Harnessing solar energy to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and save money.
Summary
The use of solar energy is a multi-faceted subject. I will explore the benefits and drawbacks of solar hot water, and its usefulness to our society and to Thompson Rivers University. Through monitoring of the flat plate solar hot water system installed on three Thompson Rivers University buildings, I will analyze the economic feasibility of the system, and its value to society in removing our dependence on fossil fuels.
Purpose
TRU has installed flat plate solar hot water system on three building roofs. I saw an opportunity to analyze the value of solar power. By comparing the demand with supply data I will examine the financial and social responsibility the university has taken by installing the solar hot water system. There are two main types of solar hot water systems: flat plate and evacuated tube systems. Since the flat plate system has been installed here at TRU, all my data will come from this source. I will also see how much of a reduction we will see in use of the fossil fuel system currently in use for all hot water.
Method
Using the floor plans of the three installed locations (Old Main, the CAC, the Culinary Arts), the current 2006 British Columbia Building Code and resources from the American Society of Plumbing Engineers, I will establish the hot water demand of the building. I will examine the current gas hot water system to compare the supply actually given with my results of the demand to verify my work . With the use of a flow meter on the potable water and temp readings on out flowing water, data will be collected. If possible, I will be working with the Optimum Air Company who installed the system, to ensure that all data collected is recorded correctly, and no damage will be done to the system. Once all data is collected, I will directly compare it with the demand on the building. This will give a gas savings and a subsequent cost savings total received by the university. With this data, an estimate of the amount of time the system will take to pay for itself will be reached.
Data collection & Dissemination
With bi-weekly monitoring of flow meters and thermometers, data will collected and recorded using Excel. The data collected will be posted bi-weekly on a blog. Upon completion of this research, a formal report explaining my findings will be written. I will present this written report to be published in the ASHRAE journal and with ASTTBC. Given the opportunity I will present my report to the Undergraduate Research Conference.
Related information
The overall value to society might only be one small step, but anything that removes our dependence on fossil fuels is a socially responsible action. Fossil fuels are commodities that are getting increasingly more expensive. The Environment Advisory Committee here at TRU has a strategic plan policy in place to transition TRU to a carbon neutral institution. This could lead to similar projects on different buildings around campus. Government documents state that “A typical solar hot water system will reduce annual energy costs by 40-50%.”, (NRC 2000 pg3) They also state that “Domestic water heating contributes approximately 6 million tonnes CO2 each year toward Canada’s greenhouse emissions.” (NRC 2000 pg3) Government grants are available as well as monies from the carbon tax given to the University for such upgrades. Both solar hot water systems have different advantages and disadvantages. The plate model is cheaper to install and maintain whereas the evacuated tube system is more effective but has a higher initial cost.
