The surface of the earth receives a tremendous amount of energy from the sun. It is estimated that the amount of solar energy that strikes the earth's surface daily is greater than the amount of energy used worldwide in 25 years. READ MORE
Thomas E. Glavinich
Freelance Writer
Thomas E. Glavinich is an associate professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering at the University of Kansas. He can be reached at 785.864.3435 and tglavinich@ku.edu.
Articles by Thomas E. Glavinich
May 2005
| under
Photovoltaic (PV) modules convert sunlight directly into electrical energy. Integrating PV into a building will impact its operation. Not only will the PV system produce electric energy to serve building loads but it can also reduce the building's electric demand and air-conditioning heat load. This article will discuss the impact that PV can have on building operation. READ MORE
April 2005
| under
The installation of photovoltaic (PV) equipment is governed by a number of industry codes and standards. Electrical contractors need to be aware of the codes and standards to ensure a safe and functional PV installation. This article will briefly discuss the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements as well as The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. READ MORE
March 2005
| under
The most focused on and visible part of a photovoltaic (PV) installation is the technology used. PV technology usually takes the form of rigid PV panels mounted on a building's roof, which represents another independent building system that needs to be installed. READ MORE
February 2005
| under
There are a number of photovoltaic (PV) technologies available for converting sunlight into electrical energy. For building applications, technologies that are commercially available are predominately silicon-based and can be categorized as either crystalline silicon or thin film. Each has different operating characteristics, conversion efficiencies and costs. READ MORE
January 2005
| under
Photovoltaics (PV) are semiconductors that convert sunlight directly to direct-current (DC) electric power. Photovoltaic technology has been used for years in specific applications where conventional utility service is not readily available or practical. READ MORE
December 2004
| under
The capabilities and availability of information technology (IT) are increasing rapidly for the electrical contracting firm. New IT products and services that promise to improve efficiency and increase profits are introduced daily. These include Web-enabled cell phones, high-speed satellite Internet service at project sites and many others. READ MORE
November 2004
| under
State of the art technology continue to provide electrical contracting firms with opportunities. Customers need help selecting, installing, maintaining and upgrading their voice/data/video (VDV) systems. As these systems become increasingly integrated, interdependent and complex, the electrical contracting firm should try to become the customer's preferred supplier of VDV services. READ MORE
November 2004
| under
Distributed generation (DG) refers to the practice of locating small-scale electric generating units at or near the load served. With distributed generation, individual buildings or complexes can have a local electric power supply that provides some or all of the facility's electric energy needs. READ MORE