“Next Generation Solar Thermal Energy Harvesting” by Robert A. Taylor, University of New South Wales

Speaker: Robert A. Taylor
Affiliation: University of New South Wales

Thermo/Fluids Seminar
Abstract:
Approximately one half of global energy consumption is associated with meeting the thermal (heating) requirements of buildings and industry. In particular there is strong demand for the supply of thermal energy in the 100 to 400 degree Celsius range, which is currently met by gas and electricity. If this demand was met by concentrated solar power it would eliminate billions of kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions each year.This project takes a completely new approach to collecting solar energy. It is developing innovative, thin and lightweight concentrating solar collector platforms (which ‘collect and concentrate’ the energy from sunlight) that deliver up to 400 degrees Celsius thermal energy and electricity from building roofs. At UNSW we are developing solar collector platforms which will meet this demand and have a similar form factor to standard photovoltaic (PV) panels, which can be integrated into buildings or mounted on standard PV racks, thus minimising installation costs. 
Biosketch:
Dr. Taylor’s main research interest is in the development of ‘next generation’ solar thermal collectors. Drawing on the fields of heat transfer and nanotechnology, he is researching new/novel working fluids and materials for solar systems, with the main goal is to provide a more efficient or more economic energy solutions.
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Date/Time:
Date(s) - Aug 13, 2015
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Location:
38-138 Engineering IV
420 Westwood Plaza Los Angeles CA 90095