1. Carbon Sequestration
CE 394K.2
Juan Moran-Lopez

2. Quote of the Day
“I’m not a prophet or a stone-age man, just a mortal with potential of a superman. I’m living on. I’m tethered to the logic of homo sapien, can’t take my eyes off the great salvation of (false) faith. If I don’t explain what you ought to know, you can tell me all about it in the next bardo.”
—David Bowie

3. Outline Mechanics of CO2 and climate change Solar Panels Reforestation
Conclusion

4. Radiation Balance

5. Electromagnetic Radiation

6. Why CO2?
“Water Vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere…”—NCDC
Gas removed
% Reduction in GE
H2O
36%
CO2
12% O3 3%
Source: Ramanathan and Coakley, Rev. Geophys and Space Phys., (1978)

7. Quantum Mechanics Trans. Rot. Vib. Linear (CO2) 3 2 3N-5 Non-Linear
Molecular degrees of freedom
Trans.
Rot.
Vib.
Linear
(CO2) 3 2
3N-5
Non-Linear
(H2O)
3N-6

8. Effects of CO2 buildup Positive feedback cycle of global warming
Acidification of oceans
Increase in vegetative growth

9. Study Area: Austin, TX

10. Austin Power Production

11. Austin Emissions

12. Austin and Surrounding Area

14. Land Use Area (sq ft) Area (sq m) Ideal Solar Panel Area 21236983290
Buildings
6.82E+07
Ideal Reforestation Area
3.92E+08

15. Solar Panels Austin irradiance is 5.26 kW-h/m2/day
This is a “Good” rating for solar power
Estimated Available Area: 68.2 km2
Online Example

16. Possible Energy Production

17. Net Primary Productivity

18. Net Primary Productivity
MODIS Land Data
61 km X 61 km
Centered at Main Building
Lat:
Long:

19. Possible Carbon Sequestration

20. Conclusions
Austin can produce almost 1500 MW-h/day with only 10% of building area covered with solar panels
Trees in 20% of open areas can sequester almost 40,000 tons of Carbon per year