Chuck Ross » Energy technology

A More Direct Approach

Administrator — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:31:49 +0000

With new generation capacity becoming both more difficult to get approved and expensive to finance, electric utilities are looking at more creative strategies for squeezing inefficiency out of customer-side distribution systems. One idea gaining attention—direct current (DC) distribution—actually represents a step backward to practices common during the days of Thomas Edison. However, new standards and products now under development could bring such designs back into a range of commercial facilities. This article ran in the April 2010 issue of Electrical Contractor magazine.
A More Direct Approach

What the Smart Grid Means for You and Your Building

Administrator — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:42:04 +0000

Decades may pass before the smart grid’s real impact is understood, but utilities and equipment manufacturers are beginning to get a clearer picture. Real-world installations are now underway. A number of pilot programs now coming online are beginning to provide some answers to these questions. This article is one of a continuing series in the Electrical Design Library published by the National Electrical Contractors Association.
What the Smart Grid Means for You and Your Building (PDF)

Onsite Power

Administrator — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:59:16 +0000

The next big idea in renewable energy: Small-scale installations producing power that can be used onsite. Building-integrated systems are evolving from promising to practical, and standards developers are creating the necessary specs required for distributing onsite-generated electricity to specific building systems. This article ran in the March 2010 issue of Architectural Products magazine. The link leads to the magazine’s online reading tool – click the “Enlarge” link under each page to display a full-size page.
Onsite Power

It’s a Small, Small World: Microgrids

Administrator — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:04:32 +0000

Bringing power to the people could be more than just a 1960’s era goal for social change if promoters of localized electricity distribution systems—called “microgrids”—have their way. Seen as one approach for safely incorporating on-site renewable resources into the larger utility grid, microgrids are gaining new attention among both researchers and marketers. This article ran in the February 2010 issue of Electrical Contractor magazine.
It’s a Small, Small World: Microgrids

Financing the Future

Administrator — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:13:57 +0000

Renewable-energy technology is advancing at a rapid clip. What’s not widely known is that financing options for those who wish to own/operate solar, wind and other energy-generating equipment are evolving just as quickly. Making sense of your financial choices takes some homework, though, and likely more than a few phone calls, including at least one to your accountant.

This article is one of a continuing series in the Electrical Design Library published by the National Electrical Contractors Association.

Financing the Future

Your Solar Energy Options

Administrator — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:02:54 +0000

Even if you’ve never previously thought about solar (PV or thermal) as an option for your building, it’s a good time to investigate your solar-power options.

This article is one of a continuing series in the Electrical Design Library published by the National Electrical Contractors Association.

Your Solar Energy Options

Bringing Heat and Power Together

Administrator — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 14:26:50 +0000

Combined heat and power (CHP)– or “cogeneration” – systems generate electricity and heat in a single, integrated package. Determining whether these efficiency-boosting designs are right for your facility requires an understanding of the technology and your own operational needs. This story was published originally in February 2009 on the LowesForPros.com website.
Bringing Heat and Power Together

Groups Plan To Enact Smart Grid Capabilities

Administrator — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:24:19 +0000

It’s not news that our national electrical system is in a squeeze; existing transmission lines are reaching carrying capacity just as a new generation of electronics is driving electricity demand higher. This situation is forcing intense debates among those who argue new power plants and transmission lines are the only solution, and others who believe such approaches only add to today’s environmental problems. This story was published originally in the September 2008 issue of Electrical Contractor magazine.
Groups Plan To Enact Smart Grid Capabilities

Beneath Our Feet

Administrator — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 13:40:33 +0000

Solar photovoltaics, wind turbines and fuel cells all offer great potential for lowering our fossil-fuel consumption, but one of the most promising sources of renewable energy may be right under our feet. Geothermal energy—energy generated by the heat of Earth’s interior—already is powering homes and businesses in the western United States and around the globe, and proponents say it could someday be a significant component of our overall renewable-energy portfolio. This article was published originally in the July 2007 issue of Electrical Contractor magazine.
Beneath Our Feet