Energy Efficiency & the Environment¦Fuel Cells

A Critical Evaluation Of Emerging Fuel Cell Technology Within The UK Construction Sector. Part 1.

Introduction

45% of energy generated is used to power and maintain buildings, and 5% to construct them. The heating, lighting and cooling of buildings directly through the burning of fossil fuels (gas, coal, oil) and indirectly through the use of electricity is the primary source of Carbon Dioxide and accounts for half of all global warming CIOB (2001)
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Since the establishment of the Kyoto protocol in 1997 there has been increasing attention drawn to climate change and the affect of Co2 emissions on the acceleration of global warming. In the UK central government have aknowledged this by furthering the involvement of the UK by intending to reduce Co2 levels by 20% below 1990 levels by 2010. This trend coupled with the climate change levy tax as well as government funding for ‘greener’ technologies has led to increased marketing and research of renewable technologies to help address the challenge of reducing the carbon footprint of man made structures. The CIOB (2001) goes on further to state that by using renewable energy and alternative efficient technology is a way to help achieve sustainable development. This research project is intended to contribute to the subject and bring the readers attention to the micro generation technologies available, how and why plant and operation of services has a direct affect on the environment and endeavour to determine if the hypothesis is true or false.
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Hypothesis:
Fuel cell technology is a viable alternative to existing technolgies when replacing end of life plant
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Null Hypothesis:
Fuel cell technology is not a viable alternative to existing technolgies when replacing end of life plant
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Aims:
The research project has two broad aims. First to identify the nature of fuel cells and how they are currently used within the construction industry sector; secondly to establish the impact that efficient fuel cells have on existing micro generation technologies.
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Objectives:
1. To establish the historical development of fuel cells.
2. To investigate fuel cell technology as an alternative renewable energy source
3. To assertain the extent of new technology market saturation.
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Research Process
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Qualitative and quantitative data will be used for the purpose of this research project. This will be gathered using questionnaires, case studies, samples and also the use of trade journals and publications as part of a desk based exercise. Consideration has been given especially to some of the following points:
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· To prove the hypothesis or null hypothesis requires a significant amount of primary quantitative data due to the technical/engineering terminology that will be used in gathering data.
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· The research will also require the submission of qualitative data to help achieve the aims and objectives of the report.
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· The quality of data received from correspondence must be of a high caliber and accurate, there must be strong weighting of questions towards fact rather than theory.
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· Selection of Methodology will require significant pre-planning and testing of all systems chosen therefore some methods will be favored than others and not all methods available will be used, this will allow the accurate implementation of data gathering due to the additional time that can be spent on each method chosen.

· Background knowledge must be noted for this research project as my personal knowledge of the array of different micro generation technologies can have two impacts. Firstly my understanding may be useful in the language used for questions Gummerson (2000) states that pre-understanding can speed up the process of data collection on the other hand however my understanding can have a direct affect in influencing bias in the research and that this should be supressed when analysing qualitative data.

Questionnaire/Pilot Study

After completing the literature review, questions will be raised to help improve the methodology approach. At this stage the questionnaire design can be given serious consideration along with the pilot study that will be required. The pilot study is a straight forward way of determining if the questionnaire is receiving the correct type of response and should establish whether the questionnaire is in the correct format, if the layout is simple and easy to complete as well as identifying fundamental errors in why relevant areas of research Have been omitted. Data extrapolated from the pilot study will allow further refinement to the survey and therefore this will help establish the language and style of the questionnaire, Youngman (1986) suggests 6 questionnaire types that can be utilized by the researcher, these are:-
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List
A list of items is offered to the respondent, any of which may be answered.
Category
The respondent can reply to set categories only, e.g. how many amps is considered fatal to human beings, 1, 3, 50, 300, 500
Ranking
The respondent is asked to rate a set of objects or attitudes in ranking order. E.g. a set of qualities or characteristics
Scale
There can be varying stages of scaling devices, such as the rating scale or the linkert method.
Quantity
The response is represented as a number giving an amount of some particular characteristic. E.g. Staff work to 99% attendance – a rating out of 10 can be given to this.
Grid
A table or grid is provided; this allows the respondent to answer more than one question at a time.
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The questionnaire is an important and useful device for the collation of data. Time well spent at the design stage will ensure a more accurate response. The original intention for the design of the questionnaire due to the nature of this research project was for a more quantitative approach mainly due to the specialist subject matter, requiring a response based more on technical ability, rather than a personal viewpoint. After further consideration however, and taking into account the short timescale for the research a two-tier questionnaire will be used of qualitative and quantitative data. The two questionnaires will be sent out selectively with an accompanying letter stating the reason for the questionnaire and general instructions, along with each and every questionnaire will be a pre-paid return envelope as it is considered that this is likely to increase the chance of having the questionnaires returned.

The quantitative questionnaire will be sent to a number of manufactures and engineers purely for technical permissible data. A coding system of the collected quantitative data will used to develop a range of appropriate closed-ended quantitative questions. This will allow statistical manipulation and comparison of the results Gill et al (1997). The second questionnaire will be qualitative with open questions based on the rating scale method. This will help ascertain the market penetration of fuel cell technology and also the sentiment of respondents towards emerging technologies, However, care must be taken not to goad the respondent into a biased automatic response from the questionnaire, Oppenheim (1992) continues to explain that there is the real risk that the design can be emotionally coloured therefore affecting an independent view. The two-tier approach to the questionnaire will assist with the triangulation of methodology, which is explained further on in this research project.
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Interviews.

Due to the time constraints of the research project it will not be possible to carry out interviews as a data collection mechanism. The interview is a long process, which also requires a great deal of preparation and pre-testing of the interview schedule. The interviews would no doubt need to conducted by myself, this in itself is also another reason why interviews will not take place, especially due to the fact of the lack of personal experience in conducting interviews, Smith (1975, p.183) states that “Interviewer trainees…[carry out interviews]….under the supervision of an experienced interviewer” while Bell (1993, p.94) concurs that “interviews require a great deal of expertise to control”

It is noted that the absence of interviews as part of the methodology will reduce the amount of triangulation of data, but it is also considered that the two-tier questionnaire combined with case studies, sampling and the literature review will allow sufficient accurate and unbiased data in the short time frame given, rather than attempting to put together an interview that lacks structure and relevant responses from interviewees.
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Sample.

“Sampling usually permits the researcher to cut costs, reduce manpower requirements, gather information more quickly, and to obtain more comprehensive data” Smith (1975, p.106)

The sample population chosen is done so with the endeavour to achieve reasonable representation. The sample will be in the form of structured self-completion questionnaires and much the same as the two tier questionnaires, will also be piloted to ascertain the correct structure and to also ensure that a large response is attained. Sampling techniques will, “take universe heterogeneity into consideration” Smith (1975, p.109) in an attempt as far as reasonable practicable to target the correct sample universe. The data collected from the initial two questionnaires and the literature review will help to determine the sample universe. This may be considered as a third tier approach; however, the sampling is more specialised and separate to the questionnaires In terms of structure and style inviting the respondent to consider hypothetical scenarios of a mechanical & electrical nature. The sample is qualitative in nature (and open) and respondents are invited to comment on their actions given certain constraints. This will help gauge key decision processes that are considered at purchasing stage E.g. how much consideration is given to payback periods when replacing end of life plant.
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Historical case study

The historical case studies will help to achieve a collation of additional secondary data for the research project. This method of research allows in depth study within a limited timescale and will hopefully identify key issues and aid the decision in determining whether the hypothesis is true. No doubt that for this particular project the case study will be a valid and useful tool allowing to identify the various processes that are ongoing, the work of Bassey (see Bell 1993, p.9) when considering the facts about case studies states, “if by publication of the findings they extend the boundaries of existing knowledge, then they are valid forms of….research”
Participative Observation
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Participative observation, often referred to as The Ethnographic style is the study of groups to collate information relevant to the researcher and will include techniques by the researcher to monitor and measure: form, duration, consequences of behaviour, attitudes and behaviours. This method as a research tool is extremely time consuming and absorbing, perhaps more than preparing and carrying out interviews. “[Participative] observation encompasses not only things that one witnesses through ones visual and audio senses, but also includes any documents, diaries, records, frequency counts, maps, and the like that one may be able to obtain in particular settings” Prus (1996, p.18) It is not uncommon for the observer to actually become integrated into the group and this can lead to bias, Hutchinson (1988) recommends that way one can avoid this is by using a diary or a journal to record personal feelings in an attempt to become aware of, and transcending personal bias. It is no doubt that unless the researcher has a “methodology that is sensitive to the burman capacity for ‘symbolic interaction” Prus (1996, p.18) this may lead to members of the group not co-operating entirely and even engaging in deception. Due to the complexities and involvement of time required it is not possible to use the Ethnographic method for this research project.
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Triangulation of Data

Denzin (1978) first introduced the four methods of triangulation, which are: -
Methods Triangulation
Triangulation of Sources
Triangulation through multiple analysis
Theory triangulation
For this research project the method of triangulation that will be used is the methods triangulation, which is comparing data from different qualitative and quantitative methods. Triangulation is an important factor to help achieve crosschecking of data compiled during research also according to Smith (1975) triangulation of methodology can be used to strengthen qualitative findings by combining observation, information and documentary sources.

Presentation of Findings
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After collation of all the data returned from the various methods that I will be using consideration is then given to the interpretation and presentation of the evidence. The responses will return a vast amount of evidence and this can only truly be interpreted if organised into categories, which can be expressed as tables, charts, text or graphs. Ideally Bassey’s (1990) ground rule 2 should be observed which states that data should be collected and recorded in a systematic way so that if necessary it can be checked by others. All of which will help in formulating a conclusion and testing the hypothesis. In my endeavour to correctly analyse the statistics I will be considering some of the following: -

· Similarities, grouping, items of significance
· Preparation of summary sheets
· Communicating findings, perhaps experimenting with different methods
· Highlighting significant aspects of findings.

Once the topic of research has been chosen it is glaringly apparent that a significant amount of time and planning is required in the selection process of the methodology. The methodology, as now can be appreciated is absolutely crucial in the gathering of accurate, relevant and rich in material data Woods (1999). Whilst formulating a relevant methodology the reader will also form a more logical approach to the research project, as essentially the methodology gives the opportunity for the researcher to polish the literature review with additional ideas and issues, which streamline the questions that are required to obtain a wholesome evaluation of the hypothesis, hopefully furnishing the researcher with enough evidence to prove or disprove the hypothesis.
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The Key element of focusing the research methodology is what type of research, or indeed combination to use. This being qualitative or quantitative. For example Denzin and Lincoln (1994) state quantitative research relies heavily on mass data and figures and cannot therefore contain the same degree of in depth analysis, where as According to Deacon, Pickering, Golding and Murdock (1999, p.81a) ‘the use of statistics in social sciences can evoke strong reactions’ This is due to the fact that researchers can view quantification as ‘a denial of the quality and complexity of our collective and individual worlds’ According to Deacon, Pickering, Golding and Murdock (1999, p.81b) in essence one is not better or more scientific than the other, what matters is how the project would benefit from the selection made. Following on from this decision is then how the data will be collected. As stated earlier there are advantages and disadvantages of using the myriad of techniques but it is important that the approach is qualified by the researcher Smith (1975). To simply choose a method because “it seems right” or “this is what was done before” will without doubt have dire consequences for the researcher leading to a complete distortion of the facts preventing the researcher from correctly establishing whether the hypothesis is true.
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The research project needs to identify the exploratory traits of key personnel within the construction industry to determine the desire for embracing new technologies. This is a requirement to meet some of the objectives and to have a true representation of this can only be achieved through good qualitative questions, furthermore to address part of the aims requirement for example the effective and practical possibilities of fuel cell technology needs to be addressed in an attempt to prove the hypothesis true or false; this type of response can only be achieved through good quantitative questions. So it can be seen that the use of both methods is a requirement for this particular project to achieve a complete and accurate representation in assembly of data.
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Recommendations

Smith. H. W., (1975) Strategies of Social Research: The Methodological Imagination. 1st ed. New Jersey: A. Wheaton & Co.
Herman Smith discusses sociology in extreme depth and detail. His approach to improving data quality is particularly interesting and educational.

Bell. J., (1999) Doing Your Research Project: A guide for first time researchers in education and social science. 3rd ed. Berkshire: Open University Press.
This book by Judith Bell is a must for first time researchers, the language is easy to understand and the book goes into enough detail for postgraduate students. An excellent source of reference
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References

Denzin. N. K., Lincoln. Y. S., The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research. 3rd ed. Texas: Sage

CIOB., (2001) Sustainability in Constructionn [Online] Available at:
<www.ciob.org.uk/filegrab/sustainability.pdf?ref=74>
[Accessed 19th February 2007]

Gummesson. E., (2000) Qualitative Methods in Management Research. 1st ed. Stockholm: Sage Publications Inc.

Youngman. M. B., (1986) Analysing Questionnaires. 1st ed. Nottingham: Nottingham School of Education

Smith. H. W., (1975) Strategies of Social Research: The Methodological Imagination. 1st ed. New Jersey: A. Wheaton & Co.

Bell. J., (1999) Doing Your Research Project. 3rd ed. Berkshire: Open University Press

Prus. R., (1996) Symbolic Interaction and Ethnographic Research. 1st ed. Albany: University of New York Press

Hutchinson. S. A., (1988) Education and Grounded Theory. In R. Sherman and R. B. Webb, (Eds.), Qualitative Research in Education: New York: The Falmer Press.

Denzin., (1978) The Research Act, A Theoretical Introduction to Sociological Methods. 2nd ed: McGraw Hill

Gill et al., (1997) Report of the European DNA profiling group. (s.l): (s:n)

Oppenheim. A. N., (1992) Questionnaire design, interviewing and attitude measurement. London: Pinter Publishers.

Bassey. M., (1990) On the nature of research in education. Nottingham Polytechnic Faculty of Education PGDip and MEd Course Reader One.

Woods. P., (1999) Successful Writing for Qualitative Researchers. 2nd ed. London: Routledgefarmer
Denzin, N.K. & Lincoln, Y.S., (1994). Handbook of qualitative research. California: Sage Publications.
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Deacon. D, Pickering. M, Golding. P, Murdock., (1999) ‘Using Graphs’ in Researching Communications: A Practical Guide to Methods in Media and Cultural Analysis. London: Arnold.

Bibliography

Bynner. J., Stribley. K. M., (1979) Social Research: Principles and Procedures.4th ed. Essex: Longman Group UK Ltd

Wilson. M., (1978) Social and Educational Research in Action. 3rd ed. Essex: Longman Group Ltd

To follow soon in Energy Efficicency and the Environment is the second part of this article......