With the debate on global warming and climate change, renewable energy resources, such as solar energy, are being considered. If solar energy is to make a major utility contribution, it will need to be more ubiquitous in today’s society. The research described hereafter analyzes the use of Solar in Public Spaces (SPS). SPS is defined as solar energy used in the public domain to power electronics away from the electric grid. This research specifically examines the viability of integrating solar panels into existing surfaces to charge portable electronics. Viability is evaluated using three criteria: (1) user interaction, (2) technical feasibility, and (3) cost analysis. User interaction is primarily focused on usage trends, user preferences, and user concerns. Technical feasibility includes shading effects, weather effects, and solar panel/battery sizing. Cost analysis is considered using energy savings, portability savings, and motivations.The research objective is answered through eleven research questions. All research questions are answered using surveys together with data from six different charging devices placed around Brigham Young University (BYU) campus. Surveys are used to add validity and support conclusions drawn from charging device data. A model is also developed to estimate solar panel and battery sizing needed to account for differences in geographical locations, incident solar power, weather, temperature, daylight hours, shading, and usage. All research questions are answered and demonstrate that solar panels integrated into existing surfaces is a viable solution for charging portable electronics in public spaces under the circumstances discussed herein

<div> <p>This research addresses the issues of electrical energy storage that warfighters in the U.S. military face. A device is presented that combines an on-demand hydrogen reactor with a state of the art proton exchange membrane fuel cell. This thesis focuses on the design criteria and analysis of the chemical hydride reactor. On demand hydrogen release can occur by controlling the hydrolysis reaction of Ammonia Borane (AB). Maleic acid is used to promote rapid release of hydrogen and trap the ammonia released from AB. Reactor designs are categorized as either delivering liquid or solid ammonia borane into an acid filled reactor. In an effort to design as simple of a system as possible, the delivery mechanisms presented do not use electronically powered devices. The primary safety criterion is that the hydrogen does not overly pressurize and meets the consumption rate of the fuel cell. Two liquid delivery architectures are proposed and tested using the assumption that a pressure differential between two chambers will deliver ammonia borane solution into a reactor. Methods of controlling the exposure of solid ammonia borane to a promoter is also presented. Pressed AB pellets were experimentally analyzed in order to characterize the interaction of solid AB in acidic solution. Designs are ranked against each other using system parameters that are applicable to man portable device. Liquid delivery architectures provided a safe and robust method of hydrolysis control. A bag reactor system that met the hydrogen requirements of a fuel cell was developed and tested. When used to compliment a fuel cell and military grade batteries, such a reactor will save weight and volume for extended missions requiring electronic equipment.<b></b></p> </div> <b><br></b>