Concentrating Photovoltaic and Thermal Collector
Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Major
Civil and Architectural Engineering
Research Advisor
Baur, Stuart Werner, 1965-
Advisor's Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Funding Source
Missouri S&T Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Fellows Program; Missouri S&T Solar House Team
Abstract
Although thermal concentrators are readily available, the market for Concentrating Photovoltaic and Thermal Collectors is a fairly untouched application. This combination of thermal heat transfer and photovoltaic energy generation, working in harmony to produce a benefit in both arenas, is a bold step into the common application of renewable energy generation and use. The tests conducted within this research helped to prove the theory that the thermal energy could be taken from the concentrated cell thus producing an increase in the solar output of the cell itself. The concentration of the parabolic trough emphasized this effect by focusing the solar output onto the collector and creating a large temperature differential within the system. This experiment and its results furthered the understanding of combined energy generation systems.
Biography
Cory Brennan is a fifth year senior pursuing his bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering and Architectural Engineering from Belleville, Illinois. His work with the Missouri S&T Solar House, spurned an interest in renewable technologies, and integrated building systems. His course load within his department and research experiences with building integrated automation systems showcases this unique interest. After taking a semester co-op to lead Missouri S&T Solar House to its competition in Washington D.C. as its project manager, he hopes to begin his career within this emerging field.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Award
Engineering oral presentation, First place
Location
Ozark Room
Presentation Date
07 Apr 2010, 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Concentrating Photovoltaic and Thermal Collector
Ozark Room
Although thermal concentrators are readily available, the market for Concentrating Photovoltaic and Thermal Collectors is a fairly untouched application. This combination of thermal heat transfer and photovoltaic energy generation, working in harmony to produce a benefit in both arenas, is a bold step into the common application of renewable energy generation and use. The tests conducted within this research helped to prove the theory that the thermal energy could be taken from the concentrated cell thus producing an increase in the solar output of the cell itself. The concentration of the parabolic trough emphasized this effect by focusing the solar output onto the collector and creating a large temperature differential within the system. This experiment and its results furthered the understanding of combined energy generation systems.
Comments
Joint Project with Andrew Adams and Benjamin Brannon