Ingenium 2020
Evaluating carbon reduction strategies for the University of Pittsburgh Eli Brocka, Sabrina Nguyena, Dr. Katrina Kelly-Pitoub, Dr. Robert Kerestesa Electrical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA Dr. Katrina Kelly-Pitou was part of the Center for Energy at the University of Pittsburgh when the project kicked off, but now works for SmithGroup in Pittsburgh, PA a
b
Eli Brock is a sophomore electrical engineering student. He is interested in power systems, mathematical modeling, and sustainable energy. He plans to pursue a PhD after graduating.
Eli Brock
Sabrina Nguyen is a senior electrical engineering student planned to graduate in the spring. Her interests lie in electric distribution systems, renewable energy, and sustainable energy practices. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in electric power systems and sustainability following her undergraduate career.
Sabrina Nguyen
Dr. Katrina Kelly-Pitou
Katrina Kelly-Pitou is an expert in energy systems and urban development. Currently, she acts as an Urban Systems Strategist at SmithGroup in Pittsburgh.Pulling together architects, landscape architects, engineers, and behavioral scientists, the Urban System’s group focuses on bridging the gaps between the technical and social development needed to future-proof cities across the globe. Katrina leads the interdisciplinary energy designs that are needed to transition society towards a zero-carbon future. In addition to her postdoctoral research in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, Katrina holds a PhD from the University of Nottingham in Energy Development Studies, a Masters in International Relations from Hult International Business School, and a BA/BSc from Duquesne University. She is a regular contributing to IEEE PES, IEEE Smart Cities, Energy Policy, and the European Economic Review.
Robert Kerestes received his Ph.D. from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh in 2014. Prior to that he also received his M.S. (2012), and his B.S. (2010) all with a concentration in electric power systems at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to his education, Robert served in the United States Navy as an interior communications electrician onboard the USS Constellation from 1998-2002 and then as a construction electrician in the Seabees Naval Construction Battalion from 2002-2006. Following his education, Robert worked at Emerson Automation Solutions (formerly known as Emerson Process Management) where he led the development and implementation of mathematical models for electric power applications related to embedded simulation. In 2016, Robert Robert Kerestes joined the University of Pittsburgh’s ECE Department where he focuses on the advancement of pedagogy and assessment in the field of electrical engineering, particularly in the areas of electric power distribution systems, distributed energy resources, and electromagnetism. Robert’s research interests are in the development of the next generation of electric power distribution systems and the integration of renewable energy resources into the distribution sector. Robert took on the role of Director of the Electrical Engineering Undergraduate Program in the Spring of 2017 and currently serves in that role.
Significance Statement
For an urban, cloudy campus like the University of Pittsburgh, unique factors come into play when deciding between carbon reduction strategies. For this university, this study finds on-campus, university-owned solar is a less effective initiative than green power purchase agreements.
Category: Computational research
Keywords: urban, campus, electric generation, efficiency, solar, decarbonization
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