Category Archives: Engineering

Energy Content of Fuels

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Brad Horn

Energy Content Explained

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

The energy content of any organic fuel is defined as the fuel’s primary energy.  Primary energy is measured given the fuels calorific value or the heat generation from the complete combustion of one unit of fuel under well-defined conditions.  The calorific value can be a gross or net number, depending on whether the combustible heat released takes into account the vapor condensation of water.  Power production efficiency is typically calculated using Net Calorific Value (NCV) after water vaporization.

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Posted in Data, Economics, Engineering | Comments Off on Energy Content of Fuels

Cost Breakdown Structures for Solar PV Projects

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Brad Horn

Modules, inverters and balance of system costs define the total installed cost of a solar PV system.

The three cost components are very simple in nature.  In practice, total cost is defined using a detailed cost breakdown structure.  The structure must also be applied consistently across projects and over time.  The result can be improved cost modeling and management.

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Posted in Economics, Engineering | Comments Off on Cost Breakdown Structures for Solar PV Projects

Glare from Solar PV Modules

Posted on September 28, 2014 by Brad Horn

PV_array_glareA common question concerning the safety of photovoltaic (PV) power systems is the impact of reflected sunlight.  PV modules have the potential to impact neighboring structures or activities, notably aviation.  It is important to know where the reflected light will go and what the intensity of the light will be at any point in time.

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Posted in Engineering, Projects | Comments Off on Glare from Solar PV Modules