theviewfromthepeak.net
the breakthrough.org
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Caught my eye...
When doing research I came across a couple cartoons that really seemed to fit. I wanted to share with you.
theviewfromthepeak.net
the breakthrough.org
theviewfromthepeak.netthe breakthrough.org
Original Graphic!
A lot of people seemed to be confused about why I was talking to curtain wall manufacturers. It seemed that they thought I was focusing on solar energy, which is true but not really the whole picture.
I really liked this concept of "marrying" a photovoltaic panel with a curtain wall panel in order to explain my intentions of applying them both together. I hope you like it too! (click to make it larger)
I really liked this concept of "marrying" a photovoltaic panel with a curtain wall panel in order to explain my intentions of applying them both together. I hope you like it too! (click to make it larger)
Abstract Outline
Application of Photovoltaic Panels for High Rise Buildings
How practical would it be to incorporate photovoltaic panels into a curtain wall system for application on a high rise building in Kamloops BC? This question will be explored by determining the environmental benefits, economic costs, and physical viability.
The world is beginning to move towards a sustainable “green” lifestyle and is becoming more aware of the impacts of day-to-day activities on the environment. People are now beginning to drive less and take public transit more, cities are incorporating better recycling strategies into their waste management programs, and energy efficient appliances are becoming more common. With this trend to being more environmentally friendly building footprints are becoming smaller resulting in increased density and taller buildings. In an effort to recognize these trends and plan for the future this report explores the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels to provide energy for a high rise building in Kamloops BC.
Recently the use of solar energy is starting to become a viable energy source to supplement the world’s energy demands. Solar energy has potential to become a main provider of “clean energy” as it has relatively low environmental impacts. This report compares the carbon footprints of solar energy to that of mainstream energy generation techniques such as coal plants, hydro dams and nuclear reactors. This information will be collected or determined and illustrated through the use of a table and graph.
Economics often determine whether a project will proceed. Investors are often reluctant to invest in technology with high risk margins. For this application the extra cost of the PV panels is offset by deducting the cost of the regular spandrel glass. Estimates provided by the curtain wall manufacturing company as well as the photovoltaic supplier will be provided to show the total additional cost incurred. These figures will be combined with other calculated costs for electricians and extra labor time to provide an estimate for the overall cost.
With every new technology there is a need for new techniques and methods in order to apply them. By investigating current methods of placing photovoltaic panels, as well as methods used to insert the spandrel glass into curtain wall systems, recommendations for the best way to incorporate the two together can be made. The overall results will be shown through the creation of a wall detail.
With limited energy resources and increasing demand the cost of energy will only continue to rise. Eventually there will come a point where energy costs will surpass the cost of incorporating PV panels in order to harness solar energy. This report proves the economic, environmental and physical viability through a complete analysis and design of a high rise building incorporating PV panels.
The world is beginning to move towards a sustainable “green” lifestyle and is becoming more aware of the impacts of day-to-day activities on the environment. People are now beginning to drive less and take public transit more, cities are incorporating better recycling strategies into their waste management programs, and energy efficient appliances are becoming more common. With this trend to being more environmentally friendly building footprints are becoming smaller resulting in increased density and taller buildings. In an effort to recognize these trends and plan for the future this report explores the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels to provide energy for a high rise building in Kamloops BC.
Recently the use of solar energy is starting to become a viable energy source to supplement the world’s energy demands. Solar energy has potential to become a main provider of “clean energy” as it has relatively low environmental impacts. This report compares the carbon footprints of solar energy to that of mainstream energy generation techniques such as coal plants, hydro dams and nuclear reactors. This information will be collected or determined and illustrated through the use of a table and graph.
Economics often determine whether a project will proceed. Investors are often reluctant to invest in technology with high risk margins. For this application the extra cost of the PV panels is offset by deducting the cost of the regular spandrel glass. Estimates provided by the curtain wall manufacturing company as well as the photovoltaic supplier will be provided to show the total additional cost incurred. These figures will be combined with other calculated costs for electricians and extra labor time to provide an estimate for the overall cost.
With every new technology there is a need for new techniques and methods in order to apply them. By investigating current methods of placing photovoltaic panels, as well as methods used to insert the spandrel glass into curtain wall systems, recommendations for the best way to incorporate the two together can be made. The overall results will be shown through the creation of a wall detail.
With limited energy resources and increasing demand the cost of energy will only continue to rise. Eventually there will come a point where energy costs will surpass the cost of incorporating PV panels in order to harness solar energy. This report proves the economic, environmental and physical viability through a complete analysis and design of a high rise building incorporating PV panels.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
More Updates!
I met with Frank Luciani and Kim Goodall from ACS (Aluminum Curtainwall Systems) on Tuesday. It was really great to get their opinions and also they were kind enough to do a little research for me and show me some alternative solutions. I definitely appreciated their time and opinions, it was really nice to sit down and talk it out a bit with experienced professionals.
Although Frank gave me a lot to think about in terms of more "technologically advanced" ways to provide energy to buildings, I think I am going to stick with my original game plan of incorporating photovoltaic panels to do it. However, some of the avenues that they pointed me down seem to have done some studies comparing their new methods to using photovoltaic panels. This is great news because it gives me new leads to pursue.
As far as being able to incorporate PV panels into a curtain wall system, Frank never said it was impossible. He was reluctant to give me any price quotes since they have never done a curtain wall system like that before. However he did say that they will be able to provide me with an estimate for a regular curtainwall system, so that will definitely help me out with my calculations.
Another thing that Frank brought up is that there might be extra costs for an electrician to come in and install this whole system. I never really thought about that before, so I am going to have to do some research and just see how much of an extra cost that will be.
On the photovoltaic side of things, I have emailed Day4 Energy in Burnaby and am waiting to hear back from them. Hopefully it will be soon!
Although Frank gave me a lot to think about in terms of more "technologically advanced" ways to provide energy to buildings, I think I am going to stick with my original game plan of incorporating photovoltaic panels to do it. However, some of the avenues that they pointed me down seem to have done some studies comparing their new methods to using photovoltaic panels. This is great news because it gives me new leads to pursue.
As far as being able to incorporate PV panels into a curtain wall system, Frank never said it was impossible. He was reluctant to give me any price quotes since they have never done a curtain wall system like that before. However he did say that they will be able to provide me with an estimate for a regular curtainwall system, so that will definitely help me out with my calculations.
Another thing that Frank brought up is that there might be extra costs for an electrician to come in and install this whole system. I never really thought about that before, so I am going to have to do some research and just see how much of an extra cost that will be.
On the photovoltaic side of things, I have emailed Day4 Energy in Burnaby and am waiting to hear back from them. Hopefully it will be soon!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Thesis Statement
I have been having some trouble with my thesis question. I keep coming back to a "yes-or-no" type question. I don't know if it will be alright like this or if I need to change it so that the answer can't be answered by a simple "yes" or "no".
This is what I have so far. I would definitely appreciate any comments, feedback, or suggestions!
Topic: Incorporating photovoltaic panels into curtain wall systems
Application: High rise buildings in Kamloops BC
Question: Would it be practical?
Statement: Would it be practical to incorporate photovoltaic panels into a curtain wall system for application on a high rise building in Kamloops BC? This question will be explored by determining the environmental benefits, economic costs, and physical viability.
I really want to incorporate something in there about involving local companies because that it going to be a big part of my project. This is definitely a work in progress, so expect to see an updated new-and-improved version coming soon!
Thanks everyone for your input. :)
~Samantha
This is what I have so far. I would definitely appreciate any comments, feedback, or suggestions!
Topic: Incorporating photovoltaic panels into curtain wall systems
Application: High rise buildings in Kamloops BC
Question: Would it be practical?
Statement: Would it be practical to incorporate photovoltaic panels into a curtain wall system for application on a high rise building in Kamloops BC? This question will be explored by determining the environmental benefits, economic costs, and physical viability.
I really want to incorporate something in there about involving local companies because that it going to be a big part of my project. This is definitely a work in progress, so expect to see an updated new-and-improved version coming soon!
Thanks everyone for your input. :)
~Samantha
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Solar Cells - FYI
When I started working on this project I realized that I honestly didn't know how photovoltaic panels worked. I wanted to find a video that wasn't too dry that would explain it. This video by Hila Science is still sort of hard to get through, but I think it really explains how the whole system works.
Here is a quick summary:
Photovoltaic cells are quite similar to a battery. Silicon crystals create solar cells; when phosphorus atoms are added to the silicon it creates the negative terminal of the battery and when boron atoms are added to the silicon it creates the positive terminal of the battery. Metal bars embedded in the surface of the cell act as conductors. When light shines on the panel it causes the negative layer to become energized and electrons to flow to the positive layer.
This only produces a small amount of energy so many solar cells need to be grouped together into panels. The amount of energy produced by the sun is about 1000 watts per square meter, and current photovoltaic panels are able to convert approx. 10% of this into energy. But technology is always advancing, so it is expected that soon we will be able to convert much more than this into usable energy.
This only produces a small amount of energy so many solar cells need to be grouped together into panels. The amount of energy produced by the sun is about 1000 watts per square meter, and current photovoltaic panels are able to convert approx. 10% of this into energy. But technology is always advancing, so it is expected that soon we will be able to convert much more than this into usable energy.
Note:
Video from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Caf1JIz4X2I&feature=PlayList&p=5F40C3F10400BB3C&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=42
Video from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Caf1JIz4X2I&feature=PlayList&p=5F40C3F10400BB3C&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=42
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Solaire - NYC
The Solaire is located in Battery Park, NYC. It is certified LEED Gold, and incorporates MANY green features, including using photovoltaic panels (PV) on the west facade of the building where the sun hits the most.According to a case study done by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the photovoltaic system cost $375,000 with a 4-year payback period. I think this is important because I feel that a 4-year payback period is very reasonable.
The system they use is different than what I am doing in that I am trying to incorporate PV panels into a curtain wall system, whereas they just installed them on the exterior of the building. But it is similar in that I am going to be applying them vertically on the face of the building. It gives me hope that my idea is feasible, and maybe even more so than the system they use in The Solaire since I will be able to offset the cost of the PV panels by taking out the cost of the spandrel glass.
I really REALLY encourage you to to check out this video by the New York Times, "Green Architecture in NYC". It goes on a little mini tour of The Solaire, so you can check out the PV panels and everything else they did to achieve LEED Gold. I think this may be a good excuse to go for a trip to the Big Apple!
Note:
Top picture from: http://www.urbangreencouncil.org/assets/imagesgreen-buildings/the-solaire-battery-park-city-from-contest.jpg
Bottom picture from: http://www.thehighline.org/img/newsletter/122006/greenroof.jpg
Sunday, March 7, 2010
First Update!
So I have been slowly coming along with my research, I don't have too much to report at this time except I am now in contact with Inland Glass & Aluminum Ltd./Aluminum Curtainwall Systems Inc. and they have agreed to set up an appointment with me to give me some information that will help me with my project.
Inland Glass & Aluminum Ltd./Aluminum Curtainwall Systems Inc. is a local company here in Kamloops BC. They do manufacturing AND installation of curtainwall sytems. I am really excited that they have agreed to meet with me because I really want to get local businesses involved. It also provides an opportunity to make my project even more "green" by cutting out transportation costs.
I think the next step is to contact some Photovoltaic Suppliers and hopefully be able to get some information from them as well.
Inland Glass & Aluminum Ltd./Aluminum Curtainwall Systems Inc. is a local company here in Kamloops BC. They do manufacturing AND installation of curtainwall sytems. I am really excited that they have agreed to meet with me because I really want to get local businesses involved. It also provides an opportunity to make my project even more "green" by cutting out transportation costs.
I think the next step is to contact some Photovoltaic Suppliers and hopefully be able to get some information from them as well.
Cheers,
~Samantha
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