You are here: Home » Articles » Sustainable Technology For Schools
Articles
Sustainable Technology for Schools
When considering creating a renewable energy scheme in a school or academy it is can be difficult to get to grips with all the different options and what they might achieve. This document aims to take a high-level look at the different options and how they can be used in a renewable energy scheme.Photovoltaic generation (solar pv)
By harnessing free energy from the sun the solar panels use semiconductor technology and photosynthesis to produce DC electricity which is converted into AC mains quality electricity which is fed into the schools electrical circuit via a standalone consumer unit, the electricity is then consumed within the school and any surplice electricity is exported to the grid.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Extract heat from the ground, upgrade it to a useful temperature then distribute the heat via a heat exchanger and a distribution system to heat the building. CO2 saving are typically 10-15% of Co2 generated across school site.
Bio Mass Boilers
An efficient source of heat which burns compact pellets or brickets from sustainable resources. They can save between 20-30% of the Co2 generated across a school site.
Wind turbines
These produce electricity from an integral generator whenever the wind speed is sufficient to turn the rotors the electricity produced is fed into the buildings electricity supply via a dedicated distribution board. They will make a significant contribution to the schools Carbon footprint and electricity bill.
Earth Tubes
The temperature of the earth 4 meters below the ground remains constant at 10-12degrees centigrade. Earth tubes work on the principle of burying an Earthenware tube 4meters below the ground fresh air is drawn in at ground level with the other end connected to an Air Handling Unit at roof level for distribution within the school depending on the time of year the schools heating or cooling will be assisted by air from the heat tube.
Water less Urinals
Each individual urinal installed can save 100,000 litres of water per year additional savings can be made from low water dal flush cisterns. Not only do they save water but make a significant reduction to the schools on-going costs through a reduction on the Cost of water purchased.
Rain water harvesting
The rainwater collected can be recycled for toilet flushing and irrigation achieving a reduction in the amount of fresh water purchased and making a significant reduction to the schools on-going costs.
Heat Recovery Plant
By recycling the heat within the school a significant reduction on the heating plant load is achieved thereby contributing to a Co2 reduction and heating costs.
Solar Hot Water
A solar hot water system harnesses the free energy from the sun via collectors mounted on the roof as the water in the collectors gets hot it is pumped into a Storage vessel were it is stored until it is required for hot water or heating.
Inter-seasonal Heat Storage
A network of pipes are buried below the tarmac playgrounds and roads the pipes are charged with a water glycol mix, buy using a reverse cycle heat pump and thermal store units the heat can be used either to cool or heat the building.
CHP. Combined Heat and Power
A CHP unit can be powered by Gas or Bio Fuel. Heat is extracted from the exhaust and used to heat a swimming pool and reduce the base load of the main heating generator; an electrical generator coupled to the engine produces electricity that is fed into the schools electrical system with any surplus fed back into the grid. A CHP generator will make a significant reduction to the schools carbon footprint and energy bills.
Low energy Lighting
By replacing traditional light bulbs and fluorescent light tubes with modern low energy fittings, and presence sensors significant reductions can be made from the electricity bill and carbon footprint.
For finance and Specialist advice for Schools Colleges and Universities please contact Dr. Terence Lewis by email : terence.l@g-holdings.co.uk
About the article
| Author: | Dr Terrence Lewis (MSc, BSc) |
| Publish Date: | Tuesday 18th of January 2011 at 17:49 |
| Tags: | [none] |
Follow Us
To share this article or follow our articles use the icons below:
Free Quote From
Our Solar Experts
Please Wait