EGEN SWATeam Meeting (2.17.17)
The EGEN SWATeam held another bi-weekly meeting. Topics covered include:
- Updating the EGEN objectives project page
- Reporting steam generation on-campus
- Plans for this semester
The EGEN SWATeam held another bi-weekly meeting. Topics covered include:
The EGEN SWATeam a meeting for the Spring 2017 semester. Topics covered include:
The EGEN SWATeam held their first meeting for the Spring 2017 semester. Topics covered include:
The EGEN SWATeam held their final meeting for the Fall 2016 semester. Topics covered include:
"As the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign considers installing more solar photovoltaic modules on the roofs of buildings, the discussion turns to the type of mounting systems to consider. This discussion often elicits the tale of the modules that were originally installed on the roof of the Business Instructional Facility (BIF) using a ballast-mounted system, that is, a mounting system held down using heavy weights such as concrete blocks.
The 2015 iCAP, chapter 3, objective 2 is "Expand on-campus solar energy production. By FY20, produce at least 12,500 MWh/year, and by FY25 at least 25,000 MWh/year, from solar installations on campus property."
The 2015 iCAP also described the following potential strategies for achieving this objective:
AASHE Conference, October 11, 2016 presentation
The EGEN SWATeam held their second meeting for the Fall 2016 semester. Topics covered include:
In support of the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot initiative, NREL is offering no-cost technical assistance to universities seeking to go solar.
In the Energy Billing System (EBS), there are meters for solar energy on campus. In BIF, 3D stands for electricity delivered and 3R stands for received (the energy the arrays use when not generating).
Japan is now implementing floating solar farms, on large bodies of water. The water keeps the panels cooler than ambient temperature, so they are more efficent.
the Indy airport solar array is 17.5 MW AC.
The Architecture Review Committee (ARC) got an inquiry about the possiblity of mounting solar vertically on south-facing walls (without windows). This could be a sheer flush-mounted solar PV array immediately against the wall. The PVs would not produce as much energy as a roof-top array, but there could be fewer issues with rooftop penetrations, etc. The ARC noted that there is not a specific policy about this idea yet, and they would willing to work with the idea on installation on a case by case, building by building basis, at least until there is a comprehensive policy in place.
To fund solar panels, there could be a Solar Donor program. Tom Abram, previous F&S Sustainability Coordinator, wrote about the concept in 2009 (see file).
Allerton Park already has a solar array located near its Visitors’ Center. The second phase of the Allerton Park Solar Array project involves working with a Learning In Community (LINC) class to construct a second ground-mounted solar recharge array. This second phase builds on the success of the existing array with the adjacent construction of an additional 60 panels. The design of the Phase 2 array utilizes an innovative floating foundation system that allows for portability of the array if necessary.
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
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.
The 2010 iCAP included goals to increase renewable energy on campus. Regarding solar energy, the 2010 iCAP said, "A full study for solar electric or thermal energies has not yet been conducted. Estimates of the built campus area of ~5 square kilometers can likely accommodate 5 percent solar photovoltaic (PV) array coverage as rooftop solar—or about 250,000 square meters, with peak generation capacity of 25 MW, and generating 45 million kWh of electricity.