January 24, 2011
News Release
Yorktown, IN. – January 24, 2011 – Enertek Solutions, Inc. a Portland, Ore.-based company specializing in Safer, Smarter Advanced Battery and anti-idling technology via the InfiniGEN™, today announced an exclusive collaboration with Xtreme Energy Products, LLC, an Indiana-based battery and energy distribution company and green energy power integrator.
Enertek Solutions began the process of working full-time with the principals of Xtreme Energy Products in searching for a manufacturing building in Indiana, which can facilitate production of the InfiniGEN™ next generation lithium batteries. This announcement is believed to be the first collaboration of its kind in North America.
XfiniGEN Power Systems Technologies (www.xfinigen.com) is the collaborative name of the new company. Terms of the new deal were not disclosed.
The patented Infini-Gen® anti-idling solutions are the next generation in auxiliary power units for multiple applications and initial tests of InfiniGEN™ products have been encouraging. The Infini-Gen™ uses only batteries for storage of the electrical power, and is power-charging agnostic, meaning it doesn‟t matter where it gets it charge, but accepts charging in record time, with the safest smartest battery storage technology currently available in the marketplace.
The new XfiniGEN entity stands to capitalize on the many advances made by Enertek. Markets where these products will be utilized include: refrigerated trucks, wind, solar, energy storage centers, US military, police and fire emergency equipment. XfiniGEN also plans to expand the lithium technology into Xtreme Energy‟s current line of alternative energy products to develop solutions including all-electric source of green power for cab heating, cooling and load power, mobile cell tower sites, solar trailers, and off grid power/lighting systems utilizing advanced battery technology originally developed for the military.
“We are excited to bring this next generation lithium battery technology to Indiana,” said Ryan Stout, a principal of Xtreme Energy Products, “and are anxious to find a home to start the manufacturing process.” Xtreme Energy Products is currently looking for cities within Indiana that provide the infrastructure and workforce that will best suit the manufacturing process of not only these next generation Lithium batteries but also the future expansion of a Lithium cell manufacturing facility, which could facilitate new job growth in the thousands.
About Xtreme Energy Products
Xtreme Energy Products is an energy storage and alternative energy distribution center specializing in products ranging from small household batteries to automotive/commercial batteries and large stationary power systems (www.batteryxpress.com). The family owned business has been in the battery and energy storage-distribution business for 40+ years in the Indiana region, and expects to capitalize on its long-standing and vast experience in commercial, industrial and residential contacts for not only manufacturing, but distribution of their proprietary energy systems and services.
About Enertek Solutions and InfiniGEN®
Originally created 5+ years ago, the Infini-Gen® advanced energy storage solutions have been specifically designed to supply power in a variety of applications across the board in many industries. Known for it‟s compact, light-weight and high-energy density of its advanced Lithium Polymer Batteries, these customized energy storage systems can be configured in any voltage and power requirements. The systems are designed as „plug-n-play‟ for field-use without the necessity of a field engineer to re-set should power parameters change. For more information, please contact Enertek Solutions, Inc. at 503-525-4942 or email info@enerteksolutions.com .
Source: Xtreme Energy Products
Ryan Stout, a principal of Xtreme Energy Products has two other renewable energy companies which are members of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association and Indiana Distributed Energy Advocates.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Greenfield Daily Reporter: McCordsville family looks to slice electric bills with solar energy
 |
| Nick Hofmeister's home uses 24 photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate an estimated 7,500 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. (Photo/Joe Hornaday/Greenfield Daily Reporter) |
jhornaday@greenfieldreporter.com
McCORDSVILLE – In an effort to help the environment while at the same time lower their energy bills, Nick and Lisa Hofmeister have recently turned the roof of their McCordsville home into a small power station.
The residence now utilizes 24 photovoltaic panels to generate an estimated 7,500 kilowatt hours by harnessing the energy delivered by the galaxy’s largest power supplier – the sun.
“It’s something I had considered for a long time,” Nick Hofmeister said. “With all the talk on the consumption of natural resources and the impact on our environment as a whole, our family made a conscience effort to make some changes around the house. If there was an option that would help us reduce our long term expenses while reducing pollution, we should consider it.”
Though the Hofmeisters sought a way for their home to run on cleaner energy, part of their green effort was stimulated by the green that was leaving their wallets. They also wanted to decrease their energy bills.
According to Nick Hofmeister, during the past eight years, the family had taken several steps to reduce their electrical consumption, and were successful in decreasing their usage by 20 percent. Their efforts might have made things easier on the town’s electrical grid, it did little to help their bills.
“Our electric bill still grew from $75 a month to an average of $153,” Nick Hofmeister explained. “Once I realized the impact on my wallet, I started an all-out project to find a way to control current and future utility expenses.”
And that is when he began the necessary steps to make the solar power project a reality.
“I researched options and companies on Indiana Renewable Energy Association and Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s websites,” he explained.
After crunching the numbers, he realized that the implementation of any reduced-energy project was going to be costly. The Hofmeisters ended up fronting about $25,000 to make the solar panels happen.
“The upfront cost stings a little bit,” Hofmeister said. “It was the main reason I decided to take a class. I wanted to make sure I understood the investment I was considering.”
He traveled to the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and took a class on renewable energy so that he could better understand the technology and the impact it would have on both his life and bank account.
Initally, Hofmeister was interested in both wind and solar energy, before deciding that solar power was the way to go for his plan. Wind power was ruled out because it was not going to be asthetically appropriate in his McCordsville neighborhood. A wind tower needs to be about 80 feet in the air and the wind has to be blowing at least 20 miles an hour to work. The wind turbine would also be very noisy.
“I pursued solar panels because the back of my house faces south. I could fit enough panels on the back of my house to cover at least 50 percent of my electrical needs,” Hofmeister said.
And with some adjustments, he could one day get up to 75 percent of his electrical needs covered.
After communicating with McCordsville officials to make sure the project met the permit and code requirements and ensuring that his original homeowner’s covenants did not restrict solar panel use, Hofmeister began looking at panel providers.
He asked several solar panel system installers to provide estimates and recommendations, before settling on Green Works Energy LLC out of Yorktown. Hofmeister started working with Ryan Stout and looked at the three options for solar energy: grid-tied; off-grid; and grid-tied with battery backup.
“I decided on the grid-tied solution,” Hofmeister explained.
Grid-tied panels use a combination of the production their own energy and then using the utility company’s power when the sun is not available. The off-grid solution uses a combination of solar panels, batteries and generators to provide the home with energy. The grid-tied with battery backup proposition allows the user to consume solar energy during the day and batteries at night while the utility company is used as a backup.
Initially, Hofmeister wanted to use the off-grid option, but was told by Stout that a truly cost-effective battery solution was still five to 10 years away.
Working with Hofmeister and Stout, Central Indiana Power’s engineering department devised a plan to create a safe interconnection of the solar panel generation equipment to the grid as well as a metering plan to allow the utility to “net-meter” the energy usage. By net-metering, the utility deducts any excess energy generated by the equipment from the member’s total energy usage for the billing cycle.
Even though the solar panels result in lower energy costs and provide a way to protect the environment, there are other advantages to harnessing the sun’s rays for power. Through 2016, Hofmeister will be able to get a 30 percent federal tax credit, and not just a deduction from income. He will be able to get back that money in taxes that he paid this year.
“I also learned that power companies that are owned by investors must create or buy energy created through renewable processes,” he said.
Companies can buy the energy credits from someone producing it, if they are unable to produce or buy the amount of actual energy from a renewable process.
“That meant that even though I am using the solar energy I create, I can sell them credit for creating the energy,” Hofmeister explained. “Whatever I produce more than I’m using, it goes back into the grid.”
Those “credit dollars” from energy companies are wide ranging currently, which is why the payoff on Hofmeister’s system could be anywhere from five to 11 years.
“We are just starting the process of setting up the sale of my credits. Once that is completed, I will be able to nail down the payback period.”
Once the system payback period is complete, there are a few things that could happen. Hofmeister will either make money on the system, produce enough energy and make enough by selling credits that his electricity is completely paid for, or produce enough energy that Hofmeister at least limits increases in his energy bill.
“Since the dawn of human kind, I don’t know that energy has ever reduced in cost. If it did, it didn’t last long. So I’m guessing that the long term impact of my system will be a much smaller utility bill than those not utilizing some sort of renewable energy production,” Hofmeister explained. “After we get it paid off, we will have control over the electricity bill.”
Even though the installation of solar panels was the right move for the Hofmeisters, it might not be the right thing for everyone. With a steep upfront cost, the investiture in renewable energy might not fit into many budgets.
“It’s not a cheap investment,” Hofmeister said. “If you are more concerned about the environment, or simply (reducing) natural resources consumed to produce energy, then don’t worry about the tax credit or selling the green credits and install it. If I ignored the tax credit and the option to sell the green credits, my system would have taken 25 years to pay off.”
Any Central Indiana Power customer who is interested in information about member owned generation can contact Central Indiana Power’s energy adviser Darrin Couch at 317-477-2218 or at couch@cipower.com .
Ryan Stout and GreenWorks Energy, LLC in Yorktown is a member of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association and Indiana Distributed Energy Advocates.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
ECI Wind and Solar Selected to Install Wind and Solar Systems at Taylor University
January 11, 2011
News Release
Upland, Ind. -- ECI Wind and Solar, owned by Craig Porter and Eric Cotton of Lafayette, has been awarded a contract to install two wind turbines as part of Taylor University’s $41.5 million science construction project. Additionally, students from Ivy Tech’s Lafayette campus will serve internships during the project.
According to company CEO Eric Cotton, ECI Wind and Solar, based in Fairmount, Ind., has installed a number of renewable energy systems throughout the State of Indiana. Taylor officials say the renewable wind energy is a component of their efforts to earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building certification for the new complex, scheduled for opening in the fall of 2012.
At a cost of $700,000, the Taylor University project consists of two Endurance E-3120 50 KW wind turbines, which will be installed on 120 foot monopole towers. ECI will also install a 10 KW solar photovoltaic system on the new science complex.
Cotton said the project represents a significant milestone in the growth of ECI Wind and Solar. “This project will allow us to expand our workforce. It is a great example of how renewable energy projects lead to real economic development while providing energy independence, educational experience, and environmental benefit,” he said.
Isaac Slaven, Program Chair for the Sustainability program at Ivy Tech’s Lafayette campus said, “This is the exactly the kind of opportunity for which we have been preparing our students; first as interns, then as graduates ready for the renewable energy workforce.”
About ECI Wind and Solar: ECI Wind and Solar designs and installs turnkey renewable energy solutions and has installed some of the most notable Renewable Energy Systems in the State of Indiana, including the largest battery based system in the Midwest.
Source: ECI Wind and Solar INC
ECI Wind and Solar is a founding member of both the Indiana Renewable Energy Association and Indiana Distributed Energy Advocates.
News Release
Upland, Ind. -- ECI Wind and Solar, owned by Craig Porter and Eric Cotton of Lafayette, has been awarded a contract to install two wind turbines as part of Taylor University’s $41.5 million science construction project. Additionally, students from Ivy Tech’s Lafayette campus will serve internships during the project.
According to company CEO Eric Cotton, ECI Wind and Solar, based in Fairmount, Ind., has installed a number of renewable energy systems throughout the State of Indiana. Taylor officials say the renewable wind energy is a component of their efforts to earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building certification for the new complex, scheduled for opening in the fall of 2012.
At a cost of $700,000, the Taylor University project consists of two Endurance E-3120 50 KW wind turbines, which will be installed on 120 foot monopole towers. ECI will also install a 10 KW solar photovoltaic system on the new science complex.
Cotton said the project represents a significant milestone in the growth of ECI Wind and Solar. “This project will allow us to expand our workforce. It is a great example of how renewable energy projects lead to real economic development while providing energy independence, educational experience, and environmental benefit,” he said.
Isaac Slaven, Program Chair for the Sustainability program at Ivy Tech’s Lafayette campus said, “This is the exactly the kind of opportunity for which we have been preparing our students; first as interns, then as graduates ready for the renewable energy workforce.”
About ECI Wind and Solar: ECI Wind and Solar designs and installs turnkey renewable energy solutions and has installed some of the most notable Renewable Energy Systems in the State of Indiana, including the largest battery based system in the Midwest.
Source: ECI Wind and Solar INC
ECI Wind and Solar is a founding member of both the Indiana Renewable Energy Association and Indiana Distributed Energy Advocates.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Purdue Researchers Say US lacks infrastructure to consume more ethanol
Tue, 2011-01-04 10:56
Byline: Brian Wallheimer, Purdue University
The United States doesn't have the infrastructure to meet the federal mandate for renewable fuel use with ethanol, but could meet the standard with significant increases in cellulosic and next-generation biofuels, according to a Purdue University study.
The United States doesn't have the infrastructure to meet the federal mandate for renewable fuel use with ethanol, but could meet the standard with significant increases in cellulosic and next-generation biofuels, according to a Purdue University study.
Wally Tyner, the James and Lois Ackerman Professor of Agricultural Economics, and co-authors Frank Dooley, a Purdue professor of agricultural economics, and Daniela Viteri, a former Purdue graduate student, used U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency data to determine that the United States is at the "blending wall," the saturation point for ethanol use. Without new technology or a significant increase in infrastructure, Tyner predicts that the country will not be able to consume more ethanol than is being currently produced.
The federal Renewable Fuel Standard requires an increase of renewable fuel production to 36 billion gallons per year by 2022. About 13 billion gallons of renewable fuel was required for 2010, the same amount Tyner predicts is the threshold for U.S. infrastructure and consumption ability.
"You can't get there with ethanol," said Tyner, whose findings were published in the December issue of the American Journal of Agricultural Economics.
Tyner said there simply aren't enough flex-fuel vehicles, which use an 85 percent ethanol blend, or E85 stations to distribute more biofuels. According to EPA estimates, flex-fuel vehicles make up 7.3 million of the 240 million vehicles on the nation's roads. Of those, about 3 million of flex-fuel vehicle owners aren't even aware they can use E85 fuel.
There are only about 2,000 E85 fuel pumps in the United States, and it took more than 20 years to install them.
"Even if you could produce a whole bunch of E85, there is no way to distribute it," Tyner said. "We would need to install about 2,000 pumps per year through 2022 to do it. You're not going to go from 100 per year to 2,000 per year overnight. It's just not going to happen."
And even if the fuel could be distributed, E85 would have to be substantially cheaper than gasoline to entice consumers to use it because E85 gets lower mileage, Tyner said. If gasoline were $3 per gallon, E85 would have to be $2.34 per gallon to break even on mileage.
There is talk of increasing the maximum amount of ethanol that can be blended with gasoline for regular vehicles from 10 percent to 15 percent. But Tyner said that even if the EPA does allow it, the blending wall would be reached again in about four years.
Tyner said advances in the production of thermo-chemical biofuels, which are created by using heat to chemically alter biomass and create fuels, would be necessary to meet the Renewable Fuel Standard. He said those fuels would be similar enough to gasoline to allow unlimited blending and would increase the amount of biofuel that could be used.
"Producing the hydrocarbons directly doesn't have the infrastructure problems of ethanol, and there is no blend wall because you're producing gasoline," Tyner said. "If that comes on and works, then we get there. There is significant potential to produce drop-in hydrocarbons from cellulosic feedstocks."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture funded Tyner's research.
Source URL: http://westernfarmpress.com/rice/us-lacks-infrastructure-consume-more-ethanol
Byline: Brian Wallheimer, Purdue University
The United States doesn't have the infrastructure to meet the federal mandate for renewable fuel use with ethanol, but could meet the standard with significant increases in cellulosic and next-generation biofuels, according to a Purdue University study.
The United States doesn't have the infrastructure to meet the federal mandate for renewable fuel use with ethanol, but could meet the standard with significant increases in cellulosic and next-generation biofuels, according to a Purdue University study.
Wally Tyner, the James and Lois Ackerman Professor of Agricultural Economics, and co-authors Frank Dooley, a Purdue professor of agricultural economics, and Daniela Viteri, a former Purdue graduate student, used U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency data to determine that the United States is at the "blending wall," the saturation point for ethanol use. Without new technology or a significant increase in infrastructure, Tyner predicts that the country will not be able to consume more ethanol than is being currently produced.
The federal Renewable Fuel Standard requires an increase of renewable fuel production to 36 billion gallons per year by 2022. About 13 billion gallons of renewable fuel was required for 2010, the same amount Tyner predicts is the threshold for U.S. infrastructure and consumption ability.
"You can't get there with ethanol," said Tyner, whose findings were published in the December issue of the American Journal of Agricultural Economics.
Tyner said there simply aren't enough flex-fuel vehicles, which use an 85 percent ethanol blend, or E85 stations to distribute more biofuels. According to EPA estimates, flex-fuel vehicles make up 7.3 million of the 240 million vehicles on the nation's roads. Of those, about 3 million of flex-fuel vehicle owners aren't even aware they can use E85 fuel.
There are only about 2,000 E85 fuel pumps in the United States, and it took more than 20 years to install them.
"Even if you could produce a whole bunch of E85, there is no way to distribute it," Tyner said. "We would need to install about 2,000 pumps per year through 2022 to do it. You're not going to go from 100 per year to 2,000 per year overnight. It's just not going to happen."
And even if the fuel could be distributed, E85 would have to be substantially cheaper than gasoline to entice consumers to use it because E85 gets lower mileage, Tyner said. If gasoline were $3 per gallon, E85 would have to be $2.34 per gallon to break even on mileage.
There is talk of increasing the maximum amount of ethanol that can be blended with gasoline for regular vehicles from 10 percent to 15 percent. But Tyner said that even if the EPA does allow it, the blending wall would be reached again in about four years.
Tyner said advances in the production of thermo-chemical biofuels, which are created by using heat to chemically alter biomass and create fuels, would be necessary to meet the Renewable Fuel Standard. He said those fuels would be similar enough to gasoline to allow unlimited blending and would increase the amount of biofuel that could be used.
"Producing the hydrocarbons directly doesn't have the infrastructure problems of ethanol, and there is no blend wall because you're producing gasoline," Tyner said. "If that comes on and works, then we get there. There is significant potential to produce drop-in hydrocarbons from cellulosic feedstocks."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture funded Tyner's research.
Source URL: http://westernfarmpress.com/rice/us-lacks-infrastructure-consume-more-ethanol
Friday, December 24, 2010
Renewable energy ordinance passed in Naperville, IL
Original article: http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/news/2985851-418/wind-council-ordinance-systems-solar.html
By Jenette Sturges
jsturges@stmedianetwork.com
Last Modified: Dec 23, 2010 03:12AM
There was a lot of wind blowing through the council chambers Tuesday night, but after an hour and a half’s discussion, council members finally agreed — small wind turbines are in.
The Naperville City Council voted 6-3 Tuesday to approve an ordinance that adds a Small Wind and Solar Energy Systems chapter to the city’s code book.
The new ordinance permits small wind roof-mounted turbines in commercial and industrial districts and ground-mounted wind systems in industrial districts. Both ground and roof-mounted turbines are allowed in all other zoning districts — including residential neighborhoods — so long as owners are willing to have their proposed turbines vetted through the city’s lengthy conditional use process.
“I think we made the right decision in not eliminating it from the residential areas, but to take each individual case as it comes along,” said Mayor A. George Pradel. “Because we don’t even know how much interest there is in it or how viable it is for the area.”
The conditional use process, which requires a hearing before the Plan Commission and City Council approval before a turbine could be installed, would give the city and nearby neighbors opportunity to weigh in on individual proposals.
Two options were presented to the council Tuesday night, both more restrictive than the ordinance finally passed. One proposed wind ordinance would have prohibited wind systems entirely from Naperville until they could be studied further, and the other prohibited wind systems in residential districts.
Both also include a plethora of other restrictions for wind turbines and solar panels, including height, setbacks, signage and color.
But council members ultimately came down in favor of wind, or at least considering different wind systems in an effort to spur further improvement of the technology.
“We need to put the issue out there to challenge people on the issue of sound,” said Councilman Doug Krause. “We could still be using Apple IIe computers, but things change. We’re looking for something that’s compact, that’s quiet, and if you don’t challenge them, it’s not going to happen.”
Exactly what criteria the Plan Commission and council will use to determine if a wind system is appropriate for Naperville residences was not decided upon, but guidelines established in a previous version of the ordinance included 60-foot height restrictions and a setback 1.1 times the height of the turbine. Sound was another concern for council members who feared disruption in neighborhoods from a noisy turbine.
Council members also discussed the return on investment for these systems, which cost thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars, but did not determine whether an individual’s ability to save money with a turbine or solar panels would be a factor in approval.
“When you look at our consumption, there’s zero return on investment now,” said Jodi Trendler of Naperville for Clean Energy and Conservation, the group that has been pushing for approval of renewable energy. “Everything you do will be a return compared to what you have now.”
Councilmen James Boyajian, Paul Hinterlong and Richard Furstenau voted against the ordinance’s adoption.
“There is a place for research and development. I’m just not sure it’s in my backyard or my neighbor’s backyard,” said Boyajian. “It’s like we’re not ready for this yet, which is why I’m not supportive of the wind element.”
Most council members did favor the ordinance’s new guidelines for how solar panels should be implemented.
Both ground-mounted and roof-mounted solar systems would be permitted in commercial areas but would need to go through the conditional use process before being built in neighborhoods.
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
By Jenette Sturges
jsturges@stmedianetwork.com
Last Modified: Dec 23, 2010 03:12AM
There was a lot of wind blowing through the council chambers Tuesday night, but after an hour and a half’s discussion, council members finally agreed — small wind turbines are in.
The Naperville City Council voted 6-3 Tuesday to approve an ordinance that adds a Small Wind and Solar Energy Systems chapter to the city’s code book.
The new ordinance permits small wind roof-mounted turbines in commercial and industrial districts and ground-mounted wind systems in industrial districts. Both ground and roof-mounted turbines are allowed in all other zoning districts — including residential neighborhoods — so long as owners are willing to have their proposed turbines vetted through the city’s lengthy conditional use process.
“I think we made the right decision in not eliminating it from the residential areas, but to take each individual case as it comes along,” said Mayor A. George Pradel. “Because we don’t even know how much interest there is in it or how viable it is for the area.”
The conditional use process, which requires a hearing before the Plan Commission and City Council approval before a turbine could be installed, would give the city and nearby neighbors opportunity to weigh in on individual proposals.
Two options were presented to the council Tuesday night, both more restrictive than the ordinance finally passed. One proposed wind ordinance would have prohibited wind systems entirely from Naperville until they could be studied further, and the other prohibited wind systems in residential districts.
Both also include a plethora of other restrictions for wind turbines and solar panels, including height, setbacks, signage and color.
But council members ultimately came down in favor of wind, or at least considering different wind systems in an effort to spur further improvement of the technology.
“We need to put the issue out there to challenge people on the issue of sound,” said Councilman Doug Krause. “We could still be using Apple IIe computers, but things change. We’re looking for something that’s compact, that’s quiet, and if you don’t challenge them, it’s not going to happen.”
Exactly what criteria the Plan Commission and council will use to determine if a wind system is appropriate for Naperville residences was not decided upon, but guidelines established in a previous version of the ordinance included 60-foot height restrictions and a setback 1.1 times the height of the turbine. Sound was another concern for council members who feared disruption in neighborhoods from a noisy turbine.
Council members also discussed the return on investment for these systems, which cost thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars, but did not determine whether an individual’s ability to save money with a turbine or solar panels would be a factor in approval.
“When you look at our consumption, there’s zero return on investment now,” said Jodi Trendler of Naperville for Clean Energy and Conservation, the group that has been pushing for approval of renewable energy. “Everything you do will be a return compared to what you have now.”
Councilmen James Boyajian, Paul Hinterlong and Richard Furstenau voted against the ordinance’s adoption.
“There is a place for research and development. I’m just not sure it’s in my backyard or my neighbor’s backyard,” said Boyajian. “It’s like we’re not ready for this yet, which is why I’m not supportive of the wind element.”
Most council members did favor the ordinance’s new guidelines for how solar panels should be implemented.
Both ground-mounted and roof-mounted solar systems would be permitted in commercial areas but would need to go through the conditional use process before being built in neighborhoods.
This article brought to you by the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
WYANDOTTE, MI: City breaks ground on areas first geothermal utility
Editor's note: This is a very interesting concept. I wonder if this might work in Indiana. Is anyone interested into looking at this? Let me know. Laura Ann Arnold
The News Herald (thenewsherald.com), The Voice of Downriver
Saturday, December 4, 2010
By Jim Kasuba
WYANDOTTE, MI — The city has broken ground — literally and figuratively — on the area’s first geothermal utility.
But unlike a ceremonial groundbreaking that involves politicians digging a few inches into the topsoil with fancy shovels, the work recently wrapped up at Lindbergh and Alkali involved going a bit deeper, about 600 feet or so.
City Engineer Mark Kowalewski said the geothermal project is believed to be the first for residential customers in this part of the state.
Advanced Energy Group of Ann Arbor is involved in the joint venture.
“We received a (Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grant) for $560,000,” Kowalewski said. “Every city had some money allocated as part of a Community Development Block Grant formula.”
Wyandotte decided to use its grant money for this relatively small project, which includes two houses the city is rehabilitating, one on Lindbergh and the other on Lincoln.
But that’s just the beginning of what is expected to become a growing project.
This summer, the City Council approved the creation of a geothermal utility, although it’s likely to take several years for it to become readily available and financially feasible for most residents.
A geothermal utility works by circulating water through pipes buried deep in the ground, where temperatures are a constant 54 to 56 degrees. The water is either heated or cooled to a desired temperature, depending on whether it’s winter or summer.
“In the summer, instead of trying to cool down with 80-degree air, you are cooling with 50 degree-water,” said Melanie McCoy, general manager of Wyandotte Municipal Services. “The opposite is true in the winter. The system uses water as its mechanism instead of air, which offers better heat transfer.”
McCoy said there are many reasons to be excited about geothermal energy, among them its heating and cooling efficiency and affordability after start-up costs.
Another benefit, McCoy said, is that geothermal helps Wyandotte Municipal Services improve the operation of the electric system and reduce power supply costs. The other benefit is to the environment.
“According to the Department of Energy and the (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), geothermal systems are the most environmentally friendly to heat and cool your home,” McCoy said. “They emit no CO2, CO or other greenhouse gases. Geothermal energy has been used to heat and cool for decades, but not provided as a utility service.”
McCoy said each house requires 1 1/2 wells, each containing plastic pipe, 5 inches in diameter, with water going up one side and down the other. Using the dirt around it as a heat transfer, water is recirculated in a closed loop.
In such a system, a geothermal heat pump, powered by electricity, takes the place of a furnace or air conditioning unit.
Wyandotte Municipal Services is partnering with Hardin Geothermal to develop the well fields and assist in connecting to customers.
As part of $7.8 million in federal stimulus money the city was awarded earlier this year in NSP2 funds, officials are expected to either rehabilitate or build more than 40 houses for low- to moderate-income families. City officials see this as an ideal opportunity to utilize geothermal energy in these houses.
The city also is expected to use geothermal energy to heat and cool Bacon Memorial District Library and the Wyandotte Museum, among other public buildings.
One of the downsides of geothermal systems is the startup cost. McCoy estimated that an average heat pump costs about $12,000, which is considerably more expensive than a furnace or air-conditioning unit. The other expense is the wells, which cost about $8,000.
However, the federal government is offering consumers a 30 percent tax credit on the cost of a geothermal pump through 2016, which makes the system more affordable.
McCoy said tentative plans call for Municipal Services not charging $8,000 for each well, but instead charging a monthly fee.
Kowalewski added that more savings can be realized when wells are shared, as four houses can utilize three wells.
“That’s when it makes sense,” the city engineer said. “We will be the first municipality with geothermal, but why not? We are used to being first.”
Contact Staff Writer Jim Kasuba at jimk@heritage.com or 1-734-246-0881
The News Herald (thenewsherald.com), The Voice of Downriver
Saturday, December 4, 2010
By Jim Kasuba
WYANDOTTE, MI — The city has broken ground — literally and figuratively — on the area’s first geothermal utility.
But unlike a ceremonial groundbreaking that involves politicians digging a few inches into the topsoil with fancy shovels, the work recently wrapped up at Lindbergh and Alkali involved going a bit deeper, about 600 feet or so.
City Engineer Mark Kowalewski said the geothermal project is believed to be the first for residential customers in this part of the state.
Advanced Energy Group of Ann Arbor is involved in the joint venture.
“We received a (Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grant) for $560,000,” Kowalewski said. “Every city had some money allocated as part of a Community Development Block Grant formula.”
Wyandotte decided to use its grant money for this relatively small project, which includes two houses the city is rehabilitating, one on Lindbergh and the other on Lincoln.
But that’s just the beginning of what is expected to become a growing project.
This summer, the City Council approved the creation of a geothermal utility, although it’s likely to take several years for it to become readily available and financially feasible for most residents.
A geothermal utility works by circulating water through pipes buried deep in the ground, where temperatures are a constant 54 to 56 degrees. The water is either heated or cooled to a desired temperature, depending on whether it’s winter or summer.
“In the summer, instead of trying to cool down with 80-degree air, you are cooling with 50 degree-water,” said Melanie McCoy, general manager of Wyandotte Municipal Services. “The opposite is true in the winter. The system uses water as its mechanism instead of air, which offers better heat transfer.”
McCoy said there are many reasons to be excited about geothermal energy, among them its heating and cooling efficiency and affordability after start-up costs.
Another benefit, McCoy said, is that geothermal helps Wyandotte Municipal Services improve the operation of the electric system and reduce power supply costs. The other benefit is to the environment.
“According to the Department of Energy and the (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), geothermal systems are the most environmentally friendly to heat and cool your home,” McCoy said. “They emit no CO2, CO or other greenhouse gases. Geothermal energy has been used to heat and cool for decades, but not provided as a utility service.”
McCoy said each house requires 1 1/2 wells, each containing plastic pipe, 5 inches in diameter, with water going up one side and down the other. Using the dirt around it as a heat transfer, water is recirculated in a closed loop.
In such a system, a geothermal heat pump, powered by electricity, takes the place of a furnace or air conditioning unit.
Wyandotte Municipal Services is partnering with Hardin Geothermal to develop the well fields and assist in connecting to customers.
As part of $7.8 million in federal stimulus money the city was awarded earlier this year in NSP2 funds, officials are expected to either rehabilitate or build more than 40 houses for low- to moderate-income families. City officials see this as an ideal opportunity to utilize geothermal energy in these houses.
The city also is expected to use geothermal energy to heat and cool Bacon Memorial District Library and the Wyandotte Museum, among other public buildings.
One of the downsides of geothermal systems is the startup cost. McCoy estimated that an average heat pump costs about $12,000, which is considerably more expensive than a furnace or air-conditioning unit. The other expense is the wells, which cost about $8,000.
However, the federal government is offering consumers a 30 percent tax credit on the cost of a geothermal pump through 2016, which makes the system more affordable.
McCoy said tentative plans call for Municipal Services not charging $8,000 for each well, but instead charging a monthly fee.
Kowalewski added that more savings can be realized when wells are shared, as four houses can utilize three wells.
“That’s when it makes sense,” the city engineer said. “We will be the first municipality with geothermal, but why not? We are used to being first.”
Contact Staff Writer Jim Kasuba at jimk@heritage.com or 1-734-246-0881
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Ball State University (BSU) receives 'Technology Innovator of the Year' award
Original article: http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20101108/LIFESTYLE/11080325
THE STAR PRESS • November 8, 2010
MUNCIE -- The Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) recognized Ball State University as its "Technology Innovator of the Year" during the Third Annual Green Policy Forum Nov. 6 in Indianapolis.
In 2009, Ball State broke ground on a new ground-source geothermal district heating and cooling system that, once completed, will be the largest district system in the country.
The system will replace four coal-fired boilers and save the university about $2 million every year in operating costs, not to mention reduce its carbon footprint by about half.
"Ball State is truly leading by example," said HEC Executive Director Jesse Kharbanda. "When it came time to make a decision about future energy needs, the university made a choice that not only benefits its bottom line but the environment as well."
In a press release, Gora cited not only the geothermal project but also the all-electric vehicle used to distribute campus mail as ways to lessen Ball State's environmental impact and encourage others to do the same.
More information about Ball State's district geothermal project can be found at www.bsu.edu/geothermal .
THE STAR PRESS • November 8, 2010
MUNCIE -- The Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) recognized Ball State University as its "Technology Innovator of the Year" during the Third Annual Green Policy Forum Nov. 6 in Indianapolis.
In 2009, Ball State broke ground on a new ground-source geothermal district heating and cooling system that, once completed, will be the largest district system in the country.
The system will replace four coal-fired boilers and save the university about $2 million every year in operating costs, not to mention reduce its carbon footprint by about half.
"Ball State is truly leading by example," said HEC Executive Director Jesse Kharbanda. "When it came time to make a decision about future energy needs, the university made a choice that not only benefits its bottom line but the environment as well."
In a press release, Gora cited not only the geothermal project but also the all-electric vehicle used to distribute campus mail as ways to lessen Ball State's environmental impact and encourage others to do the same.
More information about Ball State's district geothermal project can be found at www.bsu.edu/geothermal .
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