The IPRO 347 team intends to seize the opportunity given by Robbins Community Power (RCP) to improve the efficiency of the power plant. RCP plans to convert the facility from its original role as... Show moreThe IPRO 347 team intends to seize the opportunity given by Robbins Community Power (RCP) to improve the efficiency of the power plant. RCP plans to convert the facility from its original role as an incinerator into a wood biomass electricity plant. Working with RCP, the team will look at thermodynamic values to determine how to best utilize the excess heat generated from the boiler that currently radiates out the cooling towers. Additionally, the team will research and discuss possible solutions to be implemented on the 22 acre site. The intricacies that arise from the nontraditional nature of our plan require we split into two groups. One sub-team will look into exactly where the waste heat exists and the values of viable energy available in the form of steam or hot water. This team will seek interdisciplinary advice as part of the energy analysis. The second, but most influential, sub-team will predominantly be researching feasible outlets for the recovered energy. Some solutions they will pursue include supplying nearby greenhouses with CO2, providing on-site and local heat, and increasing the efficiency of the plant through drying processes. Show less
