Sustainable Survival

Sustainable Survival is a VR experience where the user simulates the planning and maintenance of a power grid while generating income and fending off pollution-based enemies. The game consists of a player purchasing buildings, which they can then place on a gameboard. The experience then simulates a turn-based system, where generator buildings can provide power to special buildings which can defend against enemies or generate income.

Design Process Flowchart

We started with the idea of piloting a renewable airship

We then refocused on the challenge of maintaining a renewable power grid

Midreview feedback was incorperated by introducing conflict. This was done by incorporating pollution-themed enemies

Game Loop

Precedent Image

We liked the playstyle of placing die on a board based on their interactions with one another.

Precedent Image

We were inspired by the aspect of a game where you can interact with the environment around you.

Inscryption

Die in the Dungeon

Research & Inspiration

Coal Carbon Production

• 1 ton of coal emits around 1000 grams of CO2 for every kWh of power produced

Inspired Design Choice

This information aided us in determining the overall rate of pollution for each building.

Hydro Carbon Production

• High-impact hydropower produces ~25g of CO2 for every kWh

First Concept Sketches

Dynamic Enviroment Showcase

Showcasing the building affecting the tiles around it.

Iteration Sketches

These are initial sketches for a board-based VR game, we brainstormed varying types of tiles and game mechanics.

Image

What Worked?

What Didn't?

We liked the aspect of a large room centered around the gameboard

We felt that the room was too empty and bland. It could use some dynamic aspects as well as more props.

Our first prototype was a demo of the board and room environment.

First Prototype

Added day/night cycle

We added a mock day/night cycle to emulate real life

Enemy and pollution

We scaled the amount of enemies with the amount of pollution

Gameroom Floor Plan

Pollution Text displays the amount of pollution in the system

The turn text shows the amount of turns survived

The gameboard is where the player places buildings

This text shows the amount of money the player has

The vending machines dispense buildings for the player to use

Final Photos

Final Photos

Reflecting & Looking Forward...

If we had more time, it would be interesting to add more enemies and strategy.

If we started over we would most likely include more buildings and increase interactibility

Video

History

Hydropower has been used for thousands of years, with ancient Greeks using water wheels for grinding wheat. The first modern hydropower plant was built in England in 1878, and in the US in 1882. Hydropower became a major source of electricity during the 20th century, with large-scale projects like the Hoover Dam. However, these projects had significant environmental and social impacts. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in small-scale hydropower projects that have less impact on the environment. Today, hydropower is a major source of renewable energy, providing around 16% of the world's electricity.

Timeline

Present

Timeline

2022

(colorized)

Past

How it Works

Hydropower works by using the force of flowing water to turn a turbine, which spins a generator that produces electricity. Water is collected in a reservoir or dam, then released to flow through a channel or penstock towards the turbine. The movement of the turbine generates mechanical energy that is converted into electrical energy by the generator. The electricity is then transmitted through power lines and distributed to consumers. The amount of electricity generated depends on the speed and volume of water, the height of the dam, and the efficiency of the turbine and generator.

Local Utility

1. Lowell Hydroelectric Power Plant: Located in Lowell, Massachusetts, this hydropower plant generates electricity using the flow of the Merrimack River. It has a capacity of 9.5 MW and can provide power to about 7,500 homes.
2. Norwood Hydroelectric Plant: Located in Norwood, Massachusetts, this plant generates electricity using the flow of the Neponset River. It has a capacity of 125 kW and can provide power to about 100 homes.
3. Waltham Hydroelectric Plant: Located in Waltham, Massachusetts, this plant generates electricity using the flow of the Charles River. It has a capacity of 221 kW and can provide power to about 200 homes.
4. Mystic River Hydroelectric Plant: Located in Medford, Massachusetts, this plant generates electricity using the flow of the Mystic River. It has a capacity of 1.1 MW and can provide power to about 800 homes.

Global Utility

Hydropower is the largest source of renewable electricity in the world, and it has the potential to generate around 16% of the world's electricity according to the International Energy Agency. Hydropower is widely used around the world, with many countries relying on it as a source of electricity. It is a clean, reliable, and cost-effective source of electricity that can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. However, large-scale hydropower projects can have significant environmental and social impacts, and these must be carefully considered when developing new projects.

1. Theoretical maximum efficiency: The maximum efficiency of a hydropower system is limited by the available energy in the water source and the efficiency of the turbine. The theoretical maximum efficiency of a hydropower system can be calculated using the following equation:

Efficiency = (Energy output / Energy input) x 100%

1. Hydraulic efficiency: The hydraulic efficiency of a hydropower system is a measure of how well the turbine converts the energy in the water into mechanical energy. It is calculated using the following equation:

Hydraulic efficiency = (Power output / Hydraulic power input) x 100%

1. Overall efficiency: The overall efficiency of a hydropower system is a measure of how well the system converts the available energy in the water source into electrical energy that can be used by consumers. It is calculated using the following equation:

Overall efficiency = (Electrical power output / Energy input) x 100%

Efficiency Claculations

Turbine Types

1. Francis Turbine: A type of hydropower turbine that is commonly used for medium to high head applications. It has a runner with curved blades and is highly efficient.
2. Pelton Turbine: A type of hydropower turbine that is used for high head applications. It has a wheel with cups or buckets that are hit by jets of water, causing the wheel to spin.
3. Kaplan Turbine: A type of hydropower turbine that is used for low to medium head applications. It has a propeller-like runner that is adjustable, allowing it to operate efficiently at different flow rates.
4. Crossflow Turbine: A type of hydropower turbine that is used for low head applications. It has a rectangular-shaped runner with blades that are perpendicular to the flow of water.
5. Turgo Turbine: A type of hydropower turbine that is used for medium head applications. It has a runner with flat blades that are slightly curved, and water is directed onto the blades at an angle.

Data Graphic

Current Potential

The potential of hydropower is significant. According to the International Energy Agency, hydropower has the potential to generate around 16% of the world's electricity, and it is the largest source of renewable electricity in the world. There are many untapped sources of hydropower around the world, including small rivers, streams, and irrigation canals, that could be used to generate electricity. However, it's important to note that the potential of hydropower must be balanced against environmental and social considerations, as large-scale hydropower projects can have significant impacts on ecosystems and local communities.

The future potential of hydro power is significant, as it is a renewable and sustainable energy source that can provide clean electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. According to the International Energy Agency, hydro power currently provides around 16% of the world's electricity, making it the largest source of renewable energy globally.

There is still a significant amount of untapped hydro power potential, particularly in developing countries where access to electricity is limited. The World Bank estimates that there is approximately 1,200 GW of untapped hydro power potential worldwide, which is more than twice the current installed capacity.

Future Potential

THEME

When we think about the future it is easy to jump to conclusions about the state of the environment. There is a lot of valid concern and even fear about what will happen as we continue to emit greenhouse gases and experience climate change. There is also a lot of hope to be shared regarding our climatic future. In this studio we will explore the development of sustainable technologies, the mitigation of fossil fuels, and the science behind our renewable futures.

MEDIUM

In this studio, we will be designing experiences in virtual reality. We will use the medium to learn more advanced rhino modeling skills, and discuss rendering, lighting, and animation. We will build our experiences to further our understanding of renewable energy sources and immerse others in digital narratives. 

VR METHODOLOGY

Design The Environment

Plan the Interaction

Lighting and Animation

We will create experiences that...

Simulate: Understand and showcase the mathmatics, science, and engineering, that makes renewables work.

Predict: Describe the role sustainable energy will play in our future lived experiences.

Visualize: Provide a lens to view the conversation around renewable energy sources. 

Each project group will design a virtual space, with embedded narratives and interactive components that expand our relationship to energy and technology.

Example Deliverables might include...

Final Deliverable

• a gamified comparison of current energy tech

• a simulated "solar city". 

• a virtual tour of an offshore wind farm

Simulation

Somniacs

Birdly VR

Mursion

Social Simulations

Active Learning

Zoe Immersive Inc.

Zoe Virtual Reality

Embodied Games

To Catch a Mimic

Immersive Environments

Marshemellow Laser Feast

In The Eyes of The Animal

Jakub Kozłowski

Concept Artist

On a notecard please answer these two questions: 

• What aspect of working in virtual reality most excites you?
• What skills are you eager to pick up in this studio?

Activity

Renewable Technology

Energy and Power

Economic

The U.S. Will Need Thousands of Wind Farms. Will Small Towns Go Along?

Giant Wind Farms Arise Off Scotland, Easing the Pain of Oil’s Decline

Social

Building Solar Farms May Not Build the Middle Class

Scientific

Major Fusion Energy Breakthrough to Be Announced by Scientists

Can Fusion Solve the Climate Crisis?

On a notecard please answer these two questions: 

• Are there any renewable energy sources that play a role in your life (solar, electric car, etc)
• Of the articles listed, does any particular headline or topic jump out to you? Why?

Activity

Creative Learning Goals

• Draw inspiration from natural processes, chemistry, physics, and technology.
• Create environments and interactions that draw in our users and promote their unique experience
• Understand how to design narratives in a spatial way. 
• Learn how to take our interests and meet them with our independent designs.

Technical Learning Goals

• Virtual Reality interaction and environmental design
• Unity3D game engine + C# programming
• Subdivision 3D modeling.

Day to Day schedule

Concept Design and Development

Virtual Reality Workflow + Tools

Student Intros

Name

Pronouns

Grade/Year

Experience with VR?

Connections to renewables?

Nuvu Norms

• phones will be in backpacks or bins. 
• clean up after yourselves during lunch. 
• respect others property
• clean the room each day

VR Headsets + Unity Installs

Classroom Agreement 

03/06

04/14

VR SET UP

STUDIO INTRO

INTRO ACTIVITY

VR MOVEMENT

RHINO 3D MODELING

INTRO TO RHINO

ENVIRONMENT MAPPING

RENEWABLES RESEARCH



THIS WEEK'S AGENDA

CLEAN/CHARGE SCHEDULE

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Day 1 Activity : Rube Goldberg/Simple Machines

Thesis

Not many people know how windmills work and how long they have been used. Energy in the Sky is a VR game where you can go watch the development of windmills over time. The player starts in a room full of paintings. Each painting leads to a different time and island. On each island is a windmill and a description that the player can look at. Each description explains how the windmill works, what time it was used, and why it was made. 

Precedents

Floating Island

Painting Portals

+

wind turbine vr traininghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZpStUt40Yg

Brainstorming Sketches

Storyboard

Technical Diagram

Prototypes

First Models

Research Slide 

1. Persian Windmill
2. 400 loaves per hour
3. Dutch Windmill
4. Can power 15 toasters per hour
5. Halladay Windmill
6. Can power 20 toasters per hour
7. Crotched Mountain Windmill
8. Can power 25 toasters per hour
9. First ever offshore windmill
10. Can power 3750 toasters per hour
11. Biggest offshore windmill
12. Can power 11,333.3 toasters per hour

Final Picture

Thesis

Energy Tycoon is a VR game made to educate and instruct people on how to manage renewable energy and prevent pollution. Observing charts and percentages provided from ISO-NE, we noticed that managing energy is a very complex and difficult process. It is an immersive VR experience where the user creates and spends energy to build their very own renewable space, while also managing pollution and a minimum rate of energy generated.

Precedents

Brainstorming Sketches