1) The rules state that a team must use hydrogen from renewable sources to provide for the building's energy needs. Does that fact eliminate the use of a molten carbonate fuel cell that internally reforms natural gas into hydrogen to be used as a fuel source?
The rules challenge student to design the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly building possible, that "utilizes hydrogen produced from renewable sources for its as much of its energy needs as feasible." Therefore, you are welcome to utilize any technology that you would like, though your goal should be to utilize renewable energy where it makes sense.
2) In Appendix 3, there is a column that refers to the number of rooms required. Some rooms, like Temporary Student Office Space and Large Meeting Space, show a 0 (zero) in that column.
Does that mean that these rooms are "suggested" but not "required"?
That is correct. These are all the spaces that the university would like to see included in the design, however not everything could be included in the draft design. If teams would like to incorporate these additional areas for any reason, they are welcome to do so.
3) Are we able to go over the 46,000 sq ft as long as we stay on
the site and within budget?
46,000 sq ft is the size of the proposed Student Center design included for the Contest, however this number is not specifically limiting. Students are able to slightly reduce or increase the size of the design as long as the criteria are met, budget is maintained, and can still be built within the allotted area on campus.
4) What should be included in our abstract submission?
The abstract should be 300 words or less and provide an overview of the team's project, highlighting
the main features and goals of its design. The abstract does not need to be included in
the final submission. This information will assist the contest organizers in planning the rest of the Contest.
5) We would like to participate the design contest but unfortunately we got heard about the contest just a week ago. Our team would like to participate, but we haven't obtained an advisor or have the full team set due to the time constraints. Can we still participate?
Yes, you can. We understand that groups hear about the Contest through different means and unfortunately some teams are able to find out about the Contest sooner than others. It is important that you submit a design abstract to let staff know what kind of design you have in mind, and you must have a faculty advisor in order to for your design to be judged, but it is ok if you do not have the information available quite yet - the most important part is to have a completed design submitted by Dec. 19th! If you are wondering if you are able to compete this year, please send an email to info@hydrogencontest.org and we can see what can be done to assure your participation.
6) May the proposed design include solar and/or wind farms outside the proposed site, but still within the boundaries of the campus?
Yes, you may utilize nearby renewable installations (existing or proposed), but you have to account for their use in the overall budget.
7) The proposed site is very specific; could it be changed to better fit the needs of the campus?
The proposed site is where the University is planning to build the Student Center. The designs may be considered by the University for installation in the Sudent Center, so they must focus on the location we've provided.
8) What are the day/hour of operations of the facility?
The Student Union will be open 7 days a week, from 7 am until 12 Midnight.
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