This page is dedicated to providing information on Alternative Energy Research. The primary laboratory United States devoted to Alternative Energy Research is the National Energy Research Laboratory (NREL). I also have this site link listed on the home page. there is a wealth of information about the current state of research and what new types of energy are being developed. For example, there is a page devoted to Alternative Energy vehicles described here. “The Technology Integration & Utilization Group evaluates the performance of new vehicle and fuel technologies as they move into commercial use, and works with industry to develop technical solutions and support to overcome problems that may result.” (NREL).  One of the main forms of Vehicle propulsion is the Hydrogen Fuel Cell, which NREL is one of the primary research facilities in this regard.Another area they focus on is the development of Renewable Energy analysis models, including computer simulations of wind and solar power usage in the United States over the next few years.

Other informational research sites include SunWize Technologies, my primary employer. They have information on the different types of Solar Energy linking directly back to the NREL site. The main types are “Concentrating Solar Power, Passive Solar Technology, Solar Photovoltaic Technology, Solar Water Heating, and Solar Process Heat” (NREL). Concentrating Solar Power uses a series of mirrors tilted toward the sun to collect solar energy. The mirrors heat a fluid collected in tubes that boil either water or molten salt that moves a turbine (NREL). The tubes can either be located along the focal points (parabolic) or above the mirrors (Fresnel). When the mirrors are dish shaped and used to power a mechanical device, they are referred to as a Stirling Engine. Another method is to use a Power Tower, where the mirrors reflect sunlight into a receiver on the top of the tower. Most concentrating methods use automated tracking systems, so that the mirrors follow the path of the sun as it moves through the sky (NREL). Passive Solar or Direct Gain includes using the sun as a heating device through open windows and spaces in a building, and creating window reflective light through ceiling trusses, known as clerestory (NREL). Solar Photovoltaic Technology relies on the PV Effect, discovered in 1954 at Bell Laboratories, which states that certain elements give off electricity when exposed to sunlight. Silicon is the main source of Photovoltaic or PV materials. When sunlight strikes the silicon cells, photons knock into electrons and cause them to flow down a wire. A series of cells make up a panel, and a series of panels make up a solar array. Modern cells are sometimes known as “thin film” can be sandwiched between two plated of glass to form windows, and are made from other materials such as cadmium telluride (NREL).

Solar Water Heating, and Solar Process Heat descriptions coming soon!