Robert F. Boehm Ph.D., P.E.


UNLV Proffessor
Director - Center for Energy Research

See also the separate listing for the Center of Energy Research here.

1. "Solar Energy Studies."
Projects on several solar-related topics are being pursued. Previous work has been carried out related to system studies of solar power generation in Southern Nevada. We have also developed a design for a portable PV system for remote power generation, particularly related to environmental monitoring. A facility for evaluation of flat plate solar collectors is located on the roof of the engineering building at UNLV. Newer projects involve the research, development, and training related solar dishes with Stirling engines for power generation. Two units are on campus at the Center for Energy Research that is located on Flamingo Road near Swenson. One of these units has been changed more recently to a dish-PV system. Additional solar energy work involves the use of solar thermal energy to drive air conditioning, and application of analysis tools for Zero Energy Building design.

2. "Moderate Temperature Thermophotovoltaics."
In this work, we are evaluating the possibility of generating electrical power from moderate temperature differences. Applications of this may be realized in microsystems using stacked TPV elements. In addition to the thermal transfer mechanisms of a conventional sort, we are evaluating the possibility of incorporating the efficient transfer that may result from using very small spacings between emitter (the current carrier) and receptor (the PV material).

3. "Design of Thermal Systems."
We are attempting to develop a generalized approach to the design of thermal systems that is based upon concepts from Artificial Intelligence. Generalized processes are being combined using the Laws of Thermodynamics to yield systems that accomplish an overall objective and that are subject to specified constraints.

4. "Bioengineering Topics."
Included here are several aspects including the analysis of esophagus reflux phenomena and ultrasound heating for biological applications.

5. "Project in Hydrogen."
A hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine has been developed. We are also involved in work related to the application of several techniques for the generation of hydrogen.

GOING GREEN WITH COST SAVING HOUSES & SYSTEMS 


Experts of the Week on the Radio Program

UNLV Prfofessor, Robert F. Boehm Ph.D., P.E.
 &
Dave Wallis, President of Precast Managment


  (auto start , click to pause)

ZERO ENERGY HOMES IN LAS VEGAS 



The Las Vegas Zero Energy Home is located in "The Vinings" development in the Southwest area of Las Vegas. The 1,610 square foot home is part of a 146 house development. Home prices range from $340,000 up to $450,000 for larger models. The Zero Energy Home is located next door to a conventional home, both of which will be heavily monitored over a period of 18 months. At the end of the test period, a comparative analysis will be conducted to determine the performance of the Zero Energy Home. Predictive models of this innovative research project estimate a nearly zero net draw from the electrical grid over the period of the year.

Both homes had previously been used as functional model homes for the first year of the project, but have since been sold and are no longer open to the public.