Solar Energy Laboratory (Taylor Hall)

Description
:

A variety of solar energy work takes place in this laboratory. On site are several examples of solar energy utilization equipment. Funded collaborative work with industrial partners has taken place over the years. Included are power generation aspects, building energy projects, hydrogen generation and utilization thrusts, and power utilization studies. In addition, this lab serves the educational program both through undergraduate and graduate student research, as well as being a living laboratory for academic classes in solar energy and environmental matters. While most of the operations take place around Taylor Hall, other facilities exist on the roof of the Thomas Beam Engineering Building complex and various locations in the area.

Faculty Point of Contact: Robert Boehm (x4160, boehm@me.unlv.edu)

Function of Facility: 90% research, 10% instruction

Major Equipment, Instrumentation and Capabilities:

  - 25 kW solar dish Stirling system

- 23 kW dish PV system

- 25 kW Fresnel lens concentrating PV system

- Hydrogen-electric hybrid bus

- Solar electric golf cart

- Side-by-side facility for evaluation of solar domestic water heating systems

- Zero energy house

- Solar trough evaluation facility.



Major Areas of Expertise:

Renewable energy concepts including solar utilization and hydrogen topics.