The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded Sky Train Corporation (STC) and the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) at the University of Central Florida a $100,000 renewable energy collaborative grant. The grant’s primary focus is to fund the development an innovative solar interface to power a next-generation high-speed monorail that will be 80 percent more efficient than rubber-tired monorails in the U.S.
University of Central Florida
Florida Solar Energy Center Accepting Applications for 2008 Energy Awards
The Florida Solar Energy Center at the University of Central Florida is accepting applications for the 2008 Florida Energy Achievement Award and the Florida Utility Energy Achievement Award. The two awards recognize significant achievements in the efficient utilization of energy, energy conservation, energy education or renewable energy in facilities or programs.
A Florida utility and a Florida company, organization or individual that demonstrate statewide leadership and significant accomplishments in sustainability and energy savings will be honored. Last year’s recipient was Ann C. Wilkie, associate professor at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). She was recognized for her extensive work in alternative energy – creating bio-energy from animal waste – and her leadership in promoting awareness and understanding of renewable energy and sustainable practices. Previous award winners also include Walt Disney World and Sarasota County Government. There were no applicants last year for the Florida Utility Energy Achievement Award.
Results recognized through the awards could include reducing energy use, water conservation, renewable energy generation, the use of alternative fuel vehicles and renovations or retrofits with energy-saving measures. Other results could include reducing pollution, innovative energy-saving performance contracts or utility energy services contracts, having a major impact on public education regarding energy issues or playing a prominent role in educating or disseminating information related to energy conservation.
Applications for the 2008 awards must be received at the Florida Solar Energy Center by January 16, 2009.
EnergyGauge® Summit Premier 3.15 Saves Energy Modelers Time
This easy-to-use, state-of-the-art software offers construction-industry professionals substantial time savings while completing required energy modeling calculations for LEED® projects.
The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), a research institute of the University of Central Florida, today released EnergyGauge Summit Premier 3.15. FSEC will be exhibiting the software at the Greenbuild conference in Boston Nov. 19 – 21. This state-of-the-art software provides construction-industry professionals with the opportunity to substantially reduce the time required to complete energy modeling for the commercial construction LEED® rating system. It also offers a time-saving automatic federal tax deduction qualification feature.
Fuel Cell Technology Course to be held at FSEC
The 2006 Short Course on Fuel Cell Technology will be held at the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) in Cocoa, Florida, February 5 – 8, 2006. This course will be presented by FSEC/University of Central Florida and is co-sponsored by Scribner Associates, Inc. and the Electrochemical Society.
This new course will cover both basic and applied aspects of fuel cell technology through integrated lecture and laboratory sessions. Lectures will discuss the theory of fuel cell operation and outline the principles behind state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques. Laboratory sessions will provide hands-on training of fuel cell testing and performance evaluation.
The course is designed for scientists and engineers working in or entering the fuel cell industry; employees of industries that have recently invested or plan to invest in fuel cell technology, and science and engineering gradute students interested in the technology. It will be valuable to anyone wishing to acquire a quick working knowledge of fuel cells.
For complete information on the course, including an agenda, instructors and fees, visit www.fsec.ucf.edu/fuelcellcourse or contact JoAnn at 321-638-1014 or joann@fsec.ucf.edu.
The Florida Solar Energy Center, a research institute of the University of Central Florida, is the largest and most active state-supported energy research center in the country. Current research activities include solar water and pool heating, solar electric and distributed generation systems, energy-efficient buildings, alternative transportation systems, hydrogen fuel, fuel cells and other energy areas. For more information about the center, visit www.fsec.ucf.edu or call the FSEC Public Affairs Office at 321-638-1015.