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Degree

Master of Science, Ohio State University, Mechanical Engineering, 2010.

Abstract

With the passing of its Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard and Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard Ohio has committed itself to the generation of electricity from alternative and renewable recourses. Since the systems used to capture renewable energy are very expensive, it would make good business since to draw companies who produce renewable energy capturing systems into Ohio to develop and manufacture the necessary components thus providing jobs and keeping Ohio dollars in Ohio.

The purpose of this thesis is twofold: firstly, it involves the development of software that optimally sizes and places renewable energy systems (Photovoltaics, Wind Turbines, etc.) based on the amount of resources present. Secondly, it utilizes geographically detailed renewable energy resources, job classifications as outlined in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), and academic resources at statewide universities to establish what are being deemed as Opportunity Zones (OZs) around the state of Ohio.

Opportunity Zones (OZs) are areas in Ohio that offer a significant platform for renewable energy development. OZs were developed through the consideration of multiple variables geographically bounded using the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) economic regions.

After examination and interpretation of these variables the top three ODOD regions related to business growth for each of the following were determined and are summarized: solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal. The results for each are indentified in the following manner: Solar: region 5, region 8, and region 1; Wind: region 8, region 4, region 1; Biomass: region 4, region 1, region 8; and Geothermal: region 9, region 8, region 5.

Subject Headings

Energy; Engineering

Keywords

Renewable Energy; Opportunity Zone; NAICS

Committee / Advisors

Gregory Washington (Advisor)
Vish Subramaniam (Committee Member)

Pages

187p.

Document number: osu1282058272
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1282058272

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