Stephen Terry

The goal of this research is to develop models of Multiple Effect Evaporators and Combined Cycle Gas Turbine systems for use in the Modelica framework. The models will be capable of being implemented into larger models of grid independent / near independent energy parks located about military bases, large manufacturing facilities, and in small communities where freshwater is limited. The end goal being to create an energy park that can supply its own energy and water through Small Modular Reactor nuclear systems and/or Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Systems with brackish to brine water sources (i.e., groundwater or ocean water). The models will link in the need for water for the generation of power to supply evaporative condensers in the Rankine cycle, as well as water needed by the community for domestic and specified industrial uses. The use of multiple effect evaporators, supplied with extraction steam from a Rankine cycle or from the Heat Recovery Steam Generator of a combined cycle plant, will be modeled and compared to the option of simply using a Reverse Osmosis system powered by the power cycles.

Dense urban environments present significant challenges for access to natural light. Over the last 4 decades, the proposing research team has been extensively involved in: • Conceptualizing daylighting systems for buildings. • Measuring illuminance and luminance distributions in daylit spaces. • Assessing visual comfort in daylit spaces. • Assessing the energy implications of using natural light to illuminate buildings interiors. This proposal is to substantially extend our research into the areas of human perception and health, with an emphasis on the impact of urban density on access to daylight and views. The project aims to establish an interdisciplinary team and state-of-the-art facilities having the capability to assess advanced building glazing technologies in terms of light quantity, visual acuity, visual comfort, spatial perception, sense of well-being, and other health issues. The human factors associated with natural light can only be properly assessed experimentally, i.e., by allowing human beings to occupy, contemplate, and assess the luminous environment. A full-scale, experimental module will be constructed as the primary assessment tool. The facility would be used extensively in conjunction with an ongoing studio course at the NCSU School of Architecture: ARC 503—Advanced Architectural Design—Tall Building Design, which is in its seventh semester of being co-taught by Professor Place and key personnel from Skidmore Owings and Merrill. The research and design explorations of the students in that class can be further supplemented by taking the seminar class: ARC 521—Daylighting and Passive Energy Systems for Architecture (taught by Co-PI Professor Jianxin Hu).

This proposal is for MAE personnel to perform energy assessments of manufacturing facilities and other institutions for the NC State Energy Office / Dept of Environmental Quality.

The NCSU Industrial Assessment Center provides energy conservation assessments primarily for manufacturers in NC, SC, and VA. Students and faculty visit participating plants for one day. Students collect pertinent data and then perform engineering analyses on potential energy conservation and cost savings measures. A written report communicates the findings to facility. The program is overseen by engineering faculty and provides training to the next generation of energy engineers.

This project will provide services to BMW in Spartanburg, SC to assist them in finding a carbon neutral fuel replacement for the cogeneration system. The work will also include providing technical assistance to reduce energy use by other measures.

This proposal funds the MAE Energy Management Program to perform energy efficiency surveys at manufacturing facilities, as well as institutions, universities, and hospitals in North Carolina. Part of the effort will also be to continue upfitting the NCSU Solar House for future research and for public tours.

This proposal is for an LDRD funded by DOE INL to promote and develop hybrid nuclear systems.

This proposal is for the continuation of the Industrial Assessment Center program. The IAC provides energy efficiency surveys for small and medium sized manufacturing plants and trains the next generation of energy managers. Students from MAE will be involved in the surveys - collecting data, interacting with plant personnel, analyzing potential cost saving measures, and creating a technical report for the plant management. The IAC at NCSU has been in operation since 1992 and has performed over 430 assessments, and has trained over 100 student engineers.

This Project consists of energy management consulting services including walk-through audits to identify energy conservation measures; estimate payback of the suggested energy conservation measures; examination of existing/ongoing energy conservation projects to provide advice on next steps; work with Sustainability Manager and Facilities Manager to suggest best methods for yearly budgeting of energy conservation measures; and other energy management services as needed.

MAE Energy Solutions proposes a partnership with the NCSU Industrial Extension Service to better serve manufactures in North Carolina. Funds from IES will be used to support Energy Solutions activities around performing energy assessments with NC industrial clients, reporting the results to the MEP program, and participating in IES events supporting industry.