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Project Updates for collection: Renewable Energy Projects

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  1. Phoenix will comply with US Steel requirements

    Associated Project(s): 

    -----Original Message-----
    From: Borkowski, Joe [mailto:J.Borkowski@Phoenixsolar.us]
    Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2013 2:11 PM
    To: Johnston, Morgan B; Dempsey, John Garrett
    Subject: U.S. Steel use for University solar

    Morgan,

    This email is to attest Phoenix Solar will comply with Illinois and Federal Buy American procurement provisions.  For the purpose of clarity, Phoenix Solar will ensure the steel that is used on this system will be procured and manufactured in the United States.

    I look forward to speaking soon.

    Best regards,

    Joe Borkowski

  2. Update from Justin Johnston at UI Purchasing

    Associated Project(s): 

    Justin Johnston confirmed that the answers to all the State Purchasing Officer's questions have been sent to Steve Rotello, the State Purchasing Officer.  Justin is working to set a meeting with the SPO, Justin, and Morgan Johnston to review the current status of this approval.

  3. Land Use Data for US Solar Farms

    Associated Project(s): 

    National Renewable Energy Laboratories conducted research into solar land use requirements, but were unable to find a comprehensive evaluation from the literature. NREL created this report to analyze data related to land use in large solar arrays. The paragraph below explains the efficiency of land by type of solar project, and the link takes you directly to the report.

    Generation-weighted averages for total area requirements range from about 3 acres/GWh/yr for CSP towers and CPV installations to 5.5 acres/GWh/yr for small 2-axis flat panel PV power plants. Across all solar technologies, the total area generation-weighted average is 3.5 acres/GWh/yr with 40% of power plants within 3 and 4 acres/GWh/yr. For direct-area requirements the generation-weighted average is 2.9 acres/GWh/yr, with 49% of power plants within 2.5 and 3.5 acres/GWh/yr. On a capacity basis, the total-area capacity-weighted average is 8.9 acres/MWac, with 22% of power plants within 8 and 10 acres/MWac. For direct land-use requirements, the capacity-weighted average is 7.3 acre/MWac, with 40% of power plants within 6 and 8 acres/MWac. Other published estimates of solar direct land use generally fall within these ranges.
     

    https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy13osti/56290.pdf 

  4. Solar Farm pending State Purchasing Officer (SPO) approval

    Associated Project(s): 

    The Solar Farm Purchase Agreement is waiting on approval from the State Purchasing Officer (SPO).  After the Board of Trustees approval in November 2012, the project went to the SPO's office.  It is now under review and Facilities & Services is working to answer any SPO questions.

  5. Purchasing met with SPO

    Associated Project(s): 

    From: Milbrandt, Janet
    Sent: Monday, July 01, 2013 1:33 PM
    To: Dempsey, John Garrett
    Cc: Johnston, Morgan B
    Subject: RE: solar farm

    Justin met with Steve Rotello on Friday, 6/30/2013.  We are meeting later today to discuss the results. 

    Janet.

    From: Dempsey, John Garrett
    Sent: Monday, July 01, 2013 1:26 PM
    To: Milbrandt, Janet
    Cc: Johnston, Morgan B
    Subject: solar farm

    Can you provide me with and updated status of this important procurement.

  6. Information about solar films

    Associated Project(s): 

    F&S Engineers provide input on solar film technology: "We experienced delamination with these in the past; about 25 years ago.  I’d be curious if the adhesives have gotten any better." - John Prince

    "Films have come a long way.  Like John, I have seen several versions of solar films and have not been impressed with their durability.  The newer films and coatings are much better but the effectiveness is still dependent to the quality of installation.  The films may have some applications on campus but must be evaluated in terms of cost.  The solar transmittance is low enough for me to question whether IHPA would have a problem with our historic buildings.  We would also want to avoid a checker board appearance if the product were applied randomly to a building windows.  I don’t want to dismiss the product but it does need more investigation." - Fred Hahn

  7. Allerton Park Geothermal_Funding Award and Acceptance

    This project seeks to significantly reduce Allerton Park’s net energy usage while, at the same time, promoting clean, renewable energy.  This will be done by converting the facility’s most inefficient and outdated heating and cooling system, located within the Gatehouse building, to geothermal heating and cooling.  As a U of I entity, Allerton Park strives to lead the way in upholding the University’s climate commitment by proactively encouraging sound and sustainable building principles.  As a climate leader, Allerton Park is committed to encouraging alternative energy initiatives, improving energy efficiency, and engaging students in supporting alternative sources of energy. 

  8. Solar Farm Funding Award and Acceptance Letter

    The 5.87 megawatt (MW) Solar Farm will increase the generation of renewable energy on campus and help meet goals outlined in the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP). The Solar Farm will produce an estimated 7.86 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) the first year or approximately 2% of the electrical demand for the Urbana campus based upon usage projections for fiscal year 2015.

  9. update from Joyce Mast

    Associated Project(s): 

    From: Mast, Joyce C
    Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 9:32 AM
    To: Beverage, McKenzie; Johnston, Morgan B
    Subject: RE: ECE Solar Installation Status Update

    McKenzie,

    Thank you for checking with me about the status of the Solar Installation on the North Parking Garage. I expect that no funds will be spent on the SSC account before the end of the fiscal year. We need results from the feasibility study for placing the panels on the North Parking Garage roof before we will be spending money on the panels or installation.  The study is to be officially completed by September 6, 2013, but we expect to  have drawings and plans by July. This will give us enough information to seek more matching funds so that the panels may be installed in time for the July 2014 completion date for the new building.  

    Best regards,

    Joyce Mast

  10. Building removal

    Associated Project(s): 

    There are three buildings on the site of the future Solar Farm.  The SSC requested that the Timber Frame barn be salvaged, rather than demolished.  The company that is the preferred vendor for this work provided this detail:

    It would be our intention to reuse 100% of the wood components.  We would re-erect the building as it stands with only modifications being to the interior layout spacing.    We will recycle the steel roofing.  We would handle the concrete in non-landfill manner; planned use is as a fencing fill for the new owner.  Battens and doors and any exterior wood treatments would be reused in the re-newed structure.  Although the nails will not be reused in the re-erection of the building, they have been allocated to go to a local BFA candidate.

  11. meeting updates

    Associated Project(s): 

    Yesterday’s meeting covered more refined and detailed breakdown of the following topics, most of which were discussed in prior meetings, with the exception of the newly introduced structural support “Space Frame” option.

    • Panel layout configurations for truss mounted structural frame- 4 sections of seven rows at approx. 100 modules/row or four sections of six rows also 100 modules each. Truss mounting providing specific spacing for mounting dimensions. Also mentioned types of Truss material recommending tubular over welded angle, siting weatherization, degradation, appearance and animal habitat prevention as main reasons.
    • Space Frame structure was introduced as a favorable option.
    • A space frame is a structure system assembled of linear elements so arranged that forces are transferred in a three-dimensional manner. In some cases, the constituent element may be two dimensional.
    • Macroscopically a space frame often takes the form of a flat or curved surface.
    • It should be noted that virtually the same structure defined as space frame here is referred to as latticed structures in a state-of-the-art report prepared by the Task Committee on Latticed Structures [2], which states
    • A latticed structure is a structure system in the form of a network of elements (as opposed to a continuous surface). Rolled, extruded or fabricated sections comprise the member elements.
    • Another characteristic of latticed structural system is that their load-carrying mechanism is three dimensional in nature.
    • Space frame benefits although more costly up front were presented as prefabricated, galvanized and powder coated, sturdy, longer Life cycle and less maintenance, but requiring cranes and other installation costs. They also have installer requirements for mounting solar array as to maintain the integrity of the coating and protective surfaces. Provided flexible mounting spacing to help maximize power output and minimize shading.
    • Inverter layout revisited with schematic diagram presented illustrating component placement and wiring layouts.
    • An overall electrical schematic was presented identifying key component placing and overcurrent protection limits and needs, along with electrical room Layout.
    • Metering usage stated existing meters could be utilized with the addition of a revenue grade power production meter to monitor the array output.
    • Single line diagram was presented identifying current and project components, mentioning the output potential of 1400-1600 amps at 480 volts.
    • Introduced idea of rainwater harvesting for irrigation or toilet flushing usages.
    • Procurement procedures mentioned and moved as major topic for next meeting with concerns of turnkey type purchasing being the industry norm verses purchasing standard variety purchasing from multiple vendors in normal construction.
    • Next meeting PEP is having the structural Engineers present design considerations, and Mr. Jim Lev will have construction procurement representative attend.
  12. NCPD conceptualization mtg

    Associated Project(s): 

    Today’s meeting covered LED fixture questions and concerns:

    They presented data and layout with luminescence patterns for 2 fixtures one costing $400. 00/fixture and another $1000.00/fixture. It was mentioned that we need dimming features but no specifics on how or the criteria for that.

    Also covered were:

    • different configurations for trusses and rows of PV modules, scaffolding, and height and spacing requirements for same.
    • The module size and efficiency requirements needed to create 1600(Mwh) of power annually, along with quantities per different sq/ft
    • Drainage for the snow and rain off of the modules, along with snow removal equipment in the bay areas
    • Shading impact due to elevator towers, and overlapping rays during the winter months effecting production and how to handle these issues
    • Central inverter scheme being the most effective and the optional layouts and wiring for same.
    • DC combiner boxes layout scheme and wiring to reduce the effects of shading on power production
  13. Solar Installations - preliminary list

    Associated Project(s): 

    Facilities & Services created a list of existing and planned Solar installations on campus:

    a.       Installed:

    i.         #1206 BIF – Approx. 3,700-4,000 s.f. on a building roof.

    b.      Active:

    i.        Approx. 20”x20” panel for a fixed speed radar detector near lot E-15.

    ii.       Approx. 20”x20” panel to power lights for pedestrian crossing on Springfield Avenue.  Lights have been removed due to maintenance issues.  Panel remains.

    iii.      Approx. 20”x20” panel for a mobile speed radar detector on Lincoln Avenue.

    iv.      Approx. 20”x20” panel for an electric tractor/mower charger.  Item is off the grid.  Location?

    c.       In Planning:

    i.         #0052 KCPA

    ii.       #0409 Electrical and Computer Engineering along with #1094 NCPD

    iii.       South solar farm

    iv.       Housing

    v.        #0118 ARC - Solar Thermal

                    vi.       Residence Hall #3

                   vii.       College of Engineering discussing something at MNTL with grant funds. 

     

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