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Microhydro Electricity Basics

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 05:23:00 +0000

Microhydro Electricity Basics

Hydropower is based on simple concepts. Moving water turns a turbine, the turbine spins a generator, and electricity is produced. Many other components may be in a system, but it all begins with the energy already within the moving water.
Water power is the combination of head and flow. Both must be present to produce electricity. Consider a typical hydro system. Water is diverted from a stream into a pipeline, where it is directed downhill and through the turbine (flow). The vertical drop (head) creates pressure at the bottom end of the pipeline. The pressurized water emerging from the end of the pipe creates the force that drives the turbine. More flow or more head produces more electricity. Electrical power output will always be slightly less than water power input due to turbine and system inefficiencies.
Head is water pressure, which is created by the difference in elevation between the water intake and the turbine. Head can be expressed as vertical distance (feet or meters), or as pressure, such as pounds per square inch (psi). Net head is the pressure available at the turbine when water is flowing, which will always be less than the pressure when the water is turned off (static head), due to the friction between the water and the pipe. Pipeline diameter has an effect on net head.
Flow is water quantity, and is expressed as "volume per time," such as gallons per minute (gpm), cubic feet per second (cfs), or liters per minute (lpm). Design flow is the maximum flow for which your hydro system is designed. It will likely be less than the maximum flow of your stream (especially during the rainy season), more than your minimum flow, and a compromise between potential electrical output and system cost.
Measuring Head & Flow
Before you can begin designing your hydro system or estimating how much electricity it will produce, you´ll need to make four essential measurements:
• Head (the vertical distance between the intake and turbine)• Flow (how much water comes down the stream)• Pipeline (penstock) length• Electrical transmission line length (from turbine to home or battery bank)
Head and flow are the two most important facts you need to know about your hydro site. You simply cannot move forward without these measurements. Your site´s head and flow will determine everything about your hydro system—pipeline size, turbine type, rotational speed, and generator size. Even rough cost estimates will be impossible until you´ve measured head and flow.
When measuring head and flow, keep in mind that accuracy is important. Inaccurate measurements can result in a hydro system designed to the wrong specs, and one that produces less electricity at a greater expense.

Floor Heat

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 04:30:00 +0000

BCD Electric specializes in

-floor heat
-electric heat
-snow melt

Home renovation tax credit

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:19:00 +0000

March 29, 2009
Spring renos buoyed by tax credit, incentives
Thinking of renovating your home? Now’s a great time to do it, with both the federal and provincial governments offering significant incentives for home renovation projects – including energy-saving upgrades.
The Home Renovation Tax Credit
The federal government’s January 2009 budget includes a Home Renovation Tax Credit good for the next year only, until February 1, 2010.
If you are planning to do any of the following, you can claim a portion of your costs back as a tax savings on your 2009 tax return:
remodel your kitchen or bathroom;
paint your house inside or out;
replace your inefficient windows, heating or air conditioning system;
upgrade your insulation:
complete any other eligible home-improvement projects.
The tax credit applies to home improvement projects over $1,000 and covers both parts and labour – in other words, both your new energy-efficient heating system and the electrician you hire to install it – as well as building permits and equipment rentals. A project (or projects) worth $10,000 or more will receive the maximum allowable tax credit of $1,350, or 13.5 per cent.
Visit the federal budget site's Home Renovation Tax Credit page for more information.
LiveSmart BC Incentives
Energy-efficient appliances are not included under the federal Home Renovation Tax Credit, but they are under the provincial government’s LiveSmart BC program.
Through LiveSmart BC, most ENERGY STAR® appliances and many other energy-saving products – such as energy-efficient windows, doors, water and home heaters, weatherstripping and window insulation – are PST-free at the point of sale. That’s an instant 7% savings for making the smart choice to be more energy efficient.
Other incentives worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars are also available through the LiveSmart BC Energy Efficiency Incentive Program, provided you have a LiveSmart BC home energy assessment and follow your energy advisor’s recommendations.

Harmonic power problems

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 05:46:00 +0000

Due to the growing use of non-linear load equipment and new technologies in buildings, harmonic currents generated in distribution systems pose a new problem for electrical engineers. This is a serious problem when power quality is a prime concern. The problem is due to some non-linear loads showing different current waveforms when supplied by a distorted voltage. This paper summarises the results of a case study survey in an office building with a large number of connected computers, a major source of harmonics. The scope of work included site measurement and analyses. The characteristics and effects of harmonic distortion of load current and voltages on distribution systems are discussed. It was found that on most occasions, careful planning and design can minimise the risk of harmonic-related losses in electrical systems. However, this does not always guarantee satisfaction. A bank of capacitors may be used to improve power factors in electrical systems, though in some cases such a bank may make the situation worse. An alternative is filters, but the position of filters is also crucial. Based on the case study, the paper discusses alternatives and provides some practical solutions to the problem of harmonics in office buildings.

Introduction
The subject of power quality has been given increased attention over the past decade. Broadly defined, power quality refers to the degree to which voltages and currents in a system represent sinusoidal waveforms. Harmonics have become a serious concern for electrical engineers following the wide use of electronic appliances. The quality of electrical power in commercial and industrial installation is undeniably decreasing. In addition to external disturbances, such as outages, sags and spikes due to switching and atmospheric phenomena, there are inherent, internal causes specific to buildings that result from the combined use of linear and non-linear loads. Solid examples of degradation are:
*** Untimely tripping of protection devices
*** Harmonic overloads
*** Voltage and current distortion
*** Temperature rise in conductors and generators
*** Reliability of low-voltage AC systems
The above disturbances are well documented and are directly related to the proliferation of loads consuming non-sinusoidal current, referred to as "non-linear loads" (Singh & Verma, 2007). The harmonic currents generated by non-linear loads cause voltage distortion as they interact with the impedance of electrical distribution systems.
With the increasing use of solid-state circuit equipment, harmonic distortion in supply systems becomes more frequent and severe due to non-linear characteristics of such circuits (Singh & Verma, 2007). Well known non-linear devices include converters, inverters, electronic-ballast, and lifts and especially computer equipment. These voltage or current distortions may cause unsafe and unreliable electrical power supplies, malfunction of equipment, overheating of conductors and can reduce the efficiency, and life of most connected loads. Therefore, harmonic distortion is an undesirable effect for electrical systems.

"Clean" power refers to voltage and current waveforms that represent pure sine waves and are free of any distortion. "Dirty" power refers to voltage and current waveforms that are distorted and do not represent pure sine waves. Alternating current power supply has always suffered from the effects of harmonics.

How Harmonic Distortions are Formed
A harmonic is defined as "a sinusoidal component of a periodic wave or quantity having a frequency that is integral multiples of the fundamental frequency". Harmonics can be voltage and/or current related and present in an electrical system in multiples of the fundamental frequency. If the fundamental frequency is 60 Hz, the second harmonic is 120 Hz, the third harmonic is 180 Hz, and so on. The second harmonic is negative-sequence, the third is zero-sequence and the fourth is positive-sequence. It is important to note that each type of harmonic has different effects on power distribution systems.

The most common effects on power systems
The approach is to limit consumer's current distortions based on relative size of loads. The terminal power supplier's voltage distortions based on the voltage level are also considered. The voltage distortion is the second limitation for the quality of voltage that a utility company must furnish the user. Five percent of voltage distortion is the general guideline

BC Hydro's two-step rate

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 10:39:00 +0000

BC Hydro's two-step rate encourages conservation
September 9, 2008
By Bob EltonBC Hydro President and CEO
Conservation is the cleanest, easiest and least expensive way to meet the increasing demand for electricity in B.C. – it's like building a virtual dam. That's why BC Hydro is introducing a two-step rate for our residential customers to provide a financial incentive to conserve.
With the new conservation rate in place, 70% of BC Hydro's residential customers will pay the same or less than with the existing flat rate – even if they take no action to conserve. Of course, we hope people will take action, in particular, consumers with high electricity use.
How the conservation rate works
Close to 20 North American utilities already have stepped residential rates that work much like BC Hydro's. Here's how ours will work: As of Oct. 1, customers will pay 5.98 cents per kilowatt hour up to 1,350 kilowatt hours of electricity used over a two-month billing period and then 7.21 cents for electricity used above that amount. In April of next year, the step-one rate will become 6.35 cents and the step-two rate 8.27 cents.
A fair, equitable rate
It's interesting to note that half of our residential load goes to serve just one quarter of our customers. But we believe everyone has a role to play. That's why the two-step conservation rate will apply equally to all residential customers – regardless of the kind of house they live in, how they use electricity, or where they live.
When you look around the province, consumption is very similar. The number of high-consumption customers in the Lower Mainland, for example, is about the same as the number on Vancouver Island – even though natural gas arrived on the Island only a few years ago and there are a higher proportion of electrically heated homes.
While electric heat can be one significant use of electricity, consumption is driven by a wide variety of factors – for example, dwelling size, the energy efficiency of household appliances, and lifestyle choices such as the number of electronic devices.
We all have the power to conserve
Whether people live in a condo or an apartment or a larger home, whether they use natural gas or electricity for heating, everyone has the power to reduce their electricity consumption and lower their bills.
For example, a family living in a single-detached home with electric heating and hot water uses close to 20,000 kilowatt hours per year. If they reduced their consumption by just five per cent – about 1,000 kilowatt hours – they would not pay any more under the two-step conservation rate than they would have under the flat rate.
Saving energy is relatively easy. Turning the thermostat down one degree saves 400 kilowatt hours per year and washing clothes in cold water saves as much as 720 kilowatt hours. Hanging clothes to dry even 50 per cent of the time saves another 520 kilowatt hours.
Rebates, incentives and advice
To help all of our customers conserve, we're offering product rebates and other financial incentives through our Power Smart programs and half-price home energy audits through LiveSmart BC. The BC Hydro website is a great resource for conservation tips. People can also phone our call centre at 604 224 9376 or 1 800 224 9376, and we'll guide them through our programs.
In particular, we're reaching out to those groups who may be especially concerned about the new rate structure. We appreciate that some people will find this hard. That's why we've created an advisory panel that includes organizations representing seniors, tenants, immigrants and people with low income.
For low-income customers, we're offering free energy savings kits. We've already delivered more than 2,000 of these kits – saving a household with electric heat and water an estimated 740 kilowatt hours a year.
Among the lowest rates in North America
Even with these rate changes, BC Hydro customers will continue to pay the third lowest electricity rates in North America, after Manitoba and Quebec. Let me reiterate that BC Hydro has introduced this rate structure to encourage conservation, not to make money. Our two-step conservation rate will not generate any additional revenue for BC Hydro. In fact, we are urging our customers to buy less of our product – a relatively unique approach to sales.
By 2010, we estimate the two-step conservation rate will yield approximately 300 gigawatt hours of annual electricity savings. That's enough to power 30,000 homes. All British Columbians will benefit from those energy savings, and the additional reward of knowing that we are doing our bit to protect the environment.

What a thermostat does

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:42:00 +0000

What a thermostat does
Regardless of the type of heating system you have in your home,
the thermostat plays an important role in ensuring your home is
comfortable. Your thermostat determines when your heat comes
on and off, what temperature your home will be heated to, and
can help reduce your heating bills. Essentially, the thermostat is the
“brains” behind your heating system.
Types of thermostats
There are two basic types of thermostats line- and low-voltage with
a number of options for each type.
Line-voltage thermostats
Line-voltage thermostats are used to control unitary heating
systems, such as baseboard and radiant systems. The
thermostats are installed in-line (in series) with the heater, usually
at 240 volts. The full current going to the heater also goes through
the thermostat, causing it to heat up when the heater is on. This
may cause the thermostat to sense its own heat and shut off before
the room is comfortable.
Low-voltage thermostats
Low-voltage thermostats are used with gas, oil and electric central
heating systems, zone valves in hot water heating systems, and
electric unitary systems where better control is required.
Low-voltage thermostats operate at 24 to 50 volts, rather than
240 volts. They are more responsive than line-voltage, provide more
accurate control and are more adaptable to programmable controls.
Thermostat options
Whether your thermostat is line-voltage or low-voltage, there are
three general options to choose from.
Mechanical
Mechanical thermostats are inexpensive and easy to install.
Thermostats with mechanical operators (i.e. not electronic)
have either a bi-metallic strip or a vapor-filled bellows to react
to temperature change. Some are relatively slow to respond,
(particularly the inexpensive units with bi-metallic strips), which may
result in large temperature swings above and below the thermostat
set point.
Electronic
These thermostats use electronic
rather than mechanical components
to sense temperature and control
the heating system. They are
available in both line-voltage and
low-voltage models. They provide
accurate temperature control and
react more quickly to temperature changes.
Many electronic thermostats have added features such as automatic
setback and programmability. This makes them more expensive
than mechanical models.
thermostats for
efficiency and comfort
overview
Thermostats help you control your heating system for comfort and efficiency. Learn about different types of thermostats and tips
to help you select and operate a thermostat for your needs.
Programmable
Programmable thermostats automatically adjust the temperature at
pre-set times. When you pre-set your temperatures to correspond to
your daily activities you will save energy because the thermostat can
be pre-set to automatically turn down the heat at night or when the
home is empty and turn up the heat when you are home. Models
range from simple clock-like thermostats that provide day and night
temperature settings, to electronic models that let you set different
day-of-week and time-of-day temperatures.
If you have a unitary heating system, such as baseboard heaters,
the Canadian Electrical Code requires a thermostat be placed in
each room. A programmable thermostat in every room would be
expensive. Instead, install programmable thermostats only in large
rooms that have a great deal of activity, like a living room or family
room. This way it can be programmed to be on during active times
and turned down at times when the room is empty.
Special-purpose thermostats
Special-purpose thermostats have features designed to work with
specific types of equipment. For example, two-stage thermostats
are used for hybrid heating systems using two fuels, such as
electricity and oil, to turn on the backup heating system when the
primary system cannot cope with the demand for heat. Heat/cool
thermostats are used for homes with summer air conditioning.
Some thermostats allow you to switch on the furnace fan, from
the thermostat, to circulate the air in your home in the winter or
summer.
Selecting a thermostat
When choosing a thermostat, look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol.
ENERGY STAR qualified thermostats save energy by offering four
convenient, pre-programmed temperature settings – settings that try
to anticipate when it’s convenient for you to scale back on heating
or cooling. You can of course program the thermostat for your
particular schedule to reflect when you wake, leave and return to
your home and go to bed. At a minimum they will allow you to set
two different programs for your weekday and weekend schedules.
Others will allow you to set a different schedule for every day of
the week. Other features may include: digital, backlit displays; a
reminder when it is time to change air filters; and smart logic that
learns when to start heating so that your house is up to temperature
at the time you want it.
Thermostat location
Mount thermostats about 1.5 metres (5 feet) above the floor,
centrally located on an inside wall. Never install thermostats in areas
subject to drafts, direct sunlight or sources of heat such as warm
air registers, refrigerators, ranges or other appliances. All of these
factors can inadvertently affect the thermostat by causing it to read
the temperature incorrectly and not respond to the actual room
temperature.
Recommended thermostat settings
for heating
These are suggested thermostat settings that provide comfort and
avoid overheating. Thermostats in rarely-used rooms can be set
lower than those in major living areas.
Sitting, reading or watching TV 21° C (70° F)
Working around the house 20° C (68° F)
Sleeping 16° C (61° F)
No one is home 16° C (61° F)*
* This setting ensures the plumbing won’t freeze and provides
you with considerable savings.
Setting the thermostat back from 21° C to 16° C at night can result
in energy savings of up to ten per cent, depending on where you live.
Remember, cranking your thermostat up to 30° C, for example, will
not heat your house any faster. Your heating system will work most
efficiently if you set the temperature where you want it for long
periods of time (8 hours).

Fibre optic network

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:56:00 +0000

Fibre optic network to support all communications needs and future regional growth

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 6 --Bell Canada announced today the final groundbreaking for the laying of its fibre optic cable in British Columbia's Sea to Sky corridor. This installation marks a major milestone in the delivery of Bell's technology solution for the 2010 Winter Games. It supports Bell's and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games' (VANOC) shared commitment to building legacies to help generate future regional growth. During the 2010 Winter Games, the 120-kilometres of cable will be the backbone for all communications needs, including live broadcast feeds to more than a billion viewers around the world, Internet sharing of news stories and photos, Voice-over Internet Protocol requirements and more. Perhaps even more importantly, the installation, upon its completion will help provide local businesses and consumers with leading-edge, world class telecommunication services, products and productivity opportunities.
"While this milestone is a key part of Bell's technology solution for the 2010 Winter Games, it further showcases our commitment to investing in the connectivity and regional growth of Western Canada," said Justin Webb, Vice President, Olympic Services, Bell Canada. "At Bell, we are excited to be delivering on not just our shared promise with VANOC to build legacies for future generations and ensure the seamless staging of a Winter Games, but equally excited to enable local businesses and consumers to access powerful technology that otherwise wouldn't come to the region."
"Today, our shared vision for flawless technical execution of the 2010 Games becomes truly tangible," said Ward Chapin, Chief Information Officer, Vancouver 2010. "Every image we will see on TV, every news story filed, and all Games related data will be delivered on Bell technology. Bell's fibre build is a crucial linkage between our primary host locations connecting the communities of the Sea to Sky corridor from Vancouver to Whistler, and communicating to the world."
Scheduled for completion in November, Bell's fibre optic network will provide seamless connectivity leading up to and during the 2010 Winter Games, as well as support future communications needs like advanced broadband voice and data services delivery in local communities.
"Bell's fibre optic build has the potential to increase business and individual connectivity for the more than 70,000 people living on the Sea to Sky corridor," said Mayor Ian Sutherland, District of Squamish. "We are particularly excited in Squamish about Bell's network build as it will enable increased access to high-speed connectivity, which will be a major driver to increase local business capacity."
In addition to environmental screening, Bell consulted with eight corridor communities plus regional districts and government agencies to identify a fibre path that would minimize the footprint, leveraging portions of the pre-existing rail line, under bridges and through road crossings.
The feature technology is a fibre conduit encasing 144 individual fibre strands (each strand thinner than a piece of string) capable of 40,000 data transmissions per second.

House Walk through

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:30:00 +0000

Doing our final inspection on a new install.
Video is shot to locate buried pot lights, and device boxes in drywall.

Today’s Wind Turbines

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:10:00 +0000

Today’s Wind Turbines
Today's wind turbines are larger and more efficient than the turbines of the 1980s. They are much quieter, the blades move more slowly, and each turbine produces 10 times more energy than before.
Wind turbines work like windmills. The wind makes the blades spin, and this motion turns a generator to produce electricity, just as the water in a hydroelectric generator does. The minimum annual average wind speed required is approximately 7.0 metres per second or about 25 kilometres per hour.
Wind energy is intermittent, so people cannot rely on it alone for daily supply.
However, hydroelectricity is a good complement to wind, as it can provide power when wind energy is insufficient.
Wind Turbines and the EnvironmentWind turbines use no fuel. They do not produce air pollution or greenhouse gases, but they can affect the environment in other ways.
If the wind farm is large and poorly designed, the turbines can be visually unappealing. However, with the increased efficiency of today's wind turbines, wind farms no longer need to be large. One well-known wind development in Palm Springs contains nearly 3,000 turbines.
In the past, some large wind farms killed large numbers of birds. However, new blade designs on wind turbines mean that birds can now fly over them more safely. Wind farms can also be located to avoid common flyways for birds.
At new wind power plants, wind turbines would usually be placed five blade widths apart, providing ample space for birds to pass through. Because each of the towers is 50 metres high, any recently replanted trees in the area can grow without disturbing the flow of wind to the turbine blades.

Geothermal in North America

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:07:00 +0000

Geothermal in North America

In September of this year, Glitnir, one of Iceland’s largest investment houses, released the most extensive state-by-state market analysis of the geothermal potential in the United States. The chart from their analysis on Washington state is here. (Note: this data is a rehash of the Geopowering the West analysis here). Significant to this market analysis was their projections of an $11 Billion industry by 2025. Glitnir’s announcement is here.Glitnir announced a geothermal sector approach specific to the United States. From their announcement:
Glitnir projects an annual U.S. geothermal electricity market of $11 billion by 2025 from about $1.8 billion now, with geothermal potentially providing up to 20% of California’s electricity needs, 60% of Nevada’s and 30% of Hawaii’s. The industry is expected to draw about $40 billion in financing over the next 18 years.
Coverage of their September announcement is here, here and here.Glitnir’s openness towards this market is reflective of the Icelandic approach, as was evidenced by the President of Iceland’s testimony here (link to his exact part of senate testimony).
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North American Geothermal Map
Posted on December 18th, 2007 by Lawrence Molloy
(click map to enlarge)This map outlines the geothermal potential of Washington state. The North American Geothermal Map was produced by the Southern Methodist University Geothermal Lab. The databases are referred to as: the Western Geothermal Database and the U.S. Regional Database, SMU Geothermal Lab, Dallas, Texas. Maria Richards, Database Manager, mrichard@smu.edu, 214-768-1975. See even more maps from SMU. For a discussion on data.
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Washington State in Geothermal News
Posted on December 18th, 2007 by Lawrence Molloy
Raser Technologies Inc. in Provo, UT, said it has completed an initial review of property available under its option on 229,000 acres held by International Paper, and has selected approximately 78,000 acres in Oregon and Washington for further study of its geothermal potential.
You can read the full article about Raser geothermal investment in Washington in the Salt Lake Tribune. The scope of the deal, according to Raser Technology PR, says that the initial review of IP holdings:
completed an initial review of the previously announced 229,000 acres option on International Paper property for geothermal resources, and has selected approximately 78,000 acres in Oregon and Washington for further study. Raser will have the exclusive right to these properties over the next 36 months to complete its analysis and enter into a long-term lease with the property owner.
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Geothermal 101
Posted on December 18th, 2007 by Lawrence Molloy
Geothermal power is a form of renewable energy using heat from deep inside the earth. In geothermal power plants, steam, heat or hot water from geothermal sources provide the energy that spins the turbine generators and produces electricity. The used geothermal water is then returned down an injection well into the reservoir to be reheated, to maintain pressure, and to sustain the reservoir.There are many geothermal technologies. Hydrothermal is the most common today, and accounts for 90% of the electrical production from geothermal. Hot dry rock is another geothermal technology, as are enhanced geothermal systems. These geothermal technologies offer enormous potential for electricity production nationwide. In this process, energy is extracted by circulating water through man-made fractures in the hot rock. Heat can then be extracted from the water at the surface for power generation, and the cooled water can be recycled through the fractures to pick up more heat, creating a closed-looped system. The capital cost of geothermal development is expensive, and drilling accounts for two-thirds of those costs. Yet, as we overcome some of these technology challenges and make the process more standardized, it is believed that geothermal can supply up to 20% of the United States electricity needs by 2050. It’s important that innovation and investment in initial steps happen now.The current production of geothermal energy from all uses places it third among renewables, following hydroelectricity and biomass, and ahead of solar and wind. Despite these impressive statistics, the current level of geothermal use pales in comparison to its potential. The key to wider geothermal use is greater public awareness and technical support.Geothermal in Washington StateThe Geothermal Energy Association estimates the near-term power production potential of Washington at 50 MWe (megawatts electric), with a longer-term, higher-cost projection of 600 MWe for sites at Mount Baker and Wind River in the Cascades.In 2006, the net generation of electricity in Washington was 108 million megawatt hours annually. At 600 MW Washington could generate 5.2 million megawatt hours annually through geothermal – nearly 5% of the annual total. At 50 MW Washington could generate 438,000 megawatt hours annually.The typical geothermal power plant operates at full capacity about 95% of the time. This means that 300 MW of developed geothermal in Washington could produce about 2.5 million megawatt hours of electricity – enough to provide about 265,000 average homes with electricity.Geothermal - BenefitsClean. Geothermal power plants, like wind and solar power plants, do not have to burn fuels to manufacture steam to turn the turbines. Generating electricity with geothermal energy helps to conserve non-renewable fossil fuels, and thus reduces emissions that harm our atmosphere. There is no smoky air around geothermal power plants — in fact, some are built in the middle of farm crops and forests, and share land with cattle and local wildlife.For ten years, Lake County, California, home to five geothermal electric power plants, has been the first and only county to meet the most stringent governmental air quality standards in the U.S.Easy on the land. The land area required for geothermal power plants is smaller per megawatt than for almost every other type of power plant. Geothermal installations don’t require damming of rivers or harvesting of forests — and there are no mine shafts, tunnels, open pits, waste heaps or oil spills.Reliable. Geothermal power plants are designed to run 24 hours a day, all year. A geothermal power plant sits right on top of its fuel source. It is resistant to interruptions of power generation due to weather, natural disasters or political rifts that can interrupt transportation of fuels.Flexible. Geothermal power plants can have modular designs, with additional units installed in increments, when needed to fit growing demand for electricity.Keeps Dollars at Home. Money does not have to be exported to import fuel for geothermal power plants. Geothermal “fuel’” - like the sun and the wind - is always where the power plant is; economic benefits remain in the region and there are no fuel price shocks.Helps Developing Countries Grow. Geothermal projects can offer all of the above benefits to help developing countries grow without pollution. And installations in remote locations can raise the standard of living and quality of life by bringing electricity to people far from “electrified” population centers.

by Lawrence Molloy

What is a power disturbance?

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:22:00 +0000

What is a power disturbance?
Power disturbances are defined in terms of magnitude and duration.
Disturbances range from transients that last for microseconds to outages that continue for hours.
When a power disturbance falls outside operating limits, equipment may be disrupted or damaged.The costs of poor power quality can be significant!
Lost production: Each time production is interrupted, your business loses profit on product that is not manufactured and sold.
Damaged product: Interruptions can damage a partially complete product, causing the material to be re-run or scrapped.
Energy cost: Electric utilities may charge penalties on poor power factor or high peak demands.
Power quality tools from Fluke: Fluke offers an extensive range of power quality test tools for troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and long-term recording and analysis in industrial applications and utilities.Power Quality Troubleshooters:
Dedicated power and power quality clamp meters for frontline troubleshooting
Single-phase and three-phase power quality analyzers for predictive maintenance, quality of service compliance testing and load studies Power Quality Loggers:
Power loggers for characterizing power quality, conducting load studies and capturing hard-to-find voltage events over a user-defined period of time Power Quality Recorders:
Advanced power quality recorders for capturing comprehensive details of power disturbances, trend analysis and Class-A 'quality-of-service' compliance testing over a user-defined period of time .

Fluke 43B Power Quality Analyzer

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:20:00 +0000

Fluke 43B Power Quality Analyzer

BCD electric is proud to announce...

Specifications
Input Characteristics Input impedance 1 MΩ, 20 pF
Voltage rating 600V rms, CAT III

V/A/Hz Display True-rms voltage (ac + dc)
Ranges: 5.000 V, 50.00 V, 500.0 V, 1250 V*
Accuracy: ±(1% + 10 counts)

True-rms current (ac + dc)
Ranges: 50.00 A, 500.0 A, 5.000 kA, 50.00 kA, 1250 kA
Accuracy: ±(1% + 10 counts)

Frequency
Ranges: 10.0 to 15.0 kHz
Accuracy: ± ([% of reading] + [counts]): 0.5% + 2

CF Crest factor
Ranges: 1.0 - 10.0
Accuracy: ±(5% + 1 count)

Power Display Watts, VA, VAR
1-phase and 3-phase,3 conductor balanced loads
Ranges: 250 W - 1.56 GW
Accuracy: ±(4% + 4 counts) Fundamental Power
Accuracy: ± (2 % + 6 counts) Total Power

PF Power Factor
Range: 0 - 1.0
Accuracy: ±0.04
DPF Displacement Power Factor, Cos .F
Range: 0.25 - 0.9
Accuracy: ±0.04
Range: 0.90 - 1.0
Accuracy: ±0.03

H2 Frequency Fundamental
Ranges: 40.0 to 70.0 Hz
Accuracy: ± ([% of reading] + [counts]): 0.5% + 2

Harmonics Display Voltage, Current, Frequency
Ranges: Fundamental to 51st harmonic
Accuracy:
Fundamental: VA ±(3% + 2 counts) W ±(5% + 2 counts)
2 to 31st harmonic: VA ±(5% +3 counts) W ±(10% +10 counts)
32 to 51st harmonic: VA ±(15% +5 counts) W ±(30% +5 counts)

Frequency Fundamental
Ranges: 40 Hz to 70 Hz
Accuracy: ±0.25 Hz

Phase
Range: V, A (between Fundamental & Harmonics)
Accuracy: ±3º to ±15º
Range: W (between Voltage Fundamental & Current Harmonics)
Accuracy: ±5º to ±15º

K-factor (Current and Power)
Range: 1.0 to 30.0
Accuracy: ±10%

THD Total Harmonic Distortion
Range: 0.00 - 99.99
Accuracy: ±(3% + 8 counts)

Sags and Swells Recording times: 4 min to 16 days (selectable)
Vrms Actual, Vrms max, min(AC + DC)
Ranges: 5.000V, 50.00V, 500.0V, 1250V*
Accuracy: Readings ±(2% +10 counts); Cursor readings ± (2% + 12 counts)

Arms Actual, Arms max, min (AC + DC)
Ranges: 50.00A, 500.0A, 5.000 kA, 50.00 kA
Accuracy: ±(2% +10 counts)

Transient Capture Minimum pulse width: 40 ns
Useful bandwidth input 1: DC to 1 MHz
Number of transients: 40
Voltage threshold settings: 20%, 50%, 100%, 200% above or below reference
Reference signal: After START, the Vrms and frequency of the signal are measured. From these data a pure sinewave is calculated as reference for threshold setting.
Vpeak min, Vpeak max at cursor: 10 V, 25 V, 50 V, 125 V, 250 V, 500 V, 1250 V Accuracy: ±5% of full scale

R, C, Diode, Continuity Resistance ranges: 500.0 Ω, 5.000 kΩ, 50.00 kΩ, 500.0 kΩ, 5.000 MΩ, 30.00 MΩ
Resistance accuracy: ±(0.6% + 5 counts)
Capacitance ranges: 50.00 nF, 500.0 nF, 5.000 µF, 50.00 µF, 500.0 µF
Capacitance accuracy: ±(2% + 10 counts)
Diode Ranges: 0 to 3.000 V
Diode voltage:
Accuracy: ±(2% + 5 counts)
Continuity: Beeper on at < 30 Ω ± 5 Ω
Max current: 0.5 mA
Temperature: °C or °F

Inrush Current Inrush times: 1 s, 5 s, 10 s, 50 s, 100 s, 5 min
Current ranges: 1 A, 5 A, 10 A, 50 A, 100 A, 500 A, 1000 A
Cursor readings: A peak max at cursor 1 and cursor 2
Accuracy: ±5% of full scale
Time between cursors: 4 to 235 pixels (1 pixel = inrush time/250) Accuracy: ±(0.2% + 2 pixels)

Temperature (with accessory) Range: -100 °C - 400 °C
Accuracy: ±(0.5% + 5 counts)

Scope Display Measurements: dc, ac, ac+dc, peak, peak-peak, frequency, duty cycle, phase, pulse width, crest factor
Time ranges: 20 ns/div to 60 s/div
Max sampling rate: 25 MS/s
Bandwidth
Voltage channel [1]: 20 MHz at inputs, 1 MHz with TL24 Leads
Current channel [2]: DC to 15 kHz at inputs, 10 kHz with i400s Current Clamp
Coupling: AC, DC (10 Hz - 3 dB)
Vertical sensitivity: 5 mV/div to 500V/div
Vertical resolution: 8 bit (256 levels)
Record length: 512 samples per channel
Base ranges: 60 S/div to 20 nS/div ± (0.4% + 1 pixel)
Timebase modes: Normal, roll, single
Pre-trigger: Up to 10 divisions
Trigger Source: Input 1 or Input 2 or automatic selection
Trigger Mode: Automatic Connect-and-View™, Free Run, and Single Shot

Connect-and-View™: Advanced automatic triggering that recognizes signal patterns
Automatically adjusts triggering, timebase and amplitude and displays stable pictures

Memories 20 (screens, settings, data)

Recording Recording times: 4 min to 16 days (selectable)
Parameters: Choose one or two parameters from one of the groups below:
Volts/Ampères/Hertz
Power: Watts, VA, VAR, PF, DPF, Frequency
Harmonics, THD, Volts (Fund. & Harmonic), Ampères (F&H) Watts(F&H)
Frequency (H), %(H) of total, Phase(H), KF
Temperature
Resistance: Resistance, Diode, Continuity, Capacitance
Scope: DC Voltage, DC Current, AC Voltage, AC Current, Frequency,
Pulse Width + or -, Phase, Duty cycle + or -, Peak max, Peak min, Peak min-max, Crest Factor

Note *Rated EN 61010-1 600 V CAT III CSA

Environmental Specifications
Operating Temperature 0°C to +50°C

Safety Specifications
Electrical Safety EN 61010-1 CAT III, 600V. CSA listed

Mechanical & General Specifications
Size 232 x 115 x 50 mm

Weight 1.1 kg

Warranty 3 years

Battery Life Rechargeable NiMH pack (charger included), 6.5 hrs extended operating time (continuous)

Shock & Vibration Mil 28800E, Type 3, Class III, Style B

Case IP51 (dust, drip, waterproof)

Fluke 43B

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:20:00 +0000

Combines the most useful capabilities of a power quality analyzer, multimeter and scope
Calculates 3-phase power on balanced loads, from a single-phase measurement
Trends voltage, current, frequency, power harmonics and captures voltage sags, transients and inrush current
Monitoring functions help track intermittent problems and power system performance
Records two selectable parameters for up to 16 days
20 measurement memories to save/recall screens and data with cursor readings
FlukeView® software can log harmonics and all other readings over time and provides a complete harmonics profile up to the 51st harmonic
Measures resistance, diode voltage drop, continuity, and capacitance
Users/applications manual and power quality video to help answer tough questions
Complete package with voltage probes and 400 A current clamp, FlukeView Software and optically isolated interface cable
3 year warranty on the Fluke 43B, 1 year on accessories

Harmonics

Voltage, current, and power harmonics
Up to 51st harmonic
Total harmonic distortion (THD)
Phase angle of individual harmonics

Power

Watts, power factor, displacement power factor (cos Θ), VA and VAR
Voltage and current waveforms

Three phase

On-screen graphics show you how to set up 3-phase power measurements

Sags and swells

Measurements are always automatically recorded to instantly show changes over time
Use cursors to read time and date of sags and swells

Transients

Catch voltage transients and waveform distortion down to 40 nS
Catch and save up to 40 transients
Correlate the cause of transient with time and date stamps

Volts/Ampères/Hertz

Voltage and current waveforms
True RMS voltage and current
Frequency

Individuals who may perform electrical work

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:16:00 +0000

Individuals who may perform electrical work
4 (1) Subject to subsection (2), an individual must not perform regulated work in respect of electrical equipment unless the individual

(a) holds an appropriate industry training credential in respect of electrical work,

(b) has successfully completed training recognized by a provincial safety manager,

(c) is employed by an organization that utilizes training programs that are approved by a provincial safety manager and the individual

(i) has successfully completed the relevant training, and

(ii) does not perform regulated work for any person other than the individual's employer who provided the training,

(d) is a homeowner acting in accordance with section 17,

(e) is a manufacturer's technical representative,

(f) holds another certificate of qualification under the Gas Safety Regulation or the Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety Regulation, or

(g) is permitted to do so under section 5 of the Safety Standards General Regulation.

(2) Any right referred to in subsection (1) to perform electrical work is limited by

(a) any exception under this regulation,

(b) any terms and conditions imposed under a permission issued under the Act, or

(c) by the scope of the individual's certificate of qualification or industry training credential.

(3) For the purposes of section 5 of the Safety Standards General Regulation or section 12 of this regulation, only an individual referred to in subsection (1) (a), (b), (c) or (f) of this section is authorized to supervise a person to do electrical work.

Appliance & Lighting Calculator

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:15:00 +0000

Appliance & Lighting Calculator
Want to know how much it costs to operate your clothes dryer every year? Need to get a better handle on how much energy is used by your water heating, cooling or lighting systems?

The Appliance Calculator can give you a quick and easy rundown of the energy used by your appliances or systems, gas and electric.

To begin, select any category below. You will be asked to enter a few details such as the size, age or average use of the appliance.

Appliance & Lighting Calculator

What is an electrical permit and when is one required?

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:09:00 +0000

What is an electrical permit and when is one required?
An electrical permit gives permission or authorization in writing to perform work regulated by the BC Safety Authority.

Contractors must obtain permits and submit an Electrical Contractor Authorization as the work progresses and upon completion of the installation.

An electrical permit is not required for the replacement of defective fuses, receptacles, switches or lamps with identical types and ratings.

Who can take out an electrical permit?
The person or company doing the work takes out the electrical permit. If you hire someone to do the work, he/she must obtain the permit. If you're doing the work yourself, you must obtain the permit. The homeowner must reside in the detached singe-family dwelling.

HIRING AN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
If you’re rewiring your home or doing renovations that require new or altered electrical systems, the best way to proceed is to hire a qualified electrical contractor licensed with the BC Safety Authority.

All licensed contractors are, or employ, electricians who are certified Field Safety Representatives (FSR). An FSR is the person who will be responsible for the permit issued to the contractor, with the class of the FSR determining the scope of work the contractor is allowed to perform.

All FSRs have demonstrated to the BC Safety Authority that they have the necessary qualifications – and passed a written exam administered by us – before being issued a Field Safety Representative Certificate of Qualification authorizing them to accept the responsibility for installing, maintaining, operating and repairing electrical products.

Look for contractors who:

Are licensed with the BC Safety Authority
Are bonded and insured for liability and property damage
Offer warranties that cover equipment, materials and labour
Offer maintenance and service after installation and after warranties have expired
Provide customer references
Are members in good standing of the Better Business Bureau

Remember: As the homeowner, you must ensure the appropriate electrical permits are in place. You can protect yourself by calling the BCSA at 1-866-566-7233 to confirm that your contractor is registered with us and that a permit has been issued for the work on your home. You should also ask the contractor for the BCSA permit number for your records.

“DO IT YOURSELF” INSTALLATIONS

If you have sufficient knowledge and feel confident in your ability to do the work, you may apply for a permit to perform regulated electrical work, provided that:

The work will be done on a single-family fully detached dwelling that is, or is intended to be, your permanent dwelling.
The work will be done on ancillary buildings, such as detached garages and workshops, located on the same property.
The fully detached dwelling does not include one or more self-contained suites.
The work will be done on your vacation premises, such as a cottage, provided the premises will not be rented or used as a source of income for the owner.
For more detailed information on when homeowners may perform regulated work, please call 1-866-566-SAFE (7233), contact your local safety officer or refer to the Safety Standards Act.

All electrical work done by a homeowner MUST be inspected by a BC Safety Authority Safety Officer.

Electrical Saftey Regulation

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:08:00 +0000

Electrical Saftey Regulation

Search for licensed contractors

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:06:00 +0000

Search for licensed contractors

Why hire a licensed contractor?

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:04:00 +0000

Why hire a licensed contractor?
Renovating or building your home should be a positive experience free from stress and worry. But did you know that electrical and gas installations and renovations can pose some of the most serious safety risks in the home?

“Do-it-yourself” might make sense when it comes to some home improvements, but when it comes to doing electrical or gas work, it’s best that you rely on the experts. Simply put, hiring licensed contractors provides peace of mind.

So while you’re thinking about renovations that involve gas and electricity, think about the legal requirements and benefits of hiring a licensed contractor to do the work.

Laws and regulations

Every province and municipality has its own set of laws and regulations that must be followed. A licensed contractor works with these every day, and knows what work is regulated, and requires permits and inspections.

Doing regulated electrical and gas work without a permit is illegal, and may jeopardize your insurance or the re-sale value of your home, not to mention your family’s safety.

Quality and qualifications

In order to be licensed, a contractor must have the training, expertise and experience required to do the job well, safely and to code. While a licence doesn’t guarantee quality, it provides you with some assurance that the contractor has adequate knowledge and experience in his or her field.

Before issuing a licence, the provincial licensing agency or board will verify the contractor's background and be satisfied that the person is qualified to hold such a licence.

In British Columbia, all gas and electrical contractors doing regulated work are required, under the Safety Standards Act, to hold a valid licence issued by the BC Safety Authority. The licence ensures the contractor and the people employed by the contractor are qualified and can perform the work safely. Licences must be renewed annually and require certain qualifications are met, including a $10,000 surety bond.

Finding a licensed contractor

You can find gas and electrical companies and contractors on our website, in your local phone book, and by asking friends and neighbours for recommendations.

No matter how you find a contractor, it’s important to confirm he or she is a licensed contractor. Ask to see the licence, or check with us on our website or by calling 1-866-566-SAFE.

When you can’t wait for a licensed contractor

Sometimes it’s difficult to find a licensed contractor who can take on the work when you want it done. You may be tempted to do the work yourself, or go with an unlicensed contractor. Don’t! Work done improperly can impact you and your family’s safety. Having the work done by a licensed contractor will give you assurance and peace of mind that it is done safely. Good licensed contractors are busy because they are in demand.

Many people think its okay to hire their neighbours or friends, if they are licensed electricians or gas fitters. This is not so. The person they hire must be a licensed contractor. This is important for the homeowner because contractors are bonded. If subsequent safety issues arise and the contractor refuses to fix them, the BC Safety Authority can call in the bond and have the work made safe.

Think about the safety of your family and your home. Delaying a renovation project to make sure it is done correctly and to code is worth the wait.

Siemens Wind Power secures order for the largest European wind farm

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:52:00 +0000

Siemens Power Generation (PG) has been awarded a contract for the delivery of 140 wind turbines for the Whitelee Wind Farm to be located south of Glasgow in Scotland, United Kingdom. With an installed capacity of 322 megawatts (MW) it will be Europe’s largest wind farm. The capacity will be sufficient to supply electricity to about 200,000 households in Scotland. The Whitelee Wind Farm project is the largest wind farm contracted by Siemens Power Generation to date. Total contract value is approximately EUR350 million. Completion of the project is scheduled for summer 2009.

The contract has been awarded by the utility Scottish Power. For the Whitelee Windfarm, the 140 2.3 MW wind turbines will be split into 100 SWT-2.3-93 wind turbines and 40 SWT-2.3-82 VS wind turbines. The Siemens PG scope of supply includes the delivery of wind turbines, installation, commissioning and a service and maintenance agreement. Scottish Power is responsible for the infrastructure works, including the civil and electrical part with transformers located outside the wind turbine towers.

Since the early 1990s, Siemens has successfully implemented several onshore wind turbine projects in the United Kingdom. In fall 2005, Siemens PG’s wind power division signed an agreement for Burbo Banks, its first offshore project in the United Kingdom. "Following the successful completion of the Black Law Wind Farm I and II projects for Scottish Power, the Whitelee Wind Farm order will enable us to further expand our strong presence in the United Kingdom," said Andreas Nauen, CEO of Siemens Power Generation’s wind business. Later this year, Siemens also will commence the delivery of 14 wind turbines with a capacity of 1.3 MW each for Scottish Power's Wether Hill Wind Farm in Scotland.

Renewable energy is an integral part of the UK’s aim at reducing CO2 emissions. The British government has set a target of 10 percent of electricity supply from renewable energy by 2010. "Wind projects like Whitelee will play an important role in reaching this goal by providing clean energy to this region," Nauen added.

Nanosolar to Build 430MW Solar Cell Factory

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:51:00 +0000

Nanosolar Inc., a global leader in solar power innovation, today last week that it has started executing on its plan to build a volume cell production factory with a total annual cell output of 430MW once fully built out, or approximately 200 million cells per year, and an advanced panel assembly factory designed to produce more than one million solar panels per year. Presently in pilot production in its Palo Alto, California facility, Nanosolar announced that it has started ordering volume production equipment for what is going to be the world's largest solar cell manufacturing factory. The company also announced today that its first cell fab will be located in the San Francisco Bay area and that its first panel fab -- for a broad array of novel product form factors using advanced processes -- is expected to be located in Berlin, Germany.
Seed-financed by the founders of Google, the company's team started pursuing its mission of making solar electricity vastly more affordable in 2002. After four years of intense commercial research and development, including two years of manufacturing process development and engineering, the company has now delivered on its ambition to produce a fundamentally less expensive, mass-manufacturable solar cell.

"Thin-film printing overcomes the complexity, high cost, and yield and scalability limitations associated with vacuum-based processes. Nanosolar?s technology enables low-cost, high-yield production previously unattainable," said Chris Eberspacher, Nanosolar's head of technology, noting further: "This allows us to produce cells very inexpensively and assemble them into panels that are comparable in efficiency to that of high-volume silicon based PV panels."

Added Werner Dumanski, Nanosolar's head of manufacturing and a storage-disk industry manufacturing veteran: "Given the square meter economics of solar, high-throughput high-yield processes have to be used to succeed in this industry. With Nanosolar's printing process, the fully-loaded cell cost -- including materials, consumables, energy, labor, facility, and capital -- is less than the depreciation expense alone that vacuum thin-film companies have to pay for the equipment that produces their cells."

Regarding the scale of the factory, Dumanski points out: "A factory of this capacity would cost more than one billion dollars to build if one used conventional solar technology. Given the distinctly superior capital efficiency of our unique process technology, we can achieve this scale with a lot less capital and as a startup company."

About Nanosolar

Nanosolar is a global leader in solar power innovation. Nanosolar's solar electricity panels deliver unparalleled cost efficiency, enabling customers to use green power without paying more. With its proprietary nanoparticle ink and fast roll-printing technology, Nanosolar owns the processes and designs to produce the world's most cost-efficient solar cells and make them available in many versatile product forms. The company's headquarters are in Palo Alto, California, with European operations based in Berlin, Germany.

Idaho Power Seeks 100 Megawatts of Geothermal Power

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:51:00 +0000

Idaho Power issued a request for proposals (RFP) in early June for 100 megawatts of geothermal power. Although the request may seem bold for a state that currently has no geothermal power plants, the Idaho Power RFP actually allows for geothermal power developments outside of the state, so long as the power can be transmitted to the Idaho Power service territory, which covers much of southern Idaho and parts of eastern Oregon. The RFP is based on the company's 2004 Integrated Resource Plan, a biennial effort to examine the company's need for future power generation facilities or other means to meet power requirements over the following 20 years. Idaho Power prefers projects that will be online by June 2009, but will also consider other proposals that include a reasonable development schedule. The company will hold a pre-bid meeting in Boise for all interested parties on June 29th; proposals are due on August 11th..
The RFP has already benefited Idaho's sole geothermal power developer, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. The company had signed an agreement to sell 10 megawatts of power to Idaho Power from its proposed 13-megawatt Raft River geothermal power plant. U.S. Geothermal now plans to submit a response to the Idaho Power RFP, which could allow it to sell the full 13 megawatts of power to the utility.

Meanwhile, the company is negotiating with the Eugene Power and Water Board for the sale of power from its second proposed geothermal plant, which will also produce 13 megawatts of power. The Raft River Geothermal Project is located in south-central Idaho, and the first plant is expected to start producing power next year.

For more information see the Idaho Power announcement and RFP

Solar Thermal in Europe grows significantly

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:50:00 +0000

The use of solar thermal has increased significantly in 2006, the same applies for sales of solar thermal systems in Europe which grew by 35 % up to 1.900 megawatts of solar thermal power. The most dynamic markets are in France, in the UK, and in Germany, where growth rates are in between 40 % and 70 %. Industry and research institutions - motivated by their large success - are developing a common vision for the use of solar thermal in 2030 and have just launched the European Solar Thermal Technology Platform (ESTTP). Current developments in the international markets, in industry, in technology and in politics will be discussed at the European Solar Thermal Energy Conference (estec2007) on June 19-20, 2007, in Freiburg, Germany. This conference will be the most important international meeting point of the industry in the next year.

The European solar thermal market has become more and more dynamic within the last few years. France shows annual growth rates from 50 % up to 100 % and aims to increase the newly installed capacity from 150 megawatt-thermal (MWth) per year today until 700 MWth per year in 2010. In order to achieve this goal investors receive a tax reduction of 50 % for each solar thermal system installed. Italy will grant a 55 % tax reduction to achieve a similar goal. In Spain, the government has obliged homeowners to to installing a solar thermal system when renovating an existing building or during the construction of a new building in order to reach their ambitious goals. Further market growth is expected also in the UK and in the leading markets of Austria and Germany.

The current development in solar thermal is very encouraging, says Ole Pilgaard, President of ESTIF, and we are positive that it will accelerate in the coming years.

This dynamic is heightened by the insight that solar thermal technology will play a much more important role in the fight against climate change and against the dependency on fossil fuel imports. Experts consider that in the long run, 50 % of the low temperature heating needs in Europe can be covered by solar thermal. In order to discuss the necessary technological developments, experts from industry and science have launched the European Solar Thermal Technology Platform (ESTTP), which kicked-off their work on December 6, 2006. Until 2008, this platform will elaborate a strategy for research and development as well as for support policies and other positive framework conditions.

The European Solar Thermal Energy Conference is the most important forum worldwide for discussing these new developments. From June 19 20, 2007, it will take place in Freiburg for the third time, just two days before the Intersolar trade fair, the biggest solar-only trade fair in Europe. At estec2007, more than 400 experts form industry, science, politics and consultancies are expected for an exchange about market-, technological and political developments. Abstract proposals can be submitted online by January 8, 2007. Interested participants and press representatives can pre-register online as of the beginning of December.

The estec2007 is a conference of the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation, ESTIF, and organized by the German Solar Industry Association, BSW, in co-operation with Intersolar2007. This industry-oriented conference is supported by the most important European solar thermal companies, among them the German manufacturer of absorbers and collectors, KBB Kollektorbau. The copper industry is highly positive about the development of solar thermal, which is the rationale for the commitment of the European Copper Institute to be one of the important sponsors.

Further information about this conference is available at www.estec2007.org, where you can register for the monthly newsletter, giving information about the international development of solar thermal in the lead up to the conference and about the most important conference topics.

Wind power ready to meet looming energy gap, says report

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:49:00 +0000

The paper entitled ?Plugging the Gap ? A survey of world fuel resources and their impact on the development of wind energy? was launched by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and Renewable Energy Systems Limited (RES) at a press conference at the Renewable Energy House in Brussels. The report has been prepared by RES in co-operation with GWEC and the EUREC Agency?s Masters programme.International Energy Agency (IEA) figures predict that 60% of the world?s energy supply could still be provided by oil and gas by 2030 ? with demand for electricity doubling. The report, however, estimates that global production of oil could ?peak? in as little as eight years time with production of gas likely to ?peak? in 2030, with prices rising steeply well in advance of this. The report says that while coal could last until the end of the century and could increase its share of energy supply, its large-scale use for electricity generation will only be acceptable with the development of clean coal technologies, which still have cost and technological barriers.

As a result, the report estimates that a serious shortfall between demand and supply could become evident soon after 2010. It predicts there could be a 10% shortfall by 2020 and an 18% short fall by 2030.

Eventually this gap will be filled by a mix of technologies ranging from renewables, coal and nuclear. The report concludes that wind power, as a safe, carbon-neutral, economic and indigenous energy resource, is the best choice to fill the electricity generation gap left by gas.

According to Dr Ian Mays, Managing Director of the RES Group, ?Fossil fuels cannot sustain our expected growth in energy demand and low energy prices are gone forever. Wind power is very much ready to keep the lights on and fill the gap. Wind power technologies are working successfully all over the world and with foresight and appropriate policy frameworks there is enough resource to roll out wind power on a huge-scale. Wind is a sustainable, free resource and the wind energy technology is cost effective, reliable, clean and green ? so what are we waiting for??

?GWEC forecasts that the global installed capacity for wind power will reach 135 GW by 2010. Furthermore, GWEC estimates that more than 1,000 GW of wind capacity could be installed by 2020, if significant policy changes are implemented,? said Prof. Arthouros Zervos, Chairman of GWEC. ?This potential is technically realisable but will require continuing development of policies to facilitate more substantial integration of wind energy into the generation mix.?

Maui Windpower

noreply@blogger.com (BCD Electric) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:46:00 +0000

In Hawaii—where there are no fossil fuel resources, and 90 percent of the state’s energy consumption must be imported—the decisions become more immediate. Last year, the Hawaiian legislature enacted a Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring that by 2020, 20 percent of electricity sold needs to be generated from renewable sources. [As of last year, 18 states plus the District of Columbia had passed similar legislation.]
“Hawaii has one of the best wind resources in the country, but the state hasn’t been using the resource to its fullest potential,” says Gaynor. “It’s a situation where wind is extremely competitive, compared to conventional power sources. It makes sense for consumers, it makes sense for the state, and it has environmental benefits.”
In March, Gaynor secured financing for a $70 million project on the island of Maui. [The project is a joint venture with Makani Nui Associates, which owns 49 percent.] The 30-megawatt wind farm at Kaheawa Pastures will be Hawaii’s first utility-scale project to be put into service since the 1980s. Plans call for 20 towers, 180 feet tall, with 1.5-megawatt General Electric turbines. Construction is expected to begin this summer, and the project should be completed by the first quarter of 2006. When operational, the wind farm will supply up to 9 percent of demand to customers of Maui Electric Company.
The Kaheawa Pastures site is situated on state conservation land, between Ma’aleaea and Olowalu, at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 feet. Gaynor describes the spot with elation, as he points to it on a wind resource map (opposite page) that shows where strong trade winds are squeezed between the West Maui Mountains and the Haleakala volcano. He is equally enthusiastic about the natural beauty of the site. “In the morning,” he says, almost reverently, “when the sun is rising, you can see over to the big island. It’s virgin land, with nothing but a few Jeep trails. It is absolutely gorgeous.”
Why, then, add a wind farm?
“Hawaii had to make a choice,” he answers. “On Maui, consumers pay about 25 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity.” [Retail rates in Hawaii are about twice the national average.] According to reports by the Hawaii Wind Working Group, the project was welcomed by residents: at hearings held by the Board of Land and Natural Resources in the early stages of the project, there was no opposing testimony from the homeowner, environmental, and native Hawaiian associations present.
“They want us to do this,” says Gaynor. “They’re saying, ‘I would rather look at wind turbines than have my kids unable to afford electricity and have to deal with the effects of global warming.’ They understand that it’s not a panacea but a piece of the solution toward becoming more energy efficient and less dependent on foreign oil. But there aren’t enough Hawaiis out there. That’s why we have to proceed slowly and surely.”