Engineering Commons^™

The Hydraulic Size Of A Dam: A Metric Indicating Potential Hydrologic Impact For Storage And Diversion, Kelly M. Kibler

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Easily-calculated metrics describing potential impacts of dams are often used as preliminary investigations, or in analyses describing hydrologic impact over large scales and involving many dams. However, common dam impact metrics overwhelmingly reflect effects of medium to large reservoirs. Indicators applied to describe a dam’s capacity to alter downstream river flows typically consider reservoir storage as a sole mechanism of hydrologic impact. Herein, metrics of hydraulic size are proposed to encompass potential impacts related to both storage and diversion of water. Hydrologic effect due to storage and diversion computed across a sample of diversion and non-diversion dams exemplifies that hydrologic …

Semi-Annual Program Progress Performance Report For University Transportation Systems Pppr#8, Florida Solar Energy Center, Richard Raustad

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The major activity of the past reporting period has been the completing of the final project research reports. During the period, twelve projects (numbers 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 9, 22, 4, 5, 13, 20 and 18) were completed and the final project reports forwarded to DOT and the required associated organizations. Two additional final reports (numbers 12 and 21) are close to being completed. Final reports for the other 4 remaining projects (numbers 2, 8, 11 and 15) are in various stages of completion. For this reporting period, EVTC researchers concluded 12 project final reports, authored one publication, made …

Measured Performance Of A High-Efficiency Solar-Assisted Heat Pump Water Heater, Florida Solar Energy Center, Carlos Colon

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This paper describes a novel solar photovoltaic-assisted heat pump water heater (PV-HPWH). The system uses two 310 Wp PV modules, micro-inverters and innovative controls to produce and store daily hot water. The system likely costs half that of solar thermal systems, with greater reliability, no freeze protection and potentially superior performance in cloudy locations. Moreover, no net metering is needed for the PV, which with two modules makes for a simple installation.The HPWH controls have been modified through experimentation such that higher tank temperatures are achieved during the day when solar availability is high while avoiding triggering the compressor during …

The Subject Librarian Newsletter, Engineering And Computer Science, Fall 2017, Buenaventura "Ven" Basco

Libraries' Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Phased Deep Retrofit Project: Real-Time Measurement Of Energy End-Uses And Retrofit Opportunities, Florida Solar Energy Center, Karen Fenaughty

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This paper describes how utilities can 'make reductions real' through real-time measurement of energy end-uses and corresponding retrofit opportunities. A field evaluation of the methodology was conducted from 2012 to 2016 with Florida Power and Light (FPL), an investor owned utility. A collaborative program between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building America and FPL led to an ambitious residential energy-efficiency retrofit study aimed to represent FPL's customer base. Fifty-six existing, all electric, occupied Florida homes were instrumented to collect one-minute data on most all energy end-uses in advance of energy-efficiency retrofits. Baseline measurements enabled the development of end-use profiles …

Socio-Economic Implications Of Large-Scale Electric Vehicle Systems, Florida Solar Energy Center, Omer Tatari

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Transportation is a complex, technology-intensive socio-technical system, which needs to be tackled in an integrated manner. Also, transportation as a sector is a significant component of any national economy, and has far-reaching implications both with regard to socio-economic and environmental well-being of the society and within the context of sustainability science. For this reason, sustainable transportation is not only an important field of research within the academia but also an indispensable constituent of a sustainable economy. Therefore, investigating the path to sustainable transportation requires a holistic approach, encompassing the three dimensions of sustainability, i.e. environment, society, and economy. There are …

Techno-Economic Analyses Of Large-Scale Electric Vehicle Systems, Florida Solar Energy Center, Zhihua Qu

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This project developed the process, methodology and algorithms for computer models to evaluate the techno-economic implications of a large-scale electrified transportation sector. The model factors include developing and interacting with a network of electric vehicles and the electric grid, the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging, integrating the transportation and power systems into the urban setting, studying the impact of distributed energy storage and determining the economic impact of increased renewable energy and EVs on the electricity grid and its stability. The modeling related project results are presented in five journal articles and two conference papers. In this final report, the …

Optimal Charging Scheduler For Electric Vehicles On The Florida Turnpike, Florida Solar Energy Center, Zhihua Qu

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This project developed a methodology to simulate and analyze roadway traffic patterns and expected penetration and timing of electric vehicles (EVs) with application directed toward the requirements for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) siting and purchasing/leasing at turnpike plazas. The project also developed a wireless-communication-based driver-assistance application that would optimize the location and timing of charging for individual drivers as well as efficiency of the overall charging network. The first steps of the project were to develop the systematic methodology for analyzing expected penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) and their impacts on the overall transportation infrastructure. An analytical model consisting …

Improved Hot Water Code Calculation, Florida Solar Energy Center, Jeffrey Sonne

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The purpose of this report is to identify hot water waste sources, characterize the implications of climatic differences on hot water use and characterize the energy impacts of hot water recirculation systems and controls with respect to energy consumption in Florida homes, and recommend Florida-specific methods that can be employed in the Florida Energy Code for residential hot water use and energy consumption calculations.

Transportation Planning For Electric Vehicles And Associated Infrastructure, Florida Solar Energy Center, David Block

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Planning is the key to successful adoption and deployment of any new technology, and it is particularly important when that advancement involves a paradigm shift such as electrified transportation. At its core, electric transportation is largely a technology deployment. The vehicles and supporting infrastructure are unique to this mode of transportation; requiring new and specific planning and policies to support their deployment. This EVTC project brings together these planning elements and their role in the future U.S. transportation network. The project results are presented in five planning related subject areas: (1) Identification of 14 of the 22 EVTC program topics …

Prediction Of Electric Vehicle Penetration, Florida Solar Energy Center, David Block

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The object of this report is to present the current market status of plug-in-electric vehicles (PEVs) and to predict their future penetration within the world and U.S. markets. The sales values for 2016 show a strong year of PEV sales both in the world and the U.S. China leads in yearly sales at 316,800 (a 53% increase for 2016 from 2015) followed by Western Europe at 209,300 vehicles sold. The U.S. is third at 159,600. These three regions comprise 91% of the global sales market. The world total of PEV sales for 2016 is estimated to be 756,000 up from …

Residential Performance Code Methodology For Crediting Dehumidification And Smart Vent Applications Final Report, Florida Solar Energy Center, Robin Vieira

FSEC Energy Research Center®

As energy efficiency reduces the hours where air conditioning is called for, and as codes require outdoor air to be brought into homes, humidity levels in homes may rise to the point where dehumidification is required. However, there are currently no standards in Florida's Energy Conservation Code for dehumidification. Thus, a mechanical contractor that invests in an expense such as variable speed heat pumps or heat pipe technology in order to dehumidify and save energy receives little benefit relative to another home that installs an inefficient dehumidifier. A reference home dehumidification strategy needs to be established.Another strategy to reduce interior …

Electric Vehicle Battery Durability And Reliability Under Electric Utility Grid Operations, Florida Solar Energy Center, Matthieu Dubarry

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Battery degradation is extremely important to EV technologies and is a function of several factors, such as electrode chemistries, operating temperatures, and usage profiles (i.e. vehicle-only vs. vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications). The goal of this research was to assess such impact. Laboratory testing of commercial "18650" Li-ion cells was conducted in Hawaii Natural Energy Institute's Battery Testing Laboratory. The battery test plan used two separate experiments: a cycling experiment to assess the impact of both V2G and grid-to-vehicle (G2V) charging strategies and a calendar aging experiment to assess the impact of temperature and State of Charge (SOC). The results have shown …

Automated And Connected Vehicle Implications And Analysis, Florida Solar Energy Center, David Block

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Automated and connected vehicles (ACV) and, in particular, autonomous vehicles have captured the interest of the public, industry and transportation authorities. ACVs can significantly reduce accidents, fuel consumption, pollution and the costs of congestion which in turn will offer a fundamental change to the future U.S. transportation network. The objective of this project was to evaluate ACV technologies, activities, laws and policies that are now in place or proposed and to assess future ACV usage. The assessment also evaluates the highest level of automated vehicles called autonomous or self-driving vehicles and includes how electric vehicles (EVs) will participate in the …

Design Of An Very High Efficiency Evaporatively Cooled Mini-Split Air Conditioner, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

An in-house research project at the Florida Solar Energy Center in 2013 was conducted to evaluate the potential of an evaporatively cooled mini-split heat pump. The mini-split heat pump modified was a 1.5-ton Fujitsu model with 19.2 SEER and 10.0 HSPF energy efficiency ratings. Cooling capacity of the system is variable and ranges from 7,000 to 23,000 Btu/h.

We demonstrated that it is possible to improve the energy efficiency of the evaluated mini-split air conditioner by 21% seasonally in Florida's humid climate using an evaporative pre-cooler. Further, we showed the same apparatus was able to improve air conditioner efficiency by …

Electric Vehicle Energy Impacts, Florida Solar Energy Center, Katherine Mckenzie

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The objective of this research project was to evaluate the impacts of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation on reducing petroleum imports and greenhouse gas emissions to Hawaii. In 2015, the state of Hawaii mandated fossil fuel electric power displacement by imposing Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that will reach 100% renewable electricity generation by 2045. With small, remote and isolated island electricity grids, utilities in Hawaii face unprecedented technical and economic challenges to meet these goals with exceedingly high levels of intermittent wind and PV power generation. To meet these RPS goals, EVs become …

Semi-Annual Program Progress Performance Report For University Transportation Systems Pppr#7, Florida Solar Energy Center, David Block

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Electric Vehicle Transportation Center (EVTC) supports the U.S. Department of Transportation's strategic goal of planning for near-term integration of alternative fuel vehicles as a means to build a sustainable transportation system. The project objectives are to evaluate technologies, standards, planning and policies to ensure seamless integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into a complex transportation network and electricity grid. The EVTC bridges the gap between deployment of electric vehicles and the traditional transportation system. This document is a summary of the activities until April 28, 2017.

Residential Code Review For The 2017 Florida Building Energy Code, Florida Solar Energy Center, Jeffrey Sonne

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The project reviews provisions of the proposed 2017 residential Florida building energy code in order to make a determination if it meets or exceeds the 2015 IECC code.

Fuel Cell Vehicle Technologies Final Report, Florida Solar Energy Center, Nan Qin

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) use hydrogen as fuel and exhaust only water and heat. They provide driving ranges and fueling times comparable to gasoline vehicles. Despite the advantages, FCEVs have been in and out of the spot light of the auto industry for the past several decades. As FCEVs finally moved from concept demonstration to commercialization in 2015, it is critical to analyze the opportunities and challenges this technology brings. This project placed emphasis on four areas: (1) Analysis of the development of FCEVs from a historic and technology point of view; (2) analysis of hydrogen fueling station infrastructure …

Electric Bus Systems - A Case Study And Optimization Study, Florida Solar Energy Center, Nan Qin

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Pure electric buses (EBs) offer an alternative fuel for the nation's transit bus systems. To evaluate EBs in a transit setting, this project investigated the five electric bus fleet of the StarMetro transit system of the city of Tallahassee, FL. For the study, the implementing strategy, route distances and timings, charging times, fuel economies, impact of chargers, and maintenance and operational characteristics were analyzed. The results were compared to a baseline five diesel bus fleet. The results showed that even with a four-fold improvement in fuel efficiency, the operational costs of electric buses were only 10% lower than that for …

Assessing The Sunguide® And Steward Databases, Florida Solar Energy Center, Richard Raustad

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This report is a final research report for Assessing the SunGuide® and STEWARD Databases project of the Electric Vehicle Transportation Center (EVTC) at the University of Central Florida (UCF). The Electric Vehicle Transportation Center is a University Transportation Center funded by the Research and Innovative Technology Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The EVTC is a research and education center whose projects prepare the U.S. transportation system for the influx of electric vehicles into a sustainable transportation network and investigate the opportunity these vehicles present to enhance electric grid modernization efforts. The EVTC is led by UCF's Florida Solar …

Pv-Driven Heat Pump Water Heater Final Report, Florida Solar Energy Center, Carlos Colon

FSEC Energy Research Center®

As part of the effort towards zero energy buildings and high efficiency water heating systems, the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) working under contract with the National Renewable Energy laboratories (NREL) has successfully completed a demonstration of a photovoltaic heat pump water heater (PV-HPWH) concept. The system integrates two 310Wp solar photovoltaics (PV) modules and grid tied micro-inverters with a commercially available 50-gallon HPWH. The project showcases innovative strategies for distributed PV thermal systems that limit grid interaction and provide increased thermal energy storage. The system utilizes a custom appliance control module (ACM) interface to vary thermostat settings (115 °F …

Electric Vehicle Charging Technologies Analysis And Standards, Florida Solar Energy Center, J. Doug Kettles

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This project has evaluated the technologies and standards associated with Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) and the related infrastructure, and the major cost issue related to electric vehicle (EV) charging -- the cost of utility power. The technology assessment report evaluated safety standards for infrastructure, highway and vehicles and the barriers and challenges of deploying an expanded network of EV charging stations. The report also made recommendations to help standardize and expedite EVSE infrastructure and charging network deployment.

Cost Effectiveness Of Energy Efficiency And On-Site Photovoltaic Power For 2015 International Energy Conservation Code Eri (Energy Rating Index) Compliance, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

No abstract provided.

Implications Of Electric Vehicle Penetration On State And Federal Highway Revenues, Florida Solar Energy Center, Kevin Schleith

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This report summarizes the results of research conducted to determine if current and near future electric vehicle (EV) sales will have an impact on motor fuel tax revenues as part of the Federal Highway Trust Fund (HTF). Gasoline and diesel fuel taxes account for $31.1 billion or about 87% of the HTF. The project results were accomplished by conducting a review of existing industry and government reports that detail fuel tax revenues and an analysis of EV sales from 2010 through 2016. Results show, that as of January 2017, the lost fuel tax revenue from EV sales of 560,000 vehicles …

Electric Vehicle Life Cycle Cost Analysis, Florida Solar Energy Center, Richard Raustad

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This project compared total life cycle costs of battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE). The analysis considered capital and operating costs in order to present an equal comparison of differing vehicles. The analysis also included photovoltaic (PV) and workplace charging options. The overall goal was to define the total vehicle cost of ownership over 5, 10, 15, and 20 year life expectancies. The developed life cycle cost computer program will allow any individual to compare life cycle costs of any vehicle.

Comparative Performance Of Two Ventilation Strategies In A Hot-Humid Climate, Florida Solar Energy Center, Sarah Widder

FSEC Energy Research Center®

ASHRAE Standard 62.2, 'Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Buildings,' is the most commonly referenced residential ventilation standard in the United States. It is currently required by ENERGY STAR Version 3 (V3), the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code, the U.S. Department of Energy's Zero Energy Ready Home Program, many state weatherization programs, and many other home performance programs. The standard calls for ventilation levels that are perceived by some builders and contractors to cause indoor moisture issues in hot-humid climates unless mitigated by supplemental dehumidification systems, which increase overall energy consumption. Therefore, many high-performance home builders in a hot-humid …

Economic Impacts Of Electric Vehicle Adoption, Florida Solar Energy Center, Makena Coffman

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The objective of the Economic Impacts of Electric Vehicle Adoption research project was to examine the predicted levels of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, to analyze the life cycle costs of EVs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles and to evaluate EV impacts on GHG emissions for Hawaii. The results were presented in three publications. The first report evaluated EV penetration rates and provided an assessment of expected EV penetration over time. The research also assessed factors that affect EVs adoption, including regulatory mechanisms. The results estimated there will be 140,000 EVs on the road in Hawaii by the year 2040 …

Continuous Oscillation: Vibrational Effects And Acceptable Frequency Ranges Of Small Bore Piping In Field Applications, Marie Kasprzyk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In turbomachinery, a common failure mode is cracking of welds at the equipment and piping connection point. Each incidence of these cracks causes a forced shutdown to perform repairs that cost millions of dollars. This type of failure is predominately seen in small bore piping, which has a nominal diameter of 2 inches and smaller. This thesis addresses the failure prediction analysis of small bore piping, specifically in turbomachinery applications. Performing failure analysis to predict the potential cracking of welds will allow for replacement of the piping during a planned shutdown which in the long term saves money due to …

Coupling Infrastructure Resilience And Flood Risk Assessment For A Coastal Urban Watershed, Justin Joyce

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis sheds light on coupling potential flood risk and drainage infrastructure resilience of low-lying areas of a coastal urban watershed to flood hazards and subsequent multi-scale impacts of those hazards via detailed modeling frameworks. Physically based models along with statistical models are employed to highlight the complexity for characterizing flood risk while evaluating such risk under various levels of adaptive capacity from traditional flood management techniques to low impact development (LID), as a first step to conduct resilience assessment. Findings indicate that the coupling flood risk and infrastructure resilience is achievable by the careful formulation of flood risk associated …