Matthew J. Traum

Matthew J. Traum is an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering at the University of North Texas where his research focuses on the synergy of energy- and nano-technologies. He completed a Ph.D. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and MIT’s Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN) where he invented a nanotechnology-enabled technique for Soldier thermal management. Before coming to MIT, Traum was an engineer at Nextek Power Systems, Inc., and he also conducted research at the National Fuel Cell Research Center, part of the Advanced Power and Energy Program at the Univeristy of California, Irvine. Traum’s personal Web page can be accessed at http://www.mtraum.com.

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Recent Posts

The Bad Driver List

There are more idiots on the roads these days than good drivers. When you find yourself in a near fender-bender with a wannabe Mad Max, what recourse do you have other than exchanging rude finger gestures and putting as much distance as possible between you and the driver training dropout?

I’ve decided to do my part to help rid the roads of unsafe drivers. From now on, whenever I have a near accident with someone who should clearly not have a driver’s license, I am going to post as much information as I can about the incident on this blog. Like a modern day scarlet letter, I am going to publicly shame bad drive...Read More

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Expiring Tax Credits May Sink Major Arizona Solar Project

There is a good, short article posted on-line recently in the Christian Science Monitor entitled, “Arizona’s Solar Aspirations In Peril”. The article suggests that large-scale solar power plants are still far from being competitive with conventional fossil-fired plants, even in a place that sees 325 days of sunshine per year. According to the article, expiration of the federal Investment Tax Credit in 2008 is going to sink a 1 billion dollar solar project slated to elevate Arizona’s prominence as renewable energy hub.

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Update on Solar LED Performance

Last week, I installed a dozen solar-powered LED walkway lamps in my front yard; one of several small DIY projects I have undertaken to adapt my home in a sustainable way to my family’s habits. The details of how these lights work are described in my recent post, “Solar LED Luminaires Light My Path Home”, but I have not had a chance to check on their performance until this evening.

I took a picture of my walkway after sunset to show the level of illumination these solar LED lamps provide. I intentionally used my neighbor&rsqu...Read More

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Auto Shut-Off Timers Adapt Lighting Controls to User Habits

Among the cardinal rules for designing (or re-designing) energy efficiency into buildings is to consider how the space is used by its occupants. If designed correctly, interior spaces induce people to make more efficient choices, such as using reduced light or water to attain the desired level of comfort.

The beauty of the built environment is that when people’s habits cannot be modified or when design is not conducive to efficient use of resources, the space can simply be re-designed. Sometimes very minor changes can make dramatic impacts.

My master bathroom is case-in-point. The toilet resides in a little closet separate from the rest of the bathroom. My routine for the...Read More

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Solar LED Luminaires Light My Path Home

Inspired to continue “greening” my new house with renewable and energy efficient technologies, I purchased a set of solar-powered walkway lamps that use light emitting diodes (LEDs) as luminaires. The lights are a generic brand similar to Malibu One-Light Outdoor Solar-Powered Walk Lights, and according to the manufacturer, they can stay illuminated for more than 10 hours on a full charge from 8-hours of direct sunlight. I have yet to test this claim through personal observation.

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Matthew J. Traum

User Stats

Recent Posts

The Bad Driver List

Expiring Tax Credits May Sink Major Arizona Solar Project

Update on Solar LED Performance

Auto Shut-Off Timers Adapt Lighting Controls to User Habits

Solar LED Luminaires Light My Path Home

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