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Energy Solutions
T.K. Davis Justice Center Solar Project
Auburn University is dedicated to expanding the local energy initiatives of the state of Alabama with a joint project to install photovoltaic panels on the Lee County Justice Center (LCJC). With President Obama's new administration it appears the topic of renewable energy has finally come to the forefront. As President Obama stated, “We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.” This project will establish a message that local governments need to take an active role in increasing energy efficiency and being environmentally friendly while reducing operational costs for its citizens over the long term. Learn more here...
Free Piston Stirling Engine
5 kW Stirling Engine
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A free piston Stirling engine is an external combustion engine which converts heat energy to electrical energy by moving a piston, with strong magnets attached, through a coil. The magnetic piston and coil form a linear alternator. The working gas expands and contracts causing the piston to oscillate producing an alternating current to flow through the coil when connected to an electrical load. The working gas, generally helium, travels through a regenerator as it passes from one side of the engine to the other. The regenerator is an internal heat exchanger that functions to retain heat in the system that would otherwise be lost to the environment. Learn more here...
Katrina Cottage Concept Home
Hurricanes “Katrina” and “Ivan” exposed critical weakness in energy supply in the U.S. disaster response system. Auburn University in conjunction with Radiance Technology and Liberty Homes, Inc. has performed a design study that demonstrates the feasibility of solar-powered modular housing for nation-wide disaster relief. Our goal, with appropriate funding, is to build two 398 ft2 “Katrina Cottages”, equip them with solar hot water heating, 2 kW of solar electric panels, and a battery storage system to demonstrate housing for disaster responders and refugees. This research project will stimulate the marketplace for PVs and provide new, low cost solar installations with innovative systems controls which will help reduce U.S. use of foreign oil and in preparation for disaster relief. It is possible and practical now due to the energy crisis, fuel costs, weather instability, and PV explosive growth. This demonstration will provide a fully functional, grid-independent habitat on arrival at site. The system would be monitored over 12-24 months to compare to model prediction, allow cost analysis, and show energy benefits. Combined with federal and state tax credits, the units will demonstrate a viable business base to the local community and power companies.
Ammonia Transformation
Carbon-free Ammonia (NH3) is examined as an alternative fuel with potential benefits for terrestrial applications in order to reduce green house gas emissions. Ammonia is normally hard to ignite; however, NH3 can be easily reformed into hydrogen through catalyst-impregnated microfibrous porous media. Initial findings demonstrated stable catalytic combustion and flame temperatures of 940ºC.
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