Grid-Independent Solar Powered Golf Resort

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Cole Martinez Engineering Levi Meis Engineering
Advisor(s): Efstathios Michaelides Engineering

This project proposes the design of a self-sustaining, solar-powered golf course and resort
development in Fort Worth, Texas. The development will include an 18-hole course, a clubhouse,
and 40 villas (4 occupants per unit), all powered by an on-site photovoltaic solar farm integrated
with a battery energy storage system. Annual energy demand will be estimated using published
golf course energy data from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA
Phase II Energy Survey) and residential electricity consumption data for Texas. Total system
wattage (W), annual energy use (kWh/yr), peak demand (kW), and storage capacity (kWh) will
be calculated using standard methods from Energy, the Environment, and Sustainability. Data to
be collected includes the median annual golf course energy consumption, irrigation pumping
requirements, clubhouse loads, per-capita residential electricity use, average solar irradiance in
North Texas, photovoltaic module efficiency, system losses, and battery round-trip efficiency.
Water supply options will be evaluated using regional sources and potential on-site groundwater
or reclaimed water strategies, with associated pumping energy incorporated into total load
calculations. Primary calculations will determine the required photovoltaic capacity, the land
area for the solar farm, storage sizing for overnight and low-irradiance periods, and the overall
system efficiency. Anticipated results include demonstrating the technical feasibility of a
net-zero-energy golf course development in Fort Worth, estimating total installed capacity in
megawatts, and quantifying reductions in grid dependence and operational carbon emissions
compared to conventional golf course operation

ROS 2-Based LiDAR Robot for Autonomous Maze Navigation

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Miles Masker Engineering Cris Gamez Engineering Lorenzo Martinez Engineering Juan Moncada Engineering Angel Mota Engineering
Advisor(s): Morgan Kiani Engineering

Task Timer

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Juan Moncada Engineering Charlotte Cattaneo Engineering Lance Lincoln Engineering Levi Meis Engineering David Nguyen Engineering Campbell Pushkin Engineering Alessandra Senis Engineering
Advisor(s): Robert Bittle Engineering

The TaskTimer project focuses on the development of an automated task management board designed to support individuals living with dementia and other memory-related conditions. People with dementia often benefit from consistent routines and clear visual reminders, but traditional task boards require manual resets and caregiver supervision. The TaskTimer addresses this challenge by providing an electronic system that displays daily tasks, allows users to easily mark them as complete, and automatically resets tasks at midnight. The system uses an embedded computing module connected to a display to present tasks in a clear and simple interface. When a task is completed, the next action moves into view, helping users stay focused on what needs to be done next. Tasks can also be scheduled to appear on specific days or exist for only one day, allowing routines to be tailored to individual needs. In addition, a caregiver application was developed to allow caregivers to remotely add or modify tasks, monitor whether tasks have been completed, and manage the user’s schedule. By combining an accessible task display with remote monitoring capabilities, the TaskTimer helps individuals with dementia maintain daily routines while reducing the level of supervision required from caregivers.

A 20 MW solar power plant in Ouarzazate, Morocco

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Dorcas Muhoza Kongwa Engineering Damilare Olukosi Engineering
Advisor(s): Efstathios Michaelides Engineering

Abstract

The development of large-scale photovoltaic systems in high-irradiance regions can significantly support the decarbonization of the electricity generation industry. This project presents the design of a 20-MW grid-connected photovoltaic power plant in Ouarzazate, Morocco. Hourly solar irradiance data from 2017 to 2019 were used to compute plane-of-array radiation and the resulting power output with a module nominal efficiency of 22%. The required panel area was determined from rated conditions, and the annual energy production was calculated by summing the hourly energy generation. Results indicate an annual electricity generation of approximately 55.9 GWh with inter-annual variation below 5%.

20 MW Thermal Biomass Plant in Southern Louisiana

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Chris Nesbit Engineering Stroud Rudolph Engineering
Advisor(s): Efstathios Michaelides Engineering

This project presents a preliminary design for a 20 MW thermal biomass power plant in southern Louisiana. The proposed plant will use a blended biomass fuel stream based on regional availability, including rice hulls, bagasse, and switchgrass/wood chips (planned 30/30/40 mixture, with final basis and assumptions to be justified). The analysis will use standard thermodynamic notation and methods from class and the textbook.
A Rankine cycle model will be used to estimate the plant thermal energy requirement and determine the annual energy demand (MJ/yr) needed to maintain the target electrical output. Using lower heating value (LHV) data from biomass property tables, the study will then calculate the required annual biomass consumption (kg/yr), including the mass of each biomass type in the proposed blend. In addition to the energy balance, the project will evaluate biomass transportation logistics by estimating the number of truckloads required per year and the land area needed to support switchgrass production within the regional agricultural system.