Greening STU
Juan Zamora, Director of Physical Plant, and Alberto J. Varela, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physics
Green Energy Projects at STU
Solar Energy
– Photovoltaic Systems – Solar Thermal Energy – Solar Concentrators
Hydrogen
– Fuel Cells
Education
– SCI 119 (Physical Science and Solar Energy) – PHY 101, 102, 207, 208 (College and Univ. Physics)
Energy Use and Efficiency
Solar Station Project at STU
From left to right Jack Rose, FPL representative, Juan Zamora, Director of Physical Plant, Julio A. Díaz, Assistant Director of Physical Plant, and Alberto J. Varela, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physics
The project was proposed to FPL at the initiative of Dr. Alberto J. Varela, Associate Professor in the School of Science, Technology, and Engineering Management. The intent was to create a Solar Station at STU as a practical teaching tool for the students in his physics classes. The Solar Station demonstrates the value of solar energy as a renewable energy source. From 2002 to 2008, the Solar Station has been producing, on average, 511 KWh a month. The electricity produced by the Solar Station is used to power the Chickee Hut and the offices and classrooms on campus. This installation is also used as an educational tool for both students and members of the community, teaching the values of renewable energy systems.
With a capacity of 2.4 KW, the Photovoltaic System installed in the Solar Station supplies electricity to the Chickee Hut and campus offices and classrooms.
The Solar Station is provides an average of 16 KWh/day ( $600.00 a year of clean energy).
Solar Station Data (3/13/2008)
Solar Station
1.4
1.2
1
Power (KW)
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0 0 3 5 8 10 13 time (h) Inverter Power Out (kW) Power to Load(kW) Grid Power (kW) PV Power (kW) 15 18 20 23
Total Energy output: 7.3 KWh
Solar Thermal Energy
Students constructing a parabolic solar concentrator and a solar oven as part of the course projects
Insolation in Miami, Florida
Continued growth in this arena is expected, with the emphasis on improving our science labs and focusing on future challenges posed by the global energy crisis. We are interested in developing a permanent Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology program at STU in order to adequately prepare our students for this new challenge.
Students working at the Solar Station
Physics students analyzing the I-V characteristics of a solar panel to determine the MPP.
National Science Honor Society students visit the Solar Station at STU
Immaculata-La Salle High School students receive a workshop on Renewable Energy Systems.
Electrolysis
Solar energy is currently being used to produce electricity; we are now using part of this electricity to produce hydrogen via electrolysis. This hydrogen can be safely stored for future applications as a fuel, in particular to produce electricity via a PEM Fuel Cell. This new system will provide our students with tremendous possibilities for new experiments in the areas of Physics and Chemistry.
Fuel Cells
The Nexa™ system provides up to 1200 Watts of unregulated DC power at a nominal output voltage of 26 VDC. With the use of an external fuel supply, operation is continuous, limited only by the amount of fuel storage. Using hydrogen fuel, the Nexa™ module is extremely quiet and produces zero harmful emissions, permitting indoor operations.
Physical Science and Solar Energy
SCI 119
ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY
Department of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Sciences
Instructor: Dr. Alberto J. Varela
Course Materials: • Conceptual Physics version 1.00.018 © 2001-2005 Kinetic Books Company (optional)
• Articles, web page documents, handouts, notes, and other instructional material provided by instructor
Course Prerequisites: MAT 109 or equivalent
Course Description
This course is designed to be an introduction to the study of Solar Energy Systems and Hydrogen Technologies. It covers topics that include, but are not limited to: the Solar system, the Sun and Solar energy, direct conversion of sunlight into electricity and heat, Photovoltaic systems, Solar heaters, Photovoltaic cells, energy storage, hydrogen production, and fuel cells.
Key words: Irradiance, Insolation, Thermal Energy, Heat, Voltage, Electric Current, Power, Air Mass, Photovoltaic Effect, Electrolysis, Hydrogen, Fuel Cell
Course Objectives
This course is designed as an introduction to the global energy crisis and possible solutions, focusing specifically on sustainable energy sources and the conservation of the environment. It is oriented toward the use of solar energy systems, photovoltaic systems, and hydrogen technologies, aiming to introduce students to the new energy technologies available for the hydrogen age.
Course Content
Ch. 1 Ch. 2 Ch. 3 Ch. 4 Ch. 5 Ch. 6 Ch. 7 Energy a Global Concern Renewable and non renewable Energy Sources Solar Energy Solar Electricity Solar Thermal Energy The New Hydrogen Age The Zero Energy Home
Ch.1 Energy: A Global Concern
Environment Protection a Global Concern
The Fossil Energy System
Global Climate Change Ozone Alert, Ozone layer depletion
Energy Cost Energy Sources
Non renewable (Oil, Natural gas, Coal and Nuclear Energy) Renewable (Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Biomass and Hydropower)
Ch.2 Renewable and Non Renewable Energy Sources
Non Renewable
Renewable Renewable Energy Basics
Fossil fuels Coal Natural gas Oil
Nuclear Energy
Solar Energy Wind Energy Hydropower Geothermal Biomass Build Your Own Biogas Generator
Ch.3 Solar Energy
The History of Solar Energy Solar Basics
Insolation Seasonal Variations Solar Radiation Planck radiation formula Solar Spectral Irradiance reaching the Earth Solar Spectral Irradiance reaching the Earth Life on Earth - Flow of Energy Air Mass Sun Path Solar Position at STU Peak Sun Hours Collector Orientation. Tilt Angle Maximizing Irradiation on the Collector U.S. Solar Radiation Data
Ch.4 Solar Electricity
Photovoltaic systems animation History of Photovoltaic Systems Photovoltaic Cells
Current-Voltage Characteristic: open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, maximum power current and voltage MPP Operating Point Devices in Series and Parallel Load, Solar Irradiance and Temperature PV Cell, Module and Array Energy Storage: Batteries Charge Controllers, Inverters Balance of System Components (BOS)
Workshop 2. “PV Current-Voltage Characteristic MPP“
Ch.5 Solar Thermal Energy
Solar Constant Solar Heater Collectors Solar Hot Water Systems Systems Types and Components Solar Swimming Pool Heating Systems Solar Oven Solar Concentrators
Workshop. 3 Solar Heater Collector
Ch.6 The New Hydrogen Age
Introduction The hydrogen energy system
Hydrogen production Hydrogen storage
Fuel Cell Animation Types of Fuel Cells
Workshop. 4 Hydrogen Production. Electrolysis
Ch.7 The Zero Energy Home
The Power House On the path of zero energy homes:
PV Array Sizing Types of Photovoltaic Systems: Utility-Interactive. Hybrid Systems Battery Storage System. Inverters Use of Solar Heaters Use of Hydrogen. Fuel Cells
Method of Delivery This course will be taught as a lecture and will include workshops. Evaluation of Student Progress
Exams (3) 60% Lab Reports 20% Research Paper 20 %
Energy Use and Efficiency