Research

Biochar investigation

Working with Prof. Chris Field and Prof. Chris Edwads on quantifying the potential of biochar as a moderate timescale global carbon sequestration mechanism.

Process modeling

Using state of the art chemical engineering and thermodynamic models to quantify the effect of feedstocks, residence times, and temperatures.

Indirect impacts

Quantification of the potential indirect effects of biochar in tropical soils.

 

Community exergy efficiency

Modeled remote community exergy efficiency. Created simplified model of the community of Galena, Alaska simulating one full year and relative efficiencies of different renewables versus diesel electricity.

Modeling electrical grid of American Samoa on feasibility of different systems suitable for rebuilding their power systems after the 2009 tsunami devastated their electrical generation equipment.

 

Collaborations

National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Student Geothermal Competition

Investigative $10,000 grant into the potential for industrial Geothermal use of the Rio Grande Rift Valley geologic area. Awarded to team Lena Perkins, Sarah Pistone, Matthew Ganser, John Murphy, and Pablo in January 2011.

American Public Power Association and American Samoa Power Authority

Feasibility assessment of integrating copra oil, wind, solar, and waste to energy systems into the electrical grid of the joined islands of Ofu-Olosega in Amercian Samoa. Professor Gil Masters, along with researchers Eric Stoutentburg and Lena Perkins awarded $22,500 grant from American Public Power Association and American Samoa Power Authority in March of 2010.