This project explores the design of a grid independent community in Fort Worth with 200 houses using only solar and wind energy sources. Data for the project has been obtained from Dr. Michaelides, which includes excel spreadsheets and research to aid in finding optimal efficiencies in the design of buildings. The design will include energy production, usage, and storage. We are planning on using one small wind turbine with supplementary solar power; we will also be able to store excess energy. We will do calculations to determine how much energy needs to be stored and how large our solar panels need to be to sustain our community.

Solar net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) are energy-efficient structures that generate as much electricity on-site as they consume over one year. This project involves designing a net-zero solar home in Fort Worth, Texas, using well-insulated construction materials, optimized building orientation to maximize sunlight, and efficient heating and cooling equipment. The home’s energy demand is met primarily by electricity produced from a photovoltaic (PV) system, while space heating and cooling are provided by a ground source heat pump (GSHP). Energy calculations and modeling are performed to estimate annual electricity consumption, determine the required PV system size, and evaluate GSHP operation. Results indicate that the home can reach net-zero energy performance under typical climate conditions in Fort Worth. This project shows that combining on-site solar generation with energy-efficient design strategies can significantly reduce residential energy use and lower environmental impact.

An analysis of the sound-producing characteristics of a tenor trombone has been initiated at TCU. Focus of the effort will be on the model Conn 44H "Vocabell" tenor trombone due to its unique rimless bell. A numerical model of the instrument using Autodesk Inventor has been created. The model was then analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics.

Key areas of focus include understanding the interaction between the instrument's structural vibrations and the sound radiated from the bell. The "Vocabell" design, known for its unique construction and acoustic qualities, will be critically examined to assess how its geometry and material properties influence sound production and associated frequency spectrum. Radiated sound and structural vibration measurements have been conducted on the physical instrument, providing data for model correlation and validation. Once validated, the numerical model will be used to explore more advanced concepts of brass instrument design.

Ultrasonic cavitation is a critical process in industrial cleaning and sonochemistry, yet its efficiency is frequently compromised by inconsistent energy distribution. This research investigates the complex inner workings of acoustic harmonics and their influence on the cavitation field within a contained tub. While traditional systems suffer from undesirable "hot spots" and "dead zones," this project systematically examines how transducer positioning and operating frequencies govern harmonic resonance and subsequent cavitation intensity. Utilizing a controlled test tub, empirical data will be gathered through standardized measurement techniques, including aluminum foil erosion, to visualize and map harmonic wave patterns. The primary objective is to quantify the relationship between these resonant frequencies and cavitation uniformity. The findings will yield actionable design principles for optimizing ultrasonic systems, advancing our understanding of harmonic behavior to improve process efficiency and consistency in precision engineering applications.

This paper discusses the design of a 20-MW photovoltaic solar power plant near Yuma, Arizona. It presents the requirements to create such a power plant by using the efficiency of a selected PV solar cell as a parameter to determine the cost and area requirements, along with capacity factor and expected average power output throughout the year. The meteorological data used includes wind speed, temperature, solar zenith angle, surface albedo, direct normal irradiance (DNI), diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI), and global horizontal irradiance (GHI), collected at 30-minute intervals from 2018 to 2024 sourced from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB) at coordinates 32.08°N, 113.87°W. 

This project’s objective is to prototype a high-flow nebulizer that is capable of vaporizing 5 mL of medication in a 60 second treatment. After extensive research & testing of numerous existing nebulizers, we have chosen to develop two nebulizers. The first nebulizer uses vibration to push the medication through a tiny perforated mesh plate. The second nebulizer vibrates the medication directly as produces mist. These two systems are affectionately called the “mesh” & “ultrasonic” nebulizers; we are developing 2 independent prototypes for each of these methods.

This paper reports the design of an 80 MW Wind Farm in Marfa, TX. I have selected a group of the Siemens SWT-2.3-108 turbines for the moderate winds felt in Marfa (as compared to the Texas panhandle). A layout is developed to reduce wake losses and satisfy noise & environmental constraints. The point of interconnection for the farm is the ERCOT transmission system. Project economics are estimated from AEP, O&M, and federal tax incentives to gauge the electricity cost and overall viability.

This project proposes the design and implementation of a net-zero energy home in Fort Worth, Texas, powered primarily through solar energy. The objective is to offset all annual household electricity consumption through on-site renewable generation. Based on average yearly usage, the average home requires approximately 13128 kWh of electricity per year. To meet the demands, the system incorporates a solar photovoltaic (PV) array sized to generate a sufficient amount of power to offset the full electricity usage per year, sending energy back to the grid when the amount generated exceeds the demand, and supplementing energy from the grid when the demand is higher than the supply. The design accounts for seasonal variation in solar irradiance typical of North Texas. This model demonstrates the feasibility of sustainable residential energy independence in the Fort Worth region.

Abstract: This paper will detail the general design and operation of an 80-MW wind power plant in the high wind Carbon County of Southeast Wyoming. Using hourly wind data, the study will model wind profiles and perform parametric analyses of different design aspects. The research will discuss two possible configurations of 22 x 4 MW turbines or 30 x 3 MW turbines to determine the impact that an individual turbine’s capacity can have on design and energy production/efficiency. The study will focus on analyzing the Annual Energy Production and Capacity Factor based on height and spacing. The goal of this study is to design the better of the two configurations after analyzing them to determine which will provide a better energy output.

A net zero energy house is a residential dwelling that produces an amount of electric energy that is at least equivalent to the amount of electric energy it consumes. This report describes technology and methods applicable to the creation of a net zero electric energy consumption house in Phoenix, Arizona with a focus on energy from photovoltaic sources. Specifically, this report utilizes local environmental and energy usage data to prescribe an appropriately sized solar energy system combined with energy saving insulation practices to reduce power grid draw while maintaining modern conveniences.