Research/Projects
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ASU Energy Center
The Energy Center was formed in 2002 as an applied research group at Appalachian State University to provide research support for ASU faculty, staff, and the State Energy Office of North Carolina. Housed within the Appalachian Regional Development Institute, the ASU Energy Center explores energy issues as related to building science, renewable energy, public policy, and economic development with most notable accomplishments including authorship of the North Carolina Energy Plan. Partnering with leaders in the state, the Energy Center maintains working relationships with: The N.C. Fuel Cell Alliance (NCFCA); the Renewable Energy for Economic Development (REED) Alliance; The A&T University Center for Energy Research Technology (CERT); and The NCSU Solar Center. Most recently in the news, the ASU Energy Center sponsored the first Zero Energy Home in North Carolina, by contributing program coordination and technical support for this innovative and affordable passive solar Habitat for Humanity House in Hickory, NC. www.energy.appstate.edu
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Appalachian Biofuels and Biomass Initiative
The Appalachian State University Biofuels and Biomass Initiative includes fundamental research, applied design, process engineering, agricultural studies, community outreach, industry relations, economic development, and public policy endeavors. The initiative provides research and application support for biodiesel and ethanol production efforts in the region. Ongoing biofuels projects include the Appalachian State University Biodiesel Research and Testing Facility currently under construction at the Eco-Complex in Catawba County, a “closed loop” biodiesel research and education facility, microwave synthesis of ethanol/methanol biodiesel mixtures from algae and common feedstocks.
The EPA-P3 funded Collaborative Biodiesel Project at Appalachian State University has been a student-led effort to demonstrate a closed-loop biodiesel processor, and create a research and educational facility to teach about biodiesel production and use. Through Phase I and Phase II grants, we have successfully designed and constructed the ASU BEReL (Biodiesel Education and Research Laboratory) that provides renewable energy inputs, recycles side streams, and minimizes waste and pollution. For more information please visit www.biodiesel.appstate.edu
Our goal with this Initiative is to continue to provide unique opportunities for research, education, and community outreach in the growing field of Biofuels while promoting renewable and sustainable production technologies.
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ASU-E3 House
Initially envisioned as a response to the common FEMA trailers used for relief after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, the ASU-E3 House is a prototypical dwelling designed and constructed for use in remote or disaster relief situations where electricity and access to public sanitation are unavailable. Unlike most compact and transportable shelters, the ASU-E3 House is self-sufficient, adaptable to a variety of environmental, contextual and cultural situations. Using a hybridization of modular and local construction techniques to create an energy-efficient envelope, it serves as a high performance, independent machine for living that can accommodate up to five occupants.
The ASU-E3 House is a collaborative design/build project conceived by Building Science faculty members and graduate students. For more information visit:
www.tec.appstate.edu/building/e3house -
Building Systems Research
Researchers in the Building Science program in the Department of Technology have various projects planned and underway utilizing mechanical testing and atomic scale characterization techniques. These projects include certification of innovative structural insulated panel (SIP) wall systems; polyurethane adhesive strength, deformation, and failure analysis; cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) piping deformation and failure analysis; and sealant effectiveness and durability analysis.
Failure analysis of building components is being conducted for structural and envelope integrity during both normal long-term conditions and the extreme stress of natural and man-made disasters. Continual consideration is being given to the affordability of building systems developed, in an effort to improve the integrity of the built environment in developing countries as well as in those with more available resources.
Radiant Barrier Impact Case Study
In the home construction industry one common solution to a customer cooling discomfort complaint is to dispatch the HVAC contractor to replace the existing system with a larger one. This case study, done in conjunction with Centex Homes and using two of their house types as subjects of study, explored one of several alternative strategies to solve a summer cooling complaint. It is generally accepted that attic radiant barriers can reduce attic temperatures during daily peak temperatures in the cooling season. It is also generally accepted that for homes with R-30 ceiling insulation and no HVAC equipment or ducts in the attic that the addition of an attic radiant barrier does not provide an improvement in the home energy efficiency. However this case study was designed to measure the impact of the addition of an attic radiant barrier in an attic which contained both HVAC equipment and ducts. Beyond documenting the impact on roof deck and top of attic insulation temperatures, this case study explored heat gain in an attic supply air duct between the HVAC supply plenum and the ceiling supply boot. It also documented the subsequent impact on the HVAC air handler run. View the complete report
