Type: ME project
Description:
Electrification of the heating and transport sectors and increased use of renewable generation in the electrical supply are key policy directions in the drive to reduce emissions from the energy system. Under the Climate Action Plan (CAP), the public sector is obliged to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency, and is expected to play a leadership role in the clean energy transition. As a public sector organisation, UCD aims to respond to these targets and aims to be a net zero organisation by 2040.
In terms of supplying the campus energy needs, the installation of Photovoltaic (PV) panels allows for electricity generation, solar thermal allows for heating, while photovoltaic fabric could generate electricity and increase visibility. However, installation of these low carbon technologies requires careful technoeconomic and socioeconomic assessment to align with UCD strategy and sustainability plans for the campuses.
The objective of this master thesis project is to investigate the economic feasibility of different PV and solar thermal options for the campus. The student will conduct a literature review of the PV and solar thermal technology options. The student may then build a model of PV production using UCD Building Energy Management data for existing PV arrays, and will investigate the main parameters impacting decisions on locating PV or solar thermal on campus locations. Investment costs, running costs, and greenhouse gas emissions will be calculated to understand what trade-offs exist for each option. Finally, the student will explore options to design and optimise the location of PV and solar thermal assets in UCD to provide recommendations to the UCD Estates team who maintain and operate the campus facilities.
This thesis will be conducted with support from UCD Estates and the UCD Sustainable Energy Community (SEC).
Contact: Assoc Prof Paula Carroll, School of Business, (opens in a new window)paula.carroll@ucd.ie