Kyle G. Gipson

Infrared Spectroscopic Characterization of Photoluminescent Polymer Nanocomposites

Organicallycoated inorganic nanoparticles were synthesized to produce photoluminescent nanocomposites based on a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix. The nanoparticles comprised organic ligands (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA, and 2-picolinic acid, PA) attached to the lanthanum trifluoride (LaF3) host crystals that were doped with optically active terbium III (Tb3

Reducing electrical energy consumption of AHU fans through the integration of variable frequency drives

Variable frequency drives (VFD) enable control of the speed of three phase motors which allows the motor to be operated with variable current inputs. This technology can be used in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems to lower fan operating speeds, reducing energy consumption. The client has expressed a need for a more effective means of control for the operation of their two air handling units which regulate airflow throughout their office building located on a brewing facility campus. Currently, the supply fans for both air handlers (AHUs) operate at full capacity, regardless of occupancy of the building. The implementation of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on these supply fans was explored due to the clients need for lower operating cost for the HVAC system serving the building studied by automating the Air Handler control. Using industry simulation and estimating software, a VFD schedule was developed to determine the capacity for operational cost savings for these two rooftop units, based on occupancy of the building. During weekends and non-business hours during the week, the power to the supply fans was modeled at lower percentages of the full operational capacity. The results of this analysis show that the implementation of VFDs on these two air handling units can reduce operational HVAC costs by 18%.

Semester-Long Team Project Integrating Materials and Mechanics Concepts

The Madison Engineering Department is an undergraduate non-discipline specific engineering program. The program maintains the university-wide liberal arts core and blends engineering science fundamentals with sustainable design to integrate environmental, social, economic, and technical contexts plus systems thinking within the academic experience. Madison Engineering is dedicated to the development of engineering versatilists who can readily integrate knowledge from historically different fields of engineering. In support of this development, several courses within the curriculum integrate topics to provide space for future engineers to not be constrained by disciplinary boundaries but demonstrate the ability to adapt and work across disciplines within team atmospheres. The focus of this paper is on a course project that integrates concepts from the traditional content of stand-alone courses (materials science and mechanics of materials) via a semester long design project in which students must incorporate knowledge of both sets of content. Semester-Long Team Project Integrating Materials and Mechanics Concepts

Design of a Climate Adaptable Solar Energy system using biomimetic inspiration from a lichen symbiosis

Designing energy systems that are adaptable and provide undisturbed service in different climate conditions is an essential challenge for sustainable design. This project involves the design and construction of a Climate Adaptable Solar Energy (CASE) System that aims to address the performance reduction due to changing environmental conditions. The CASE System is a biomimetic design, inspired by lichen, and applies biological concepts of protection and energy conversion to achieve adaptability. Symbiotic organisms of fungus and algae within lichen organisms exhibit environmental adaptability through close integration, thus living as a single organism. DSSCs were implemented as the driving mechanisms for harnessing energy for the system from the sun, just as algae performs in lichen. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which currently convert up to 15 percent of solar energy into electrical energy, are cheaper to manufacture than traditional photovoltaic systems, offer greater mechanical durability, and are a rising competitor for the current solar energy system market. Since the DSSCs were commercially unavailable, the DSSCs were assembled from core components contained in a kit. Additional pieces of the CASE System were designed and manufactured to perform functions similar to a fungus in a lichen organism, by providing protection and temperature control to the DSSCs.