A method of controlling a wind turbine's speed by varying the orientation, or pitch, of the blades, and thereby altering its aerodynamics and efficiency.

The ability to dispatch power.

A solar collector in which the absorber is contained in a sealed glass tube, thereby providing for relatively high temperature heat gain.

A building element that provides protection against the sun, wind, and precipitation.

Power plants, whose output depends on a factor(s) that cannot be controlled by the power generator because they utilize intermittent resources such as solar energy or the wind.

The number of revolutions that the motor turns in a given time period (i.e. revolutions per minute, rpm).

A term used to describe a technologically advanced window system that contains glazing that can change or switch its optical qualities when a low voltage electrical signal is applied to it, or in response to changes in heat or light.

Solar Two is a retrofit of the Solar One project (see above). It is demonstrating the technical feasibility and power potential of a solar power tower using advanced molten-salt technology to store energy. Solar Two retains several of the main components ...

The planting, cultivation, and harvesting of a single species of crop in a specified area.

Ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH)

A type of inverter that produces square wave output.; consists of a DC source, four switches, and the load. The switches are power semiconductors that can carry a large current and withstand a high voltage rating. The switches are turned on and off at a c ...

A chemical element that can be used as a fuel since it has a very high energy content.

Standardized codes used to classify businesses by type of activity they engage in.

A body of water that contains brackish (highly saline) water that forms layers of differing salinity (stratifies) that absorb and trap solar energy. Solar ponds can be used to provide heat for industrial or agricultural processes, building heating and coo ...

Legal documents that regulate construction to protect the health, safety, and welfare of people. Codes establish minimum standards but do not guarantee efficiency or quality.

Nonglossy paint with a relatively high absorptance.

Recombination occurring in the emitter region of a photovoltaic cell.

The analysis of atmospheric conditions, particularly moisture in the air.

A law that requires electric utilities to purchase electricity produced from qualifying power producers that use renewable energy resources or are cogenerators. Utilities are required to purchase power at a rate equal to the avoided cost of generating the ...

A method used to estimate building heating loads by assuming that heat loss and gain is proportional to the equivalent heat-loss coefficient for the building envelope.