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Lessen the Dependence on Oil
We as consumers need relief, from runaway energy cost, and practices. We need consumer driven energy policies.
Oil is over $54 a barrel, it is now being reflected in gas pump prices at over $2.38 a gallon locally. Natural gas prices have also gone up, and the first time we use our heaters when the weather changes we are all in for a shock. Expect the price of electricity to go up too. We need to join together and support Community Choice Aggregation, which is designed to quickly provide one-third of San Francisco’s energy needs from energy efficiency and renewables (Solar and Wind) and decrease costs for the masses (You and Me). The City’s current plan for Solar, Wind and (maybe) Wave Energy for mostly large industrial, commercial or government entities offers an improvement in the environmental impacts however it will not relieve the high bills that you and I the consumer will experience this year. Ask the hard questions what will lower our bill as consumers including the low income and people of color who can least afford it?
Why has Building Power Management not been incorporated into our commercial sector? Especially today with wireless networking so many buildings won't have to go through major rewiring to take advantage of this technology. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) unveiled a study at the Commonwealth Club that said if the commercial sector took advantage of Building Power Management we would have a surplus of energy and wouldn’t need any more power plants. We agree with that statement, however NRDC should be supporting Community Choice Aggregation with the consumers in control, not utility companies. Why are so few of our current buildings taking advantage of automated power management? Stanford Research International has been taking advantage of this technology since 1974, why is there no write-up on their savings of both energy and the environment for over a quarter of a century? Why have we not deployed advanced Silicon technology like Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that use a fraction of the energy used by other lighting? They’re also more reliable and longer lasting, with a higher Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) which saves money for you, the consumer in the long run. With Silicon Valley next door, where they know Silicon better than anyone else in the world?
We need to push for an award program for new technologies that save the consumer energy and make sure those technologies are widely deployed. Look at Space Ship One, a twenty million dollar solution and we spent billions to get to the same place. That ten million dollar reward was worth it. It is time for consumer-based solutions. Wind is being deployed throughout the world as inexpensive renewable energy for consumers and farmers. Why is it not being done here for the masses that need their bills reduced? Smaller windmill blades can be caged like house fans to protect the birds. Some people have converted their UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) to take Solar or Wind input to keep critical systems running during an emergency. The masses need relief; we have been gouged by corrupt companies who hide behind agencies and nonprofits who sound concerned but don’t deliver the goods. The people need relief.
Why has Building Power Management not been incorporated into our commercial sector? Especially today with wireless networking so many buildings won't have to go through major rewiring to take advantage of this technology. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) unveiled a study at the Commonwealth Club that said if the commercial sector took advantage of Building Power Management we would have a surplus of energy and wouldn’t need any more power plants. We agree with that statement, however NRDC should be supporting Community Choice Aggregation with the consumers in control, not utility companies. Why are so few of our current buildings taking advantage of automated power management? Stanford Research International has been taking advantage of this technology since 1974, why is there no write-up on their savings of both energy and the environment for over a quarter of a century? Why have we not deployed advanced Silicon technology like Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that use a fraction of the energy used by other lighting? They’re also more reliable and longer lasting, with a higher Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) which saves money for you, the consumer in the long run. With Silicon Valley next door, where they know Silicon better than anyone else in the world?
We need to push for an award program for new technologies that save the consumer energy and make sure those technologies are widely deployed. Look at Space Ship One, a twenty million dollar solution and we spent billions to get to the same place. That ten million dollar reward was worth it. It is time for consumer-based solutions. Wind is being deployed throughout the world as inexpensive renewable energy for consumers and farmers. Why is it not being done here for the masses that need their bills reduced? Smaller windmill blades can be caged like house fans to protect the birds. Some people have converted their UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) to take Solar or Wind input to keep critical systems running during an emergency. The masses need relief; we have been gouged by corrupt companies who hide behind agencies and nonprofits who sound concerned but don’t deliver the goods. The people need relief.
For more information:
http://www.womensenergymatters.org
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If you want to know how residential scale alternate energy systems work and how these systems can be used to live "off the grid", or to save on your utility power bills, you came to the right place.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All About Renewable Energy!
Renewable Energy Systems
About Wind Energy
About Solar Photovoltaic Energy
About Solar Hot Water
About Micro Hydro
Putting It All Together: A renewable energy system for your home
About our company: Offshore Services
Recent Projects
Descriptions of over a dozen renewable energy projects installed by Offshore Services
Current Projects:
Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, Mass.
A renewable energy visitor center with wind, solar PV and solar hot water systems which we are building for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Roderich-Levins Residence, Island Falls, Maine
A residence built over a mile from the nearest power line to be powered by a Bergey 1.5 kw windturbine and a 4kW propane backup generator.
Links to Renewable Energy Sites on the Web
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This site was created by Henry duPont of Offshore Services, Ltd. a Block Island, RI based company specializing in the design and installation of small - medium scale alternate energy systems. For more information contact us at offshore [at] wind-power.com. ©1996, 1977Offshore Services Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Visitors to this page: 87734 Since 11/23/96
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Renewable energy systems
A renewable energy system converts the energy found in sunlight, wind, falling water, waves, geothermal heat, or biomass into a form we can use, such as heat or electricity. Historically, renewable energy was used exclusively as man's energy source until coal was first used in the 13th century, oil in the end of the 19th century and uranium in the middle of the 20th century.
Using renewable sources of energy promotes sustainable living and, except for burning biomass, is virtually pollution free. Renewable sources of energy are economically feasable in small scale applications in remote locations (off the grid homes) or in large scale applications in areas where the resource is abundant and can be harnessed by giant conversion systems such as the hydro projects of theTVA or the wind farms of California.
The focus of this site is small - medium scale renewable systems ranging from remote homes or facilities such as lighthouses to village scale power systems. To learn more about the individual components of a renewable energy system, read on!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Wind Energy
Harnessing wind energy was one of man's earliest achievements. Small windmills pumped water in ancient Syria and sailing ships used windpower to first circumnavigate the globe. The modern use of winturbines originated in the 17th Century where the Renaissance Dutch used wind power to recover hundreds of thousands of acres of land by draining the Rhine River delta.
The classic Dutch windmill design predominated for 300 years, pumping water, grinding grain and sawing wood until the multibladed American Farm Windmill was developed in the middle of the 19th century. These machines covered the continent, pumping water on every farm and in every town until rual electrifacation (and rust) brought about their demise in the middle of the 20th century.
Advances in the fields of aerodynamics and composite materials have made modern electric power generating wind turbines a reality. These machines range in size from a meter to a hundred meters in rotor diamater and from a hundred watts to a thousand kilowatts in power output. Wind turbines suitable for residential or village scale wind power range from 500 watts to 50 kilowatts. These machines fall into three categories:
Utility interconnected winturbines generate power which is syncronous with the grid and are used to reduce utility bills by displacing the utility power used in the household and by selling the excess power back to the electric company. These machines are economically attractive where there is a good wind resource and where the local power costs are in excess of 15 cents per kilowatt hour.
Wind turbines for remote homes (off the grid) generate DC current for battery charging.
Wind turbines for remote water pumping generate 3 phase AC current suitable for driving an electrical submersable pump directly.
For more information on residential or village scale wind turbines, visit Bergey Windpower Co. the leading manufacturer of small wind turbines
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Solar Photovoltaic Energy
Solar cells are thin wafers of silicon which, when exposed to sunlight, produce DC electric current. These devices, which were developed for the space program in the 1950s, have a maximum conversion effeciency of about 15%. When a number of solar cells are mounted on a surface and are wired together in series, they become a solar module, the building block of a solar photovoltaic system. The solar photovoltaic module's relatively high initial cost (about $5/watt) is offset by a very long life and very low maintenance requirements.
Suitable applications for solar photovoltaic systems almost always involves their use in remote locations (whether spacecraft or remote homes) because their 20 year power cost of about 20 cents per kWh is not competitive with current utility power costs.
For more information on solar photovoltaic systems, visit the Siemens Solar Industries Web Site.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Solar Hot Water
Solar water heating is one of the most efficient and least expensive of the renewable energy technologies. These systems use the heat of the sun's rays to heat water for domestic use. Each system has two separate components:
the collector which converts the sun's energy to heat
an insulated storage tank to keep the water hot until ready for use.
The design of these systems varies according to the climate of the location of intended use. In tropical climates, these systems commonly employ thermal syphon pumping to circulate the hot water between the collector and the tank which must be placed above the collector. In colder climates, where freezing is a posibility, glycol is employed to transfer heat between the collector and the storage tank. A heat exchanger is used to keep the glycol from mixing with the domestic hot water.
Solar hot water systems give some of the best value compared to other solar energy technologies because of their reletive low cost and high collector efficiency.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Micro Hydro
The potential energy of falling water, captured and converted to mechanical energy by waterwheels, powered the start of the Industrial Revolution. Wherever sufficient head, or change in elevation, could be found, rivers and streams were dammed and mills were built. In the mid 1800's, the water wheel gave way to the water turbine. This device uses jets of water to spin the cup shaped blades of the turbine which drives an alternator, generating electricity.
In order to produce enough electricity to power a residence, a hydroelectric system requires a location with the following features:
Change in elevation or head: 20 feet @ 100 gal/min = 200 watts.
100 feet head @ 20 gal/min gives the same output.
The relationship between head and flow means that areas with low head need long runs of large diamiter pipe and are much more expensive...
Distance between the turbine and the residence: Distances of over a few hundred feet will require expensive cabling and be prohibitively costly.
Typical costs for a micro hydro system in a good location are between $2500-$5000. For more information on micro hydro systems, visit: Jade Mountain Micro Hydro Site.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Putting It All Together: A Renewable Energy System For Your Home
The choice of equipment required to convert renewable energy sources into energy you can use in your home depends on whether or not there is already a connection to the electric utility. Utility interconnected systems are different by nature and are discussed in the next section
Remote (or off the grid) renewable energy systems used to generate electricty usually incoperate the following components.
Energy storage system a battery bank to store renewable energy until needed (cost $2,000 - $4,000)
Energy collection system the wind, solar PV, or micro-hydro power generating system (cost $3,000 - $10,000)
Energy conversion system an inverter to convert the DC battery current to 120 volt AC house current (cost $2,000 - $3,500)
Back up generator required for the times that the sun doesn't shine, the wind doesn't blow or the water doesn't flow (cost $1,500 - $5,000)
The cost of a remote renewable energy system sized for a modest home using up to 500 kWh per month will typically be from $15,000 to $25,000.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Utility interconnected systems do not require a energy storage system or a backup generator because utility power is usually available during periods when the renewable source of energy is not available. These systems use an induction generator or a utility syncronized inverter to convert the power from the renewable source into AC power which in compatable in frequency and voltage with the utility source. The renewable energy generated will reduce utility bills by displacing electric power supplied by the utility and by selling excess power back to the utility.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Links to other Renewable Energy Sites
Bergey Wind Power Company The manufacturer of reliable small scale wind turbines ranging from 850 watts to 10 kilowatts. Perfect for remote home or village power applications.
Solar Photovoltaic Power Resource Site This site coordinates and disseminates global information on photovoltaic technology.
Siemens Solar Industries The Premier Manufacturer of Solar Photovoltaic Modules in the world
Solar Electric SpecialtiesA leading distributor of Solar PV Products
National Renewable Energy Laboratory The Nations' Federal Laboratory for Renewable Energy Research
The American Wind Energy Association The Wind Energy Trade Association
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All About Renewable Energy!
Renewable Energy Systems
About Wind Energy
About Solar Photovoltaic Energy
About Solar Hot Water
About Micro Hydro
Putting It All Together: A renewable energy system for your home
About our company: Offshore Services
Recent Projects
Descriptions of over a dozen renewable energy projects installed by Offshore Services
Current Projects:
Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, Mass.
A renewable energy visitor center with wind, solar PV and solar hot water systems which we are building for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Roderich-Levins Residence, Island Falls, Maine
A residence built over a mile from the nearest power line to be powered by a Bergey 1.5 kw windturbine and a 4kW propane backup generator.
Links to Renewable Energy Sites on the Web
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This site was created by Henry duPont of Offshore Services, Ltd. a Block Island, RI based company specializing in the design and installation of small - medium scale alternate energy systems. For more information contact us at offshore [at] wind-power.com. ©1996, 1977Offshore Services Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Visitors to this page: 87734 Since 11/23/96
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Renewable energy systems
A renewable energy system converts the energy found in sunlight, wind, falling water, waves, geothermal heat, or biomass into a form we can use, such as heat or electricity. Historically, renewable energy was used exclusively as man's energy source until coal was first used in the 13th century, oil in the end of the 19th century and uranium in the middle of the 20th century.
Using renewable sources of energy promotes sustainable living and, except for burning biomass, is virtually pollution free. Renewable sources of energy are economically feasable in small scale applications in remote locations (off the grid homes) or in large scale applications in areas where the resource is abundant and can be harnessed by giant conversion systems such as the hydro projects of theTVA or the wind farms of California.
The focus of this site is small - medium scale renewable systems ranging from remote homes or facilities such as lighthouses to village scale power systems. To learn more about the individual components of a renewable energy system, read on!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Wind Energy
Harnessing wind energy was one of man's earliest achievements. Small windmills pumped water in ancient Syria and sailing ships used windpower to first circumnavigate the globe. The modern use of winturbines originated in the 17th Century where the Renaissance Dutch used wind power to recover hundreds of thousands of acres of land by draining the Rhine River delta.
The classic Dutch windmill design predominated for 300 years, pumping water, grinding grain and sawing wood until the multibladed American Farm Windmill was developed in the middle of the 19th century. These machines covered the continent, pumping water on every farm and in every town until rual electrifacation (and rust) brought about their demise in the middle of the 20th century.
Advances in the fields of aerodynamics and composite materials have made modern electric power generating wind turbines a reality. These machines range in size from a meter to a hundred meters in rotor diamater and from a hundred watts to a thousand kilowatts in power output. Wind turbines suitable for residential or village scale wind power range from 500 watts to 50 kilowatts. These machines fall into three categories:
Utility interconnected winturbines generate power which is syncronous with the grid and are used to reduce utility bills by displacing the utility power used in the household and by selling the excess power back to the electric company. These machines are economically attractive where there is a good wind resource and where the local power costs are in excess of 15 cents per kilowatt hour.
Wind turbines for remote homes (off the grid) generate DC current for battery charging.
Wind turbines for remote water pumping generate 3 phase AC current suitable for driving an electrical submersable pump directly.
For more information on residential or village scale wind turbines, visit Bergey Windpower Co. the leading manufacturer of small wind turbines
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Solar Photovoltaic Energy
Solar cells are thin wafers of silicon which, when exposed to sunlight, produce DC electric current. These devices, which were developed for the space program in the 1950s, have a maximum conversion effeciency of about 15%. When a number of solar cells are mounted on a surface and are wired together in series, they become a solar module, the building block of a solar photovoltaic system. The solar photovoltaic module's relatively high initial cost (about $5/watt) is offset by a very long life and very low maintenance requirements.
Suitable applications for solar photovoltaic systems almost always involves their use in remote locations (whether spacecraft or remote homes) because their 20 year power cost of about 20 cents per kWh is not competitive with current utility power costs.
For more information on solar photovoltaic systems, visit the Siemens Solar Industries Web Site.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Solar Hot Water
Solar water heating is one of the most efficient and least expensive of the renewable energy technologies. These systems use the heat of the sun's rays to heat water for domestic use. Each system has two separate components:
the collector which converts the sun's energy to heat
an insulated storage tank to keep the water hot until ready for use.
The design of these systems varies according to the climate of the location of intended use. In tropical climates, these systems commonly employ thermal syphon pumping to circulate the hot water between the collector and the tank which must be placed above the collector. In colder climates, where freezing is a posibility, glycol is employed to transfer heat between the collector and the storage tank. A heat exchanger is used to keep the glycol from mixing with the domestic hot water.
Solar hot water systems give some of the best value compared to other solar energy technologies because of their reletive low cost and high collector efficiency.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Micro Hydro
The potential energy of falling water, captured and converted to mechanical energy by waterwheels, powered the start of the Industrial Revolution. Wherever sufficient head, or change in elevation, could be found, rivers and streams were dammed and mills were built. In the mid 1800's, the water wheel gave way to the water turbine. This device uses jets of water to spin the cup shaped blades of the turbine which drives an alternator, generating electricity.
In order to produce enough electricity to power a residence, a hydroelectric system requires a location with the following features:
Change in elevation or head: 20 feet @ 100 gal/min = 200 watts.
100 feet head @ 20 gal/min gives the same output.
The relationship between head and flow means that areas with low head need long runs of large diamiter pipe and are much more expensive...
Distance between the turbine and the residence: Distances of over a few hundred feet will require expensive cabling and be prohibitively costly.
Typical costs for a micro hydro system in a good location are between $2500-$5000. For more information on micro hydro systems, visit: Jade Mountain Micro Hydro Site.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Putting It All Together: A Renewable Energy System For Your Home
The choice of equipment required to convert renewable energy sources into energy you can use in your home depends on whether or not there is already a connection to the electric utility. Utility interconnected systems are different by nature and are discussed in the next section
Remote (or off the grid) renewable energy systems used to generate electricty usually incoperate the following components.
Energy storage system a battery bank to store renewable energy until needed (cost $2,000 - $4,000)
Energy collection system the wind, solar PV, or micro-hydro power generating system (cost $3,000 - $10,000)
Energy conversion system an inverter to convert the DC battery current to 120 volt AC house current (cost $2,000 - $3,500)
Back up generator required for the times that the sun doesn't shine, the wind doesn't blow or the water doesn't flow (cost $1,500 - $5,000)
The cost of a remote renewable energy system sized for a modest home using up to 500 kWh per month will typically be from $15,000 to $25,000.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Utility interconnected systems do not require a energy storage system or a backup generator because utility power is usually available during periods when the renewable source of energy is not available. These systems use an induction generator or a utility syncronized inverter to convert the power from the renewable source into AC power which in compatable in frequency and voltage with the utility source. The renewable energy generated will reduce utility bills by displacing electric power supplied by the utility and by selling excess power back to the utility.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Links to other Renewable Energy Sites
Bergey Wind Power Company The manufacturer of reliable small scale wind turbines ranging from 850 watts to 10 kilowatts. Perfect for remote home or village power applications.
Solar Photovoltaic Power Resource Site This site coordinates and disseminates global information on photovoltaic technology.
Siemens Solar Industries The Premier Manufacturer of Solar Photovoltaic Modules in the world
Solar Electric SpecialtiesA leading distributor of Solar PV Products
National Renewable Energy Laboratory The Nations' Federal Laboratory for Renewable Energy Research
The American Wind Energy Association The Wind Energy Trade Association
For more information:
http://www.wind-power.com/
With the introduction of Luxeon, Lumileds has delivered the benefits of LED technology to the lighting world. Luxeon is already impacting numerous lighting applications.
This is what Luxeon solid state lighting delivers to the lighting market:
Long life (up to 100,000 hours)
Energy savings up to 80%
Environment friendly (no waste, no mercury)
Intelligent lighting
Durability (no glass or filaments)
This is what Luxeon solid state lighting delivers to the lighting market:
Long life (up to 100,000 hours)
Energy savings up to 80%
Environment friendly (no waste, no mercury)
Intelligent lighting
Durability (no glass or filaments)
For more information:
http://www.lumileds.com/solutions/solution...
Story: YWCA of White Plains, New York
Success Story: YWCA of White Plains, New York
Partner Information
Located in White Plains, New York
96,000 sq. ft.
Annual Cash Savings: $66,799
Prevented 112,000 lbs. of pollution
Service and Product Provider
Johnson Controls
"Not-for-profits that own buildings should have a current short- and long-term plan for energy use, equipment, and buildings. It is generally less expensive to fix things early rather than to wait until there is complete failure."
--Rita A. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of White Plains and Central Westchester in New York has been serving its community for 70 years. In 1966, it opened the Lila Wallace Activities Center in White Plains, a 96,000 sq. ft. facility that includes a swimming pool, gymnasium, meeting and activity rooms, dance studio, classrooms, and outdoor play areas. The aging building was wasting large amounts of energy and thereby diverting funds that could have gone into serving the community. Therefore, the YWCA embarked upon a comprehensive energy saving plan.
All Exits Lead to High Efficiency
All the lights in the building were replaced with high-efficiency lighting. Standard T-12 fluorescent lamps were replaced with T-8 lamps. All exit signs were replaced with energy efficient LED signs. In the pool area, metal halide fixtures were installed to dramatically improve light levels.
Pooling Efficient Resources
Two oil-fired boilers were installed to heat the water for the facility's swimming pool. These boilers operate independently of the building's main boilers, which provides savings in the summer since the main boilers don't have to be operating just to heat the pool.
In addition, the existing steam hot water heater was removed and replaced with a gas-fired unit with a 500-gallon storage tank.
New System Creates Cool Air, Cooler Savings
The current constant volume systems with terminal reheat were replaced with variable air volume systems, which provides improved heating and cooling control and greater efficiency. The building's nine major air-handling systems were refurbished with new coils, and six new variable speed drives were installed.
A new 250-ton McQuay water-cooled, dual compressor screw chiller was installed to replace an aging absorption unit.
Controlling Energy Costs
Much of the building's lighting, heating, and cooling are controlled from a new Johnson Controls Metasys Energy Management System (EMS). This new system allows instantaneous monitoring and control of all systems from an operator workstation. The EMS allows allows remote control through a modem.
More Opportunities
A number of smaller steps were also taken to make the facility as energy efficient as possible. Low-emissivity (low-e) glass, which has a special surface coating to reduce heat transfer, was installed in the pool area to limit solar heating. Low-e glass reflects 40% to 70% of the heat that is normally transmitted through clear glass, while allowing the full amount of light to pass through.
In addition, new pipe insulation was installed on pipes leading to the updated pool heaters, the domestic hot water tank, and the high-efficiency chiller.
A Contract for Great Performance
The YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester entered into an energy performance contract (EPC) with Johnson Controls, Inc., the manufacturer of the EMS the facility had installed. Through the EPC, Johnson Controls, Inc., had all the energy efficiency measures in the facility installed at no charge to the YWCA. In addition, the YWCA was guaranteed annual savings of $66,799 for the next ten years. Now that is a good deal!
Success Story: YWCA of White Plains, New York
Partner Information
Located in White Plains, New York
96,000 sq. ft.
Annual Cash Savings: $66,799
Prevented 112,000 lbs. of pollution
Service and Product Provider
Johnson Controls
"Not-for-profits that own buildings should have a current short- and long-term plan for energy use, equipment, and buildings. It is generally less expensive to fix things early rather than to wait until there is complete failure."
--Rita A. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of White Plains and Central Westchester in New York has been serving its community for 70 years. In 1966, it opened the Lila Wallace Activities Center in White Plains, a 96,000 sq. ft. facility that includes a swimming pool, gymnasium, meeting and activity rooms, dance studio, classrooms, and outdoor play areas. The aging building was wasting large amounts of energy and thereby diverting funds that could have gone into serving the community. Therefore, the YWCA embarked upon a comprehensive energy saving plan.
All Exits Lead to High Efficiency
All the lights in the building were replaced with high-efficiency lighting. Standard T-12 fluorescent lamps were replaced with T-8 lamps. All exit signs were replaced with energy efficient LED signs. In the pool area, metal halide fixtures were installed to dramatically improve light levels.
Pooling Efficient Resources
Two oil-fired boilers were installed to heat the water for the facility's swimming pool. These boilers operate independently of the building's main boilers, which provides savings in the summer since the main boilers don't have to be operating just to heat the pool.
In addition, the existing steam hot water heater was removed and replaced with a gas-fired unit with a 500-gallon storage tank.
New System Creates Cool Air, Cooler Savings
The current constant volume systems with terminal reheat were replaced with variable air volume systems, which provides improved heating and cooling control and greater efficiency. The building's nine major air-handling systems were refurbished with new coils, and six new variable speed drives were installed.
A new 250-ton McQuay water-cooled, dual compressor screw chiller was installed to replace an aging absorption unit.
Controlling Energy Costs
Much of the building's lighting, heating, and cooling are controlled from a new Johnson Controls Metasys Energy Management System (EMS). This new system allows instantaneous monitoring and control of all systems from an operator workstation. The EMS allows allows remote control through a modem.
More Opportunities
A number of smaller steps were also taken to make the facility as energy efficient as possible. Low-emissivity (low-e) glass, which has a special surface coating to reduce heat transfer, was installed in the pool area to limit solar heating. Low-e glass reflects 40% to 70% of the heat that is normally transmitted through clear glass, while allowing the full amount of light to pass through.
In addition, new pipe insulation was installed on pipes leading to the updated pool heaters, the domestic hot water tank, and the high-efficiency chiller.
A Contract for Great Performance
The YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester entered into an energy performance contract (EPC) with Johnson Controls, Inc., the manufacturer of the EMS the facility had installed. Through the EPC, Johnson Controls, Inc., had all the energy efficiency measures in the facility installed at no charge to the YWCA. In addition, the YWCA was guaranteed annual savings of $66,799 for the next ten years. Now that is a good deal!
For more information:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=sb_s...
DOE studies estimate savings potential of LEDs
18 November 2003
Two new studies have been released by the US Department of Energy (DOE) that analyze and estimate energy savings from solid-state lighting.
The reports, authored by Navigant Consulting and funded by DOE, describe the energy savings potential in niche applications today and in general lighting applications in the future.
According to the studies, energy savings to date from LEDs exceed the power produced from one large electric power plant — more than 8 billion kW-hours. If solid-state lighting achieves its price and performance targets over the next two decades, this will remove the need for more than 30 percent of the estimated lighting energy consumption. In turn, this will represent billions of dollars of savings for consumers.
The studies were released to coincide with the DOE’s workshop on Solid State Lighting, which was held in Washington, DC on November 13-14. Through the Building Technologies Program of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the DOE has launched a solid-state lighting (SSL) R&D program that encompasses both core technology research and industrial product development.
The DOE has set aggressive goals for the SSL program; by 2015, it plans to develop advanced SSL technologies that, compared with conventional lighting technologies, are much more energy efficient, longer lasting and cost competitive. DOE is targeting a product system efficiency of 50 percent with lighting that accurately reproduces the full spectrum of sunlight.
A number of projects have already been funded, and DOE hopes to secure a budget of $7.75 million for the current financial year. Further, it is hoped that the Energy Bill currently making its way through the US legislature will provide strong backing for SSL, which will in turn result in substantial increases in funding for SSL in future years. The studies are intended to justify the need for this funding.
Niche applications
The study titled “Energy Savings Estimate of Light Emitting Diodes in Niche Lighting Applications” finds that LED traffic signals use only 10 percent of the electricity consumed by the incandescent lamps they replace. In other words, 90 percent of the electricity bill that municipalities pay can be eliminated. Moreover, LED signals last several times longer, allowing for additional savings through reduced maintenance costs.
Exit signs are identified as another important niche application, where an estimated 80 percent of the US installed base of exit signs now use LEDs.
LEDs have also made inroads into mobile applications such as brake and signal lights on trucks, buses and automobiles. In the report, the energy savings of these applications are reported in gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel because the electricity is generated on-board. To date, 41 million gallons of gasoline and 142 million gallons of diesel fuel are saved annually because of LED use on these vehicles.
If the entire fleet of automobiles, trucks and buses were to convert to LED lighting, 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline and 1.1 billion gallons of diesel fuel could be saved each year. In gasoline, that is the energy equivalent of 30 days of oil flow in the Alaskan pipeline at full capacity; and, in diesel, that represents 12 days of national consumption.
General illumination
The study titled “Energy Savings Potential of Solid State Lighting in General Illumination Applications” estimates the energy savings potential if solid-state lighting can achieve certain price and performance criteria.
The report considered two scenarios – one where the technology receives a moderate national investment of $50 million per year and an accelerated scenario based on an investment of $100 million per year. Solid state lighting achieves different cost, efficiency and durability targets under each scenario.
Under the moderate investment scenario, in 2025 the energy saving associated with solid-state lighting will total approximately 114 billion kW-hours, or the equivalent electrical output of about 14 large power plants.
Under the accelerated investment scenario, in 2025 the total energy saving is nearly three times higher – reaching 326 billion kW-hours, representing more than 40 large power plants. Over the analysis period of 2005 to 2025, the cumulative energy savings under the accelerated investment scenario total nearly 1,850 billion kW-hours, which equates to more than $120 billion in electricity bill savings for the United States over that time period.
18 November 2003
Two new studies have been released by the US Department of Energy (DOE) that analyze and estimate energy savings from solid-state lighting.
The reports, authored by Navigant Consulting and funded by DOE, describe the energy savings potential in niche applications today and in general lighting applications in the future.
According to the studies, energy savings to date from LEDs exceed the power produced from one large electric power plant — more than 8 billion kW-hours. If solid-state lighting achieves its price and performance targets over the next two decades, this will remove the need for more than 30 percent of the estimated lighting energy consumption. In turn, this will represent billions of dollars of savings for consumers.
The studies were released to coincide with the DOE’s workshop on Solid State Lighting, which was held in Washington, DC on November 13-14. Through the Building Technologies Program of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the DOE has launched a solid-state lighting (SSL) R&D program that encompasses both core technology research and industrial product development.
The DOE has set aggressive goals for the SSL program; by 2015, it plans to develop advanced SSL technologies that, compared with conventional lighting technologies, are much more energy efficient, longer lasting and cost competitive. DOE is targeting a product system efficiency of 50 percent with lighting that accurately reproduces the full spectrum of sunlight.
A number of projects have already been funded, and DOE hopes to secure a budget of $7.75 million for the current financial year. Further, it is hoped that the Energy Bill currently making its way through the US legislature will provide strong backing for SSL, which will in turn result in substantial increases in funding for SSL in future years. The studies are intended to justify the need for this funding.
Niche applications
The study titled “Energy Savings Estimate of Light Emitting Diodes in Niche Lighting Applications” finds that LED traffic signals use only 10 percent of the electricity consumed by the incandescent lamps they replace. In other words, 90 percent of the electricity bill that municipalities pay can be eliminated. Moreover, LED signals last several times longer, allowing for additional savings through reduced maintenance costs.
Exit signs are identified as another important niche application, where an estimated 80 percent of the US installed base of exit signs now use LEDs.
LEDs have also made inroads into mobile applications such as brake and signal lights on trucks, buses and automobiles. In the report, the energy savings of these applications are reported in gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel because the electricity is generated on-board. To date, 41 million gallons of gasoline and 142 million gallons of diesel fuel are saved annually because of LED use on these vehicles.
If the entire fleet of automobiles, trucks and buses were to convert to LED lighting, 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline and 1.1 billion gallons of diesel fuel could be saved each year. In gasoline, that is the energy equivalent of 30 days of oil flow in the Alaskan pipeline at full capacity; and, in diesel, that represents 12 days of national consumption.
General illumination
The study titled “Energy Savings Potential of Solid State Lighting in General Illumination Applications” estimates the energy savings potential if solid-state lighting can achieve certain price and performance criteria.
The report considered two scenarios – one where the technology receives a moderate national investment of $50 million per year and an accelerated scenario based on an investment of $100 million per year. Solid state lighting achieves different cost, efficiency and durability targets under each scenario.
Under the moderate investment scenario, in 2025 the energy saving associated with solid-state lighting will total approximately 114 billion kW-hours, or the equivalent electrical output of about 14 large power plants.
Under the accelerated investment scenario, in 2025 the total energy saving is nearly three times higher – reaching 326 billion kW-hours, representing more than 40 large power plants. Over the analysis period of 2005 to 2025, the cumulative energy savings under the accelerated investment scenario total nearly 1,850 billion kW-hours, which equates to more than $120 billion in electricity bill savings for the United States over that time period.
For more information:
http://www.compoundsemiconductor.net/artic...
General Technical Information
The sulfur lamp is an efficient, powerful, bright, full spectrum light source that has many different indoor and outdoor uses. Each bulb contains a small amount of sulfur and inert argon gas. When the sulfur is bombarded by focused microwave energy it forms a plasma that glows very brightly, producing light very similar to sunlight. Because there are no filaments or other metal components to break down, the bulb may never need replacement. Only the magnetron needs changing!
The system is dimmable to 20% and provides a constant correlated color temperature of 5,700 degrees Kelvin with a color rendering index of 79. Again, because there are no filaments to degrade or alter its chemical composition, the light source will not change color or intensity over time and will continue to render objects close to their true color.
Sulfur Lamp Benefits:
Very Bright
Very Efficient
Very Long Life
Very Stable Light Output
Very Stable Color
Very Easy Regular Maintenance
Very Consistent Unit to Unit Performance
Even prototype installations have won accolades in scientific circles, including:
Lightfair International 1998 award for Technological Innovation.
The 1995 Discover Award for Technological Innovation (Environment). Sponsored by Discover Magazine and the Walt Disney Company, the award is given annually to the firm or individual that discovers new technology with the greatest potential benefits.
Popular Science magazine's grand prize in the "Best of What's New" for 1995.
Research & Development magazine's award as one of the top 100 inventions of 1995.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) installed Fusion's sulfur lighting in the plaza of its Washington headquarters. Two sulfur lamps replaced 240 conventional mercury lamps, and according to DOE, they produce four times the light, from only one-third the electricity. A block away, the Smithsonian Institution replaced 94 conventional lamps with three sulfur lamps in the Space Hall at its National Air and Space Museum. Light output doubled and electricity consumption declined 25%, according to the Smithsonian.
Besides energy, installation, and maintenance savings in general lighting applications, sulfur lighting is expected to yield widespread benefits in dozens of specialty uses throughout transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, media, and other fields.
For more information on the Sulfur Lamp, applications, fixtures, and accessories available please select a link below:
Sulfur Lamp | Reflector | Light Pipe | Contacts
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Sulfur Lamp Technology
The sulfur lamp was invented, designed and built by Fusion Lighting, Inc. of Rockville, Maryland, USA. This unique technology is protected by a variety of patents and patent applications in the U.S. and other countries.
The light emitted from one of these sulfur bulbs is equal to over 75 standard 100 watt incandescent lamps, although the sulfur bulb emits only 5% of the heat. The photo to the right shows a 1000 watt Metal Halide lamp for comparison. The Sulfur lamp produces 20% MORE light.
The dimming feature can be operated either manually, by occupancy and/or daylight sensors, or an energy management system.
The bulbs are electrodeless, meaning that there are no wires connected to the bulb. There is no filament or metal electrode within the bulb.
Light is generated by heating sulfur with microwave energy, identical to that of home microwave ovens. The spectra of the sulfur light contains all colors of the rainbow, closely matching that of the sun, but with very little heat or ultraviolet in the beam.
Each bulb, about the size of a golf ball, requires about 1,425 watts of power to produce 135,000 lumens of white light. The correlated color temprature is 5,700 degrees Kelvin with a CRI of 79.
There is no mercury used in the bulbs.
The Sulfur lamp can be operated in any orientation with no loss of output or life.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Reflector Technology
Reflectors are used to project light into a space or to a surface. Reflectors for the Sulfur Lamp must be designed and optomized for each type of application.
For normal operation, the Sulfur Lamp will require a reflector of some sort to project light out and away from the light source. The reflector is also a neccessary element to shield against any potential microwave leakage. Use only reflectors specifically designed and certified for operation with the Sulfur Lamp.
A Sulfur Lamp using a reflector is perfect for application in warehouses, airplane hangers, meeting halls, or any large area that could utilize a High Bay style of downlight. This system could also be used for indirect applications.
Exterior applications such as pole mounted building facade lights, or athletic field lighting would require a protective enclosure in addition to a specially gasketed reflector.
Innovative Lighting of Los Angeles, California, USA, has available a family of reflector optics and other accessories for the Sulfur Lamp.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Light Pipe Technology
The light pipes were invented, designed, and built by A.L. Whitehead Ltd., Vancouver, Canada.
The reflector material used in the original light pipe design is manufactured and sold by 3M. Other designs are available from other sources.
The light pipe is ten inches in diameter and fabricated in sections of various length of all plastic construction.
Each ten-foot section weighs approximately 30 pounds.
The sulfur lamp is an efficient, powerful, bright, full spectrum light source that has many different indoor and outdoor uses. Each bulb contains a small amount of sulfur and inert argon gas. When the sulfur is bombarded by focused microwave energy it forms a plasma that glows very brightly, producing light very similar to sunlight. Because there are no filaments or other metal components to break down, the bulb may never need replacement. Only the magnetron needs changing!
The system is dimmable to 20% and provides a constant correlated color temperature of 5,700 degrees Kelvin with a color rendering index of 79. Again, because there are no filaments to degrade or alter its chemical composition, the light source will not change color or intensity over time and will continue to render objects close to their true color.
Sulfur Lamp Benefits:
Very Bright
Very Efficient
Very Long Life
Very Stable Light Output
Very Stable Color
Very Easy Regular Maintenance
Very Consistent Unit to Unit Performance
Even prototype installations have won accolades in scientific circles, including:
Lightfair International 1998 award for Technological Innovation.
The 1995 Discover Award for Technological Innovation (Environment). Sponsored by Discover Magazine and the Walt Disney Company, the award is given annually to the firm or individual that discovers new technology with the greatest potential benefits.
Popular Science magazine's grand prize in the "Best of What's New" for 1995.
Research & Development magazine's award as one of the top 100 inventions of 1995.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) installed Fusion's sulfur lighting in the plaza of its Washington headquarters. Two sulfur lamps replaced 240 conventional mercury lamps, and according to DOE, they produce four times the light, from only one-third the electricity. A block away, the Smithsonian Institution replaced 94 conventional lamps with three sulfur lamps in the Space Hall at its National Air and Space Museum. Light output doubled and electricity consumption declined 25%, according to the Smithsonian.
Besides energy, installation, and maintenance savings in general lighting applications, sulfur lighting is expected to yield widespread benefits in dozens of specialty uses throughout transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, media, and other fields.
For more information on the Sulfur Lamp, applications, fixtures, and accessories available please select a link below:
Sulfur Lamp | Reflector | Light Pipe | Contacts
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Sulfur Lamp Technology
The sulfur lamp was invented, designed and built by Fusion Lighting, Inc. of Rockville, Maryland, USA. This unique technology is protected by a variety of patents and patent applications in the U.S. and other countries.
The light emitted from one of these sulfur bulbs is equal to over 75 standard 100 watt incandescent lamps, although the sulfur bulb emits only 5% of the heat. The photo to the right shows a 1000 watt Metal Halide lamp for comparison. The Sulfur lamp produces 20% MORE light.
The dimming feature can be operated either manually, by occupancy and/or daylight sensors, or an energy management system.
The bulbs are electrodeless, meaning that there are no wires connected to the bulb. There is no filament or metal electrode within the bulb.
Light is generated by heating sulfur with microwave energy, identical to that of home microwave ovens. The spectra of the sulfur light contains all colors of the rainbow, closely matching that of the sun, but with very little heat or ultraviolet in the beam.
Each bulb, about the size of a golf ball, requires about 1,425 watts of power to produce 135,000 lumens of white light. The correlated color temprature is 5,700 degrees Kelvin with a CRI of 79.
There is no mercury used in the bulbs.
The Sulfur lamp can be operated in any orientation with no loss of output or life.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Reflector Technology
Reflectors are used to project light into a space or to a surface. Reflectors for the Sulfur Lamp must be designed and optomized for each type of application.
For normal operation, the Sulfur Lamp will require a reflector of some sort to project light out and away from the light source. The reflector is also a neccessary element to shield against any potential microwave leakage. Use only reflectors specifically designed and certified for operation with the Sulfur Lamp.
A Sulfur Lamp using a reflector is perfect for application in warehouses, airplane hangers, meeting halls, or any large area that could utilize a High Bay style of downlight. This system could also be used for indirect applications.
Exterior applications such as pole mounted building facade lights, or athletic field lighting would require a protective enclosure in addition to a specially gasketed reflector.
Innovative Lighting of Los Angeles, California, USA, has available a family of reflector optics and other accessories for the Sulfur Lamp.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Light Pipe Technology
The light pipes were invented, designed, and built by A.L. Whitehead Ltd., Vancouver, Canada.
The reflector material used in the original light pipe design is manufactured and sold by 3M. Other designs are available from other sources.
The light pipe is ten inches in diameter and fabricated in sections of various length of all plastic construction.
Each ten-foot section weighs approximately 30 pounds.
For more information:
http://www.sulfurlamp.com
FedEx will build the state's largest private solar power array to meet electricity needs at its hub at Oakland International Airport.
The shipping giant and Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown announced the new solar plan Monday under a cloudy sky. When the panels are up and running next year, they will produce almost enough electricity to run FedEx's Oakland hub.
"FedEx is proving that solar power works for business," said Brown, an advocate of solar power since the 1970s when he was California governor.
"Thanks to the vision shown by FedEx, we're adding nearly one megawatt of zero-pollution electric generating capacity to Oakland," Brown said. "With this project, we're well on our way to my administration's goal of adding five megawatts of solar power in Oakland by the end of 2005."
The mayor has set the ambitious goal of generating all of Oakland's electricity by renewable energy by 2030.
In June, Brown presided over the dedication of a 68-kilowatt solar power system at Open Hand Manufacturing Inc., a wood processing shop in the Fruitvale district, and a 30-kilowatt system at a new residential building in the Temescal district in North Oakland.
When the FedEx project is complete in May, the new solar panels will cover the roof of the company's two buildings at the airport, where 1,700 employees work.
The 904-kilowatt FedEx solar array will provide approximately 80 percent of the peak load demand for the shipping company's Oakland operations.
It will include 5,769 photovoltaic modules, composed of more than 300,000 solar cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity. The electricity generated by the FedEx system will be the equivalent to that used by more than 900 homes during the daytime.
The Oakland array in the second largest in California -- only the 1.1- megawatt system at Alameda County's Santa Rita Jail is bigger -- and one of the nation's largest.
The FedEx solar array will also produce the most energy at times when California's electrical grid is most taxed -- during the hottest, sunniest days of summer.
"Harnessing the sun's power to generate electricity is a good investment, both financially and environmentally," said Dan Shugar, president of PowerLight, the Berkeley firm that is designing and building the array.
"By outfitting this airport facility with solar power and incorporating energy efficiency measures, FedEx will be generating clean power and helping offset peak power costs statewide -- which benefits all California utility customers."
This is FedEx's second major "environmental innovation" this year. In March, FedEx became the first national shipping company to make a long-term market commitment to develop and use hybrid electric delivery trucks. The hybrid trucks were first introduced in Sacramento and will gradually be phased- in in other U.S. cities.
Monday's announcement at the Oakland airport came as what is being billed as the nation's largest solar energy conference, Solar Power 2004, began in San Francisco. Because of skyrocketing oil prices, many businesses are looking at solar alternatives for the first time.
The shipping giant and Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown announced the new solar plan Monday under a cloudy sky. When the panels are up and running next year, they will produce almost enough electricity to run FedEx's Oakland hub.
"FedEx is proving that solar power works for business," said Brown, an advocate of solar power since the 1970s when he was California governor.
"Thanks to the vision shown by FedEx, we're adding nearly one megawatt of zero-pollution electric generating capacity to Oakland," Brown said. "With this project, we're well on our way to my administration's goal of adding five megawatts of solar power in Oakland by the end of 2005."
The mayor has set the ambitious goal of generating all of Oakland's electricity by renewable energy by 2030.
In June, Brown presided over the dedication of a 68-kilowatt solar power system at Open Hand Manufacturing Inc., a wood processing shop in the Fruitvale district, and a 30-kilowatt system at a new residential building in the Temescal district in North Oakland.
When the FedEx project is complete in May, the new solar panels will cover the roof of the company's two buildings at the airport, where 1,700 employees work.
The 904-kilowatt FedEx solar array will provide approximately 80 percent of the peak load demand for the shipping company's Oakland operations.
It will include 5,769 photovoltaic modules, composed of more than 300,000 solar cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity. The electricity generated by the FedEx system will be the equivalent to that used by more than 900 homes during the daytime.
The Oakland array in the second largest in California -- only the 1.1- megawatt system at Alameda County's Santa Rita Jail is bigger -- and one of the nation's largest.
The FedEx solar array will also produce the most energy at times when California's electrical grid is most taxed -- during the hottest, sunniest days of summer.
"Harnessing the sun's power to generate electricity is a good investment, both financially and environmentally," said Dan Shugar, president of PowerLight, the Berkeley firm that is designing and building the array.
"By outfitting this airport facility with solar power and incorporating energy efficiency measures, FedEx will be generating clean power and helping offset peak power costs statewide -- which benefits all California utility customers."
This is FedEx's second major "environmental innovation" this year. In March, FedEx became the first national shipping company to make a long-term market commitment to develop and use hybrid electric delivery trucks. The hybrid trucks were first introduced in Sacramento and will gradually be phased- in in other U.S. cities.
Monday's announcement at the Oakland airport came as what is being billed as the nation's largest solar energy conference, Solar Power 2004, began in San Francisco. Because of skyrocketing oil prices, many businesses are looking at solar alternatives for the first time.
For more information:
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c...
I'm sure that sulfur lamp can be more simple, more reliable
and less expensive that were represented in the USA, Europe, Japan, China. But I couldn't find a company in the
USA that is working today in this area.
and less expensive that were represented in the USA, Europe, Japan, China. But I couldn't find a company in the
USA that is working today in this area.
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