Browsing by Subject "solar"
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Item Adopting Sustainable Innovations: A Case on Renewables' Integration into the Grid(2019-05) Allen, BarbaraDisruptive changes are impacting the electric utility industry worldwide as an increasing amount of renewably generated electricity contributes to grid supply to combat negative environmental impacts of traditional electricity production. The U.S. utility companies are protected natural monopolies faced with an increasing power generation competition and decreasing revenue as a result. As the industry transitions over the coming decade, the ability to thrive will be dependent upon the incumbents’ ability to adapt while continuing to grow existing technological competencies. How to further promote renewable energies in the monopoly market and how can the U.S. electric utilities successfully adapt in such an environment are the main research questions this thesis attempts to answer. Based on literature review, five specific questions were developed and then investigated using the case study on a uniquely innovative leader in the utility industry--Green Mountain Power of Vermont. Results show that a natural monopoly can be effective in promoting sustainable innovations given the right environment. Among the many factors that influence the adoption of sustainable innovations in a natural monopoly market, regulation plays a critical role. Incumbents with a corporate culture which enables strategic change, and those able to incorporate sustainable innovations into their business model will be less likely to be disrupted by the changes occurring in the market. Monopoly incumbents recognizing and pursuing new market opportunities arising out of sustainable innovations, rather than viewing the change as disruptive, will be more likely to contribute to the successful diffusion of such innovation.Item Design, Simulation, and Solution Processing of Spectrally-Selective Mirrors for Luminescent Solar Concentrators(2021-01) Mayes, EleanorThis thesis investigates the design, simulation, and solution processing of spectrally-selective mirrors for use in Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs). Luminescent Solar Concentrators are transparent photovoltaic devices that can be applied to windows. Photons incident on the LSC are absorbed by luminophores within the device, which then emit photons at longer wavelengths (via photoluminescence). This light is then internally reflected across the LSC waveguide to its edges wherephotovoltaic cells are located, which convert the light to electricity. Some photons that are emitted by luminophores do not remain in the waveguide; if the photons are emitted at an angle less than the critical angle (determined by the refractive index surrounding mediums) they are lost to the environment. This reduces the efficiency of the LSC substantially. To improve this trapping efficiency, spectrally-selective mirrors can be placed above and below the waveguide in order to reflect escaped photons back into the device, so they potentially reach the photovoltaic cells. These spectrally-selective mirrors are composed of ultra-thin-film layers of alternating high and low refractive index materials, forming a 1D photonic crystal. The mirror design is dependent on the thickness and refractive index of each layer, and manipulating these parameters results in different reflectivity spectra. Using Monte Carlo and analytical models to simulate LSCs with spectrally-selective mirrors, designs are evaluated and optimized to best improve the optical efficiency of this particular LSC, with its particular dimensions and composition. Concurrently, thin-films of dielectric material are fabricated via sol-gel synthesis and solution-processing techniques such as spin-coating, doctor-blading, and bar coating. These films and their optical properties are then evaluated and characterized using spectroscopic ellipsometry. The work presented in this thesis weaves together fundamental aspects of thin-film design, simulation, and fabrication to develop a framework for creating efficient, aesthetically adequate, and readily producible Luminescent Solar Concentrators.Item An Examination of the Solar Torsional Oscillation(2017-05) Bauer-Reich, CherishBands of slower and faster flow, known as solar torsional oscillations, are spatially correlated with sunspot appearances on the solar surface. Understanding the relationship between torsional oscillations and sunspots may help to illuminate the conditions of flux tube origination and motion that give rise to the sunspot cycle. This, in turn, may help to understand the process of dipolar magnetic field generation in the sun. In order to better understand the formation and behavior of the torsional oscillation in the presence of convection, magnetohydrodynamic code, with magnetic feedback removed, was used to model the convection zone. In baseline simulations, a fairly consistent signal at the torsional oscillation frequency was detected near the top of the tachocline at mid-latitudes. When a mechanical forcing representing the torsional oscillation was added, it diffused but did not propagate, in contrast to previous works. When the signal varied with latitude, a region of active attenuation was noted at 30° N and S latitudes. These results indicate that specific convection patterns at the top of the tachocline may be responsible for flux tube origination. Further, mechanical forcing alone is insufficient to generate a torsional oscillation in this type of model.Item Illuminating Common Ground: Success Factors for Tribal Solar Energy Development(2023) LaValle, SarahTribal energy development is a complex multi-faceted topic. The objective of this work is to identify common themes across tribal solar energy deployment projects, focusing specifically on lessons learned and recommendations. Identifying these commonalities and learning from the experiences of tribes that have embarked in energy development efforts can help to inform the development of future tribal solar energy projects. A thematic qualitative analysis approach was used to analyze project reports and presentations for 41 tribal solar deployment projects funded by the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, applying a framework of success factors developed from the literature. The results of the qualitative analysis are described in four discrete parts: comprehensive and inclusive planning, fostering partnerships and collaboration, building capacity, and exercising and advancing tribal sovereignty. Each of the overarching themes inform recommendations for tribes to promote the success of solar projects.Item Potential Economic Impact: Benton Solar Project(2023) Tuck, BrigidItem Potential Economic Impact: Timberwolf Solar Project(2023) Tuck, BrigidItem Solar Synthesis Gas Production via the Thermochemical Cerium Oxide Redox Cycle: Inert-Swept and Methane-Hybridized Reduction(2016-01) Krenzke, PeterThe cerium oxide (ceria) redox cycle is evaluated as a means for producing synthesis gas from carbon dioxide and water using solar energy. Two options are considered for facilitating oxygen removal during ceria reduction: inert gas sweeping and reaction with methane to produce synthesis gas. Thermodynamic process analyses are developed to ascertain the viability of the cycle and identify requirements for high efficiency under the assumption of equilibrium chemistry. A parametric experimental study is conducted to determine the impact of temperature and methane flow rate on methane conversion, syngas selectivity, oxidizer conversion, and the solar-to-fuel efficiency.