Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
UVA Net-Zero Residence Initiative - Energy Generation; The Web of the Grid283 views
Author
Anderson, Luke, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia
Advisors
Chelliah, Harsha, EN-Mech/Aero Engr Dept, University of Virginia
Laugelli, Benjamin, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Elliott, Travis, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Abstract
Photovoltaics (PV), the process of producing electricity from light (e.g., sunlight), is gaining traction, even in the cloudy state of Virginia. PV is a clean, renewable, quiet, and sustainable way to generate electric power. Over the past year, my technical group designed and built a stand-alone, battery-based solar PV system that tracks the sun, increasing its efficiency. However, are private PV systems the solution to America's power needs? Even if the efficiency of solar modules continues to improve and prices continue to drop, how do we ensure that everyone has equal access to high-quality electricity? My STS paper explores this topic and lists the ways in which our electric grids can be improved.
Degree
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Keywords
net-zero; renewable energy; photovoltaics; energy generation; solar panels; solar power; electric grids; public power; technological momentum
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Technical Advisor: Dr. Harsha K. Chelliah
STS Advisor: Prof. S. Travis Elliott
Technical Team Members: Jillian Doyle, Noah Plues, Joshua Starr
Language
English
Rights
All rights reserved (no additional license for public reuse)
Anderson, Luke. UVA Net-Zero Residence Initiative - Energy Generation; The Web of the Grid. University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2022-05-10, https://doi.org/10.18130/fvpa-my73.
