Pitt County Jail – Flow Meter Results
Good news!!! After a few hours of evaluating the raw data retrieved from the flow meter that we installed in the mechanical room of the new Pitt County Jail Annex, we have been able to determine some very important things. Over the 123 hour period that we had our ultra-sonic meter attached to the facility’s […]
Measuring Hot Water Consumption in a Corporate Cafeteria
Back out in the field again today! Research Triangle Park is home to many global corporations looking for ways to go green. Installing a solar hot water system for a corporate cafeteria is one of the most effect strategies for embracing renewable energy on corporate campuses. I had the opportunity to meet with some of […]
Installing a Flow Meter…
Walking into any building’s mechanical room for the first time is always a bit confusing, especially if your job is to try and make sense out of the rat’s nest of piping that usually constitutes the water heating system. My recent trip to a county detention center in eastern North Carolina was no different, of […]
Insulation Tips!
The best way to protect outside piping is by using aluminum jacketing over either fiberglass or iso foam insulation. The jacket must be carefully installed to prevent moisture penetration. This is done by “shingling” or lapping the joints downhill. Seams should be on the bottom. Caulking is used if the other measures are not adequate. […]
Like Father, Like Son…
This is a picture of Danny Pleasant putting sheet metal on a 1000 gallon tank for a commercial job, circa 1982. The second picture is Danny and his son, Brian, building sheet metal for a 2500 gallon tank going to the WTU in 2010.
‘Going Around Your Elbow to Get to Your Thumb’ in Solar Water Heaters
Every once in a while someone will ask me if it makes sense to collect solar energy with photovoltaic panels and then use that electricity to heat water. The answer is a rather emphatic NO. The reason is very simple. Photovoltaic (PV) systems have efficiencies in the 10-15% range and solar thermal systems have efficiencies […]
“Do-It-Yourself” Solar Water Heating Systems?
I came across a video yesterday touting the benefits of a “Do-It-Yourself” solar hot water system for homeowners. As a life-long scientist and inventor, I applaud anyone’s efforts to create a better mousetrap. I have learned in my three decades of experience in the solar industry that some ideas are better than others. “Better” doesn’t always […]
Solar Water Heating Systems for Hot Tubs?
Surfing the internet this morning I came across an interesting link: http://solarhotwater.cliknsav.com/solar-thermal-hot-tub-heating-system-hd/. Adding a small solar hot water system to your hot tub can help you reduce your cost of energy over the long run. How much depends on where you are geographically and what incentives are available in your area. I thought the author did […]
How Do You Shove a 400lb…
…heat exchanger into a 2500 gallon solar hot water storage tank? Ve-e-e-r-r-y carefully. Take a look-see as me and the crew attempt to do so without losing any fingers or toes. Click the image below to access the video of today’s action! Dr. Ben
What is Agriburbia!?!
It’s a very cool concept with a funky name! Imagine living in a community where you got the best of county living and the suburbs. It’s a farming village in the heart of North Raleigh. I was recently approached by the developers of this project to offer my insights into renewable energy. Each cabin will […]