Technical reports, preprints, mathematical modeling frameworks, and open engineering courseware published by the PowerLab Open Energy Research Group. Open-access research resources registered with persistent DOIs for engineering courseware, syllabus citation, and laboratory benchmarking.
A rigorous mathematical and code-compliance analysis of continuous-load thermal mechanics in residential Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). Evaluates the 125% continuous duty multiplier under NFPA 70 (NEC Article 625.42), terminal temperature ratings under NEC 110.14(C) (60Ā°C vs 75Ā°C limits), conductor ampacity derating adjustments under NEC Table 310.16, and Joule heating dynamics (IĀ²R) in residential enclosures.
A thermodynamic evaluation of air-source heat pump (ASHP) performance across sub-freezing ambient temperature spectra (-20Ā°C to +10Ā°C). Models vapor-compression Carnot limits, refrigeration enthalpy drops, coefficient of performance (COP) nonlinear decline, defrost cycle parasitic consumption, and the financial impact of staging auxiliary electric resistance elements (strip heat) versus dual-fuel natural gas systems.
Presents a deterministic load sizing framework for emergency residential generators under NEC Article 702 and ISO 8528-5. Investigates transient sub-transient reactance (X''d), Locked Rotor Amperage (LRA) voltage dip envelopes during inductive motor starts (compressors, well pumps, sump pumps), sequential soft-starting step curves, and fuel-type derating factors (Gasoline vs Propane vs Natural Gas).
Examines anisotropic sky diffuse and ground-reflected albedo transposition models (Perez & Hay-Davies) across seasonal solar panel tilt configurations. Quantifies high-latitude snow albedo capture enhancements (+25% to +40% diffuse boost), sub-zero temperature coefficient open-circuit voltage expansion (NEC 690.7), and string inverter maximum DC input voltage limits.
A deterministic mathematical and thermodynamic framework evaluating non-linear electrochemical rate kinetics and power electronics losses in stationary battery storage. Formulates Peukert capacity derating across varying C-rates (comparing lead-acid k=1.15ā1.30 vs. LiFePO4 k=1.05), usable depth of discharge (DoD) operational boundaries, and continuous quiescent inverter tare power consumption (Ptare=15Wā65W) during extended emergency backup scenarios.
Students model real-world battery bank autonomy across varying discharge rates (0.05C to 1.0C). The exercise contrasts empirical Peukert derating across lead-acid (k = 1.15ā1.30) vs. LiFePO4 (k = 1.02ā1.05) chemistries, revealing how low-load inverter tare dissipation can reduce autonomy by over 50%.
Investigates the ground view factor (1 - cos Ī²)/2 in tilted photovoltaic arrays. Students quantify diffuse irradiance amplification across high-albedo winter ground cover and calculate temperature-adjusted string Voc peaks to protect MPPT power electronics from cold-weather destruction.
Lab Unit 03Power Distribution / Commercial Electrification / IBEW ApprenticeshipsTechnical Apprenticeship / Upper Division EE
Continuous-Duty Thermal Sizing, Conductor Terminal Limits, and Branch Circuit Ampacity for Level 2 EVSE
Students evaluate continuous-load thermal mechanics in electric vehicle branch circuits. Focuses on terminal lug heating (IĀ²R), 60Ā°C vs. 75Ā°C conductor termination limits, and the code hazard of using 6 AWG Romex (NM-B) for 48A charging.
Open Scientific Benchmark Datasets & Data Packages
9 Datasets
Looking for raw empirical data? PowerLab maintains a dedicated, open-access repository of reproducible benchmark datasets for solar insolation, battery degradation kinetics, EVSE terminal thermal heating, motor inrush currents, and heat pump COPs.
PowerLab technical reports and computational models are designed for direct adoption into undergraduate engineering curricula, vocational electrical apprenticeship training (IBEW/NECA/NJATC), and applied research:
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