Wind Energy
Some areas in Nevada have wind conditions suitable for utility scale electricity production. Nevada’s total wind resources have an estimated electricity generating potential of 55 million MWhr/year. However, the wind resources are highly variable in space, time, speed, and direction. Better understanding of wind profiles and the effects of windshear and turbulence on turbine performance and reliability is needed. Through the NSWEP Program, DRI is helping Nevada tap into its wind resource.
Specific Projects
Hydrogen in Transportation
Hydrogen (H2) offers the promise of a renewable fuel for transportation uses, but also presents enormous challenges in terms of production, distribution, storage, and use. DRI is investigating some of these issues, as well as the codes, standards, and other requirements for building and operating an H2 vehicle refueling station. Most of our work to date has been in cooperation with the Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) who has donated two paratransit vehicles to DRI for our use.
Specific Projects
Hydrogen-Based Renewable Power System
Nevada has over 10,000 off-grid locations requiring some form of electrical power generation. DRI has developed a modular, portable system by which renewable resources (sun and wind) are used to produce H2 via electrolysis. When excess renewable power is available, it is stored in the form of H2, as well as in a small battery pack. When additional power is needed, the stored H2 is used in an internal combustion engine/generator system. The modularity of this system makes it attractive for experimenting and assessing the performance of various components.
Specific Projects
Biomass/Biofuels
While Nevada does not possess large quantities of conventional biomass resources, its abundant solar and geothermal resources make the State ideal for growing algae as a biofuel feedstock. In addition, Nevada has a growing interest in biodiesel fuel, produced from virgin and waste oils used within the State.
There is also increasing interest in both biochemical and thermochemical technologies for converting cellulosic biomass into fuels (and heat/power)
Specific Projects
- Pollutant Emissions Study for Biodiesel (B20)
- Thermal Conversion Options for Biorefinery Residues - Project pending
- Gridley-II Biofuels Project - Project pending
- Investigation of Plant-Derived Biofuels as Potential Blend Stock for Transportation Fuels - Project pending
Other Project Areas
Specific Projects
- Planning for DRI Renewable Energy Center (REC)
- Residential Utility Monitoring System
