Erlab's GreenFumeHood Filtration Technology plays a major role in the Zero Net Energy equation ...

Erlab’s GreenFumeHood Technology plays a major role in the Zero Net Energy equation

Rowley, MA (PRWEB) February 18, 2016

To attain Zero Net Energy, Bristol Community College upgraded to new fume hood technology for (13) of the (22) fume hoods at the Sbrega Health and Science Building that will welcome students this spring.

What is this new fume hood technology? The Green Fume Hood, which is now installed in over 200 locations around the world. This category of fume hood integrates Erlab’s GreenFumeHood Filtration Technology above Air Master Systems superstructure. Because Bristol chose to use this technology, they are protected by Erlab’s superior Neutrodine(TM) filters that are ideal for multidisciplinary chemical handlings and are designed to address the ever-increasing requirements for safety and energy-efficiency. Additionally, best-in-class detection technology and real-time communication for security and monitoring via PC, tablet or smartphone.

Green Fume Hoods offer less, less, less:
•Less ductwork: the reduction of the lab exhaust system, including associated stainless steel ductwork.
•Less complexity: the simplicity of balancing labs with filtered hoods and decoupling ventilation air from cooling requirements.
•Less costs: the avoidance of expensive make-up air systems, oversized to compensate for fume hood exhaust, coupled with reduced annual operating expenses will provide first and annual savings to the school. The first cost savings by using FFH helped partially fund the alternative MEP equipment necessary to achieve Zero Net Energy.
•Less construction time: The reduction and simplification in MEP systems will shave construction labor hours.

Erlab and its OEM Partners understand the challenges of constructing a new lab, renovating an old lab, or adding on to an existing lab, and offer a solution that is ideal for the majority of environments. This made the Green Solution Hood by Air Master Systems (featuring Erlab’s GFH Filtration Technology) a key factor in the design of Bristol Community College’s newest science building and the capability of achieving ZNE.

Visit http://www.erlab.com to learn more how Erlab’s GreenFumeHood Filtration Technology brings the filtered fume hood to life.

About Erlab:
Erlab’s passion is innovation and invention. We focus on research & development, design, and manufacturing of cutting-edge air filtration solutions for the lab environment. As an innovator, Erlab is committed to safety, performance, energy efficiency and sustainability and has remained number one in the world for ductless and filtering fume hoods since 1968.

For more information, please contact:
Susan Leccese
Global Marketing Communications Director
Erlab North America
Tel: 1-800-964-4434
sleccese(at)erlab(dot)com

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Erlab"s GreenFumeHood Filtration Technology plays a major role in the Zero Net Energy equation ...

Report: Britain Faces a Major Energy Crisis Within 10 Years

Britain is heading for a major energy crisis within ten years, says a report published today by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

The loss of coal by 2025, along with growth in demand and the closure of the majority of our nuclear power stations will therefore be significant, leaving a potential supply gap of 40%–55%, depending on wind levels.

What the report doesn’t explain properly is that this is a direct result of the decision by Prime Minister David Cameron and his Energy Secretary Amber Rudd to engage in green gesture politics by announcing the premature phasing out of all Britain’s coal-fired power plants. These currently supply about one quarter of the country’s energy needs.

According to the report’s author, Jenifer Baxter:

“The UK is facing an electricity supply crisis.

“As the UK population rises and with the greater use of electricity use in transport and heating, it looks almost certain that electricity demand is going to rise.

“However, with little or no focus on reducing electricity demand, the retirement of the majority of the country’s ageing nuclear fleet, recent proposals to phase out coal-fired power by 2025 and the cut in renewable-energy subsidies, the UK is on course to produce even less electricity than it does at the moment.

“We cannot rely on CCGTs alone to plug this gap as we have neither the time, resources nor enough people with the right skills to build sufficient power plants.”

Combined Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGTs) are the state-of-the-art form of gas power generation which could, theoretically, fill that yawning energy gap. The problem is, says the report, that at least 30 of them would need to be built within ten years: something which certainly isn’t going to happen in the current climate when renewables are so heavily subsidised that it is quite impossible for fossil fuels to compete on a level playing field.

In other words technologies that work are being driven out of the market by technologies that don’t work, simply because of misplaced green squeamishness about “carbon” emissions.

The report is absolutely correct in its concerns. As with Islam, so it is with energy: Britain’s political class – in common with Europe’s political class – has neither the understanding nor the appetite, let alone the courage, to take the actions necessary to avert the inevitable crisis.

Even so, the organisation that produced the report – the Institution of Mechanical Engineers – is as much a part of the problem as it is the solution. Like so many institutions it has been swallowed up by the Green Blob.

Here, for example, is the CV of the report’s author Jenifer Baxter: (H/T Climanrecon at Paul Homewood’s place)

“Jenifer entered engineering in 1995 undertaking a BTEC in general engineering at North Hertfordshire College with an aim to change the world and create a cleaner environment through engineering. Following this Jenifer gained a BEng in Environmental Engineering in 2001 and an MSc in Sustainability, Planning and Environmental Policy in 2003, both from Cardiff University. Following an early spell in research, Jenifer went to work for the waste strategy team at the Welsh Government for six years until she left to study a PhD in technological innovation for hydrogen production from waste also from Cardiff University.”

So, instead of analysing the issue from a strictly engineering perspective – as perhaps, you might hope from something which calls itself the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and not, say, the Institution of Big Fluffy Pie In The Sky Green Fantasies – Baxter does insist in imposing her environmentalist slant. Just have a read of this bit:

The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change has said that the Government’s focus is “to create policy to ensure energy is affordable and secure and that in the past the balance had swung too far in favour of climate change policies”.

However it is far from clear that this market-led, consumer-based approach would lead to carbon reduction. With historically low oil prices and significant reserves of coal globally, there is potential for the cheapest fuel for power generation to be the one that is most polluting.

Green finger-wagging editorialising, or what? Woman, get this: it is not your job as an engineer to be telling us what Britain’s energy policies will or won’t do for “carbon reduction”. Your job is to tell us whether or not the lights are going to go out. And then to make recommendations as to how we might stop them going out.

Preferably recommendations that don’t include drivel like “investment in research and development activities for renewables”. What do you think it is that created this problem in the first place?

Report: Britain Faces a Major Energy Crisis Within 10 Years

SoftBank, Bharti & Foxconn JV bags first major solar power project in India

December 15, 2015:  

SBG Cleantech Ltd, a joint venture between SoftBank Group Corp., India’s Bharti Enterprises Ltd and Taiwan-based Foxconn Technology Group, has bagged a 350-megawatt (MW) solar power project in Andhra Pradesh after it matched the record low bid seen in the previous round.

SBG Cleantech won the project, under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (NSM), at a bid of Rs.4.63 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), according to people familiar with the bids.

India’s solar power tariff touched a record-low of Rs.4.63 last month when US-based SunEdison Inc. won a 500MW tender put out by state-run NTPC Ltd in Andhra Pradesh under NSM. SBG Cleantech lost the project as it bid higher at Rs.4.80 per kWh.

This is the first renewable energy project that SBG Cleantech Ltd has won in India. The venture was set up in June after SoftBank Corp.’s Masayoshi Son pledged to invest least $20 billion in solar energy projects in India.

An email sent to SBG Cleantech was not immediately answered.

The entire 350MW capacity is meant for a single project inside the solar park developed by NTPC, which will also be the buyer of the power produced from the plant.

The auction which concluded late on Monday night also saw Yarrow Infrastructure Ltd, a part of IndiaBulls group, bid at Rs.4.64, while Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd bid at Rs.4.76 and Reliance CleanGen Ltd bid at Rs.4.88.

Other bidders, who quoted a tariff above Rs.5 per kWh included Goldman Sachs-backed ReNew Solar Power Pvt. Ltd, China’s Trina Solar’s unit Mira Zavas Pvt. Ltd, and Marikal Solar Parks Pvt. Ltd, a unit of American photovoltaic module maker First Solar Inc.

“SoftBank is surely establishing itself as a serious and competitive player in the market. The company is likely to be a strong contender in the upcoming national bids as well,” said Jasmeet Khurana, associate director—consulting at Bridge to India, a boutique consulting firm.

Recent bids show that there are only about 10 to 12 developers who have the appetite to continuously try and take up large projects at current tariff levels, Khurana said.

Some expect the upcoming auction at Rajasthan—to be held later this year for a capacity of 420MW—to see more aggressive bids.

Some industry experts, however, have raised concerns over the viability of projects won at aggressive tariffs.

“This raises questions on the long-term viability. The advantages these companies (SunEdison and SoftBank) had in these two bids is that the plants would be at solar parks so they do not have to worry about setting up everything on their own. Also, NTPC is more bankable than any other state distribution companies,” said Bharat Bhushan Agrawal, senior analyst—India solar at Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

SunEdison, the world’s largest renewable energy company, is also increasing focus on India, its second largest market after the US. China’s Trina Solar and Russia’s OAO Rosneft, Italy’s Enel Green Power are among other global companies looking to invest in the Indian solar market.

India has raised its 2022 solar energy target to 100 gigawatts (GW) from 20GW as part of the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s efforts to lower dependence on coal-fuelled electricity.

India has a $250 billion investment opportunity in the renewable energy sector, Piyush Goyal, minister for power, coal and renewable energy, said at Mint’s fifth energy conclave in New Delhi in September.

Also Read: India: SunEdison calls off deal to acquire Singapore-based Continuum Wind

 India: SunEdison to sell 400 MW of solar power capacity for $350m

Aboitiz Power, SunEdison ink contract for $75.6m solar power project in PH

This article was first published on Livemint.com

SoftBank, Bharti & Foxconn JV bags first major solar power project in India

QLD government takes over assessment of major wind farm from council

The Queensland state government has moved to take control of the assessment process for one of the biggest wind energy generation plants proposed in the state, the $380 million Mount Emerald Wind Farm project that that backers are hoping will be approved to be built on the Atherton Tablelands in far North Queensland.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney has used special call-in powers at the request of Mareeba Shire Council to take over evaluation of the proposal, a move backed by the local government that said it was too complex to weigh up on its own.

The fate of the Mount Emerald Wind Farm proposal is being closely watched by interests in the energy, infrastructure investment and environmental sectors because it could provide a clearer signal on the Newman government’s overall policy stance on other wind projects that have been attacked by federal Coalition members including Treasurer Joe Hockey, who described them as a blight on the landscape and utterly offensive.

Despite the political heat, private investment in so-called sustainable energy projects has continued to gather pace as investors, developers, industry and councils look for ways to offset rising conventional energy costs.

The Mount Emerald Wind Farm has been proposed by a partnership between North Queensland developer Port Bajool and energy power producer Ratch Australia, which aims to construct and operate a site at Arriga that is slated to utilise up to 75 turbines to generate enough electricity to power 75,000 homes each year.

Backers of Ratch include ASX listed infrastructure player Transfield Services and major Thai power generation company, Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding.

Queensland’s planning minister is now trying to feel which way the electoral breeze is blowing.

“Wind farm developments attract keen public interest and it is important that development proposals balance community expectation with potential economic and environmental benefits,” Mr Seeney said.

He said given the complexity of the proposed development, independent assessments will be undertaken to evaluate economic, environmental and community impacts and benefits.

According to Mr Seeney, the government will use the information gained in the independent assessment and consider the application against the relevant planning instruments before making a recommendation on whether the project should proceed.

Affected parties have been told they will receive notice of Mr Seeney’s final decision, which is expected to be made later in 2014.

In the meantime, communities and proponents in Queensland are waiting to find out what a new state code to assess wind farm proposals will contain.

Mr Seeney said that once the new Wind Farm code is finalised, it would provide consistency to industry and certainty to councils and communities.

Despite the high profile attention, the size and scope of the proposed Mount Emerald Wind Farm is comparatively modest compared more ambitious proposed projects across Australia.

In February 2014 the South Australian government gave a planning approval to a 197-turbine plant set to be located between Ardrossan and Minlaton on the Yorke Peninsula valued at $1.5 billion.

In November 2012, Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings backed the construction of the largest proposed wind farm in Australia including 200 turbines, valued at $2 billion.

QLD government takes over assessment of major wind farm from council

New Report: San Jose Ranks 4th Among Major US Cities for Installed Solar

“Solar power is booming across the country and cities are at the forefront,” said Mac Farrell, global warming organizer at Environment California. “As one of the top ranking cities, San Jose is leading the way.”

With the cost of solar coming down, there’s growing awareness of solar power as a mainstream energy solution with widespread benefits for our health, our economy and the environment.

“Going solar isn’t just good for the planet, it’s also an excellent investment,” said San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, who has solar panels installed on his own home. “San Jose is pleased to be recognized for its solar efforts. Since adopting our Green Vision in 2007, San Jose has become a national leader in solar installations, including putting solar on city buildings to save taxpayer dollars and energy.”

“I’m so proud of San Jose for being one of the national leaders in clean, renewable energy,” said Assemblymember Paul Fong (D-San Jose). “Solar power helps Californians meet its conservation goals. I’m looking forward to continue working with our community to reduce our carbon footprint.”

The report highlighted the benefits of solar energy, including:

Solar energy avoids pollution—Pollution-free energy from the sun reduces air pollution that contributes to urban smog and global warming. It also helps save the massive amount of water that’s normally consumed during the cooling of fossil-fuel-burning power plants.

Solar energy protects consumers—Since solar has no fuel costs, it can protect us from the rising cost of fossil fuels.

Solar energy helps the economy—California has over 47,000 solar jobs, accounting for approximately one-third of all solar jobs in the country.

The top 20 solar cities in this report have more solar power within their city limits than was installed in the entire U.S. just six years ago.

“Of course Silicon Valley has embraced solar power. High-tech embraces high-tech. California’s goal is to make rooftop solar power as commonplace as the PC, and forward-thinking cities like San Jose, along with strong public policies, are making that vision a reality,” says Kelsea Jones, Deputy Director of the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CALSEIA).

The report pointed to policies that encourage investment in solar PV installations, which have been adopted by local leaders in solar cities:

* City leaders can set ambitious and achievable goals and citizens and businesses can work with local governments to meet them. Cities can lead by example by putting solar on public buildings.
* Cities can adopt policies to advance solar power in their communities, including tax incentives, low-interest loan programs and solar-friendly zoning and building codes. Cities can also run “Solarize” programs that use bulk purchasing and educational campaigns to help neighbors “go solar” together.
* City leaders can work with state governments to ensure that they have strong programs to expand solar, including renewable energy standards, solar carve-outs or feed-in tariffs, net metering and community solar programs.
* City leaders can also demand a strong partnership with the federal government to ensure that federal incentives such as tax credits are continued. And, that federal programs, such as the Solar America’s Cities and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant programs continue to provide support and technical assistance to cities seeking to expand solar.

“We are pleased that a significant number of San Jose home and business owners have adopted solar to generate clean energy, reduce their carbon footprint and lower their electricity bills,” said SunPower President and CEO Tom Werner. “As a San Jose-based solar company, and founded almost 30 years ago, we continue to support the City’s environmental goals and congratulate its leaders on this achievement.”

In 2008, SunPower installed a 185-kilowatt solar system atop the roof of the San Jose Tech Museum, the first commercial solar system on a downtown San Jose building.

“The partnership between The Tech, the city of San Jose, and SunPower is a great example of how communities can pave the way for clean, renewable energy,” said The Tech President Tim Ritchie. “The Tech is proud to be part of San Jose’s recognition and exhibit the benefits of solar power.”

“Clean Solar is the second largest residential installer in San Jose, where it was born, nurtured, and is now thriving,” added Randy Zechman, CEO of Clean Solar. “San Jose’s leadership in green building and infrastructure has been a key part of our success and happiness in this market. We are not surprised to see San Jose thriving as one of America’s top solar cities.”

“The sky’s the limit on solar energy. San Jose is a shining example of solar leadership,” said Farrell. “But, we’ve barely scratched the surface of the potential to capture this pollution-free energy source. By committing to bold goals and expanding on the good policies we’ve adopted, we can take solar to the next level.”

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Environment California Research & Policy Center is a statewide nonprofit environmental advocacy organization working to protect California’s air, water and open spaces. More information, including copies of today’s report, can be found at http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/center.

http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/news/cae/new-report-san-jose-ranks-4th-among-major-us-cities-installed-solar

New Report: San Jose Ranks 4th Among Major US Cities for Installed Solar