AbstractsPhysics

Distributed energy sources, such as solar and wind generated electricity, provide intermittent, yet ???free??? and renewable energy. Distributed (or decentralized) energy has the potential to empower consumers and is likely to spearhead the next energy revolution, but only if the use of renewable energy can become more reliable, regardless of weather conditions. Recognizing the importance of renewable energy, including energy storage, the state of California recently set mandates on the expansion of energy storage to 1.3 gigawatts by 2020. One common form of energy storage, car batteries,are manufactured in the tens of millions each month, and as much as 98% are recycled for lead and plastic. These lead-acid batteries (LAB) have been overlooked as potential storage devices for home energy because they are specifically designed as automobile starter batteries. However, with so many units in circulation, used automobile LAB are an easily accessible option that deserve to be tested for their energy storage capacity and residual economic value. Advisors/Committee Members: Lee, Yam (advisor), Lawrence, Denise (committee member).