Professor Homayoon “Amir” Abtahi from Florida Atlantic University, Florida, USA will give a seminar talk on 31st March, 2011 at ULAB.  The program will take place from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, in Seminar Room, Campus B.  The topic of the seminar is on “Overview of Solar Thermal and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technologies. A First Hand Assessment of a 30-year Journey"  and will be followed by a question and answer session.  Dr. Amir has extensive research, teaching, and professional experience in Solar Energy for many years.

The Seminar  will be organized by Department of Computer Science and Engineering and open for all.  All are cordially invited to attend the seminar.

Abstract

After a brief and general introduction to the basics of solar energy, Amir Abtahi describes his own experience with Solar Thermal and Solar PV over a 30 year period. The original concepts and applications of solar energy are discussed, with examples of some early applications. As the low cost PV,  and high temperature concentrating solar, and advanced lighting and storage technologies begin to affect the energy supply and demand balance, Abtahi takes the audience through the various stages of development and deployment of solar systems from the 1970's into the latter part of the 20th century, and all the way to present day.

Finally, a snapshot of what the Smart Grids of tomorrow may look like is presented and the audience is invited to participate with their own ideas and visions.

Brief Bio of Professor Amir:

• Professor, and Director of Fuel Cell and Solar Energy Laboratory, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, FAU, Boca Raton, Florida-On leave for 2011.
  
• CEO and Chief Design Engineer, GeoSolar Energy Systems, Boca Raton, Florida.
• Ph.D., M.I.T. 1981
  M.S., Mechanical Engineering, M.I.T., 1975
  B.ME., University of Minnesota, 1972