| WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS |
As with photovoltaic systems, wind turbines can be connected to batteries for off-grid applications or they can be connected to the electricity grid. Grid-tied systems are typically large wind turbines that are owned or contracted by the utility company.
Careful consideration should be taken to site selection due to zoning restrictions that may affect the use or application of wind turbines in certain residential or commercial communities. It is simplest for buildings in more urban setting to utilize wind through utility grid-tied programs if available. Fort Collins Light and Power Company, Colorado Springs Utility Company, Xcel Energy and the Holy Cross Electric Association are a few of the Colorado Utility Companies that offer a wind power option for customers.
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The recommended average wind velocity to produce power reasonably is eight to fourteen miles per hour or greater. The state of Colorado is located in wind regions varying from five to thirteen mph average (non-mountains) to thirteen to fifteen mph average (mountains) Consequently, wind velocities in the non-mountain areas of the state of Colorado are marginal for the application of wind turbine technology. However, it is important to understand that wind is often a function of microclimate. While the average numbers do not look ideal for wind, a specific site might be very windy due to topography.
Rule of Thumb: A 5 to 10 kW wind generator would be appropriate for a residence consuming 500 to 2000 KWH per month. |
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SUMMARY
• Passive solar strategies for heating and cooling should be a cornerstone of every building design
• For residential applications, windows with U-Factors less than 0.4 Btu/hf-ft2-F, solar heat gain coefficients greater than 0.5 are the most energy efficient.
• For commercial application, windows with U Factors less than 0.7 Btu/ht-ft2-F, solar heat gain coefficients less than 0.4 and visible transmittances greater than 0.5 are recommended.
• Daylighting design should be considered for all commercial buildings to reduce lighting and cooling energy use.
• Solar hot water systems are proven effective for providing domestic hot water.
• Large solar hot water systems are applicable for buildings with high water usage, like prisons and recreation centers. Why not hotels??
• Popular - fastest growing use of solar power worldwide
• Solar hot water systems can be successfully used to heat homes or small offices that utilize a radiant floor or a fan-coil forced-air system.
• Transpired solar collectors offer a cost-effective option for solar preheat of ventilation air.
• Photovoltaic systems can be grid-connected, eliminating the need for batteries.
• Building-integrated photovoltaic products allow designers to specify PVs that are integral to building materials (such as a roof or skylight).
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