An Application of Quality Function Deployment to Explore a Product Design Concept—A Case Study of a Triple-Effect Green Energy Generator for the Taiwan Environment

Abstract

Taiwan has been actively promoting renewable energy technologies and applications to achieve sustainable development goals, aiming to increase the share of renewable energy in the domestic electricity structure. Among them, solar energy and wind energy have been developed and matured, especially solar water heaters, which have been popularized in people’s homes. This study proposes a triple-effect green energy generator, which is an innovative concept of combining a solar water heater with a wind turbine and thermoelectric devices, which have been gradually emphasized in recent years. Therefore, quality function deployment (QFD) was used to investigate the customer requirements and engineering measures of the product, and the results show that the product has leakage protection, is waterproof and rustproof, and does not affect health; furthermore, the product is resistant to high temperature and heavy rain, has a stable base, is suitable for most residential conditions, has 24 h operation, and has a remarkable power generation effect. Electricity can be used for general household appliances, which are the most important customer needs, and small wind turbines, energy management systems, and exterior materials are the three most important engineering initiatives to be emphasized. Although this study only analyzes preliminary design concepts, the results can provide references for related or similar product development strategies and contribute to the progress of Taiwan’s sustainable development goals.