Solar Energy Projects (Tasks 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4)

Presented byR. Boehm

UNLV Center for Energy Research

Early PV

Task 2.1

Low Cost, Highly Efficient Flexible Solar CellsM. Misra, Lead PI, UNR

• Goals in the development of– solar cell materials that are cost effective and

scalable– unique compositions that are found by use of

models– applications of these composite solar cells in

flexible supports– evaluations of long-term performance of these

cells

Accomplishments

• Method of developing dye-sensitized PV wires uses Ti wires containing TiO2 nanotubes.

• Identification of geometry for dye absorption on TiO2 nanotubes.

Solar Generated HydrogenTraditionally with electrolysis

Task 2.2

Hydrogen Generation by Natural Gas DecompositionM. Misra, Lead PI, UNR

• Goals– Use solar for natural gas

decomposition (generally requires > 800°C)

– Develop catalyst to reduce temperature required

– Increase the kinetics of hydrogen generation

– Examine issues of using solar-heated molten salt to drive this process

Tasks Accomplished So Far

• Developed GC methodologies to measure H2 and CH4

• Developed apparatus to deliver methane to molten salt

• Calibrating necessary analytical equipment

Use of Heliostats to Achieve High T

Task 2.3

Solar Research TowerO. Hemmers, Lead PI, UNLV

• Solar towers use sun-tracking reflectors on the ground to reflect to the top of a tower to achieve a concentrated beam for research or power generation purposes.

• One is being developed at UNLV. It involves a planar mirror at the top of the tower that “beams-down” the concentrated sunlight for use on the ground.

• Will make available to interested users to perform research studies when completed.

Progress

Concept

• Laying out sizing and design criteria.• Selecting management contractor for initiating work toward construction.

Value of Windows

Task 2.4

Façade Evaluation Facility (FEF) Project

R. Boehm, Lead PI, UNLV• Goals– To be able to evaluate the performance (thermal,

lighting, electrical, depending on the particular details) of façade components. Examples are

• High performance window and wall designs• Daylighting components• Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) elements

– Facilitate the development of several conceived BIPV products.

– Develop a versatile evaluation facility for this

Photos

Chinese BIPV product on a building(partially transmitting and generating).

UNLV Facility

Summary of Projects

• Task 2.1: Flexible inexpensive and efficient solar cell development using nanotechnology

• Task 2.2: Solar-driven hydrogen generation by methane splitting using molten salts

• Task 2.3: Development of a beam-down solar tower facility to be available to any researchers

• Task 2.4: Development of a facility for evaluation of façade elements, particularly for BIPV products