Mission Solar Energy is a solar energy module manufacturer headquartered in San Antonio. Project Helios was partially funded by a local industry collaborator, Mission Solar Energy. The image above is a rendering of the solar-powered outdoor workspace which is planned to be located between the AT&T Science Building, the Mabee Library, and the Administration Building. The main goals of this three-semester student project were twofold: 1) to design and build an adaptive off-grid outdoor workspace powered by solar energy and 2) to provide a sustainable system for the UIW community while promoting a green campus. They immediately agreed on the opportunity for a student-led project that would ultimately become Project Helios and started exploring funding opportunities. In December 2021 Daniel Potter, Sustainability operations manager, approached Okan Çağlayan, PhD, associate professor of Engineering, with an idea for a solar-powered outdoor charging station. Studies have also shown that varying the learning environment helps to stimulate innovative thinking. This project provides an innovative solution to the problem identified during the pandemic while showcasing our commitment to students and the environment. Through this project, the University of the Incarnate Word is doing its part to contribute to the city’s goal.Īt UIW, faculty and students support each other in the search for and communication of truth, thoughtful innovation, care of the environment, community service, and social justice. At the start of 2023, CPS’s renewables (solar included) made up 21% of its power generation portfolio. The City of San Antonio’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) has a goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. An off-grid, solar-powered outdoor workspace would also help raise awareness around campus about green energy and the City of San Antonio's commitment to diversifying energy sources. If we had a sheltered outdoor workspace with charging capability, we could lower the transmission risk and do so using renewable energy. The problem with staying indoors during the pandemic was the potential likelihood of disease transmission. Students were often forced to be close to charging outlets to power their laptops while in their dorm rooms or hallways, which did not always allow for social distancing. At the beginning of the Spring 2022 semester, Broadway Campus students were required to go online for two weeks of virtual instruction. Project Helios was inspired by issues that grew out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Development of an Off-Grid Solar-Powered Outdoor Workspace
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