Category Archives: community

New solar tech- No water required

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New solar tech- No water required
Since its inception, solar power has been to some extent limited by the fact that it requires water. Now somebody has come up with a much less controversial and certainly renewable resource to do the same job as the water – compressed air. Without getting too technical, water in solar power systems operates in much the same way as a steam engine. When heated, the water expands (into steam) and drives a turbine. So does compressed air. If you’re an electrician, there’s another benefit – You don’t have water and electricity in the same power system.

The water problem
One of the major issues with using water to power turbines is that some of the best places on Earth to generate solar power are also waterless areas. Add to this situation the increasing scarcity and demands on water from growing urban areas, and you can see the problems.

A further issue is the potential expense of using large amounts of water in major solar power systems. The water and its related infrastructure could impose prohibitive costs and burdens on available resources in many parts of the world. It would also be rather ironic if a renewable energy resource were to blame the cause of the depletion of other essential natural resources. One of the immutable basic principles of renewable energy is that it must be appropriately designed to avoid situations like that, and that’s where compressed air comes into the picture.

Compressed air solar power
Compressed air technology is used in conventional power systems, and it is a proven technology. Compressed air solar power is a non-photovoltaic energy system. Instead, it uses mirrors to heat compressed air. The problem has been adapting it to work with solar power, and that is now being done by Australia’s CSIRO at a trial plant at Mayfield West in outback Australia. The new plan uses 4000 m² of mirrors focusing the Sun’s heat onto a tower containing compressed air. The air is heated to 900°C and powers a turbine.

It is estimated that the plant will recover its energy offsets in two years, meaning the full energy cost and carbon cost of its assembly and construction. It’s also estimated that the plant, even operating at a low energy efficiency, will be able to power 200 homes.

This is only a pilot program, but it has clear and immediate future applications particularly in Australia, where water usage and resources are sensitive subjects all the time due to regular droughts, water storage evaporation and very low humidity. Australia recently had the worst drought in recorded history, and any energy system which can be used in these conditions is particularly appropriate. The fact is that traditional energy systems also use a lot of water, and water savings could be immense using the new compressed air solar technology.

The energy costs of compressed air technology are quite low. Compressed air is quite similar to hydraulic systems insofar as it requires pressure to perform mechanical operations. The difference is that compressed air systems are extremely simple and cheap to operate. Compressed air based solar electrical services could be set up anywhere on Earth, in any economic environment without creating the major cost overheads typical of traditional power generation systems.

Solar lighting and solar power is helping third world countries

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In a perfect world, everyone, regardless of location, could have access to affordable, clean, renewable energy. In reality, more than 2.5 billion people across the globe do not have access to any power source at all. Most of these individuals rely on kerosene or other fossil fuels for light. Burning these fossil fuels creates large amounts of toxic fumes as well as high levels of greenhouse gases. Just one kerosene lamp, which is the most common source of light in third world countries and developing nations, produces about one ton of carbon emissions over a seven-year period. Obviously, an alternative, cleaner source of energy is necessary, and solar lighting or solar power is the answer!

Thanks to modern technology, generous donations from affluent countries or individuals, and the cooperation of ruling governments, solar power and solar lighting has enriched the lives of countless people in these third world countries. In fact, through solar power technology, these people are provided a cleaner, cheaper power source and a means of generating income.

Making solar energy available to as many individuals as possible is a noteworthy endeavor. The people of these third world and developing countries can serve their basic needs while reducing environmental pollution. As more solar lighting units are introduced, jobs will be generated. Individuals who have experienced the remarkable power generation capabilities of solar panels will tell others, which in turn will create more jobs and assist more families. Finally, demands for our precious fossil fuel resources will be diminished, thereby helping the entire planet.

AfricanSolarPanels

Solar power systems and technology are becoming more efficient, more economical, smaller, and more appealing to the eye. Likewise, thanks to this modern technology and water-heating properties of solar panels, some people have been able to take a hot bath for the first time in their lives! Solar power is also being used in cooperation with water in heating and cooling systems for homes where such luxuries were otherwise impossible. Lives have been saved, jobs have been generated, carbon emissions have been reduced, and the quality of life for countless individuals have been raised, all because of solar power!

In our current global economy, it is important to not only reduce the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels in third world countries, but also in the richest countries. And, although the rich countries have a large impact on climate change, it is important for all countries and people to do their part, in their own way, to reduce greenhouse emissions and fossil fuel use. Through the use of solar panels, solar lighting, and solar power systems, we can improve the lives of everyone, regardless of location or economic status. We can help those in the poorest of nations to cope with environmental and energy challenges to come, while at the same time helping them to reduce their own environmental impact.

Lighting up the Community with Solar

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Northeast Ohio, specifically Youngstown, Ohio, has solar lighting being accessed in Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse and in what they call Green Space Project Homes. Green Space Homes constructed traditional homes with energy efficient technology. Mr. Dave Quinlan, a certified geothermal installer held class at one of the homes in 2007 to show how these systems work. His system was approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and passed Energy Star Certification and Indoor Air Quality Standards.

solar-neighborhood

One of the houses that were constructed using geothermal materials and solar lighting is The Shades of Green Residence. Methods planned to protect the natural balance of lake and residence called LEED, leadership in energy and environmental design, whose design principles were joined with energy saving framing methods, radiant heat, energy controlling wall systems, thermal mass heater and Loewlyn windows and solar lighting. A residence built to lower fuel bills and decrease carbon emissions, The Carradine Residence, built in a 10kWAbundant Renewable Energy wind turbine.
The Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse was built using LEED design and energy saving technology by the General Services Administration. The LEED certification was granted by the U.S. Green Building Council for a building on a city brownfield location. Using LEED certification requirements, The General Services Administration Construction Excellence Program also used solar lighting, reflective heating and a concrete parking lot to resist heat buildup effect.
LEED certification is a global standard for predicting a building’s long term existence. In the United States it is sponsored by the United States Green Building Council based in Washington D.C. as a non-profit building association. Builders who agree to work for LEED certification have third party access to a vigorous commission whose mission is to build structures that produce the least possible negative impact on the environment. This project to encouage builders to plan and execute energy saving projects is also under the guidance of the National Resources Defense Council.
The city of Youngstown has many talented and innovative builders. They hoped that by getting LEED certification on these Green Homes following the LEED design of the Federal Building would encourage media coverage and allow the economy of Youngstown, Ohio, to profit through increased building contracts.
All of the homes that were built following LEED certification principles are wonderful structures that look to neighbors and passer by viewers as tradional homes. Only an expert in solar lighting and energy saving measures would recognize the eco- friendly and preserving technology that was built-in to these new houses.