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Projects Updates for theme: all

  1. note from Landon Hill

    Associated Project(s): 
    Single-Use Battery Recycling

    After discussions with senior management in the Division of Research Safety we have decided that we (DRS) will continue to recommend trash disposal of alkaline batteries until the campus decides to adopt an alternate policy. We do not receive that many questions regarding the proper disposal of alkaline batteries from campus and we have removed all but two references regarding the disposal of the alkaline batteries from the DRS website.

    This is an interesting study from MIT which you may already be aware of:  http://www.epbaeurope.net/documents/NEMA_alkalinelca2011.pdf

    Thanks.

    Landon Hill

    Division of Research Safety

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    217-333-2436

    landon@illinois.edu

  2. Teresa Tousignant requests meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    TBH Lighting Project

    Here are the proposal and supporting documents for the TBH lighting project.   The account number has been set up so the project now has access to the funds.   I’d like to get this project into the lighting design and electrical engineering pipeline as soon as we can.  I’d also like to call a project kickoff meeting so we can sit down with Prof. Hall, Director Chasco, and Eva Sweeney and make sure everyone is on the same page.

    Teresa Tousignant
    Student Sustainability Committee

    Energy Working Group Co-Chair

  3. potential water reuse at NCPD

    Associated Project(s): 
    Water Conservation [ARCHIVED]

    From: Lev, James R
    Sent: Saturday, June 08, 2013 8:21 AM
    To: Reeser, Doris Jean
    Cc: Kim, Qu; Bundren, Brian Christopher; Johnston, Morgan B
    Subject: U13038 NCPD - install solar array - conceputualization (U-1937)

    We have an opportunity in this project at the Parking Deck that I want to put on the table right away as it could affect the other projects underway on the ground floor of the building. 

    the parking deck solar array project will provide energy capacity to the ECE project in its goal to achieve net Zero status.  it will also provide power for new LED lighting throughout the parking deck. 

    We will be collecting or harvesting rainwater from the proposed solar array project on the top parking deck.  at this time the plan is to direct the water directly into the drainage system for the building.  this would be the sanitary system since the water on the decks have runoff from vehicles.     

    At little expense this water could be redirected and used for irrigation or flushing toilets on the ground floor.  this would require some storage capacity somewhere in the structure and some alteration to the water supply piping.   splitting the water supply piping between potable water and flushing water would need to be done now for that option to be used on the first floor..   otherwise this potential use of harvested water could be installed later.

    Paul Foote has told me that there are grants available to pay for this type of conservation measure. 

    Is this worth investigating at this late date in your projects?

    It seems to be an opportunity that fits well with everything that is being done at the parking deck.  I felt that I should at least raise the question and not miss an opportunity for a sustainable addition to the facility.

    Jim

    James R. Lev AIA

    Architect, Capital Planning

    Facilities & Services

    University of Illinois

    Champaign, Illinois

  4. meeting updates

    Associated Project(s): 
    Install Solar PVs on NCPD [ARCHIVED]

    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.

  6. F&S internal meeting to address EV charging stations

    Associated Project(s): 
    Install Public Use Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations

    Jack Dempsey, Pete Varney, Michelle Winters, Pam Voitik, and Morgan Johnston met to discuss options for supporting EV charging stations for public use on campus.  It is unethical to allow UI resources to be used for personal needs, so the UI power cannot be freely distributed to Electric Vehicle owners.  A public charging station will need to include a payment mechanism.  Michelle Winters and Morgan Johnston will work on a plan for implementing public EV charging stations on campus.

  7. Engineers Without Borders Nigeria Water Project

    Associated Project(s): 
    Student Groups with Sustainability Focus

    The University of Illinois chapter of Engineers Without Borders worked on a project to find clean water sources of water for the Nigerian village of Adu Achi. Previously, residents of Adu Achi relied on water sources that were up to 3 kilometers away and struggled with contaminated water.

    The project began with a site assessment in August 2006, but project meeting have continued through the Spring 2013 semester.

    For more information, visit https://sites.google.com/site/ewbuiucenugustatewaterproject/.

  9. Efficiency measures at Abbott Power Plant

    Associated Project(s): 
    Utilities Master Plan for Energy Production and Distribution

    In general, the overall efficiency of a typical power plant is approximately 35%, and the efficiency of a typical cogeneration plant is typically 80-85%.  The efficiency is in general a measure of the energy input (fuel), vs. the energy output (electricity, and in the case of a cogeneration plant steam and electricity).

    We have done a lot of things to improve the plant efficiency, but at this point in time we don’t have good data available that can measure and quantify those improvements.  Some of the items that we have undertaken include:  changing out the lighting to higher efficient flourescents and/or LEDs, changing out the Centac Centrifugal Air Compressors to more efficient VFD driven rotary air compressors, changing the air compressor cooling from city water to the plant service water system, and repairing and replacing direct contact heaters.

    Mike Larson

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Director of Utilities Production

  12. grant deadlines

    Associated Project(s): 
    Seek External Grant Funding for Implementation

    Joyce Mast, at ECE, is researching funding opportunities for the solar panels for ECE and the NCPD.  she provided this information.

    Deadlines for submitting proposals:

    1) Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity - Assuming our budget is adequate in the next state fiscal year, we may  be offering this program again in September or October of this year (Wayne Hartel, Energy Program Specialist, Illinois Energy Office)

    2) When I looked over the SSC-funded projects for 2012 and told Professor Krein about them, he said we should wait for the September inquiry date. He expects that we should have drawings and plans by July. I’m still looking for matching funds

    3) Their initial thought was Act on Energy grants, however I advised UI probably did not qualify as UI is not a standard tariff Ameren customer (Keith Erickson)

    4) Illinois Clean Energy: a) High Performance Green Buildings – Rolling Review. Submit application anytime
                                                     b) Requests for Innovative equipment replacement projects in existing buildings or
                                                     c)  installations in new construction must submit a Letter of Inquiry electronically by July 16, 2013.

                                                     d)  Solar Photovoltaic Installation by July 16, 2013

                                                     e) Advancing Renewable Energy by July 16, 2013

    I have looked at solar installations on roofs and have pictures. These would be supportive. However, we don’t have enough specific information to apply for any grant until the feasibility study results are in.

    Morgan, do you have more ideas of places we can apply? Gerard?

    I am eager to proceed as soon as possible. If you have further suggestions, please let me know. I could meet with you most any time.

    Best regards,

    Joyce Mast

    Joyce Mast, Coordinator

    Grainger Center for Electric
      Machinery and Electromechanics

    Department of Electrical

      and Computer Engineering

  13. The Impact of School Buildings on Student Health and Performance: A Call for Research

    Associated Project(s): 
    Facility Standards

    In "The Impact of School Buildings on Student Health and Performance: A Call for Research" by Lindsay Baker and Harvey Bernstein (2012), authors note research results and needs about green schools.

    What do we know today?   In some areas, we have strong evidence to support the notion that school buildings impact student health and their ability to learn, and we know exactly how to ensure that the impacts are positive. For example, we know how to build classrooms that minimize background noise and allow voices to be heard clearly, which will allow students to hear their teachers and protect their aural health. We have clear evidence that certain aspects of school buildings have an impact on student health and learning, such as:

    • When deprived of natural light, studies have shown that children’s melatonin cycles are disrupted, thus likely having an impact on their alertness during school (Figueiro & Rea, 2010).
    • Teachers report higher levels of comfort in their classrooms when they have access to thermal controls like thermostats or operable windows (Heschong, 2003, and Lackney, 2001).
    • According to researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, when ventilation rates are at or below minimum standards (roughly 15 cfm per student), an associated decrease of 5%–10% occurs in certain aspects of student performance tests (LBNL IAQ Resource Bank).
    • In recent studies, when ventilation rates were lowered from 17 cfm/person to 10 cfm/person researchers saw a 15% increase in symptom prevalence for Sick Building Syndrome (ibid).

    What do we need to find out?   While there have been studies on the impact of environments on children—and the benefits of green buildings more broadly—more research is needed. Some of the larger research questions are:

    • When prioritization is necessary, which building projects can be expected to have larger impacts on facility quality and student health?
    • What are the impacts of high-performance school buildings, above and beyond an adequate (and potentially new) school building?
    • How do high-performance design features interact with each other? Relationships such as those between daylighting and acoustical design are understood less in terms of how they interact than in isolation.

  16. How to Make Your Campus Green presentations

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainability Engagement and Outreach

    Morgan Johnston met with a delegation from Mumbai, India, to tell them how we are making our campus more sustainable. 

    Jack Dempsey has been asked to speak to two different delegations this June about the same topic.    The first group is from  a group of private universities in India, sponsored by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and is coming on a program promoted by Pradeep Khanna and his staff in Corporate Relations.  The second group is from a group of institutions in Pakistan with whom we have had a longstanding relationship:  COMSATS Institutes of Information Technology. 

  18. solar installation quote received

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar PVs on Fruit Farm Admin Building [ARCHIVED]

    From: Kevin Wolz [mailto:wolz1@illinois.edu]
    Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 10:48 AM
    To: Johnston, Morgan B
    Cc: Litchfield, J Bruce; Werpetinski, Valeri A; Beverage, McKenzie; Andrew Gazdziak; Wolz, Kevin James; Branham, Bruce E
    Subject: Fwd: SOLAR QUOTE

    Hi Morgan,

    I've attached the latest and best solar quote we have received for the solar array to be placed on the roof of the fruit farm building (funded by the SSC via the LINC EV SSF class). I am still waiting for (1) the system specs and schematics from this company which I will forward as soon as I get them and (2) a few more conversations with Crop Sci and ACES people once I get back in the country in June 1. However, I wanted to send this to you so you could advise on what else I need to provide and get from F&S to make this a go. 

    Thanks so much! 

    Kevin

    Attached Files: 

  20. NCPD conceptualization mtg

    Associated Project(s): 
    Install Solar PVs on NCPD [ARCHIVED]

    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

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