The mixture problem in computer mapping of terrain: Improved techniques for establishing spectral signatures, atmospheric path radiance, and transmittance

There are no author-identified significant results in this report

PV Module Reliability R&D Project Overview

The DOE Solar Energy Technologies Program includes a sub-key activity entitled ''Photovoltaic Module Reliability R&D''. This activity has been in existence for several years to help ensure that the PV technologies that advance to the commercial module stage have acceptable service lifetimes and annual performance degradation rates. The long-term (2020) goal, as stated in the Solar Program Multi-Year Technical Plan [1], is to assist industry with the development of PV systems that have 30-year service lifetimes and 1% annual performance degradation rates. The corresponding module service lifetimes and annual performance degradation rate would have to be 30 years lifetime and approximately 0.5% (or less, depending on the type of PV system) annual performance degradation. Reaching this goal is critical to achieving the PV technology Levelized Energy Cost Targets, as listed and described in the Solar Program Multi-Year Technical Plan. This paper is an overview of the Module Reliability R&D sub-key activity. More details and the major results and accomplishments are covered in the papers presented in the PV Module Reliability Session of the DOE Solar Energy Technology Review Meeting, October 25-28, 2004, in Denver, Colorado

A preliminary experiment definition for video landmark acquisition and tracking

Six scientific objectives/experiments were derived which consisted of agriculture/forestry/range resources, land use, geology/mineral resources, water resources, marine resources and environmental surveys. Computer calculations were then made of the spectral radiance signature of each of 25 candidate targets as seen by a satellite sensor system. An imaging system capable of recognizing, acquiring and tracking specific generic type surface features was defined. A preliminary experiment definition and design of a video Landmark Acquisition and Tracking system is given. This device will search a 10-mile swath while orbiting the earth, looking for land/water interfaces such as coastlines and rivers

I . s/4Au)2f%9&L9 %2? (2 Module 30 Year Life : What does it mean and is it predictable/achievable?

ABSTRACT We define what we mean by a 30-year module life and the testing protocol that we believe is involved in achieving such a prediction. However, we do not believe that a universal test (or series of tests) will allow for such a prediction to be made. We can test for a lot of things, but we believe it is impossible to provide a 30-year certification for any PV module submitted for test. We explain our belief in this paper

Application of remote sensor data to geologic analysis of the Bonanza test site Colorado

Research activities on geologic remote sensing applications for Colorado are summarized. Projects include: regional and detailed geologic mapping, surficial and engineering geology, fracture studies, uranium exploration, hydrology, and data reduction and enhancement. The acquisition of remote sensor data is also discussed

Evaluation of Elevated Tritium Levels in Groundwater Downgradient from the 618-11 Burial Ground Phase I Investigations

This report describes the results of the preliminary investigation of elevated tritium in groundwater discovered near the 618-11 burial ground, located in the eastern part of the Hanford Site. Tritium in one well downgradient of the burial ground was detected at levels up to 8,140,000 pCi/L. The 618-11 burial ground received a variety of radioactive waste from the 300 Area between 1962 and 1967. The burial ground covers 3.5 hectare (8.6 acre) and contains trenches, large diameter caissons, and vertical pipe storage units. The burial ground was stabilized with a native sediment covering. The Energy Northwest reactor complex was constructed immediately east of the burial ground

Aerosols and solar energy

A brief description is presented of the involvement of the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) in atmospheric research, including aerosol characterization and modeling. The use of both rigorous and simple models for radiation transport is described. Modeled broadband solar irradiance data are shown to illustrate the important influence that aerosols have on the energy available to solar systems and the economics of solar systems design. Standard aerosol measurement methods for solar applications are discussed along with the need for improved instrumentation and methods

Review, Evaluation, and Improvement of Direct Irradiance Models

A study was performed to: (7) define the relative significance of the various atmospheric constituents to the depletion of the direct solar beam irradiance; (2) compare and evaluate several simple models versus a complex Introduction Solar irradiance conversion systems are different from systems based on other sources of energy, because of the energy source is subject to varying meteorological conditions. As a result, reliable irradiance data are required at each site of interest to design a solar energy system. Historical data have been collected by the National Weather Service (NWS) on a very limited basis at 26 locations throughout the U. S., and data are currently being collected at 38 locations. Because of the small number of stations in this network and the variability of irradiance, it is essential to have accurate models to predict irradiance at other locations. The accuracy of these models and experimental data effects the design, performance, and economics of solar systems. Numerous simple irradiance models have been produced by different investigators over the past half century. The goal of these models has been to provide an estimation of the available irradiance. These models, by very different methods, account for the influence of each atmospheric constituent on solar radiation. This, in turn, leads to confusion and questions of validity from prospective users. This study compares several of the more recent models of the direct component of the irradiance for clear-sky conditions. The comparison includes seven simple models and one rigorous model that is a basis for determining accuracy. The results of the comparisons are then used to formulate a new simple model. The most useful formalisms of present models have been incorporated into the new model. The criteria for evaluating and formulating models are simplicity, accuracy, and the ability to use readily available meteorological data. The goals of this work are to determine the relative significance of the various atmospheric constituents to th

Module 30 year life: What does it mean and is it predictable-achievable?

The authors define what they mean by a 30-year module life and the testing protocol that they believe is involved in achieving such a prediction. However, they do not believe that a universal test (or series of tests) will allow for such a prediction to be made. They can test for a lot of things, but they believe it is impossible to provide a 30-year certification for any PV module submitted for test. They explain their belief in this paper