n this thesis project, a proposed architecture for the multiple input, single output conversion stage for the DC House was designed, simulated, and tested. This architecture allows for multiple different input sources to be used to create a single higher power output source. The design uses a DC-DC boost converter with a parallelable output which has been demonstrated to allow increased total output power as a function of the number of input sources available. The parallelable output has been shown to distribute load amongst the input sources relatively closely to optimize the system. This approach is also desirable since it allows for flexibility in multiple configurations it can be used in. The design was tested using hardware and data results show the performance met and exceeded the needs of the DC House project. Data was taken for configuration with 1, 2, 3, and 4 input sources providing greater than 600W of total output power at an efficiency of greater than 92%. This architecture demonstrates the possibility of expanding the total available power for a single output in proportion to the number of available input sources.

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Bacterial populations indigenous to surface (1 m) waters of the Middle Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf were sampled at seasonal intervals to determine the abundance and distribution of petroleum-degrading (HC) and "total" heterotrophic (HET) bacteria. Simultaneously, unweathered South Louisiana crude oil (SLCO) was added to aliquots of surface water samples to evaluate rates and patterns of degradation of hydrocarbon. Degradation was studied using selected nutrient and temperature regimes in both closed flask and prototype "open" or continuous dilution systems. HET bacterial levels generally decreased with distance from land (x inshore = 6 x 10('4) MPN/ml to x offshore = 6 x 10('2) MPN/ml). HC bacteria were most abundant in the coastal boundary layer (x = 2 x 10('2) MPN/ml). Changes in values of HC/HET often were not directly related to the abundance of petroleum-degrading bacteria. In closed flasks the composition of bacterial populations changed slightly in response to SLCO addition; Pseudomonas predominated after 48 days. Pseudomonas isolates exhibited the greatest ability for petroleum degradation in pure cultures. Degradation of SLCO in closed flasks characteristically resulted in removal of n-alkanes and selected aromatics at rates related to season, sampling location, and nutrient regime. Aromatic compounds were often removed concomitantly with n-alkanes. Although maximum rates of degradation were observed at 15�C using coastal water inocula and inorganic nutrient enrichment, all shelf waters sampled contained bacteria capable of petroleum degradation.

The original research and development in this dissertation contributes to the field of building performance by actively harnessing a wider spectrum of directional solar radiation for use in buildings. Solar radiation (energy) is often grouped by wavelength measurement into the spectra ultraviolet (UV), visible (light), and short and long-wave infrared (heat) on the electromagnetic spectrum. While some of this energy is directly absorbed or deflected by our atmosphere, most of it passes through, scatters about, and collides with our planet. Modern building performance simulations, tools, and control systems often oversimplify this energy into scalar values for light and heat, when in reality they are interrelated directional spectral quantities of energy that are diffused and attenuated by clouds before colliding with surfaces. In addition to this, live building monitoring and control systems in-the-wild often do not track the location of the sun, separate direct sun energy from scattered sky energy, account for overcast clouds, considering occluded energy, etc. The work in this dissertation provides building energy simulations and control systems with finer-grain control over lighting and heating in order to optimize energy use and improve occupant well-being. We first present a data-driven machine learned sky model for predicting spectral radiance, and show how this technique can be used to produce spectral radiance maps for the entire hemispherical sky. We then integrate these predicted spectral radiance maps and other validated predictions into a custom radiosity engine in order to predict spectral daylighting and heating energy in building interiors. Finally, we present the design and prototyping of a cyber-physical building control system that monitors the sky and occupants in order to harness natural light and heat more effectively. We present ongoing and future work recommendations, such as sky cover projections to help reduce cooling recovery costs, and the use of spectral radiance maps in physically-based rendering engines.

One of the most important factors in a nation's development is energy availability. All the aspects of its economy are directly proportional to the energy resources. Oil is one of the most sought energy resources currently. Solar energy is one of the most important renewable sources of energy available to us. With oil deposits depleting and current global warming, there is an emphasis on using more and more renewable sources or clean energy. This has led to immense research on solar cells and how it could better be used to get maximum output. Storage of energy is another aspect that is studied most as this stored energy could be used as and when required. This study aims to study the factors that affect the performance of solar energy storage. This study will be conducted by identifying and analyzing different factors that influence the solar energy storage. The goal of this research is to find the factors that affect energy storage and identify which factors has the greatest effect on its efficiency and suggest better and innovative ways that could help energy storage in a positive way.

The technological advances made in the photovoltaic industry have led to a vast exploration of self-sustaining systems. As the consumer demand for electricity rises from increasing population and development of existing technologies, new practices in system designs are required to relieve the impact on the electrical grid. This thesis delves into a developing concept of using photovoltaic modules for roadway lighting, with emphasis on establishing the fundamental design for a “spot-lighting” luminaire. By effectively extinguishing various sections of the luminaire in the absence of pedestrian trafficking, the proposed design and implementation will minimize the prolonged costs, as well as the overall power consumption. Furthermore, as the first stage in development, this thesis includes justifications for design and part selection, while complying with numerous requirements set forth by the City of Los Angeles and in accordance with regulations established by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA). To accomplish these goals, copious amounts of performance tests and simulations, both before and after system implementation, will characterize the overall feasibility of the stand-alone lighting application.