Is an Electric or Hybrid Vehicle in Your Future?
Thanks, Brian, for an interesting talk that provided valuable insights into the electric vehicle/hybrid electric vehicle (EV/HEV) discussion. Here's a link to a PDF version of the PowerPoint slides. Before I visit showrooms or research the Internet, I'll be sure to consider your information.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Meeting Details: Green Energy Ohio Trumbull County, May 25, 2010
Is an Electric or Hybrid Vehicle in Your Future?
Brian Shar, Lead Engineer of the Core Technology Group at Stoneridge Electronics North America, will explain developing automobile technologies at the Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, from 7-8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room 117 of the Kent State University Trumbull Campus Technology Building, 4314 Mahoning Avenue, NW, Warren, Ohio. The meeting is free and open to the public. REGISTER HERE.
The meeting will focus on alternative energy vehicles such as hybrids and all-electric cars. Shar will explain some of the practical considerations of owning and operating the new technologies, such as issues involving vehicle operating costs and energy storage. He will explain how “green” these cars are and will respond to questions from the attendees.
In addition to his role at Stoneridge, Shar teaches engineering-technology at the Trumbull Career and Technical Center. He earned a B.S. degree in Engineering-Physics from John Carroll University and is an Ohio licensed instructor. Shar is a Pharmacy-Technology graduate of the U.S. Army’s Academy of Health Sciences, a registered Associate Value Specialist (AVS) with the Society of American Value Engineers (SAVE) International, a Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) with American Society for Quality (ASQ), a certified Lean & Six Sigma Blackbelt (C6sBB/Lean), and a board-member for the Youngstown-Warren ASQ 0805 section.
The Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a group dedicated to increasing awareness in sustainability, green building and renewable energy technologies by bringing together like-minded people in the area. It is a regional affiliate of Green Energy Ohio.
For more information about the Clean Energy Network and the Trumbull County meeting, contact Dave Ambrose at 330-647-3666 or dambrose1@neo.rr.com.
Green Energy Ohio is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio. GEO is the Ohio Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. GEO promotes renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass and low-impact hydro) statewide by acting as a clearinghouse to inform Ohioans on sustainable energy. The GEO website is http://www.greenenergyohio.org/.
Brian Shar, Lead Engineer of the Core Technology Group at Stoneridge Electronics North America, will explain developing automobile technologies at the Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, from 7-8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room 117 of the Kent State University Trumbull Campus Technology Building, 4314 Mahoning Avenue, NW, Warren, Ohio. The meeting is free and open to the public. REGISTER HERE.
The meeting will focus on alternative energy vehicles such as hybrids and all-electric cars. Shar will explain some of the practical considerations of owning and operating the new technologies, such as issues involving vehicle operating costs and energy storage. He will explain how “green” these cars are and will respond to questions from the attendees.
In addition to his role at Stoneridge, Shar teaches engineering-technology at the Trumbull Career and Technical Center. He earned a B.S. degree in Engineering-Physics from John Carroll University and is an Ohio licensed instructor. Shar is a Pharmacy-Technology graduate of the U.S. Army’s Academy of Health Sciences, a registered Associate Value Specialist (AVS) with the Society of American Value Engineers (SAVE) International, a Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) with American Society for Quality (ASQ), a certified Lean & Six Sigma Blackbelt (C6sBB/Lean), and a board-member for the Youngstown-Warren ASQ 0805 section.
The Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a group dedicated to increasing awareness in sustainability, green building and renewable energy technologies by bringing together like-minded people in the area. It is a regional affiliate of Green Energy Ohio.
For more information about the Clean Energy Network and the Trumbull County meeting, contact Dave Ambrose at 330-647-3666 or dambrose1@neo.rr.com.
Green Energy Ohio is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio. GEO is the Ohio Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. GEO promotes renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass and low-impact hydro) statewide by acting as a clearinghouse to inform Ohioans on sustainable energy. The GEO website is http://www.greenenergyohio.org/.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Meeting Details: Green Energy Ohio Trumbull County, March 30, 2010
Green Energy Online Courses at Kent State Trumbull
Marie DaBelko, coordinator of the Workforce Development & Continuing Studies at Kent State Trumbull, and Tony Davis, coordinator of green and renewable energy programs, are the main speakers for a Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County on Tuesday, March 30, 2010, from 7-8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room 117 of the Kent State University Trumbull Campus Technology Building, 4314 Mahoning Avenue, NW. The meeting is free and open to the public.
DaBelko will explain the programs at Kent State Trumbull that relate to green and renewable energy topics, such as energy auditing, green building basics for real estate professionals and contractors, design and installation of alternative energy systems (solar and wind) and sustainability training. Davis will use distance learning equipment to demonstrate how an online course operates by way of the student’s personal computer and Internet connection. Both will explain course requirements and fees. In addition, a representative from Trumbull County One Stop will answer questions about training grants and other services available to area residents, especially displaced worker programs.
Online courses are growing in popularity. They decrease the need to be on campus for classes, thereby lowering transportation costs. Attending online often allows a student to attend class on a flexible schedule. E-mail and discussion forums provide interaction with instructors and other students. Many online courses eliminate the purchase of costly textbooks and other materials.
The meeting will help explain some of the educational opportunities available locally for someone to become involved in the growing field of “green collar” jobs.
The Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a group dedicated to increasing awareness in sustainability, green building and renewable energy technologies by bringing together like-minded people in the area. It is a regional affiliate of Green Energy Ohio.
Green Energy Ohio is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio. GEO is the Ohio Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. GEO promotes renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass and low-impact hydro) statewide by acting as a clearinghouse to inform Ohioans on sustainable energy. The GEO Web site is http://www.greenenergyohio.org.
The Workforce Development and Continuing Studies Center at Kent State Trumbull has provided non-credit training to individuals and businesses for the past 30 years. With a highly dedicated staff covering more than 60 areas of study, the Workforce Development and Continuing Studies Center at Kent Trumbull is positioned to provide you with all the tools that will make you and your company more productive, competitive, and efficient within a constantly evolving global economy. The Center’s Web site is http://www.trumbull.kent.edu/workforcedevelopment/index.cfm.
Post-meeting update: Tribune Chronicle story at http://tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/535454.html
Marie DaBelko, coordinator of the Workforce Development & Continuing Studies at Kent State Trumbull, and Tony Davis, coordinator of green and renewable energy programs, are the main speakers for a Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County on Tuesday, March 30, 2010, from 7-8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room 117 of the Kent State University Trumbull Campus Technology Building, 4314 Mahoning Avenue, NW. The meeting is free and open to the public.
DaBelko will explain the programs at Kent State Trumbull that relate to green and renewable energy topics, such as energy auditing, green building basics for real estate professionals and contractors, design and installation of alternative energy systems (solar and wind) and sustainability training. Davis will use distance learning equipment to demonstrate how an online course operates by way of the student’s personal computer and Internet connection. Both will explain course requirements and fees. In addition, a representative from Trumbull County One Stop will answer questions about training grants and other services available to area residents, especially displaced worker programs.
Online courses are growing in popularity. They decrease the need to be on campus for classes, thereby lowering transportation costs. Attending online often allows a student to attend class on a flexible schedule. E-mail and discussion forums provide interaction with instructors and other students. Many online courses eliminate the purchase of costly textbooks and other materials.
The meeting will help explain some of the educational opportunities available locally for someone to become involved in the growing field of “green collar” jobs.
The Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a group dedicated to increasing awareness in sustainability, green building and renewable energy technologies by bringing together like-minded people in the area. It is a regional affiliate of Green Energy Ohio.
Green Energy Ohio is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio. GEO is the Ohio Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. GEO promotes renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass and low-impact hydro) statewide by acting as a clearinghouse to inform Ohioans on sustainable energy. The GEO Web site is http://www.greenenergyohio.org.
The Workforce Development and Continuing Studies Center at Kent State Trumbull has provided non-credit training to individuals and businesses for the past 30 years. With a highly dedicated staff covering more than 60 areas of study, the Workforce Development and Continuing Studies Center at Kent Trumbull is positioned to provide you with all the tools that will make you and your company more productive, competitive, and efficient within a constantly evolving global economy. The Center’s Web site is http://www.trumbull.kent.edu/workforcedevelopment/index.cfm.
Post-meeting update: Tribune Chronicle story at http://tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/535454.html
Monday, March 1, 2010
February sets record output
February 2010 was the fifth month of operation for my solar PV array. The panels produced 100 kilowatt-hours, the best monthly total so far. Total production since installation has reached 375 kwh. Here’s a monthly breakdown:
Oct. 2009 = 87
Nov. 2009 = 85
Dec. 2009 = 51
Jan. 2010 = 52
Feb. 2010 = 100
Even on cloudy days some power is produced, and a combination of longer days and a higher sun angle result in more potential electricity. Snow accumulation was a significant factor in February; I had to clear the panels about 10 times. When possible, I try to clear snow in the morning. By noon, unobstructed panels usually produce enough heat to melt small amounts of snow that fall during the day. Once the panels stop producing electricity, they stop producing heat. Nighttime snow piles up for the next morning’s clearing.
While not an exact comparison because of electric company billing periods, I used 326 kwh during February 2009. So last month’s production was about 30% of my consumption. As we continue into months with more solar gain, this percentage should only improve.
Oct. 2009 = 87
Nov. 2009 = 85
Dec. 2009 = 51
Jan. 2010 = 52
Feb. 2010 = 100
Even on cloudy days some power is produced, and a combination of longer days and a higher sun angle result in more potential electricity. Snow accumulation was a significant factor in February; I had to clear the panels about 10 times. When possible, I try to clear snow in the morning. By noon, unobstructed panels usually produce enough heat to melt small amounts of snow that fall during the day. Once the panels stop producing electricity, they stop producing heat. Nighttime snow piles up for the next morning’s clearing.
While not an exact comparison because of electric company billing periods, I used 326 kwh during February 2009. So last month’s production was about 30% of my consumption. As we continue into months with more solar gain, this percentage should only improve.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Meeting Details: Green Energy Ohio Trumbull County, January 26, 2010
Geothermal Systems
John Cesta and Marvin Shevel from Best Furnace Company in Champion are the main speakers for a Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, from 7-8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room 117 of the Kent State University Trumbull Campus Technology Building, 4314 Mahoning Avenue, NW. The meeting is free and open to the public.
Cesta and Shevel will discuss “Geothermal Systems” in Northeast Ohio. They will provide basic information about geothermal systems installed in our area and what is required to use geothermal for heating and cooling. In addition, the speakers will explain available energy tax credits and other incentives that will reduce the overall costs of geothermal projects. Both speakers have installed geothermal systems from many years. A question/answer session will follow the presentation. Also, attendees will discuss future meeting topics.
According to the Web site of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, part of the U.S. Dept. of Energy, geothermal heat pumps use the Earth’s temperature to help heat and cool buildings. “The shallow ground, the upper 10 feet of the Earth, maintains a nearly constant temperature between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Like a cave, this ground temperature is warmer than the air above it in the winter and cooler than the air in the summer.” Using geothermal technology can save heating and cooling costs in our area. Source: http://www.nrel.gov/geothermal/
Best Furnace is a family-owned company in business for more than 30 years. Best sells and services a wide range of products from various manufacturers for residential and commercial customers. The company is on the Web at http://www.bestfurnacecompany.com/.
Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a group dedicated to increasing awareness in sustainability, green building and renewable energy technologies by bringing together like-minded people in the area. The Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a regional affiliate of Green Energy Ohio.
Green Energy Ohio is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio. GEO is the Ohio Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. GEO promotes renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass and low-impact hydro) statewide by acting as a clearinghouse to inform Ohioans on sustainable energy. The GEO Web site is http://www.greenenergyohio.org/.
John Cesta and Marvin Shevel from Best Furnace Company in Champion are the main speakers for a Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, from 7-8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room 117 of the Kent State University Trumbull Campus Technology Building, 4314 Mahoning Avenue, NW. The meeting is free and open to the public.
Cesta and Shevel will discuss “Geothermal Systems” in Northeast Ohio. They will provide basic information about geothermal systems installed in our area and what is required to use geothermal for heating and cooling. In addition, the speakers will explain available energy tax credits and other incentives that will reduce the overall costs of geothermal projects. Both speakers have installed geothermal systems from many years. A question/answer session will follow the presentation. Also, attendees will discuss future meeting topics.
According to the Web site of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, part of the U.S. Dept. of Energy, geothermal heat pumps use the Earth’s temperature to help heat and cool buildings. “The shallow ground, the upper 10 feet of the Earth, maintains a nearly constant temperature between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Like a cave, this ground temperature is warmer than the air above it in the winter and cooler than the air in the summer.” Using geothermal technology can save heating and cooling costs in our area. Source: http://www.nrel.gov/geothermal/
Best Furnace is a family-owned company in business for more than 30 years. Best sells and services a wide range of products from various manufacturers for residential and commercial customers. The company is on the Web at http://www.bestfurnacecompany.com/.
Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a group dedicated to increasing awareness in sustainability, green building and renewable energy technologies by bringing together like-minded people in the area. The Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a regional affiliate of Green Energy Ohio.
Green Energy Ohio is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio. GEO is the Ohio Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. GEO promotes renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass and low-impact hydro) statewide by acting as a clearinghouse to inform Ohioans on sustainable energy. The GEO Web site is http://www.greenenergyohio.org/.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Snow on panels
My solar array produces no electricity with about two inches of snow, so my solution has been to purchase a roof rake to push the snow off the panels. Even on cloudy days the panels make a few hundred watts of power, so the effort is worthwhile.
I removed about two inches on both Monday and Tuesday with items purchased from RoofRake.com. I checked at local big box home centers, but I couldn’t find a tool that extended longer than 16 feet. I wanted a longer tool that I could use without climbing on the roof or needing a ladder to reach all the panels. I located the RoofRake site on the Internet and phoned for further information. I ordered:
21-foot Dix Roof Rake
5-foot extensions (2)
Snow Pro head
1-foot elbow
The rake needed no tools to assemble and extends the 30 feet required to remove snow while standing on the ground. The Snow Pro head is made of a hard foam material that screws into the elbow; it is the only component that touches the panels. With a combination of pushing snow off the top of the array and dragging snow down to the ground, I have been able to remove a two-inch accumulation in about 20 minutes. Once the snow is removed, the panels seem to give off enough heat to melt any residual flakes. Checking the inverter after each removal session, I confirmed that the panels were again making electricity.
The company is located in Michigan, and I placed my order through the Web site. According to the packaging, the components are manufactured in the U.S. The cost for all items and ground shipping was $131.
Contact information for RoofRake.com
Phone: 734-560-7153
E-mail: rrotole@roofrake.com
Web: http://www.roofrake.com/
I removed about two inches on both Monday and Tuesday with items purchased from RoofRake.com. I checked at local big box home centers, but I couldn’t find a tool that extended longer than 16 feet. I wanted a longer tool that I could use without climbing on the roof or needing a ladder to reach all the panels. I located the RoofRake site on the Internet and phoned for further information. I ordered:
21-foot Dix Roof Rake
5-foot extensions (2)
Snow Pro head
1-foot elbow
The rake needed no tools to assemble and extends the 30 feet required to remove snow while standing on the ground. The Snow Pro head is made of a hard foam material that screws into the elbow; it is the only component that touches the panels. With a combination of pushing snow off the top of the array and dragging snow down to the ground, I have been able to remove a two-inch accumulation in about 20 minutes. Once the snow is removed, the panels seem to give off enough heat to melt any residual flakes. Checking the inverter after each removal session, I confirmed that the panels were again making electricity.
The company is located in Michigan, and I placed my order through the Web site. According to the packaging, the components are manufactured in the U.S. The cost for all items and ground shipping was $131.
Contact information for RoofRake.com
Phone: 734-560-7153
E-mail: rrotole@roofrake.com
Web: http://www.roofrake.com/
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Meeting Summary: Green Energy Ohio Trumbull County, November 24, 2009
Energy Efficiency’s Role in Green Building
If you’re not testing, you are guessing.
That’s the message stressed by representatives of The Green Building Pros to attendees at the Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County on Tuesday, November 24. The Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a regional affiliate of Green Energy Ohio. Michael Hein and Jason Clark explained the steps involved in a Home Performance Assessment, often referred to as an Energy Audit.
Energy efficiency is the start of any good Green Building program, according to Michael and Jason. They claim that the average homeowner can reduce current energy expenditures by 35%. A 15% reduction from baseline energy use is usually gained by the low-cost, high-payback retrofits identified by the audit. As examples, they showed pictures of an exhaust fan that blew attic insulation and can lighting that allowed moist air from the home to condense on colder attic surfaces. Such situations not only waste energy, but they can lead to mold and winter ice dams. Energy efficiency not only reduces the need for costly fuel and the production of harmful greenhouse gasses, they also can lead to more healthy buildings by reducing mold and VOCs (volatile organic compounds found in auto exhaust and paints). Proper ventilation can prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide.
In order to achieve energy savings and a safer and more comfortable home, Michael and Jason explained the components of an energy audit or home performance assessment:
1. Gather information about the building. They observe a home inside and outside and gather data from utility bills and the residents.
2. Blower door test. The allows for air pressure to be slightly lower inside the building, and air infiltration can be identified easily.
3. Infrared photography. A thermal imaging camera can help identify areas where infiltration occurs.
4. Duct testing. Leaky ductwork can waste warm air in winter and conditioned air in summer.
5. Combustion testing helps identify dangerous gasses produced by furnaces and appliances, gasses that may be entering the living space.
6. Energy modeling
7. Reporting, so the customer knows where energy dollars are going
8. Proposal for remediation, with an analysis of those steps that have the best and quickest payback
Michael and Jason explained that a home performance assessment should be driven by facts, not assumptions. The used an example of a recent audit where the homeowner was considering the installation of new windows. The audit found that savings from air sealing and insulating the basement would pay the homeowner back in three years, while new windows would take more than 18 years to pay off the replacement cost. The use of assessment data helps identify the “low hanging fruit” of energy efficiency.
So what is Green Building? Michael and Jason explained this cannot be defined according to any set standard of criteria. It is a unique activity engaged in by the client and the contractor. It includes:
• Standardized programs such as LEED and Energy Star
• Methods of building including natural (passive solar gain) and high tech (solar, wind)
• Materials that are from sustainable sources and are recyclable when no longer used
Contact information for The Green Building Pros
Phone: 866-355-7170
E-mail: info@thegreenbuildingpros.com
Web: http://thegreenbuildingpros.com/
If you’re not testing, you are guessing.
That’s the message stressed by representatives of The Green Building Pros to attendees at the Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County on Tuesday, November 24. The Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a regional affiliate of Green Energy Ohio. Michael Hein and Jason Clark explained the steps involved in a Home Performance Assessment, often referred to as an Energy Audit.
Energy efficiency is the start of any good Green Building program, according to Michael and Jason. They claim that the average homeowner can reduce current energy expenditures by 35%. A 15% reduction from baseline energy use is usually gained by the low-cost, high-payback retrofits identified by the audit. As examples, they showed pictures of an exhaust fan that blew attic insulation and can lighting that allowed moist air from the home to condense on colder attic surfaces. Such situations not only waste energy, but they can lead to mold and winter ice dams. Energy efficiency not only reduces the need for costly fuel and the production of harmful greenhouse gasses, they also can lead to more healthy buildings by reducing mold and VOCs (volatile organic compounds found in auto exhaust and paints). Proper ventilation can prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide.
In order to achieve energy savings and a safer and more comfortable home, Michael and Jason explained the components of an energy audit or home performance assessment:
1. Gather information about the building. They observe a home inside and outside and gather data from utility bills and the residents.
2. Blower door test. The allows for air pressure to be slightly lower inside the building, and air infiltration can be identified easily.
3. Infrared photography. A thermal imaging camera can help identify areas where infiltration occurs.
4. Duct testing. Leaky ductwork can waste warm air in winter and conditioned air in summer.
5. Combustion testing helps identify dangerous gasses produced by furnaces and appliances, gasses that may be entering the living space.
6. Energy modeling
7. Reporting, so the customer knows where energy dollars are going
8. Proposal for remediation, with an analysis of those steps that have the best and quickest payback
Michael and Jason explained that a home performance assessment should be driven by facts, not assumptions. The used an example of a recent audit where the homeowner was considering the installation of new windows. The audit found that savings from air sealing and insulating the basement would pay the homeowner back in three years, while new windows would take more than 18 years to pay off the replacement cost. The use of assessment data helps identify the “low hanging fruit” of energy efficiency.
So what is Green Building? Michael and Jason explained this cannot be defined according to any set standard of criteria. It is a unique activity engaged in by the client and the contractor. It includes:
• Standardized programs such as LEED and Energy Star
• Methods of building including natural (passive solar gain) and high tech (solar, wind)
• Materials that are from sustainable sources and are recyclable when no longer used
Contact information for The Green Building Pros
Phone: 866-355-7170
E-mail: info@thegreenbuildingpros.com
Web: http://thegreenbuildingpros.com/
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