Engineering Commons^™

Color-Rendering Of Daylight From Water-Filled Light Pipes, Florida Solar Energy Center, Ross Mccluney

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Water-filled light pipes can be used to transport concentrated beam solar radiation from a solar collection system to a utilization system, altering the spectral distribution of the radiation in a beneficial way in the process. One use for such a system would be for the daylighting of the core interior spaces of buildings, spaces that are far removed from outside walls or the roof and are therefore not amenable to conventional daylighting with sidelights or toplights. The filtering action of the water can be used to remove unwanted infrared and ultraviolet radiation while affecting the visible portion of the radiation …

Monitored Performance Enhancement Of A Radiant Barrier Automobile Window Shade, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) has monitored several automobiles in order to investigate how hot interior temperatures in parked cars might be reduced through the use of improved technology car shades. We observed interior temperatures in un-shaded stationary automobiles in Cape Canaveral, Florida to commonly reach 150° F and dashboard temperatures to rise to nearly 200° F. We found the addition of a conventional cardboard car shade behind the automobile windshield on sunny days to reduce the interior air temperatures by an average of 15° F. Dashboard temperatures were reduced by 40° F.

We found radiant barrier system (RBS) …

Monitored Residential Space Cooling Electricity Consumption In A Hot-Humid Climate: Magnitude, Variation And Reductionfrom Retrofits, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

There are few end-use studies that report monitored space cooling energy consumption for residential buildings in hot-humid climates. This paper reports data from 25 occupied single-family houses in Palm Beach County, Florida (Messenger et.al. 1982). The houses were first monitored for one year in 1981 to establish their space cooling consumption. After the first year of monitoring they received a battery of retrofits predicted to reduce household energy use. Incorporated measures included conversion to high-efficiency air conditioners or heat pumps, added ceiling insulation, window films, awnings, zoned conditioning systems and ceiling fans. The houses were then monitored for an additional …

Dealing With Heat & Humidity In Florida Homes, Florida Solar Energy Center, Robin Vieira

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Energy conservation is the solution to the problem of high electric bills. Much is known about home heating conservation, but conservation measures for cooling are not as well-known or widely practiced. This energy note focuses on heat and humidity sources that cause Floridians to run their air conditioners. It also presents conservation techniques that will reduce those air-conditioning requirements.

The Extraction Of The Equivalent Circuit Parameters Of Surface Acoustic Wave Resonators, Brent H. Horine

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The application of the Electronic Industries Association suggested standard, EIA-512 [1], has been successfully applied to quartz crystal resonators for extraction of the equivalent circuit model parameters. This technique has been shown to be very successful in the operation range to several hundred megahertz. This same technique is proposed to be applied to many differing types of resonators through the full spectrum of frequencies. This thesis will discuss measurement and testing of Surface Acoustic Wave (Saw) resonators at the higher frequencies. The packaging configuration in conjunction with SAW devices can lead to significant parasitic effects. In order to successfully extract …

Counterpropagation Neural Network Detection Of Visual Primitives, Cynthia Lynn Johnson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Psychological testing has shown that there is an early preattentive stage in the human visual system. At this level, simple features and properties of objects known as visual primitives are detected spatially in parallel by groupings of cells in the visual cortex known as feature maps. In order to study this preattentive stage in a machine vision system, the biologically inspired, highly parallel architecture of the artificial neural network shows great promise. This paper describes how the unique architecture of the counterpropagation neural network was used to simulate the feature maps which detect visual primitives in the human visual system. …

Closure Of Unlined Landfills, Brenda J. Westhorp

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Application Of Case-Based Reasoning Techniques To The Automation Of Single-Family Residential Property Appraisals, Raymond Laureano-Ortiz

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Case-based reasoning has emerged as an alternative to rule-based reasoning techniques for the design of expert systems. This paper concentrates on the issues involved in the application of the case-based reasoning techniques to a specific domain, property appraisal. Case-based reasoning has been recently favored because it seems to resemble more closely to the psychological process human follows when trying to apply their knowledge to the solution of problems: People adapt solutions of similar problems they handled in past experiences to address present situations.

Property appraisal or valuation is a domain characterized by having a single parameter in its solution, that …

Solar Energy In Florida, Florida Solar Energy Center, Carolyn King Burns

FSEC Energy Research Center®

To understand Florida's position in the development of solar technologies it's necessary to visualize a bigger picture. Currently, the United States spends over $38 billion per year for crude oil and petroleum product imports, whereas appropriations for research and development on solar energy technology total less than $120 million per year.

Not only do we operate within a global economy, we also operate within a global environment. If the greenhouse effect and global climate change force nations to drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions, there are very few alternatives to fossil fuels for power production. In a world of dwindling energy …

Energy Research Projects, Florida Solar Energy Center, David Lahart

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) is a research and education arm of the State University System hosted by the University of Central Florida. The Florida legislature established FSEC in 1974 to conduct research in alternative energy technologies, to ensure the quality of solar energy equipment sold in Florida, and to educate people about renewable energy technology. One method of disseminating research results has been through teacher education programs and the development of instructional materials. FSEC-developed materials are designed to teach science and social studies research methods and for process skills. All units are field-tested and correlated with student performance …

Tracer Gas As A Practical Field Diagnostic Tool For Assessing Duct System Leaks, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Cummings

FSEC Energy Research Center®

A methodology is presented for using tracer gas testing to detect and quantify duct leakage in homes. Since air is invisible, leakage of air from duct systems often remains undetected. Smoke sticks used in conjunction with blower doors are excellent diagnostic tools for detecting and locating leaks in the air distribution system. The tracer gas tests described are a good complement to these tools in the detection, location, and measurement of duct leakage.

Testing for house infiltration once with the air handler on and again with the air handler off indicates whether duct leaks exist. In many cases, it is …

Xeriscape: Landscape That Saves, Florida Solar Energy Center, Carolyn King Burns

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Today's headlines trumpet urgent energy concerns. Still, there are ways in which individual effort cumulatively can slow, stop, and even reverse the negative impact of poor conservation habits.

Landscaping spends energy in a variety of ways: in the manufacture and use of fertilizers; in the manufacture, use, and fueling of landscaping equipment; in the production and distribution of our water supply; and in physical effort. But Xeriscaping saves energy.

With 800 - 900 people a day moving to the land of sunshine, water is increasingly precious. In Florida outdoor irrigation alone can consume up to 50 percent of the average …

Thermal Performance Monitoring Results From The Residential Standards Demonstration Program, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Model Conservation Standards (MCS) were developed by the Northwest Power Planning Council in 1983. These standards were designed to save large amounts of space heating energy in new U.S. residential construction in the Pacific Northwest. Creation of the MCS resulted in a desire to demonstrate the actual savings of such energy efficiency standards. The Bonneville Power Administration sponsored the Residential Standards Demonstration Program (RSDP) in 1984 which resulted in the construction of 410 energy-efficient single-family homes in the four-state region. Typically these buildings incorporated design features such as high levels of insulation for attic, walls and floors, triple-glazed windows …

The Greenhouse Effect, Florida Solar Energy Center, Ingrid Melody

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Use of conventional energy sources - in Florida and throughout the world - has produced a global problem known as "the greenhouse effect." While the scientific community does not always agree on the greenhouse effect's potential impacts on the planet, and while policy makers do not always agree on methods to ameliorate or adapt to it, most concur on at least a few points: The greenhouse effect does indeed exist and is primarily a result of our use of carbon-based energy supplies. The greenhouse effect is changing the planet's climate. The greenhouse effect presents circumstances unique in human history - …

Development Of Scale Factors For Clarifier Design Based On Batch Settling Data, Robert K. Anderson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Traditionally, batch settling tests have been employed to determine the values of the settling parameters V₀ and K of the Vesilind equation which represents activated sludge settling velocity as a function of solids concentration. It remains unresolved how closely batch settling tests describe settling in full-scale clarifiers.

An experimental procedure was developed to determine scale factors between batch settling and full-scale solids flux curves. An experimental protocol was determined for full-scale clarifier operation, including specific criteria of necessary instrumentation and operational flexibility. Several graphical techniques were evaluated and a procedure was selected to determine a scale factor between batch …

Consumer Facts About Radiant Barriers, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Radiant barriers are becoming popular for use in Florida attics. Some marketing companies are now selling them with inflated claims of energy savings and questionable installation recommendations. Understandably confused consumers have called the FSEC Public Information Office for answers.

Economic Benefits Of Various Energy Conservation Options, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

An energy conservation investment for your home can be a significantly better investment than putting your money in the bank. While safe investments in the financial markets may yield about 8 percent return on investment, many energy investments can yield a considerably greater return when analyzed over their expected service life.

Build Your Own Solar Batch Water Heater, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The solar batch water heater is a fun project for the do-it yourselfer and provides an inexpensive hot water source for the back yard workshop or weekend cabin, It is easy to construct, costs only about $70 to build and produces water temperatures as high as 150 degrees F.

Remember, the batch heater is not designed to operate with pressurized water system and should not be connected to a city water supply. If you are looking for such a system, consider manufactured solar systems, which have been designed to meet strict standards and aesthetic considerations.

Photovoltaic-Powered Lighting System For Overhead Highway Guide Signs, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The problem: A safety hazard affected motorists traveling through a remote area in Brevard County near the St. Johns River on the eastbound Bee Line Expressway (S.R. 528). At that point the Bee Line splits, sending Titusville- bound motorists to the north, and Central Brevard- bound travelers to the south. Because of the high cost of extending utility service several miles from the nearest distribution point, the overhead guide signs were not illuminated, and at such a critical juncture on the 65-mph highway, it was difficult, if not impossible, to read them at night. The problem-solvers: Since 2.5 million vehicles …

Analysis Of Radiant Barrier Car Shade Performance: Preliminary Experiments And Proof Of Concept, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) has monitored several automobiles over the last two months in order to investigate how hot interior temperatures in parked cars might be reduced through the use of improved technology, car shades. We observed interior temperatures in un-shaded stationary automobiles in Cape Canaveral, Florida to commonly reach 150 °F and dashboard temperatures to rise to nearly 200 °F. We found the addition of a conventional cardboard car shade behind the automobile windshield on sunny days to reduce the interior air temperatures by an average of 15 °F. Dashboard temperatures were reduced by 40 °F.

We …

Hydrogen For Power Applications. Task 2: Storage Of Hydrogen In Solid, Liquid And Gaseous Forms. June 1988. 1 V., Florida Solar Energy Center, David L. Block

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This report provides a comprehensive account of the major developments and the issues of concern in the storage and handling of hydrogen in all three forms, namely, solid (as metal hydrides), liquid and gaseous. Keeping in mind that ground transportation has the potential to be the most obvious and widespread utilization vector for hydrogen, particular effort is made to compare alternative storage and handling systems of hydrogen with that of gasoline. Conclusions and recommendations are based on a systematic and unbiased analysis of the pros and cons of various storage and handling options for hydrogen, both demonstrated and projected.

Energy-Efficient Florida Home Building Manual (Revised 1992), Florida Solar Energy Center, Robin Vieira

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This manual presents practical, real-life recommendations on how to design and build homes in Florida. It contains information specific to our state's climate and lifestyles, rather than the overly general information found in most residential building publications. The book was developed in 1992 as an all-inclusive guide for anyone interested in constructing homes that are efficient. It is packed with information that will help you plan such homes, choose the best materials and products for the homes, and if you are a builder or developer - sell and profit from them. The files are all in PDF format. The file …

Theoretical & Computational Investigation Of Algorithms For Simultaneous Heat & Moisture Transport In Buildings. Task 2 Final Report, Milestone #218 & 220 Combined. Iv (Copies 1ref, 2,3), Florida Solar Energy Center, Alp Kerestecioglu

FSEC Energy Research Center®

In keeping with the national energy policy goal of fostering an adequate supply of energy at a reasonable cost, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) supports a variety of programs to promote a balanced and mixed energy resource system. The mission of the DOE Solar Buildings Research and Development Program is to support this goal, by providing for the development of solar technology alternatives for the buildings sector. It is the goal of the Program to establish a proven technology base to allow industry to develop solar products and designs for buildings that are economically competitive and can contribute …

Whole-Building Moisture Experiments And Data Analysis. Draft Task 1 Final Report, Milestone #219. February 5, 1988. 91 P., Florida Solar Energy Center, Adel A. Kamel

FSEC Energy Research Center®

For four months (August -November) in 1987 whole -building moisture capacitance experiments were done on a townhouse in Cocoa, Florida. The experiments were designed to: 1. Observe the response of a building to imposed moisture flux 2. Determine the moisture storage capacity of the building and furnishings 3. Evaluate simple models designed to predict the response of room air humidity ration to pulses of moisture 4. Assess two innovative approaches to cooling (off-peak cooling and DESRAD) The results of the tests indicated that moisture storage in the furnishings is much greater than moisture storage in the air. The bare building …

Rbs Technology: Task 3 Report, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The purpose of this report is to discuss the current state of attic radiant barrier system (RBS) technology. Concepts, research issues and experimental test results are presented and discussed.

Investigation Of Wear Of Materials By Laser Speckle Photography, Mohamed A. Seif

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This study utilizes a non-contact technique, laser speckle photography, to measure deformations associated with sliding wear. These deformations are those which occur on the "side" of a rectangular-section pin which is in sliding contact against a counterface disc. The "side" of the pin is illuminated by a pulsed ruby laser beam, and a double exposure specklegram is made to obtain deformations which occur between laser pulses. So, by appropriately sequencing pulses, deformation histories can be obtained, in situ. Since the exposed "side" of the thin pin specimen represents the "cover" layer under which subsurface sections lie, the deformation history observable …

Development Of A Bi-Directional Inference Engine Using An Object-Oriented Approach, Taha A. Sidani

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

An inference engine is the mechanism by which an expert system program uses the domain specific information in the knowledge base to solve a problem at hand. Most of the current systems apply one of three control strategies to perform the reasoning process. These strategies are better known as forward chaining, backward chaining, and hybrid control. However, some of these systems restrict the user by confining him/her to use only the type of control provided. Hybrid systems infer using both forward and backward chaining. In either case, the user is limited to the method in which the knowledge engineer represented …

Continuous Time Convolution Model For Generation Synthetic Hydrographs, Cheryl Brooks

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Synthetic hydrographs are often used in stormwater management to provide estimates of peak rate, volume and time distribution of stormwater runoff. A hydrograph model based on the mathematical technique of convolution was developed using an exponential routing response function and the basic watershed continuity equation. After incorporating the model into a computer program, it was calibrated using hydrographs from four urban and three rural watersheds. The watersheds are located in regions of west and south Florida and range in size from 14.7 to 3500 acres. Two other hydrograph models, the Soil Conservation Service's Unit Hydrograph (SCS-UH) mode 1 and the …

Applications Of Lattice Filters To Quadrature Mirror Filter Banks, Gregory R. Jaspers

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Presented is a method for designing and implementing lattice filters to be used in Quadrature Mirror Filter (QMF) Banks. Quadrature Mirror Filter Banks find use in applications where a signal must be spilt into subbands operated on then reconstructed in the output. Because of their structure, lattice filters do this very well and allow perfect reconstruction, even when the lattice coefficients must be quantized. In this paper QMF's and Lattice Filters are derived and analyzed. Application of the lattice filter is presented along with a design program and example of its use to implement a QMF. The computer aided design …

An Ada Simulator For The Structured Functional Simulation Of A Digital Signal Processing System, Christopher Paul Roney

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A behavioral-level simulator designed for FIRST, a silicon compilation system for digital signal processing, is implemented in the Ada* programming language. The simulator accepts as input a digital signal processing system description written for the FIRST ([ast Implementation of aealtime ~ignal transforms) silicon compiler, and provides an interactive post-processing signal trace facility. The simulator is a time-driven simulator which contains a FIRST description language parser, a subset of the FIRST primitives, and the capacity for maintaining a full history of all signals in the system. The primitives in the FIRST description language are common to digital signal processing systems (e.g., …