Ramirez, E. J.(Energy Systems Laboratory, May 2008)
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Abstract:
This report presents the design, construction, and operation of a 100% solar-powered house from an engineering perspective. This includes energy simulation results, selection of systems, design of systems, assembly of systems, integration between architectural and engineering design, transportation of the house to Washington D.C., and a review of the actual performance of the house during the 2007 Solar Decathlon. The house was designed and constructed in Bryan-College Station, Texas, from January 2006 to September 2007. It was constructed at the Texas A&M University (TAMU) facilities and it was then transported to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon which took place from October 3 to October 23, 2007. A full-description of this project is presented along with the TAMU team’s strategy for the competition contests. Finally, an analysis of the final outcome is offered with recommendations for future events
Description:
A Final Examination Report by Eduardo J. Ramirez, submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree of Master of Engineering.
In August 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidance on quantifying the air emissions benefits from electric sector energy efficiency and renewable energy. Because there was no clear best strategy, the EPA’s guidance provided a framework and the basic requirements needed to demonstrate air quality improvements or emissions reductions with adequate certainty to be incorporated into a State Implementation Plan (SIP) for achieving or maintaining National ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The Energy Systems Laboratory, with guidance from both the US EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), developed the first a comprehensive engineering toolkit and database that satisfies the EPA guidance. The value of this unique tool was demonstrated in 2005 when the ESL, at the request of the TCEQ, used it to develop integrated emissions estimates for all state agencies participating in the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP). Building on this expertise, the US EPA has established a National Center of Excellence on Displaced Emissions Reductions (CEDER) at the Energy Systems Laboratory to research and gather the state-of-the-art air pollution quantification techniques for Energy Efficiency / Renewable Energy (EE/RE) projects; provide technical support and customized analysis for state and local agencies seeking to estimate the environmental benefits from clean energy policies and programs; and document how a user-friendly tool, based on e2Calc, can be used by clients to fulfill their needs to quantify emissions reductions from energy efficiency and renewable energy measures.
Description:
The Energy Systems Laboratory, in fulfillment of its responsibilities, submits this annual report, “Analysis of Emissions Calculators for a National Center of Excellence on Displaced Emissions Reductions (CEDER),”to the United State Environmental Protection Agency.
This study examines the difference of the window simulation test between the Shading Coefficient (SC) and the Window Library (WL) Methods on DOE 2.1E of the 2000 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) for single-family residences in Texas. The window simulation tests are performed using single-pane, double-pane, and low-e glass on two standard DOE 2.1E single-family house models: 1) the model which has the R-value for wall, roof and floor according to 2000 IECC (Quick Wall), and 2) the model which has the real wood frame wall and has the same R-value as the first one (Thermal Wall).
The analysis showed different results according to the types of the glass, simulation method (Shading Coefficient or Window Library), and types of wall (quick wall and thermal wall). The saving of daily peak heating (kBtu/day) from single-pane to low-e glass on thermal mass and quick wall shows the most variation.
This study examines the thermal mass effects in a code-traceable DOE-2 simulation of the 2000 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) for a single-family residence in Texas. This report is composed of two major simulations: 1) the simulation according to the location of the insulation of IECC2000, and 2) the simulation according to the types of real brick and block walls which are practically used at the residential house. In this study, the 2000 IECC was used to develop the base case simulation model in Houston, Texas. The DOE-2 energy simulation program was used to analyze changes to the annual energy use caused by changing various building materials. The best energy conservative material layout was then chosen that contained reduced annual energy use, peak cooling and heating loads, and peak day electricity use.
This study discusses the impact of photo alteration on journalistic credibility in relation to the effects of the new capabilities of digital technology. The thesis examines the early history of photo manipulation, in both digital and analog formats, and summarizes debates surrounding specific digitally altered images and the public’s and governing bodies’ responses to these alterations. Finally, digital photography’s position as a new medium or an extension of existing photographic means is considered. The research analyzes altered photos’ placements in media sources and uses the opinions of artists and theorists sourced from editorials, essays and texts to develop an understanding of the current uses of digital photographs, and to speculate about where the trend towards digital photography may lead.
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