Solar Microgrid Design Project
frank Hao
Project Timeline
Jan 2025 - May-2025
OVERVIEW
Led a 5-person interdisciplinary consulting team to design a sustainable rooftop solar photovoltaic microgrid for the University of Toronto Medical Sciences Building. Developed a comprehensive design proposal integrating photovoltaic and wind systems to achieve a target 5% offset in the building's annual energy consumption, validated through quantitative energy-output modeling. The project involved extensive stakeholder collaboration with the U of T Sustainability Office to deliver a refined, technical report covering constraints analysis, mathematical estimations, and prototyping concepts for a high-performance, tilting solar array.
HighlightS
- Engineered a Phase 1 deployment strategy consisting of 114 PV modules at 450W capacity each, estimated to offset 42.6 MWh in electricity demand and 7.9 metric tons CO2 emissions annually.
- Simulated energy conversion efficiency and seasonal performance using Python and MATLAB, applying thermodynamic and materials science principles to forecast system reliability.
- Modeled three distinct microgrid configurations based on solar irradiance data, mechanical roof constraints, seasonal load curves, and regional energy pricing.
- Conducted lifecycle cost assessments and payback analyses utilizing Excel-based models and RETScreen inputs to provide long-term investment justification.
- Authored a 77-page engineering report detailing the stakeholder matrix, objective prioritization, weighted evaluation criteria, and technical prototyping for the tilting mechanism.
- Managed a technical review cycle with client, translating complex feedback into optimized system requirements and structural modifications.
- Earned high distinction among all team submissions in the course cohort for the final formal presentation and technical feasibiltiy of the design deliverables.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary documentation through structured peer review, ensuring all engineering functions and design alternatives met high technical standards.
SKILLS
SolidWorks (Assemblies, Mates, Drawings) Microgrid Design Energy Modeling Python MATLAB (System Simulation) RETScreen (Energy Management) Project Management Leadership Financial Forecasting (Lifecycle Cost Analysis) Design for Sustainability Technical Writing Stakeholder Consultation & Management Thermodynamics & Materials Science Quantitative Analysis & Math Estimations
External Links
ADDITIONAL CONTENTS
frank Hao
Mechanical Engineering Student at UofT Engineering Consultant
Enthusiastic mechanical engineering student at the University of Toronto. Experienced in designing and delivering real-world mechanical systems across robotics, aerospace, and sustainable energy applications.
My work spans high-precision motion systems, heavy-lift aerial platforms, and solar microgrid infrastructure, where I have led projects from first-principles design through ideation, analysis, fabrication, and validation. I bring strong expertise in advanced SolidWorks assemblies, structural FEA, additive and composite manufacturing, and quantitative system modeling in Python and MATLAB, supported by experience translating technical analysis into client-ready engineering decisions.
Enthusiastic mechanical engineering student at the University of Toronto. Experienced in designing and delivering real-world mechanical systems across robotics, aerospace, and sustainable energy applications.
My work spans high-precision motion systems, heavy-lift aerial platforms, and solar microgrid infrastructure, where I have led projects from first-principles design through ideation, analysis, fabrication, and validation. I bring strong expertise in advanced SolidWorks assemblies, structural FEA, additive and composite manufacturing, and quantitative system modeling in Python and MATLAB, supported by experience translating technical analysis into client-ready engineering decisions.
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