Page 54 - Zero Net Energy Case Study Buildings-Volume 2

CASE STUDY NO. 8
IBEW-NECA JATC TRAINING FACILITY
(Above) Inverter equipment and energy dashboard are prominently displayed.
Renewable On-Site Energy Supply
One of the goals mandated by the client was to showcase advanced building electrical systems, including all forms of on-site renewable energy systems that might be encountered in practice. This would allow electrical apprentices to be trained on all system types. For this reason, three different types of on-site renewable electric energy supply were installed and prominently dis- played near the entrance to the building.
1. Solar photovoltaic flat-plate fixed panels, the most common and most cost effective source of on-site renewable electric energy, is the principal system used, generating 154 kW (DC) at peak capacity. These panels cover the roof, mounted on the top of the roof monitors, and are also installed on the “mansard” roof overhangs on the south and west sides of the building.
2. A second system of solar photovoltaic flat-plate panels on a tracking platform, known as the “Tracking Solar Tree®”, consists of a billboard-sized platform holding 45 flat PV panels, is tilted at 15° and rotates at the top of its supporting column, following the sun as it moves east to west during the day. Normally used as canopies in parking lots where electric cars will be parked, this structure shades an entry courtyard at the main building entrance.
3. Three wind turbines complete the collection of types of on-site renewable systems and are also installed prominently near the main entrance. Because of the proximity of the Oakland air- port, the wind turbines were limited to a sub-optimum height and are generally non-operational, except as needed for instructional purposes.
Real-time energy production data for all three systems can be observed on the energy dash- board display in the entrance lobby.
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Zero Net Energy Case Study Buildings: Volume 2