Objective: To create a spatially- and temporally-resolved inventory of heat emissions from the energy sectors in New York City (NYC)
Background: Over three quarters of the energy consumed in the internal combustion engines is converted to waste heat while powering motor vehicles. Similarly, around two third of the energy for electricity generation is rejected as waste heat. In the building sector, air conditioning systems have to reject heat to the atmosphere in order to maintain comfortable indoor temperature levels in the summer, while heat will be transferred from the warm indoor environments to outdoor in the winter. Anthropogenic heat emissions have been recognized as a climate forcing term, which can be substantially higher in urban regions, varying between 20 to 1,000 Wm-2), thus contributing significantly to the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon.
Methodology: New York City has developed a detailed inventory for energy use in different sectors as part of its PlaNYC efforts. We will apply system analysis to estimate the heat emissions associated with the energy activities in building sectors. The heat emissions from the transportation sector has completed from a previous project. GIS tools will be used to organize and present data. PhD students will be available to offer assistance on how to use those tools. We will work closely with staff at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Long-term Planning and Sustainability. Biweekly conference calls are expected.
Deliverable: Besides a comprehensive MEng report, students are required to write a concise summary of this project for policy makers.
Contact: Prof. Max Zhang, kz33@cornell.edu, 287 Grumman Hall