EME Faculty
Jeffrey R. S. Brownson |
|---|
Assistant Professor of Energy and Mineral Engineering |
| office: | 212 Hosler Building | |
| phone: | 814-865-8473 | |
| email: | nanomech@psu.edu | |
| fax: | 814-865-3248 |
View Brownson Group Web site
Bio
Biographical Sketch
Jeffrey R. S. Brownson is an Assistant Professor of Energy and Mineral Engineering and the principle investigator supervising the Penn State team (Natural Fusion) in the Solar Decathlon 2009. Dr. Brownson offers a unique background as a materials scientist for energy systems, having pursued his degrees within the context of environmental chemistry and the geosciences. His complementary background in environmental chemistry and mineralogy provides a basis for materials research within the constraints of sustainability and materials fate in the environment.
Educational Background
Ph.D. (Environmental Chemistry & Technology), University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2005
M.S. (Geology), University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2001
B.S. (Geology), University of North Dakota, 1999
Active Research Projects
Our sun yields pettawatt (1x1015) levels of light power at Earth's surface. No other available resource can provide this much power. Both optical (UV/Vis) and thermal (IR) bands of light energy must be harnessed to optimize the large portfolio of solar energy technologies. Solar technologies can include direct conversion of light to electricity (photovoltaics), hydrogen fuel generation from water and hydrocarbon sources, concentrating solar power for electrical power, and lower grade thermal hot water/air production.
The Brownson Team currently focuses on photovoltaics (PV), the materials and systems that allow the direct conversion of sunlight to electrical energy. Our research achieves a unique vertical integration of expertise within the field of solar energy conversion by supporting a multidisciplinary environment for: 1. materials research; 2. integrative solar systems; and 3. energy simulations for network (electrical grid) deployment of solar technologies.
Research Projects
Metal chalcogenide thin film materials for PV devices:
Current materials research is focused on synthesis and characterization of tin monosulfide (SnS); a promising light absorbing material for thin-film solar cells due to its favorable light absorption properties, stable nature and the inexpensive availability of the raw materials tin and sulfur.
Student Researcher: Mr. Ramprasad Chandrasekharan (Ph.D. candidate)
Computational simulation and testing of integrative PV modules:
Our group is reassessing "Building-integrated photovoltaics" (BIPV), conventionally described as a PV module that replaces a functional material in a building (such as a shingle on a roof). We have found that minimal replacement of building materials with PV modules alone will tend to pessimize the PV system and the building as a whole. Using transient energy simulations, we are developing a new approach termed Systems-Integrative PhotoVoltaics (SIPV). SIPV conversion systems function as a whole heat/power technology within the building, rather than a simple replacement material with a PV module.
Student Researcher: Mr. Lucas Witmer (M.S. candidate)
Collaborators: Prof. Lisa Iulo (Arch), Dr. Susan Stewart (ARL)
Simulation and economic analysis of alternative module geometries for power gains in fixed axis PV systems:
We are also exploring innovative integration of PV systems for grid-tied (net-metered) homes and developments. PV system configurations are simulated, importing State College weather/radiation data to calculate power output (gains) given a variety of unconventional orientations. Given a system with no centralized storage capacity, we find that PV modules can be mounted on a roof with specific orientations to integrate intervals of energy gains from the PV system with periods of high demand for electricity in a building. Furthermore, we have analyzed the new systems for a time-of-use purchasing scenario, matching orientations and electrical gains with periods in the day when it is economically beneficial to sell to the grid.
Student Researchers: Mr. Jeff Rayl (B.S. student in EE); Mr. Oladipo A. Ositelu (M.S. candidate)
Collaborators: Dr. Seth Blumsack (EME)
Solar powered home-the Natural Fusion project (www.solar.psu.edu):
The Solar Decathlon is a biannual international competition for university students and faculty to design, build, and operate a home powered by the sun. This is a university-wide research arc involving eight colleges and multiple industrial partners. The Natural Fusion project unites design and engineering, and energy demands are balanced against our solar resource. We are working to address a contemporary problem that is important to researchers, society, and industry.
Selected Publications
- Brownson, J. R. S., Lévy-Clément, C. Electrodeposition of a- and ß-Cobalt Hydroxides Thin Films via Dilute Nitrate Solution Reduction. Phys. Stat. Sol. (b), 2008, DOI 10.1002/pssb.200879534.
- Brownson, J. R. S., Georges, C., Larramona, G., Jacob, A., Delatouche, B., Lévy-Clément, C. Chemistry of tin monosulfide (d-SnS) electrodeposition: Effects of pH and temperature with tartaric acid. J. Electrochem. Soc. 2007, 155(1), D40.
- Brownson, J. R. S., Georges, C., Lévy-Clément, C. Synthesis of a d-SnS polymorph by electrodeposition. Chem. Materials, 2006 18(26), 6397.
- Brownson, J. R. S., Tejedor-Tejedor, M. I., Anderson, M. A. FTIR study of methanol and ethanol interactions with anatase surfaces with respect to UV irradiation. J. Phys. Chem. B, 2006 110(25), 12494.
- Brownson, J. R. S., Tejedor-Tejedor, M. I., Anderson, M. A. Photoreactive anatase consolidation characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. Chem. Materials, 2005, 17(25), 6304.
Teaching
In my mentoring and coursework, I emphasize the overlap between materials science and environmental science and engineering. Science and engineering at EME is learned within the larger context (and limitations) of the natural environment of Earth. There is a possibility for important interdisciplinary feedback between energy and materials research and environmental technology. I welcome and strongly encourage undergraduate independent studies in my laboratory, and also support strong writing skills for recording field and laboratory research notes and for communicating final reports of the caliber expected in industry. My hope is to encourage a love of learning while introducing the opportunity for engineers to develop profitable technological advances that are sustainable and adaptable to rapidly changing engineering demands.
Recent Activities and Awards
Activities
- J. R. S. Brownson, Invited Talk: Power from the Sun: Solar 101. NE Renewable Energy Conference. University Park, PA. August 27, 2008.
- J. R. S. Brownson, Post-graduate Course Development: Leading a collaboration with Penn State Center for Sustainability to create a web-course for practical installation of photovoltaic systems in residential/commercial buildings. July 2008-present.
- J. R. S. Brownson, Lead Instructor: Exploring Renewable Energy Technologies and the Materials that Make it Happen. Science Workshop for Educators. NASA's Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium. June 22-28, 2008.
- J. R. S. Brownson, Director, Natural Fusion project: Supervising research/education/outreach for the Pennsylvania State University faculty/student/industry team in Solar Decathlon 2009. Involving seven colleges and three industrial partners. November 2007-present.
Awards/Honors/Recognitions
- 2002: Mineralogical Society of America: Edward H. Kraus Grant for Research in Crystallography
- 2001: Clay Minerals Society Student Research Grant
- 1999, 2000: Lewis G. Weeks Graduate Research Fellowship
Research Interests
- Thin film materials synthesis for photovoltaic devices
- System-Integrative Photovoltaics (SIPV): design for building integration
- System-scale transient energy simulations for buildings
- Environmental Technology: Sustainable materials design