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Modeling Biofuel Production In Southern Pine Forests: The Effects On Soil Properties, Brittany L. Oakes Jun 2012

Modeling Biofuel Production In Southern Pine Forests: The Effects On Soil Properties, Brittany L. Oakes

Honors Theses

From consuming energy alone in 2009, the United States ranked second as a carbon emitter at 5,425 million metric tons annually; China was the leader at 7,706 million metric tons and India placed third at 1,591 million metric tons (EIA, 2010). Yet in 2009, the U.S. consumed more electricity than both China and India and was the leading importer of electricity (EIA, 2010). Incorporating more domestic sources of renewable energy can simultaneously alleviate two issues: mitigating climate change catastrophes and significantly reduce our dependence on foreign markets for electricity and other forms of energy. Additionally, evidence of dwindling international oil …


Putting The Wind At Our Backs: Assessing U.S. Potential For 20% Wind Energy By 2030, Kevin T. Harnett Jun 2012

Putting The Wind At Our Backs: Assessing U.S. Potential For 20% Wind Energy By 2030, Kevin T. Harnett

Honors Theses

The discussion surrounding the future of energy, particularly in the United States, has gained significant momentum in recent years for an obvious reason — it’s daunting. Our dependence on fossil fuels has positioned our nation in an undesirable predicament with a questionable future. With the associated consequences, principally Climate Change, it is essential that energy be addressed as a primary national concern. Renewables need to flip the switch.


Investigating Potential Improvements To Enhance The Performance Of A Solar Thermal Collection System: Design Of The Dual Axis Tracking System, Eric Landry Jun 2012

Investigating Potential Improvements To Enhance The Performance Of A Solar Thermal Collection System: Design Of The Dual Axis Tracking System, Eric Landry

Honors Theses

Due to the current energy crisis, there are a large number of opportunities in the applications of renewable energy technologies. Specifically, my partner and I have explored those associated with a solar thermal collection dish. The sun, being a virtually limitless supply of energy, ought to be used to its fullest potential. This technology is designed to do just that. Using a concave reflective surface, the sun’s thermal energy is concentrated to a central location where it is then collected by a working fluid. This type of approach achieves very high temperatures and maximizes the effectiveness of the thermal energy …