Graduation Year
2015
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Program or Major
Economics
Faculty Advisor
Kevin Hickey
Keywords
Ground source heat pump systems, Environmental aspects, College facilities, Worcester, Massachusetts
Abstract
This thesis researches the possibility of a renewable energy project specifically for Assumption College. As the school is already investing in solar power, my study looked at the feasibility of a wind turbine or geothermal heat pump unit on the campus. I conducted interviews with various institutions that have already undertaken similar projects so that I could better understand the process of installing these technologies, to discover possible funding that could be available, and the success of this technology in other schools. The economic advantages and the positive impacts on students and the neighboring communities were some of the benefits considered. I also conducted interviews with engineering and design companies to create a cost-benefit analysis. The thesis explains the pros and cons of the wind turbine and geothermal heat pump to determine the best course of action for Assumption College to "go green."
Recommended Citation
McCauley, Melanie, "An Investigation of Renewable Energy Projects and their Potential Applications at Assumption College: Wind Turbines and Geothermal Heat Pumps" (2015). Honors Theses. 1.
https://digitalcommons.assumption.edu/honorstheses/1