1
energy such as solar energy.
Dr. Goswami was able to
fund the project through a
state grant through the Flori-
da Energy Systems Consorti-
um and a $3.9 million grant
from the U.S. Department of
Energy to assist with devel-
oping a thermal storage sys-
tem as part of the solar
plant. Dr. Goswami also
serves as the co-director of
USF’s Clean Energy Research
Center. (4) Florida, and the
Tampa-St. Petersburg area, is
a logical location for the
exploration and develop-
ment of clean energy and
solar power technology. The
state averages roughly 240
days of sunshine and receives
85 percent of the maximum
solar resource available in
the U.S. There is large po-
tential for solar technology
development and the Florida
is already home to several
utilities companies who are
considered leading innova-
tors in the development of
solar power uses. The uni-
versity has a lot of positive
things to look forward to
from all the great “Going
Green” efforts they have
contributed.
The path to solar powered
energy has been slow, but in
some areas, it has been
steady. Private industry has
been reluctant to funnel
money into the advancement
of solar energy. Research is
expensive and implementing
the needed changes in power
grids and distribution sys-
tems has been a major ob-
stacle to a faster move to-
ward acceptance of solar
power. Development of via-
ble solar power models has
fallen mostly onto the Na-
tion’s university system. In
that area, the University of
South Florida has gained
national and international
attention for the school’s
work in development of
solar energy. In fact, USF’s
efforts to “go green” and
become an ecologically
aware campus has set exam-
ples for other universities
across the nation. In 2010,
USF launched a campus wide
effort to reduce waste and
lower energy costs. USF’s
“go green” campaign was
recognized nationally in 2010
when it was included in “The
Princeton Review’s Guide to
286 Green Colleges”. While
other institutes of higher
learning have made moves to
convert their campuses into
eco-friendly locations, USF
has stood out in its efforts to
implement a program with
sustainability that is support-
ed by the students, faculty
and the community. In the
same year that USF launched
its waste reduction effort,
the university announced the
nation’s first “School of
Global Sustainability”. (2)
This new degree program
offers a Master of Arts de-
gree in global sustainability.
Graduates will be educated
on techniques and will be
able to tackle issues of envi-
ronmental concerns from a
local level to a national level.
At the time the school was
announced, USF representa-
tives explained that the de-
gree program would com-
bine a cross-section of stud-
ies including natural and so-
cial sciences, engineering,
health, policy and economics.
. In 2011, the USF College of
Engineering began the con-
struction of a solar power
plant on the USF campus in
Tampa.(4) With this move by
Dr. D. Yogi Goswami and an
engineering staff, USF took
the lead in the development
of reliable solar power use.
The aim, according to Dr.
Goswami, is to make solar
energy cost-effective and
available around the clock.
Funding is often a challenge
as engineers work to devel-
op sustainable and renewable
BULLS CHARGE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Inside this issue:
Solar Doks 6
Solar Pole 7
Solar Golf Cart 8
SEEDS 9
New Solar Design 11
What’s USF Doing 12
University Rankings 13
USF has a mindset to go GREEN!
Team Go Green or Go Home
Caleb Payne (Researcher, Lead Editor)
Elizabeth Baker (Researcher, Editor)
Eve Fenty-Otway (Researcher, Editor)
Kevin Albert (Researcher, Interviewer, Editor)
Ashley Moore (Researcher, Editor)
SUBSTAINABILITY AND ITS FOCUS ON SOLAR ENERGY MARCH 2013
D r . F r a a n c i s T o b i e n n e E N C 3 2 5 0 . 7 9 5 S 1 3 P r o f e s s i o n a l W r i t i n g
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 Executive Summary
5 What’s Solar Energy
8 Solar Doks
9 Solar Pole
10 Solar Golf Carts
11 SEEDS
12 Garage Solar Panels
12 Thermal Power
Plants
13 USF’s New Design
14 FESC
14 Clean Water
15 Comparing Univer-
sities
16 Conclusion
17 Glossary
18 Bibliography
21 Works Cited
3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SOLAR ENERGY
Solar energy is not a new concept, though it has been
slow to be accepted by national governments and ma-
jor utility companies basically due to costs. In the last
20 years, however, there appears to be a move toward
embracing a power source that is both sustainable and
clean. Solar power was recognized more than a century
ago, but little movement was made to explore the pos-
sibilities of harnessing the energy on a major scale and
powering homes throughout the world. In 2010, USF
launched a campus wide effort to reduce waste and
lower energy costs. . In 2011, the USF College of Engi-
neering began the construction of a solar power plant
on the USF campus in Tampa.(4) This enabled USF to
take the lead in the development of reliable solar pow-
er use.
USPSP INSTALLS SOLAR DOKS
In February 2013, USFSP partnered with EnerFusion
(based out of Michigan) to install two Solar Doks on
campus. At first glance, Solar Doks very closely resem-
ble a typical circular picnic table with an umbrella stick-
ing out of the middle of it. A closer look shows that
there are, in fact, four electrical outlets and two USB
ports in the pole in the middle of the table. At the top
of the pole are several solar panels. These photovoltaic
(PV) panels collect the natural sunlight throughout the
day and turn it into enough energy to power the devic-
es plugged into the ports. After the sun goes down, all
the solar energy collected throughout the day contin-
ues to power the Doks so that students enrolled in
evening classes can still utilize them. All this energy is
stored in a battery bank within the Dok.
SOLAR-POWERED GOLF CARTS
Another step USF has taken in the effort to go green is
to attempt to transform their golf carts from being
powered by electricity or gasoline, to being powered by
solar energy. On the USF Tampa campus alone, there
are approximately 600 golf carts. 75 percent of them
are gasoline power and the other 25 percent are
battery powered. These carts need to be plugged in
every night in order to keep a charge. USF has fit some
of the carts with solar panels, which use solar energy to
charge and power the battery as opposed to normal
electricity. The panels cost approximately $750 but are
expected to pay for themselves within two years.
USF MAKES CLEAN DRINKING WATER USING AD-
VANCED SOLAR ENERGY
USF project was being done for two reasons, which is
first to have water desalination by the use of optimized
thermodynamic systems; and the second to Design of a
photocatalytic reactor for air purification. With popula-
tion growth, and increase in water consumption leads
to insufficient water supply. This is a great concern
about water scarcity, especially drinking water to mil-
lions of people. To fill up the gap we need to experi-
ment on the different was to provide fresh water for us
to drink. That’s where desalination of water solutions
by converting saline water into fresh water comes in to
play.
4
USFSP APPLIES FOR PARKING GARAGE SOLAR PANELS
USFSP have plans for a 350-spot expansion and a solar
panel rooftop covering for USF St. Petersburg’s parking
garage are underway to eliminate that problem while
generating green energy. USFSP applied for a grant
from Progress Energy to install solar panels on the roof
of the garage. The plan originally called for ground pan-
els, but the school proposed to have them installed on
the roof in order to provide shade for cars so the cars
don’t get damaged by the exposure to heat.
USF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR THERMAL
POWER PLANTS
USF has teamed up with the Universities of Florida and
Central Florida, and Sopogy Corporation, to design and
construct solar thermal power plants. This project tar-
gets the development of solar thermal power technolo-
gy for bulk power and distributed generation, which
will diversify energy resources in Florida and reduce
greenhouse emissions by utilizing renewable sources.
The plant will produce enough power to power 10-20
homes, but USF plans to use that power in conjunction
with conventional power to power the Interdisciplinary
Research Building. Sopogy Inc. the main contractor of
the plant at USF expects the plant to be up and opera-
tional sometime in the early months of 2013.
USF RESEARCHERS FOCUS ON SOLAR POWER
University of South Florida experts, in collaboration
with the Florida Energy Systems Consortium and nine
other in-state universities are working to develop strat-
egies on how to implement renewable and cost-
effective alternative energy sources. The university's
electric engineering specialists also are simulating a
grid system to deliver electricity and industrial engi-
neering experts are producing a portfolio of education-
al resources and tools to support a new work force.
NEW SOLAR PANEL DESIGN IN DEVELOPMENT AT USF
The new design employs a series of chevrons (V-shaped
symbols) on the panel's surface, creating angles that
help the sun's light to reach the photovoltaic cells
throughout the day. This new design could be 2% more
efficient than current panels. Although, 2% doesn’t
seem like a large increase it in fact is about a 10% in-
crease over current panels.
USFSP PLACE IN FESC
USF is a part of the Florida Energy Systems Consortium
{FESC) research, education and outreach project team
to save the world from not being able to survive once
our natural components have run out. The funding pro-
vided to the University of South Florida by the State of
Florida, through the Florida Energy Systems Consortium
(FESC), has been used to support a number of excellent
projects addressing present and future needs related to
energy and the environment .Energy efficiency, produc-
tion of electric power and biofuels by the use of renew-
able energy, water production through solar desalina-
tion.
USF AS A SUSTAINABLE LEADER
USF isn’t the only university to attempt to sustain on
what we already have and using, but in 2012 we be-
came the leader among 674 eligible universities by win-
ning the 2012 Second Nature Climate Leadership
Award. USF Provost Ralph Wilcox will accept the award
at the American College & University Presidents' Cli-
mate Commitment (ACUPCC) Climate Leadership Sum-
mit. This is a huge moment for USF and a huge step
forward in earning national recognition for our sustain-
ability efforts. I am deeply proud of our students, facul-
ty and staff for all their hard work and dedication,
which led to this major national recognition.
Continue, p.16
5
Solar energy is not a new
concept, though it has been
slow to be accepted by na-
tional governments and major
utility companies basically due
to costs. In the last 20 years,
however, there appears to be
a move toward embracing a
power source that is both
sustainable and clean. Solar
power was recognized more
than a century ago, but little
movement was made to ex-
plore the possibilities of har-
nessing the energy on a major
scale and powering homes
throughout the world. More
than a hundred years ago,
engineers were experimenting
with ways to harness the
Sun’s energy and convert it
into a usable means for man-
kind. Engineer Charles Fritts
developed a solar cell that
converted light into electric
current in the 1880s. (6) Engi-
neers have long been fascinat-
ed with the ability to use solar
energy to power everything
from cars to boats to homes.
Engineers from around the
world seem to have stirred up
particular interest in solar
energy in the 1970s. An un-
manned solar powered plane
was launched in the United
States in 1974 . England lays
claim for the creation of the
first practical solar powered
boat which was developed in
1975. The move to tap into
the Sun’s energy continued
when in 1987, Australia held
the “World Solar Challenge”.
In this race, solar powered
cars raced across the conti-
nent .. Entrants were mostly
limited to universities and
small entrepreneurs who
were experimenting with pro-
totype solar powered vehicles
with an eye for mass manufac-
turing and distribution in the
future. (6)The path to solar
powered energy has been
slow, but in some areas, it has
been steady. Private industry
has been reluctant to funnel
money into the advancement
of solar energy. Research is
expensive and implementing
the needed changes in power
grids and distribution systems
has been a major obstacle to a
faster move toward ac-
ceptance of solar power. De-
velopment of viable solar
power models has fallen
mostly onto the Nation’s uni-
versity system. In that area,
the University of South Flori-
da has gained national and
international attention for the
school’s work in development
of solar energy. In fact, USF’s
efforts to “go green” and be-
come an ecologically aware
campus has set examples for
other universities across the
nation. In 2010, USF launched
a campus wide effort to re-
duce waste and lower energy
costs. The move to eliminate
Styrofoam takeout containers
provided to be not only an
ecological success, but also a
financial success. The universi-
ty began the use of “Eco-
Takeouts” and reusable mugs
SOLAR ENERGY HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE
that reduced the by 30 per-
cent all the garbage generated
by USF. (3)Prior to the eco-
program, the university dis-
carded some 8,000 disposable
containers a week. The uni-
versity’s cafeteria service saw
a savings of about $6,000 as a
result of the effort. (3)But
USF wasn’t done “going
green”. USF’s “go green” cam-
paign was recognized national-
ly in 2010 when it was includ-
ed in “The Princeton Review’s
Guide to 286 Green Colleg-
es” . While other institutes of
higher learning have made
moves to convert their cam-
puses into eco-friendly
"USF is deeply committed to building
healthy, sustainable communities," said
USF President Judy Genshaft. "That's why we launched our School
of Global Sustainability this
year .”
6
"I have no doubt that we will be successful in harnessing the sun's energy. If sunbeams were weapons of war, we would have had solar energy centuries ago." -George Porter Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, 1967
DR. FRAANCIS TOBIENNE
Dr. Yogi Goswami gives a speech.
locations, USF has stood out
in its efforts to implement a
program with sustainability
that is supported by the stu-
dents, faculty and the com-
munity. In the same year that
USF launched its waste re-
duction effort, the university
announced the nation’s first
“School of Global Sustainabil-
ity”. (2) This new degree pro-
gram offers a Master of Arts
degree in global sustainabil-
ity. Graduates will be educat-
ed on techniques and will be
able to tackle issues of envi-
ronmental concerns from a
local level to a national level.
At the time the school was
announced, USF representa-
tives explained that the de-
gree program would combine
a cross-section of studies
including natural and social
sciences, engineering, health,
policy and economics. (2) In
addition to the Princeton
recognition, “Students in
Free Enterprise” (SIFE) on the
USF campus were named
regional champions for the
third time in five years for
their project that assisted
local businesses through a
transition to more sustaina-
ble business practices.” (#5)
This is a great example of
how the university is contrib-
uting locally to the communi-
ty to help the “Going Green”
efforts expand for a better
understanding and effect.
The national recognition also
enables the university to
attract outside funding to
finance such eco-friendly and
significant projects such as
the USF solar power plant. In
2011, the USF College of En-
gineering began the con-
struction of a solar power
plant on the USF campus in
Tampa.(4) With this move by
Dr. Yogi Goswami and an
engineering staff, USF took
the lead in the development
of reliable solar power use.
The aim, according to Dr.
Goswami, is to make solar
energy cost-effective and
available around the clock.
Funding is often a challenge
as engineers work to develop
sustainable and renewable
energy such as solar energy.
Dr. Goswami was able to
fund the project through a
state grant through the Flori-
da Energy Systems Consorti-
um and a $3.9 million grant
from the U.S. Department of
Energy to assist with devel-
oping a thermal storage sys-
tem as part of the solar plant.
Dr. Goswami also serves as
the co-director of USF’s Clean
Energy Research Center. (4)
Florida, and the Tampa-St.
Petersburg area, is a logical
location for the exploration
and development of clean
energy and solar power tech-
nology. The state averages
roughly 240 days of sunshine
and receives 85 percent of
the maximum solar resource
available in the U.S. There is
large potential for solar tech-
nology development and the
Florida is already home to
several utilities companies
who are considered leading
innovators in the develop-
ment of solar power uses.
The university has a lot of
positive things to look for-
ward to from all the great
“Going Green” efforts they
have contributed. Publicity
and positive write-ups are
always beneficial when entic-
ing potential new students to
the university. It allows the
university to show the new
student what they are doing
to help the community as a
whole. The publicity acts as a
great advertising method to
the community for potential
additional community sup-
port. The university can ex-
pect more turn-out at events
held such as the “Campus
and Community Sustainabil-
ity Conference” and the
“Going Green Tampa Bay
Expo”. (#5) These events also
encourage additional com-
munity support for USF’s
“Going Green” efforts. The
innovations and progress
that USF has made in the
solar energy field has put it
on the national map for fund-
ing and recognitions. The
next logical step will be the
international stage as the
university continues its role
as a leader in developing a
sustainable and renewable
source of energy.
7
USF FINDS WAYS TO USE THE SUN
*SOLAR DOKS*
*TRANSPORTATION*
*SEEDS*
*PARKING GARAGE*
*SOLAR POLE*
8
SOLAR DOKSSOLAR DOKS
In this day and age, virtually every student has at least one electronic device in their possession. Such devic-
es could include cell phones, laptops, tablets, and MP3 players. The amount of electricity needed to power
and charge these devices is rapidly increasing due to the equally increasing amount of devices out there on
the market today as well as the amount of people using them. USFSP has discovered a way to accommo-
date the use of these devices while decreasing the amount of electricity needed to power them.
Recharge!: USPSP Installs Solar Doks
In February 2013, USFSP partnered with EnerFusion
(based out of Michigan) to install two Solar Doks on
campus. One of the Doks is located behind the li-
brary and the other is located by the water near
Coquina Hall. At first glance, Solar Doks very closely
resemble a typical circular picnic table with an um-
brella sticking out of the middle of it. A closer look
shows that there are, in fact, four electrical outlets
and two USB ports in the pole at the middle of the
table.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
These photovoltaic (PV) panels collect the natural
sunlight throughout the day and turn it into enough
energy to power the devices plugged into the ports.
To further explain, here is what the EnerFusion
website has to say about how PV panels create
power: “Photovoltaics or PV for short can be
thought of as a direct current (DC) generator pow-
ered by the sun. When light photons of sufficient
energy strike a solar cell, they knock electrons free
in the silicon crystal structure forcing them through
an external circuit (battery, inverter or direct DC
load), and then returning them to the other side of
the solar cell to start the process all over again. The
voltage output from a single crystalline solar cell is
about 0.5V with an amperage output that is directly
proportional to the cell’s surface area
(approximately 7A for a 6 inch square multi-
crystalline solar cell). Typically 30-36 cells are wired
in series (+ to -) in each solar module. This produces
a solar module with a 12V nominal output (~17V at
peak power) that can then be wired in series and/
or parallel with other solar modules to form a com-
plete solar array.”
USF installs its first Solar Dok.
(PHOTO/Trevor Pettiford, staff,
BayNews 9)
9
What if there’s no SUN?
After the sun goes down, all the solar energy
collected throughout the day continues to power
the Doks so that students enrolled in evening
classes can still utilize them. All this energy is
stored in a battery bank within the Dok. As of
2012, EnerFusion also improved the lighting fea-
ture on the Doks, allowing better lighting for peo-
ple using them at night. The Doks now have two
1000 Lumen low power, high intensity lighting
systems as opposed to the previous 700 Lumen.
The Doks are also equipped with a push button
to turn the lights on and off as well as a timer for
the lights. Both of these features allow for the
preservation of the stored solar energy when the
Dok is not in use. In addition, the bulbs used are
LED, which use anywhere from fifty to eighty
percent less energy than a typical incandescent
light bulb.
USFSP has also installed a Solar Pole (also referred to as a Solstice
Pole) near the benches outside the main entrance of STG (the Science
and Technology building). This is simply a Solar Dok without the circu-
lar seating. This one simply has bench attached to either side of the
pole. Solar Doks and Solstice Poles can be designed in many different
ways to accommodate the area they are installed in as well as the
people expected to use them. For instance, a Pole can be placed alone
next to seating that is already there or it can be turned into a full Dok,
with circular seating and a table top.
THE SOLAR POLETHE SOLAR POLE
10
TRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATION
Another step USF has taken in the effort to go
green is to attempt to transform their golf carts
from being powered by electricity or gasoline, to
being powered by solar energy. On the USF Tampa
campus alone, there are approximately 600 golf
carts. 75 percent of them are gasoline power and
the other 25 percent are battery powered . These
carts need to be plugged in every night in order to
keep a charge. USF has fit some of the carts with
solar panels, which use solar energy to charge and
power the battery as opposed to normal electricity.
The panels cost approximately $750 but are ex-
pected to pay for themselves within two years.
Aside from saving electricity, these carts would no
longer need to be powered by gasoline, therefore
completely eliminating the amount of carbon emis-
sions created by the gas powered carts. There is no
evidence of these solar powered carts on the St.
Petersburg campus of USF quite yet, but it is up to
each department to decide if they have a need for
the carts and if they can fit them into their budget.
It is considerably cheaper to fit the carts with the
solar panels versus purchasing a brand new solar
power cart (which can cost as much as $9,000). USF
students have agreed to help to pay to get all of
the gold carts fitted with the panels. One dollar per
credit hour has been added to their tuition, re-
sulting in approximately one million dollars a year.
There are about one hundred golf carts left on the
USF campus to be converted. There is a potential
for the other USF campuses (Sarasota, Lakeland,
and St. Petersburg) to continue with this move-
ment as long as the needs and funds can be met.
Riding with the Bulls!: Solar-powered Golf Carts
11
The University of South Florida St. Peters-
burg (USFSP) teamed up with the city of St.
Petersburg and Progress Energy Florida to
purchase a 5kW x 4-hour energy storage
system from VRB Power in May of 2008.
These storage systems are also known as the
sustainable electrical energy delivery system
(SEEDS). USFSP installed the solar array on
the St. Pete campus to help reduce cost dur-
ing times of high demand usage and to chase
the vision of a more green and eco-friendly
Earth.
HOW SEEDS WORKS
SEEDS is a complex yet simple way to save
energy. The lithium-ion battery is stored in a
6 feet high, 2 ½ feet wide and 5 feet deep
cabinet. This is convenient because it can fit
into any existing area and can even replace
most back-up generators. This battery is
were the energy that is generated by solar
panels is stored until it needs to be put back
on the grid to be used. The University of
South Florida uses this technology to make
renewable energy available when it’s needed
the most. SEEDS is one of the most cost-
efficient and least polluting forms of renewa-
ble energy. SEEDS uses at photovoltaic sys-
tem to accumulate solar energy, which is then
stored and used at a later time (Clean 5).
Not only does this energy storage
systems save on the environment, but it’s also
used for educational purposes. USF’s Power
Center for Utility Explorations (PCUE) mis-
sion is to “explore all power systems issues
comprehensively and develop solution to the
complex challenges in electricity infrastruc-
ture, and to train the next generation of pow-
er engineers” (Renewable-Energy). PCUE is
just one of many organizations on USF’s cam-
pus to use SEEDS as a learning tool. The engi-
neering department uses SEEDS to help edu-
cate and encourage students to make a differ-
ence. also used for educational purposes.
USF’s Power Center for Utility Explorations
(PCUE) mission is to “explore all power sys-
tems issues comprehensively and develop
solution to the complex challenges in electric-
ity infrastructure, and to train the next gener-
ation of power engineers” (Renewable-
Energy). PCUE is just one of many organiza-
tions on USF’s campus to use SEEDS as a
learning tool. The engineering department
uses SEEDS to help educate and encourage
students to make a difference.
SEEDS
“One of the most important challenges of
the age is our future and how it could be
met by this energy storage system.” Alex Domijan,
Executive Director of the Office of Research
at USF
12
PARKING GARAGE USFSP APPLIES FOR PARKING
GARAGE SOLAR PANELS
University of South Florida
St. Petersburg campus has currently
had students complaining about
parking on the seventh floor of the
student parking garage. “The sixth
floor had entirely filled up, so I
parked on the seventh and thought
nothing of it, until I got back to my
car and realized that the heat had
melted the volume knobs on my ste-
reo,” said student Haley Christian.
USFSP has decided to take action.
They have “plans for a 350-spot ex-
pansion and a solar panel rooftop
covering for USF St. Petersburg’s
parking garage are underway to elim-
inate that problem while generating
green energy.” (Marcus, 2013) This
will not only allow more students to
park in the garage, to assist with the
growing student body of USFSP, but
will help provide renewable clean
energy at the school. “USFSP applied
for a grant from Progress Energy to
install solar panels on the roof of the
garage. The plan originally called for
ground panels, but the school pro-
posed to have them installed on the
roof in order to provide shade for
students like Haley Christian who
dread parking there” (Marcus, 2013).
USF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
OF SOLAR THERMAL POWER
PLANTS
USF has teamed up with
the Universities of Florida and
Central Florida, and Sopogy Corpora-
tion, to design and construct solar
thermal power plants. “This project
targets the development of solar
thermal power technology for bulk
power and distributed generation,
which will diversify energy resources
in Florida and reduce greenhouse
emissions by utilizing renewable
sources. Also, there will be economic
impacts with the establishment of
new power industry in Florida, which
will help the electrical utilities of the
state to meet the renewable portfo-
lio standards. The project has three
main tasks; the first one is to develop
design methodologies and standards
for the proven solar thermal power
technologies in combination with bio
or fossil fuels based on Florida condi-
tions and resources. Secondly, the
project aims to set up demonstration
and test facilities for these
technologies for optimization for
Florida conditions, and the final task
is to develop and commercialize in-
novative technologies based on new
thermodynamic cycles.” ("FESC Re-
search, Education and Outreach Pro-
ject Progress Reports") The thermal
plant will use combination of solar
radiation and thermal energy from a
natural gas boiler to create energy.
“The plant will use parabolic trough
collectors (PTCs), which are curved
mirrors that follow the sun from east
to west and collect the heat to pro-
duce power at a later time.” says D.
Yogi Goswami. “Goswami and his
team expect to encapsulate the ener-
gy in phase change materials (PCMs),
which will help the plant run 24
hours a day. The PCMs store energy
when heated and release it when
cooled, without the outside shell
melting, to produce pow-
er.”(Mooren, 2011) The plant will
produce enough power to power 10-
20 homes, but USF plans to use that
power in conjunction with conven-
tional power to power the Interdisci-
plinary Research Building. Sopogy
Inc. the main contractor of the plant
at USF expects the plant to be up and
operational sometime in the early
months of 2013.
USF RESEARCHERS FOCUS ON
SOLAR POWER
“University of South Florida
experts, in collaboration with the
Florida Energy Systems Consortium
and nine other in-state universities,
are working to develop strategies on
how to implement renewable and
cost-effective alternative energy
sources”(McKenzie, 2009). USF is
coming together as a school to fight
the good fight and create new inno-
vative sources of energy that are not
only go for the environment, but are
cost effective.
13
“The College of Engineering's Clean Energy
Research Center is concentrating on the de-
sign and construction of a pilot on-campus
solar power plant. The chemical engineering
department is centered on converting solar
heat to electrical power and nonfood items
containing carbon, such as plant and animal
waste, into clean burning liquid fuels. The
electrical engineering department is focused
on creating a micro-grid system to deliver
renewable energy and on designing solar-
powered water desalination techniques to
provide clean drinking water. The university's
electric engineering specialists also are simu-
lating a grid system to deliver electricity and
industrial engineering experts are producing
a portfolio of educational resources and tools
to support a new work force.” (McKenzie,
2009)Professor Stanley Russell from the
School of Architecture and Community De-
sign has taken on the task of making a home
using solar power. Russell has integrated a
three year plan. In year one of this plan the
objective is to research ideas from other pro-
jects similar to this one. In year two he plans
on designing the home, and year three the
plan is to build the home.
New solar panel design in development at
USF
“The new design employs a series of chevrons (V-
shaped symbols) on the panel's surface, creating
angles that help the sun's light to reach the pho-
tovoltaic cells throughout the day.” (Kennedy,
2011) This new design could be 2% more efficient
than current panels. Although, 2% doesn’t seem
like a large increase it in fact is about a 10% in-
crease over current panels. Juliana Colon, a 24-
year-old industrial engineering major at USF Poly
who served as a manager for the solar project
said "It could lead to new ideas. We thought of
this and maybe someone will use it to think of
something bigger or more amazing, Someone has
to start it."
14
USFSP PLACE IN FESC
USF is a part of the Florida
Energy Systems Consortium {FESC) re-
search, education and outreach project
team to save the world from not being
able to survive once our natural com-
ponents have run out. “The funding
provided to the University of South
Florida by the State of Florida, through
the Florida Energy Systems Consortium
(FESC), has been used to support a
number of excellent projects address-
ing present and future needs related to
energy and the environment. Energy
efficiency, production of electric power
and biofuels by the use of renewable
energy, water production through solar
desalination, environmental cleaning
by the use of photocatalytic technolo-
gies, advancements in manufacturing
for photovoltaic module production
and CO2 sequestration and trade are
some of the projects pursued.” (FESC,
2012) With the funding USF was able to
make several strides to help our grad
student form dissertations, as well as
“patents (9), journal publications (43)
and presentations (76) at national and
international conferences”.
(FESC,2012)
USF AS A SUSTAINABLE LEADER
USF isn’t the only university to
attempt to sustain on what we already
have and using, but in 2012 we became
the leader among 674 eligible universi-
ties by winning the 2012 Second Na-
ture Climate Leadership Award. “USF
Provost Ralph Wilcox will accept the
award at the American College & Uni-
versity Presidents' Climate Commit-
ment (ACUPCC) Climate Leadership
Summit.” (Carney, 2012) "This is a huge
moment for USF and a huge step for-
ward in earning national recognition
for our sustainability efforts. I am
deeply proud of our students, faculty
and staff for all their hard work and
dedication, which led to this major na-
tional recognition. This is truly a land-
mark in USF's history." says Christian
Wells, director of USF's Office of Sus-
tainability. ( Carney, 2012) Since USF
President Judy Genshaft sign the Amer-
ican College & University Presidents'
Climate Commitment USF has made
many strides to keep to this commit-
ment. USF have been able to include
sustainability in the university's Strate-
gic Plan, organize a sustainability steer-
ing committee that prepared the uni-
versity's first greenhouse gas inventory
and Climate Action Plan. This has all
been in effort to not only help USF stick
to the commitment, but also show the
world there is a better way to live and
help save the world. (Carney, 2012)
USF MAKES CLEAN DRINKING WATER
USING ADVANCED SOLAR ENERGY
USF project was being done
for two reasons, which is first to have
water desalination by the use of opti-
mized thermodynamic systems; and
the second to Design of a photocata-
lytic reactor for air purification. (FESC,
2012) With population growth, and
increase in water consumption leads to
insufficient water supply. This is a great
concern about water scarcity, especial-
ly drinking water to millions of people.
To fill up the gap we need to experi-
ment on the different was to provide
fresh water for us to drink. That’s
where the where desalination of water
solutions by converting saline water
into fresh water come in to play. (Solar
Water Energy LLC, 2010) USFSP’s solar
energy project also includes the Solar
Water Desalination and Distillation
program. Solar distillation is used to
make drinking water in areas where
clean water is not common. Solar distil-
lation is necessary in these situations
to provide people with purified water.
Solar energy heats up the water in the
still. The water then evaporates and
condenses on the bottom of the cover-
ing glass. (CERC) In the FESC summary
report the researchers found that
“industrial waste heat, geothermal,
solar thermal, could help to ease the
energy crisis. Unfortunately, the effi-
ciency of the conventional power cycle
becomes uneconomically low with low-
grade heat sources, while, at the same
time, seawater desalination requires
more energy than a conventional water
treatment process. However, heat dis-
carded from low-grade heat power
cycles could be used as part of desali-
nation energy sources with seawater
being used as coolant for the power
cycles. Therefore a study of desalina-
tion using low-grade heat is of great
significance.” (FESC, 2012) .
WHAT ELSE IS USF DOING?
15
How does USF compare to other Universities?
University of California, Berkeley was ranked at the top
of the Green Metric Ranking in 2010. Berkeley achieved
this recommendation due its commitment to focus on
becoming a “greener” university. In 2009, the green-
house gas emissions that come from Berkeley were
down by 4.5 percent. The total campus water usage has
dropped by almost 20 percent since 1990. Berkeley has
also committed to use tap water and reduce the sales of
bottle water. In an effort to reduce bottle water sales,
the I Heart Tap Water campaign was created and
dropped sales 25 percent. Not only have they focused
on water usage but the pollutants in the air as well. A
Campus Bicycle Plan was adopted four years ago, which
increased the number of bicycle commuters by 20 per-
cent. These are just a few ways that the University of
California, Berkeley has become a more environmental-
ly friendly home to students (Americas).
Cornell University was ranked fifth in the Green Metric
Ranking. Cornell uses the elements of research and
scholarships in its approach to attack the problems of
sustainability. The university identified 237 of its course
geared toward energy. Cornell completed its Cooling
Plant in 2000, which cools all of the buildings resulting
in a reducing of 86 percent of used energy. The Cooling
Plant also decreases carbon emissions by 7,484 metric
tons per year. The campus is currently working on a
project that will be used to produce both heat and pow-
er, which will lower the use of electricity by 70 percent.
This will drop Cornell’s carbon emissions by 20 percent
(Americas).
CORNELL UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
University of South Florida was ranked 46th in the Green Metric Ranking for 2012. In USF’s efforts to achieve sustainabil-
ity they have planted over 2,000 trees on campus, implemented a free off-campus shuttle system that uses biofuel tech-
nology, increased bike lanes and sidewalks, and increased the number of recycling containers. USF has reduced its electri-
cal consumption over the past 6 years by 3 percent as a result of Greenlights replacement program. South Florida also has
5 buildings under construction that are anticipated to be LEED certified (Americas).
Although USF isn’t “Greenest University,” we are well on our way!
Some of the projects that have been scheduled to happen this year are:
Housing and Residential Services was awarded $12,340 to install lighting controls at Cy-
press Hall that would dim or brighten the lights.
$50,000 have been awarded to the Department of Computer Services the help install a
new software that will allow computers to go to sleep when not being used.
$104,760 will be used to upgrade Juniper-Poplar Hall’s heating, ventilation and cooling
system. This will help cut down on energy usage.
$24,320 will be used to construct 15 water fountains designed for refilling water bottles,
thermoses and other containers.
The last project will replace fluorescent lighting in the Crescent Hill Parking Garage with
energy-saving LED lights.
16
CONCLUSION Since the fall of 2011, USFSP Student Green Energy Fund has accrued approximately $300,000 for renewable
energy and efficiency projects on campus over the course of three years. Led by Student Government, USFSP
established a committee comprised of 50% students to ensure that students have a major voice in the renewable
energy dialogue. The path to solar powered energy has been slow, but in some areas, it has been steady. Private
industry has been reluctant to funnel money into the advancement of solar energy. The University of South Flori-
da has gained national and international attention for the school’s work in development of solar energy. In fact,
USF’s efforts to “go green” and become an ecologically aware campus has set examples for other universities
across the nation.
17
GLOSSARY OF TERMS ACUPCC– American College and University President’s Climate Commitment
CERC– Clean Energy Research Center
FESC– Florida Energy Systems Consortium
Lumen– The unit of luminous flux, equal to the luminous flux in a unit solid angle by a point source of one candle
intensity
PCUE- Power Center for Utility Explorations
Photovoltaic– of, concerned with, or producing electric current or voltage caused by electromagnetic radiation,
especially visible light from the sun
SEEDS– Sustainable Electrical Energy Delivery System
18
BIBLIOGRAPHY
"Clean Energy Research Center." USF. University of South Florida. Web. 18 Mar 2013. <http://cerc.eng.usf.edu/
index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1>
This source is a web page that contains and in-depth interview with Dr. Yogi Goswami and talks about
the new solar power plant that is being built by USF.
This website also list some of the accomplishments that USF has already made in the effort to go green.
Ferekides, C.S. "Thin Solid Films." High efficiency CSS CdTe solar cells. 361.362 (2000): 520-526. Print. <http://
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004060909900824X>.
This is a volume in a journal that talks about how USF is right in the middle of helping the efficiency of
Cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells. This is important to solar energy because it’s what is ideal for photovoltaic
energy conversion.
McGarigal, Daniel. “Solar Dok Info Page. SGEF USF ST. Petersburg. Daniel McGarigal, 7 Feb 2013. Web. 18 Mar
2013. <https://sites.google.com/a/mail.usf.edu/sgef-usf-st-pete/follow-the-approved- proposals/solar-
dok>
This site details that announces the ordering an installation of two Solar Doks on the USFSP cam-
pus. It is a blog-style website that displays pictures of the Solar Doks as well as notifies readers of the location
of the Doks as well as when they were installed. This page shows one of the ways USFSP is aiding in the use
of solar power for energy and the site itself further shows that it is often the students themselves who pro-
pose ideas for the solar power movement.
Penn, Ivan. "USF St. Petersburg Developing Solar Battery to Store
Power for Homes." n.d.: n. pag. Tampa Bay Times. 25 June 2011. Web. 19
Mar. 2013. <http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/energy/usf-st-petersburg-developing-solar-battery-to-
store-power-for-homes/1177180>.
This article is about usf developing solar batteries that will store
power to use in homes. It also goes over how it was when they started
to how it has evolved.
19
Carney, Ann. "Sustainable Leader." USF Magazine. N.p., June-July 2012.
Web. 19 Mar. 2013.
<http://magazine.usf.edu/2012-summer/features/sustainable-leader.aspx>.
This article is about where Usf started with their green campaign in
2008 to what projects they were working on in 2012. USF has come along
way in their quest to be sustainable.
Marcus, Jason. "USFSP Applies for parking garage solar panels." The Crows Nest. Crow's Nest staff, 12 Feb 2013.
Web. 18 Mar 2013. http://crowsneststpete.com/2013/02/11/usfsp-applies-for-parking-garage-solar-panels/.
This is a news article. The article informs us that USFSP has put a bid in to Progress Energy to receive a
grant for solar panels on top of the school parking garage. These panels will provide shade for the sixth floor of
the garage and help provide clean energy.
"Solar power stations come USF St. Petersburg." Bay News 9. Bay News 9 staff, 07 Feb 2013. Web. 18 Mar 2013.
http://www.cfnews13.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2013/2/7/
solar_power_stations.html.
This posting informs us about two solar powered charging stations that have recently been installed at
USFSP campus. The stations use solar panels to collect energy and then transfer the energy to students portable
laptops, phones, etc. The charging stations are equipped with USB ports and were installed by EnerFusion Inc.
"Solar water energy." Desalination of Seawater. Solar water energy llc, n.d. Web. 26 Mar 2013. http://
www.solarwaterenergy.net/desalinationofseawater.html.
This website explains the process of water desalination. The site summarizes how Solar Water Energy
LLC can help with their expertise, and what advantages they have over the competition.
Scherberger, Tom. "Free electric charging stations installed on campus." USFSP. N.p., 28 Mar 2012. Web. 26 Mar
2013. http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2012/03/28/free-electric-charging-stations-installed-on-campus/.
On this site Scherberger informs the public about two new electric charging stations for students at USF
St Petersberg campus. He then talks about how students are already taking advantage of the new charging sta-
tions.
20
"Solar Doks." Enerfusion Inc.. EnerfusionInc. . Web. 26 Mar 2013. http://www.enerfusioninc.com/id47.html.
This is the enerfusion website. Enerfusion is the company that installed the solar doks at USF. The web-
site contains pictures of their doks from all kinds of locations.
"Renewable-energy project launched at two St. Petersburg sites." USF News. USF News, 27 May 2008. Web. 26
Mar 2013. http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=671&z=81.
This site talks about how USF has started a new renewable energy project. USF has teamed up with pro-
gress energy and Florida High Tech to look for innovative an sustainable energy to suffice our energy needs.
"USF and Progress Energy Florida purchase two 5kW x 4hr VRB Energy Storage Systems." PR Newswire. VRB Pow-
er Systems Inc.. Web. 26 Mar 2013. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/usf-and-progress-energy-florida
-purchase-two-5kw-x-4hr-vrb-energy-storage-systems-52771337.html.
This source explains how USF purchased 2 new energy storage systems. It also informs of the partners
involved in the project, and their accomplishments in the sustainable energy field.
"Americas Greenest Universities." International Business Times. IBTimes, 10 Jan 2011. Web. 26 Mar 2013. http://
www.ibtimes.com/americas-greenest-universities-253285.
This source talks about the top 100 universities in the green movement. They talk in detail about what
universities like UC Berkley and Northeastern have done to GO GREEN.
"Sustainability programs and initiatives at USF and around the world.." Patel College of Global Sustainability .
N.p.. Web. 26 Mar 2013. http://psgs.usf.edu/usf-office-of-sustainability/history/.
This source talks about USF gains and accomplishments in sustainability. It also talks in depth about
what USF has done to become more sustainable.
"USF golf carts going solar." TBO. TBO, 08 Aug 2011. Web. 27 Mar 2013. http://video.tbo.com/v/43657600/usf-
golf-carts-going-solar.htm.
This source is a video about another of USF’s projects. This video is about USF getting new golf carts that
use solar power instead of gas or electricity making the energy completely clean.
21
WORKS CITED "Americas Greenest Universities." International Business Times. IBTimes, 10 Jan 2011. Web. 26 Mar 2013.
<http://www.ibtimes.com/americas-greenest-universities-253285>.
Carney, Ann. "Sustainable Leader." USF Magazine. N.p., June-July 2012. Web. 19 Mar. 2013. <http://
magazine.usf.edu/2012-summer/features/sustainable-leader.aspx>.
"Clean Energy Research Center." USF. University of South Florida. Web. 18 Mar 2013. <http://
cerc.eng.usf.edu/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1>
Ferekides, C.S. "Thin Solid Films." High efficiency CSS CdTe solar cells. 361.362 (2000): 520- 526. Print.
<http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004060909900824X>.
Marcus, Jason. "USFSP Applies for parking garage solar panels." The Crows Nest. Crow's Nest s taff, 12 Feb
2013. Web. 18 Mar 2013. <http://crowsneststpete.com/2013/02/11/usfsp- applies-for-parking-garage-solar-
panels/>.
McGarigal, Daniel. "Solar Dok Info Page." SGEF USF St. Pete. USFSP. Web. 27 Mar 2013. <https://
sites.google.com/a/mail.usf.edu/sgef-usf-st-pete/follow-the-approved- proposals/solar-dok>.
Penn, Ivan. "USF St. Petersburg Developing Solar Battery to Store Power for Homes." n.d.: n. pag. Tampa Bay
Times. 25 June 2011. Web. 19 Mar. 2013. <http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/energy/usf-st-
petersburg-developing-solar- battery-to-store-power-for-homes/1177180>.
"Renewable-energy project launched at two St. Petersburg sites." USF News. USF News, 27 May 2008.
Web. 26 Mar 2013. <http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=671&z=81>
22
"Clean Energy Research Center." USF. University of South Florida. Web. 18 Mar 2013. <http://
cerc.eng.usf.edu/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1>
Ferekides, C.S. "Thin Solid Films." High efficiency CSS CdTe solar cells. 361.362 (2000): 520- 526. Print.
<http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004060909900824X>.
Marcus, Jason. "USFSP Applies for parking garage solar panels." The Crows Nest. Crow's Nest s taff, 12 Feb
2013. Web. 18 Mar 2013. <http://crowsneststpete.com/2013/02/11/usfsp- applies-for-parking-garage-solar-
panels/>.
McGarigal, Daniel. "Solar Dok Info Page." SGEF USF St. Pete. USFSP. Web. 27 Mar 2013. <https://
sites.google.com/a/mail.usf.edu/sgef-usf-st-pete/follow-the-approved- proposals/solar-dok>.
Penn, Ivan. "USF St. Petersburg Developing Solar Battery to Store Power for Homes." n.d.: n. pag. Tampa Bay
Times. 25 June 2011. Web. 19 Mar. 2013. <http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/energy/usf-st-
petersburg-developing-solar- battery-to-store-power-for-homes/1177180>.
"Renewable-energy project launched at two St. Petersburg sites." USF News. USF News, 27 May 2008.
Web. 26 Mar 2013. <http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=671&z=81>.
"SOLAR POWER-DOK." EnerFusionInc. EnerFusion. Web. 27 Mar 2013. <http://www.enerfusioninc.com/
id47.html>
"Solar power stations come to USF St. Petersburg." Bay News 9. Brighthouse Networks, 07 Feb 2013. Web.
27 Mar 2013. <http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/artic
les/bn9/2013/2/7/solar_power_stations.html>.
Spenceley, Arlene. "USF taps into solar energy with specail golf cart." Tampa Bay Times. Tampa Bay Times, 24
Sep 2010. Web. 27 Mar 2013. <http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/usf- taps-into-solar-
energy-with-special- golf-cart/1123934>.
23
"Sustainability programs and initiatives at USF and around the world.." Patel College of Global Sustainability .
N.p.. Web. 26 Mar 2013. <http://psgs.usf.edu/usf-office-of- sustainability/history/>.
"USF and Progress Energy Florida purchase two 5kW x 4hr VRB Energy Storage Systems." PR Newswire. VRB
Power Systems Inc.. Web. 26 Mar 2013. <http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/usf-and-progress-
energy-florida-purchase- two-5kw-x-4hr-vrb-energy-storage-systems-52771337.html>.
"USF golf carts going solar." TBO. N.p., 08 Aug 2011. Web. 27 Mar 2013. <http://video.tbo.com/
v/43657600/usf-golf-carts-going-solar.htm>.