable energy use
- Sustainable energy management practices
- Scalable solution for other applications
Lessons Learned
This project provided valuable insights into renewable energy systems:
- Importance of system integration in renewable energy
- Value of simulation in system design and optimization
- Complexity of energy storage and management
- Economic considerations in sustainable solutions
- Scalability challenges in renewable energy systems
