VIRTUAL: Learning. Life. Work.
Abstract
This presentation discusses a collaborative effort between faculty members, undergraduate students, and licensed professional engineers to design an off-grid solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station for a university campus. The objective of the project was to create a universally adaptable solution that could be implemented in a wide variety of applications. The team value-engineered each iteration of the design to minimize the cost increases associated with fabricating custom elements for the station. The design process involved weekly team meetings, with licensed professional engineers guiding undergraduate students in designing the primary above-ground framework for the station and developing the design of the station’s solar collection array and battery storage systems. Construction Science students provided budgeting and estimating throughout the process. The project team evaluated the safety aspects of the system, including the structural integrity, designing to ensure the canopy does not topple over in high winds. The team worked closely to create a “best-for-project” thinking environment, where both design and construction listened to the challenges and issues of the other disciplines to mutually establish project solutions. Construction will commence Spring of 2024, with students working side by side with the contractor to assist in the installation. The project provided undergraduate students with a real-world collaborative scenario that allowed for true multi-disciplinary collaboration as a college experience. The resulting design could serve as a model for a universally adaptable solution that could be deployed on virtually any new or existing property at any parking lot configuration for either public or private owners.
Derek Clements is an Assistant Professor at Kansas State University. He brings his 14+ years of industry experience designing mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems for commercial buildings into the classroom, ensuring his students gain a real-world understanding of MEP systems. With expertise in energy modeling, computational fluid dynamics analysis and green design, he strives to instill the importance of well-thought-out and sustainable design into his students.
Shannon Casebeer is an Associate Professor of Construction Science and Management at Kansas State University, teaching upper-level construction estimating and preconstruction services courses. In addition to his teaching and academic advising responsibilities, he has served or continues to serve as a faculty advisor to several student groups such as the Associated General Contractors student chapter, the United States Green Building Council student chapter, the Associated Schools of Construction Design-Build competition team, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon competition team, Architectural Engineering Institute’s student competition team and Sigma Lambda Chi construction academic honor society.