A Research Proposal Entitled

“Convert Adamson University to a Solar-poweredUniversity”

_____________

Submitted as a Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements in Technical English,

12:30pm-2:00pm, TTH ST128.

_____________

Submitted by:

Campos, Clint Francis M.

BS Electrical Engineering

_______________

Submitted to:

Mr. Rolando R. Calubayan

September 24, 2013

Statement of the Problem

The researcher attempts to answer the followingquestions in this research study:

1.What are Renewable Energy and Solar Power?

2. What are the Advantages of having Solar Power?

3. What are the Disadvantages of having SolarPower?

4. What are the Benefits of having Solar Powerin Adamson University?

5. What is if there is no Sunlight are there anyAlternative Power Sources for the School??

6. What are the Reasons why Solar Power is betterthan Fossil Fuels?

7. What are some projects of Adamson UniversityElectrical Engineering that is related to Solar Power?

8. What are the names of the Companies helpedAdamson University to make the Solar-powered Car named“LEEPAD”?

9. What are some of the Opinions of the ElectricalEngineering Students who made the Solar-powered Carof Adamson University upon the Proposal?

10. How much will this Proposal costs?

Table of Contents

Letter of Transmittal ………………………………………………………………………………..i

Abstract ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….ii

Acknowledgement …………………………………………………………………………………….iii

Dedication ………………………………………………………………………………………………… iv

List of Illustration ……………………………………………………………………………………..v

Chapter 1

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………..1

Scope and Delimitation ……………………………………………………………2

Review of Related Literature ………………………………………………… 3

Background of the Study…………………………………………………………..4

Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………..5

Thesis Statement………………………………………………………………………….6

Methodology…………………………………………………………………………………..7

Chapter 2

Renewable Energy and Solar Power Definition …………………….8

Advantages of Solar Power …………………………………………………………9

Disadvantages of Solar Power …………………………………………………….10

Solar Powered Creations/Inventions in the Philippines …....11

Adamson’s Solar-Powered Inventions……………………………………………………….…………..12

Materials Needed and the Costs …………………………………………………………………………..13

Companies and Organizations that can possibly help in the Proposal………14

Opinions of the Adamsonians about the Proposal ………………………………………….15

Other Alternative Power Sources in the Absence of the Sun……………………..16

Estimated Cost of the Proposal …………………………………………………………………………….17

Chapter 3

Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………18

Chapter 4

Recommendation ………………………………………………………………………………………………..19

Chapter 5

Appendix …………………………………………………………………………………………………………20

Glossary ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..21

Index ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………22

Bibliography …………………………………………………………………………………………………………23

Letter of Transmittal

Adamson University

900 San Marcelino Street, Ermita 1000Manila

September 24, 2013

Prof. Rolando R. Calubayan

English and Foreign Languages Department

Adamson University

900 San Marcelino Street., Ermita 100 Manila

S.I.R. :

The researcher wholeheartedly submits this research study entitled “Convert Adamson University to a Solar-powered University”, as a partial fulfillment of the requirements in Technical English, 12:30pm – 2:00pm, TTH, ST128.

This research study contains useful topics for the knowledge and information of the readers such as:

1.Renewable Energy and Solar-power Definition2.Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar-power3.Current Solar-powered Inventions of Adamson

University Electrical Engineering Department?

4.Opinions of some Adamsonians upon the Proposal.5.Materials needed and the estimated Price of the

whole Proposal?

The researcher sincerely hopes that this research studywill meet your most favorable approval.

Sincerely Yours;

CAMPOS, CLINT FRANCIS M.

Acknowledgement

The researcher wishes to express his deepest gratitude and warmest appreciation to the following persons who in one way or another have contributed and inspired this researcher to the overall success of his undertaking.

*To researcher’s Technical English classmates who taught him some methods and some ideas for me to finishthis research paper.

*To his Sisters who let him borrow some of their materials for him to use for this research such as papers, pens, and folders as well.

*To Engr. Reginald Tating who answered his messagesand by let him interview Engr. Reginald thanks to you sir and more power!

*To All of the Adamsonians who glady answered the researcher’s surveys thanks.

*To the researcher’s ever loving Family who continues to support and love him.

And most of Almighty God, who never left, loving and healing his continued guidance.

Dedication

The researcher lovingly dedicates this work of art which is the research proposal to the following personswho inspired him all throughout in the completion of this research proposal:

The researcher dedicates this work to his Family and Friends who continues to help and love him throughout my college life despite of their busy

schedules; they still managed to help in improving someof the details in his research work.

The researcher also dedicates this work to God almighty who created him and his love ones.

He humbly offers this Research work as a fruit of his hardships in the subject Technical English to all who loves him and to God most especially.

Introduction

Solar Power is the Conversion of sunlight intoelectricity. Sunlight can be converted directly intoelectricity using Photovoltaics, or indirectly withconcentrated solar power. Solar Power can be alsoconsider a Renewable energy for we get it from theSun’s light and use it for our machineries.

Solar Power is now widely used in some parts of thePhilippines like in a maritime university in Lagunahaving the largest Solar-powered car park in thePhilippines, in Quezon City the first ever solar-powered Star bucks located in Mindanao Avenue.

Recently in Valenzuela City, led by Hon. ShalaniSoledad, they made the first ever Solar-powered schoolin the Philippines. 500,000 php worth project donatedby Wanxiang America Corporation through the Foundationfor Environmental Education (FEE), the materials wasshipped from Illinois to Manila and the City ofValenzuela paid 250,000 php for the installation.

Adamson University Electrical EngineeringDepartment also has a crowned jewel project the LEEPAD,a solar powered car, made by the Electrical Engineeringstudents led by Electrical Engr. Melecio Sustento.Despite the budget why not the whole team of Adamsonmake the entire school Solar-powered so that we will bethe first University in the Philippines that is Solarpowered?

This Proposal will be helpful for us Adamsonians forit has some valuable ideas and informations about the

possibilities and capabilities of Adamson University ifever this Proposal shall be passed in the near future.

Background of the Study

I based this Proposal from the Invention of ourvery own Adamson University Electrical EngineeringDepartment’s “LEEPAD”, a solar-powered car, which is

located at the OZ building car park in the College ofEngineering.

When I first saw this magnificent invention of ourvery own Electrical Engineering Students I was amazedthat our own students can make and invent creationsthat can be used in the future like for example we ranout of fossil fuels.

The Project Leepad gave me an idea to make aproposal about making Adamson University a solar-powered school. Despite the budget, Adamson Universityhas the capabilities of making this Proposal if ever itwill be passed in the future.

Renewable Energy & Solar Power Definition

Renewable energy is defined as energy thatcomes from resources which are continuallyreplenished on a human timescale such as sunlight,wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat.

Here in the Philippines we have also famoustourist’s spots like the Wind Power of Bangui WindFarm in Ilocos Norte and the Hydroelectric Power inMaria Cristina Falls of the Agus River in Mindanao.

Why Renewable Energy? One major advantage ofRenewable Energy (Solarschools, 2012) is that as itis renewable therefore sustainable and so willnever run out. Facilities of Renewable Energy onlyrequire less maintenance than traditionalFacilities we use in the industry.

The Sun (psu, 2013) is probably the mostimportant source of renewable energy availabletoday. Traditionally, the sun has provided energyfor practically all living creatures on earth,through the process of photosynthesis, in whichplants absorb solar radiation and convert it intostored energy for growth and development.Scientists and Engineers today seek to utilizesolar radiation directly by converting it intouseful heat or electricity.

Two main types of solar energysystems(sunwatersolar, 2013) are in use today:Photovoltaics, and Solar thermal systems.Photovoltaic is the utilizing the generation of avoltage when radiant energy falls on the boundarybetween dissimilar substances while Solar thermalsystems are thermal technologies that uses thesun’s energy, rather than fossil fuels, to generatelow-cost, environmentally friendly thermal energy.

Advantages of Solar Power

Solar Power (Ryan, 2009) cannot causePollution that means it is environmental friendly.Solar Power can also be used in remote areas acrossthe country where it is too expensive to extend theelectricity power grid. It is estimated that theworld’s oil reserves will last for 30- 40 years. Onthe other hand, Solar Energy is infinite orforever.

With Solar Panels, we can put electricity inremote schools especially those who lives in theprovinces and places that is difficult for thegovernment to reach.

In Adamson University (Ryan, 2012), The groupof Electrical Engineering Students invented asolar-powered car named LEEPAD which is a greatinvention for maybe in the near future maybe 10years from now, This kind of Car model shall bebought and used by the public to conserve energyand regulate pollution as well.

We should maximize the use of Solar Energy forit is beneficial not only for us but also for ourenvironment for it is pollution free and safe.Solar Panels are little bit expensive yet it isuseful for us unlike the cheaper fossil fuels yesit is cheaper but it is so harmful for ourenvironment.

Disadvantages of Solar Power

The use of Solar Power has also disadvantagesfor we all know the Sun is not always up there toprovide sunlight.

Solar Power (Ryan, 2005) can only be harnessedwhen it is day time and most especially a sunnyday. Solar Panels, Controllers, and Cells arerelatively expensive and the installation isexpensive as well.

Solar Power stations can be built but they donot match the power output of similar sizedconventional power stations and they are also veryexpensive. In Countries such as the United Kingdom,the unreliable climate means solar energy is alsounreliable as a source of energy. Cloudy skiesreduce the effectiveness of Solar Energy. Solar

Power stations requires large areas of land tocapture the sun’s energy. Collectors are usuallyarranged together especially when electricity is tobe produced and used in the same location.

Solar Power is used to charge batteries sothat solar powered devices can be at night.However, the batteries are large and heavy and needstorage space. They also need replacing from timeto time.

The use of solar power has also disadvantagesfor we all know not all the time the Sun, which isthe source of Solar Energy. So not all the timeSolar power is advisable especially in somecountries that is not always sunny like UnitedKingdom.Solar Powered Creations/Inventions in thePhilippines

Here in the Philippines (SolarInPhil, 2013) wecan find in St. Charbel Village, Mindanao Avenue,Quezon City the first ever Solar-powered Star Bucksbranch in Asia. Solar Power in that Star Bucksbranch provides around 17% of the store’selectricity needs, bringing down their Meralco billby around P20,000 a month thus far.

In Laguna, Philippines you can also find theBiggest car park in a Maritime University Itprovides shade to 100 cars, and clean power to theschool.

St. Hubertus Chapel in Villa M. Tablas, Romblom,Solar power in remote areas, a beacon for fishermenand others following the cross. All Churches shouldhave a cross which shines bright with LED lampsevery night, no brown out.

We have also solar-powered schools in thePhilippines like the recent project by Hon. ShalaniSoledad in Valenzuela City (Sulit, 2009) the schoolnamed Sitero Francisco Memorial National Highschoolthe 1st ever school in NCR to be entirely powered bySolar energy. The Wanxiang American Corporationdonated Php500,000- worth of six solar panels fromIllinois USA to Manila. The Valenzuela paid Php250,000 for the installation cost of the solarpanels by professionals from FFG Solar Power, Inc.

Adamson’s Solar-Powered Inventions

Adamson also has solar-powered projects in theCollege of Engineering and that’s a car named LEEPAD.

Last June 26, 2012, the Adamson UniversityElectrical Engineering Department (AdamsonNews, 2012)gave birth to a new invention which is the LEEPAD asolar powered car. The project was sponsored bySchneider Electric Philippines. The LEEPAD project teamis composed of senior EE students with Engr. Lomotan asco-researcher. The researchers are Jinelyn Abregoso,Ryan Lester De Castro, Noriel Ogang, Rey JonathanPostor, Karl Alexis Dimalanta, Michael Valer Mariano,Jeno Palencia, John Edward Reolente, Reginald Tating,and Paul Jeffrey Monteser, who acted as their teamleader.

I was able to conduct an interview with Engr.Reginald Tating , who was part of the team who madeLEEPAD.

I was able to ask him about Adamson’s capabilitiesto make this proposal possible he answered Yes, if theschool gave them a lot of time and budget he said theymight made the entire University solar-powered whichwill be a great Invention for if that proposal shall bepassed, Adamson University will be 1st in Asia to beSolar Powered.

Materials Needed and the Costs

Solar Panels, Solar Cells, and Solar Collectorscost so much expensive for any ordinary person to buyfor it is has advanced technology

In the Sitero Francisco Memorial Highschool’sSolar power in Valenzuela was donated by WanxiangAmerican Corporation Donating Php 500,000 for the 6solar panels and Php 250,000 for the installation.The Valenzuela City paid the installation to theprofessional from FFG Solar Power, Inc.

Solar Panels in the Philippines(PanelPrice,2012) has different prices it dependson the brand we have from Kyocera, Sanyo, BP solarand many more. For example Kyocera Brand SolarPanel, the cheapest is KS5-5watt solar panel thatcosts 64.95 US$ and the most expensive is theKD135GX-LPU-135 watt poly-crystalline solar panelcosts 499 US $

Companies and Organizations that can possibly help inthe Proposal

Adamson University of course is the 1st who helpthe team of EE students who made LEEPAD car. Theschool was able to help them as well as somesponsors who helped in the funding of the LEEPADcar.

Schneider Philippines (AdamsonNews, 2012) wasone of the sponsors of the project. SchneiderElectric’s country president Philippe Reveihacspoke that he is proud to be at Adamson andcongratulated the University for the WonderfulAchievement by inventing the LEEPAD.Reveihac also said that the Schneider Electricgavce its support to the school for they believedthat the team of the EE students has thecapabilities of making such project and the teamnever let them down.

Schneider Electric also sells products likeSolar panels and many more electric devices andappliances. Adamson University is just trulyblessed that they brought honour to the school. Wecan’t tell that maybe 10 years from now Solar –

powered cars shall be released in public for us touse it and stop the use of coal power to reduce airpollution.

I Interviewed Engr. Reginald Tating and I askhim about if the Adamson University has thecapabilities to make the entire school Solar-powered he said it is possible but the questions isthe BUDGET??? I asked him once again if the schoolsupports the financial of the proposal and theSchneider Philippines will provide materials willthe team can make the proposal possible? He saidYes…

Opinions of the Adamsonians about the Proposal

September 23, 2013, I conducted a survey Iposted some questions in Facebook the group pagesof Adu Chatters, Adamson Freshmen, and Himig group.I made a check box survey asking if they will agreeif the school be converted to solar-powered I putthree option YES, NO, and NO COMMENT.

In Adu Chatters group, 10 persons answered YES,3 persons answered NO and 1 person answered NOCOMMENT.

In Adamson Freshmen group, 8 persons answredYES, 3 persons answered NO and 1 answered NOCOMMENT

In Majority, most of the Adamsonians are infavour of the Proposal but they have one Conditionthat the budget of the proposal shall not becharged on the students of the school.

The 6 persons who answered NO in the surveybecause they think the proposal is too muchexpensive and not anymore necessary for they arecontented in the current power source which is theuse of Coal and Fossil Fuels.

The 2 persons who answered NO comment said thatthey are just confused about the proposal and theycan’t decide for they are bought in favour in a waythat it is useful for the environment and not favorin a way that it is too expensive.

Other Alternative Power Sources in the Absence ofthe Sun

During rainy days, Adamson University can usegenerators as power source for the school and otherschool facilities.

Roads to Adamson University usually get drownswhen rain falls continuous. With the absence of theSun, the solar panels will not be effective anymoreso the University must find ways or otheralternative power sources to sustain the powersupply of the school.

Estimated Cost of the Proposal

Like in the Valenzuela City (Sulit,2009) theproject of the making the entire school solar-powered is Php 500,000 estimated price of the 6solar panels that gives the school its source ofpower and the Installation of the solar panels willmore or less cost Php 300,000.

Solar Panels are expensive the most expensiveKyocera Brand is the KD135GX-LPU-135 watt poly-crystalline solar panel costs 499 US $

More or less, Adamson University should preparea Million for this proposal for this proposalcovers the whole University.

Conclusion We people nowadays are getting in touch with theadvancements and modernization of the world weinvent new things for we humans are special that wecan think, we can invent, and we can improve.

The use of solar power has its advantages anddisadvantages that it is useful not only for us butalso useful for our environment that solar power

doesn’t emit smoke or any forms of air pollutionbut solar power has also disadvantages like we allknow the Sun is not up in the sky at times and notadvisable in countries that is always cloudy andsnowy.

Solar Power is helpful to us students for itnot only give us facts and informations about howto maximize the use of our very own Sun but alsoteaches us how to make alternatives if ever coalpower and fossil fuels ran out.

Progress is not bad but we must also think ifour move is the cause of our earth’s slow dying wecan’t say that in the near future we will suffersome more calamities such as landslides, floods,and any other natural phenomenon.

Adamson University has many talented students Ibelieve that in the near future this proposal shallbe come true and maybe they will make an inventionbetter than my proposal and make it for the gloryand honour of Adamson University.

Scope and Delimitation

This Research Proposal covers my research aboutcurrent solar power projects in the Philippines

then my Interviews to some key persons of myresearch. This also Covers my Survey in thedifferent Adamson Facebook groups such as AduChatters and Adamson Freshmen.

This also covers my research about thecapabilities and possibilities of AdamsonUniversity to make this proposal possible as wellas the materials needed and the possible Budget forthis Proposal.

Methodology

Research Process

*I started with my research about the Adamson’s solar-powered car and any other solar powered inventions in the Philippines then I tried to contact some key persons.

Interview Process

*I tried to contact all the persons in the Team LEEPAD but only one answered and that is Engr. ReginaldTating.

*I asked him some methods on how they planned the project and how they funded the project as well.

*My Final question for him was if the Adamson University has the capabilities of making the whole campus solar-powered.

Recommendation

I recommend this research proposal for ourcurrently enrolled not only Electrical Engineers butalso the other field engineering such as ECE and CE forthey can also come up with wonderful suggestions suchas improving the LEEPAD or make a project of their own.

Abstract

Adamson University is well known for its goodreputation in the College of Engineering for they areone of the top producers of high quality EngineeringStudents in the country. I based this Proposal from theLEEPAD solar-powered car, the project of the 2012 EEstudents of Adamson University which shows how creativethey are for inventing such magnificent creation.

Does Adamson University capable of making thisproposal true by making the entire University solar-powered to make it environmental friendly and bepopular among Asian Universities?

Let’s not think about the budget. Adamson Universitywas able to make a solar powered car so why not makethe entire school solar powered. Even some Adamsoniansagree with the proposal based on my survey. The onlything that the students want is not to charge them thebudget to be used oin the proposal of ever this will bepassed and approved by Adamsonian Community.

Let’s think about not only our school’s future butalso out mother Earth. Soon fossil fuels will run outand there will be shortage in power supply so why notwe maximize now the use of sunlight by using it asPower source. We must be creative and keen to createnew things to help our environment.

Thesis Statement

Adamson University was able to make a solar-poweredcar. Despite of the budget needed, why not AdamsonUniversity be converted to solar-powered to by theschool and students of the University.

Review of Related Literature

I based this proposal on the project of the EEstudents last year that caught my attention whilewalking in OZ building. When I first the LEEPAD, I wasamazed by the invention then later something came to mymind that one day I’ll make own project like the onethey did and I will make sure that I’ll bring honourthe my school Adamson University.

Bibliography

Solar Schools (2012). Advantages and Disadvantages ofsolar power. Retrieved fromhttp://www.solarschools.net/resources/stuffs/advantages_and_disadvantages.aspx.html

Schneider Electric(2012). Sponsor of LEEPAD. Retrievedfrom

http://www.schneider-electric.com/site/home/index.cfm/ph/.html

Panel Price (2012). Solar Panel Prices. Retrieved from

http://www.panelprice.com.html

Adamson News(2012). EE Department’s solar powered carLEEPAD takes off. Retrieved from

http://www.adamson.edu.ph/?page=viewnews&newsid=685.html

Solar Energy Philippines (2013). Solar Energy in thePhilippines. Retrieved from

http://www.facebook.com/SolarEnergyPhilippines.html

SulitPH. Valenzuela school is the first solar poweredin NCR. Retrieved from

http://sulit.com.ph/valenzuelaschool/solar.html

Glossary

Solar Power- is a renewable energy which gets the sourceof power from sunlight

Solar Thermal Systems Renewable Energy- Renewable energy isdefined as energy that comes from resources which arecontinually replenished on a human timescale such assunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat.

Photovoltaics- Photovoltaic is the utilizing thegeneration of a voltage when radiant energy falls onthe boundary between dissimilar substances.

- Solar thermal systems are thermal technologies thatuse the sun’s energy, rather than fossil fuels, togenerate low-cost, environmentally friendly thermalenergy.

Solar Panels- used to absorb the solar energy from the sunand converts it to electrical energy that produceselectricity.

LEEPAD- The solar powered car made by the EE students ofAdamson University.

Electrical Engineering- branch of engineering that deals withtechnology of electricity, especially the design andapplication of circuitry and equipment for powergeneration and distribution, machine control andcommunications.

Index

ElectricalEngineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .17

LEEPAD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .17

Photovoltaics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Renewable Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Solar Panels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .18

SolarPower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Solar ThermalSystems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Appendix

ElectricalEngineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .23

LEEPAD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .23

Photovoltaics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Renewable Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Solar Panels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .24

SolarPower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19,20,21

Solar ThermalSystems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

List of Illustration