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Student Initiatives Student Focus on MEL's Energy Project Description During the fall of 2008, four MechSE seniors, David Groysman, Tim Kennedy, Alex Long, and Nick Steinbuck, were challenged with the task of reducing energy costs in the over 100 year old Mechanical Engineering Laboratory. They were constrained by the restrictions of only being allowed to propose solutions that would pay for themselves within 5 years, and not sacrificing the research or convenience of students and faculty that regularly occupy the building. The students explored different mediums of change, from cultural to infrastructural improvements. After extensive research, they finally developed a feasible plan. Their plan involves setting back cooling, heating and ventilation during unoccupied periods automatically and using digital control, sensors, and other systems developed by computer engineering students. They also installed energy recovery ventilators, added insulation to the roof, set computers to standby mode when not occupied, and installed low-flow aerators. The solutions all had paybacks of less than 5 years and required an initial investment of $243,000. They are estimated to potentially reduce overall annual utility charges by $169,000, a 24% reduction. Information: |
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