Plenary Lecture

Steven E. Letendre, Ph.D.
Director of Research
58 Sundog Lane
Middletown Springs, VT 05757
802-235-1369
sletendre@prometheusinstitute.org

Biography

Steven Letendre currently serves as the Director of Research for the Cambridge-based Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development. The Institute is focused on accelerating the deployment of socially-beneficial, sustainable technologies. In 1997, he received a Ph.D. from the University of Delaware in Urban Affairs and Public Policy with a concentration in energy policy and economics. In addition, he holds a masters degree in economics from Binghamton University. Prior to pursuing his doctoral studies, Steven was employed as an energy economist at the Research Triangle Institute in North Carolina.

Dr. Letendre has over ten years of experience conducting research on a variety of energy related topics. He has published widely on the topics of solar energy and advanced vehicle technology. He is one of a small group of researchers pioneering the concept of vehicle to grid (V2G) power, whereby grid-connected cars provide valuable services to enhance grid reliability. He has also served to advance the emerging vehicle integrated photovoltaic (VIPV) concept. An article on this topic authored by Letendre was featured in the May/June 2006 edition of Solar Today. Dr. Letendre has served as a consultant on a range of projects for a variety of organizations including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, California Air Resources Board, Union of Concerned Scientists, Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, and the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center at Albany University.

Ushering in an Era of Solar-Powered Mobility

Abstract

Modern economic systems rely on a frenetic movement of people and goods from near and far, dependent upon a tremendous volume of low cost fuels. This fundamental pillar of modern economic systems is beginning to crumble; new, innovative ideas will be required to sustain even a minimum level of mobility as world petroleum supplies enter the downward slope toward depletion. Several very promising opportunities emerge as the vehicle fleet moves toward at least partial electric drive, initially in the form of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). Using electricity to provide some portion of the energy needed for transportation allows for the use of renewable energy sources (beyond biofuels) such as solar and wind.

This paper will cover the various technological paths that would allow solar and wind power to serve as an energy source for transportation. The emerging vehicle integrated PV (VIPV) concept is discussed, making solar an integral part of the vehicle. Also, the importance of grid-connected cars in the form of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) architecture will be discussed. The electrification of the transport sector will ultimately promote the integration of this sector with the electricity sector; the implications of this integration are profound and will be highlighted in this presentation. Imagine one day a scenario whereby millions of cars with battery storage are connected to the electric grid allowing large penetration of renewable forms of energy like solar and wind. At the same time, this new paradigm provides enhanced grid reliability and lower overall system costs.