This work shows a laboratory based demonstration that elastic scattering from a layer of wavelength-sized particles can be used to concentrate sunlight for use in photovoltaic power production. The concentrator design consists of a layer of particles dispersed across a mirrored glass plate. Photovoltaic cells line the edges of the plate, which receive light that is coupled into the plate via scattering by the particles and confined thereafter by total internal reflection. All materials used to construct the concentrator are low-cost off-the-shelf items typically available at hardware stores. The net power produced is compared to a single, bare cell that is directly illuminated by the same light source. This comparison shows a promising trend in terms of overall concentrator size that may eventually yield a concentrator capable of producing more power than that produced by the same amount of cell material under direct illumination.

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An absorption principal cooling system, currently proposed for installation and evaluation at the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), is described as a system and modeled through use of "A Transient Simulation Program (TRNSYS)" developed by the University of Wisconsin. The system model included the FSEC building with its heat gains and losses due to insolation and conduction. System element and cooling load parameters are estimated and the basis of estimation is included to help identify adjustments required to fit the model to the final system installation as new or more complete data becomes available. Deficiencies noted in the current TRNSYS system are identified as potential improvement areas. An empirical model of the 25-Tom Arkla Absorption Water Chiller proposed for the FSEC system is developed front he factory performance test data and implemented through use of TRNSYS algebraic function modules. A simplified block diagram of the FSEC cooling system is described and the basic TRNSYS modules required to model the system are also indicated in block diagram form. The individual modules with parameter designations and values, input designations and initial values, and output designations are each included. Finally, the model listing and simulation output data for a seven day period, utilizing actual solar insolation and ambient temperature data, are provided to demonstrate the model and reasonableness of results. Validation of the baseline model requires careful insertion of actual system parameters, after final system installation, and comparison of system test results against model results obtained using the test period insolation and temperature data.

An analysis of an operational industrial acetone reclamation system is performed to ascertain the possibility of its adaptation of solar thermal energy augmentation using fixed orientation, flat plate solar collectors. Currently, the system utilizes and oil fired heater for the thermal input. The water is heated to 185°F (85°C) and circulated through a heat exchanger which is immersed within the contaminated acetone solution. The solvent is thereby vaporized, condensed, and drawn off for reuse. Analytical models of two possible configurations utilizing a series of commercially available, flat plate solar collectors, a hot water storage tank, and an oil fired auxiliary are developed. The resulting differential equation is written in finite difference form and integrated with an iterative numerical algorithm. Program listings are included for the solution of this problem on a Texas Instruments, SR-56 programmable calculator. Results of the analysis indicate that annual fuel savings of between 11 and 31 percent can be realized (compared to present non-solar operation) by the use of 6 to 16 collectors respectively. Based on an "ideal" day's performance, an economic analysis is given which recommends the use of 16 collectors for the present system. At current fuel, equipment, and fuel cost increase rates, the rate of return attained from the system retro-fit investment is commensurate with that available under a low risk savings investment. Therefore, an economic justification for conversion of the system to solar energy is marginal under the present conditions. A sensitivity analysis is included that indicates the conditions necessary for economic justification. Specifically, if the current collector cost was reduced by 65 percent, the solar system configuration would yield an acceptable rate of return on the investment.

This thesis focused on the performance of large-scale renewable energy projects for the United States Air Force. As global energy demands continue to rise, the need to find ways to save energy and produce alternative sources of energy will increase. The Federal Government has begun to address the challenge of energy production and energy security in recent years. In order to increase both the energy production and energy security for the Air Force, there is a trend to increase the amount of renewable energy produced on military installations. The goal of this research was to compare the estimated and actual performance of these large-scale on-site renewable energy projects at Air Force installations. The variables considered for this research were the execution methods and the renewable energy sources. The performance of each project was evaluated against factors identified in previous sustainable construction studies. The study found that actual performance of third party owned and operated projects differed from the expected performance by less than the Air Force owned and operated projects, and that performance of renewable energy projects differed from the expected performance by less than high performance buildings from previous studies. The study also found factors that contributed to the gap between the expected and actual performance including optimistic modeling, unusual weather, operational issues and higher than expected maintenance of the projects. The results of this research were an initial step in understanding the actual performance of large-scale renewable energy projects. / Master of Science

Thesis (M.S.)--Marshall University, 2009. / Title from document title page. Includes abstract. Document formatted into pages: contains vi, 43 p. Includes bibliographical references p. 41-43.

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