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Energy Efficient Building Plans

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Energy Efficient Building Plans

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Home Page > Education > Science > Energy Efficient Building Plans

Energy Efficient Building Plans

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Posted: Oct 15, 2010 |Comments: 0

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Energy Efficient Building Plans

By: EnviroCitizen

About the Author

Envirocitizen.org is a comprehensive ecommerce website that combines robust commerce, content, and community. We believe that we have created the most comprehensive site to date to make eco-friendly products, services, and information available to individuals who wish to live a green, more eco-friendly lifestyle. Our site offers a very broad and diverse array of eco-friendly products as well as comprehensive, authoritative information and environmental education. Additionally, users can enjoy the sense of community created by participating in our Forum.

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Energy Efficient Building Plans

There are many steps to take when building your energy efficient dream home. Whether you buy pre-made building plans or design your own home, it’s possible to make the house work for you and the environment.

• Before considering the architecture of the house, it’s important to choose a location. The direction the house faces is significant. A home with the majority of the windows facing the southeast is extremely beneficial. The natural sun rays streaming in create natural heating and lighting. Appropriate sunshades can lessen the harsher sun rays. With heavier walling and fewer openings on the opposite side of the house, colder weather can be blocked.

• With the house facing the southeast, the angle of the roof should face towards the southwest, which will be an ideal location for solar panels. Solar panels can significantly lower the impact on the environment and your pocketbook, reducing electric bills from 75%-100% annually. It is also possible to be off-grid, which makes the home completely self-sufficient. Solar panels create completely renewable energy which gives off no pollutants.

• Along with photovoltaic panels it is also possible to install radiant solar collectors. These collectors accumulate energy that can be used for heating water, running an air conditioner, as well as heating floor coils. Heated floor coils are an efficient source of heating throughout a house as they surround the home in warmth using less energy.

• It is also possible to install water collectors on the roof, which, paired with radiant heating, can keep your home completely in warm water. The collection of rain water and gray water reuse can help put the house completely or even partially off-grid, as well as increase your self-sufficiency.

• In terms of energy efficiency, the interior of the house ranks just after location and architecture. An open and spacious interior allows for easy airflow, which helps minimize the energy needed for heating and cooling. You can also reduce the amount of energy needed for lighting by installing a wide array of windows facing southeast. The southeast orientation allows maximum light to enter the house, and a spacious interior lets the light to easily pass through.

Once the house is built, energy efficient appliances are part of the ongoing plan to reduce energy consumption. These products are becoming increasingly popular as consumers realize the ecological and economical benefits of living green. Using biodegradable and recycled products can further reduce your house’s carbon footprint. To help the environment even further, plant ornamental grasses that require minimal mowing and pruning, and use natural landscaping that requires less toxic chemicals to maintain.

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Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/science-articles/energy-efficient-building-plans-3482457.html

Article Tags:
energy efficient, eco friendly, environmentally friendly, sustainable design, energy conservationm, conserve energy, insulation

How to make Energy Audits work for your Building

admin — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:47:56 +0000

www.lpainc.com (energy audits) (Energy Audits for buildings) (energy efficient buildings) (energy auditor) (energy auditing) (energy efficient design) (energy experts) (energy audits ca) (energy audits for buildings) (energy audits for commercial buildings) (energy audits for schools) (energy efficient spaces) (reduce your environmental impact) (energy cost savings) Join Dr. Jim Maclay as he shares the purpose and benefits of an energy audit, then walks us through the process. An energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy your building consumes. They help you identify cost savings and reduce your environmental impact. [PDF] ENERGY AUDIT FOR BUILDINGSFile Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat – View as HTML BCA Seminar on Energy Efficiency in Building Design. 18 April 2001. 1. ENERGY AUDIT FOR BUILDINGS. Assoc. Prof. Wong Yew Wah … www.bdg.nus.edu.sg by APWY Wah – Related articles Commercial Building Energy Audits from the Energy Audit …Abraxas Energy Consulting, the energy audit specialists, offers building energy audits via desktop energy analysis software applications, … www.abraxasenergy.com [PDF] Energy Audit WorkbookFile Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat – Washington State University Energy Program. Energy Audit Workbook. Table of Contents. Energy Audit Instructions. I. AUDIT FORMS. 1. Building Information … www.energy.wsu.edu [PDF] A Home Energy AuditFile Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat – View A Home Energy Audit. We spend most of our time in buildings — homes, schools …

Technorati Tags: Audits, Building, energy, work

Building my 10 foot wind turbine at home- full version

admin — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 04:05:39 +0000

just completed final assembly of my scratch built 10 foot wind turbine ( www.otherpower.com ) and couldn’t wait till morning to see her fly….but as murphy would have it, no wind. oh well , she is still a thing of beauty! waiting for wind to test output, should yield from100-1000 watts depending on the wind speed, at ave wind of 12-14mph estimate 250 watts with max output of 1 kw in 25 mph wiwind powerlans by “homebrew wind power” book available on the web.

Technorati Tags: Building, foot, full, Home, turbine, version, wind

Building Energy Efficiency – Distributed And Renewable Energy Sources

admin — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 12:04:55 +0000

In my early career, I had some success with selling, installing and building energy efficiency system such as industrial heat recovery heat pumps, condensing heat exchangers, thermal storage and geothermal heat pumps. I also completed studies on low head hydro, biomass, cogeneration and district heating systems. Many good applications were found for these technologies and over the years there have been many government and utility incentive programs for them. These systems can create significant energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emission. However they are complex to design, build and operate, as well, are very expensive.

In many cases, these systems provide an alternative energy source for the end user. In essence, the end user becomes his own energy supplier or power generator. Before making the decision to move down this path the end user has to decide what business am I in? If my company is an industrial, commercial or institutional enterprise does it really want to become a power generator?

The US Department of Energy describes Distributed Energy Resources (DER) as energy generation and storage systems placed at or near the point of use. If implemented properly, these systems can provide the end user with greater reliability, adequate power quality, lower emissions and in combined heat and power (CHP) applications, improved efficiency. Beyond the direct benefits, DER can allow the end user to participate in competitive electric power markets. From a utility infrastructure perspective, DER has the potential to mitigate transmission congestion, control price fluctuations, strengthen security, and provide greater stability to the grid. This is why many utilities and governments support these projects as a means of resolving larger system problems.

Distributed energy encompasses a range of technologies including fuel cells, micro turbines, reciprocating engines, and energy storage systems. Renewable energy technologies—such as solar electricity, solar buildings, small-scale hydropower, geothermal, biopower, and wind turbines—also play an important role.

Distributed Energy
The non-renewable on-site generation technologies usually rely on natural gas as a fuel source. The costs to implement these systems range from $300 to $1,100/ kW for conventional engines and turbines up to $10,000/kW for fuel cells, which are still considered developmental. The cost of electricity produced by these systems is dependent on the cost of gas, system efficiency and operating and maintenance costs, but generally runs in the range of $0.10 to $0.15/kWh.

From the end users perspective, these technologies are good for peak shaving, emergency power generation or for offsetting electricity demand when purchased electricity rates exceed these levels. If waste heat can be recovered from these systems and used to produce usable heat for space or process needs, then the overall efficiency of the systems can improve to the point where it is economical to run them on a continuous basis to supply end-user energy demand. In these cases, there can be significant direct and indirect greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Renewable Energy
For renewable energy technologies, the implementation costs can be significantly higher in the range of $4000 to $10,000 per kW. When the Government of Ontario announced the launch of a Feed-in Tariff Program, renewable energy projects became a desirable subject. The FIT program offers incentives of up to $0.80/kWh and includes renewable energy sources, wind, waterpower, renewable biomass, bio-gas, landfill gas and solar. Implementing renewable energy technologies can displace non-renewable energy consumption and provide significant greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Regardless of which type of distributed energy system the end user selects, he will ultimately become his own energy supplier. Becoming your own energy supplier requires a level of operation knowledge and sophistication, which may be beyond most end users. Granted, many engineers dream about big power projects that will serve as a lasting monument to their technical abilities, however, the decision to embark on these projects has to be taken within the context of the company’s energy management plan.

A good building energy efficiency management plan, as previously discussed will consider large capital projects only after other operational and retrofit opportunities have been implemented. This will help to avoid over sizing distributed energy system. If at this point, it is found that these systems still provide benefits to the end user, I would suggest partnering with a company that will share in the cost and benefits of designing, building and operating a system that meets the end users objectives. This will allow the end user to reap a portion of the benefits consistent with the energy management plan and not lose focus of what business they are in. As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.”

If you already have a distributed energy system in your facility, you may have the opportunity to participate in Demand Response programs.

Original Post: building energy efficiency

Rob Guthrie is an expert in building energy efficiency. If you want more information about types of building energy efficiency, check more article.

Technorati Tags: Building, Distributed, efficiency, energy, renewable, Sources

Critter Camp’s Proposed Sanctuary Building

admin — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 06:55:42 +0000

Critter Camp’s proposed sanctuary buidling: www.crittercamp.biz Giving a home to approximately 1000 abandoned, abused companion animals at any given time! Adoption Center Spay/Neuter Clinic Information Cenwind powere & Active Solar, Wind Power, Composting, Greenhouse, Locovore, GREEN operating methods! Jobs & Tourism!

Technorati Tags: Building, Camp's, Critter, Proposed, Sanctuary

Do it yourself Kit – Building Your Own Solar Panels or Wind Power Generator

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 23:47:50 +0000

With the World slowly and surely moving into a dreaded energy crisis, it is important for us to now think of other sources of energy and reduce our dependency on non-renewable sources. The so-called non-renewable sources are becoming extinct. Some reports suggest that the present Oil reserves will deplete by 2050 at the present rate of consumption.

So, it is high time that we think of other sources of energy like renewable sources which as the name itself suggests are RENEWABLE.

There are most importantly 3 sources of renewable energy namely – 1. Hydro or Water 2. Solar or the Sun power 3. Wind Power. Let’s take each individually

1. Hydro — This type of energy is produced by building huge hydro electric generating stations whereby water which is stored in reservoirs are let out and pass them through generators to create electricity. This type of generating electricity is one of the oldest and is also capital intensive meaning it requires huge investments.

2. Solar / Sun Power – This is generating electricity by using the power of the Sun. As you know, Sun power is unlimited and is available in abundancy and all the more important it is FREE. We are blessed with this power which is being wasted without harnessing it. We can generate electricity by building Solar Panels and capturing the Solar Power in the Panels which are made up of Solar cells also known as Photovoltaic Cells.

3. wind power – This is another type of power which is available in abundancy and again is FREE. Electricity can be generated by building Windmills which rotate when there is wind blowing and generate electricity through a generator.

Nowadays, the Technology is so improved that we can build our own Solar Panels or Wind Power Generators at home with materials available in our local hardware stores to generate electricity. This way we can eliminate or reduce our Electricity bill.

For more information on this please visit my website listed below.

Independent writer and Internet Marketeer. My website : www.smash-marketing.com

Technorati Tags: Building, Generator, panels, power, solar, wind, Yourself

Building A DIY Wind Turbine At Home

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:17:17 +0000

Not everyone is willing to purchase an expensive wind generator which is why so many people have been searching for DIY wind turbine plans.

Building your own wind generator is not as hard as you may think. There is of course a little bit of math as well as the need for certain construction materials that you may not be familiar with, but in the end, the actual building of a DIY wind turbine is fairly straight-forward.

Constructing a wind generator from start to finish can be a truly rewarding experience. Just imagine building something from raw materials and when finished it will help generate power for your home. It is just an amazing experience.

For the most part, the materials used in the construction of the DIY wind turbine includes epoxy resin, magnet wire, neodymium magnets, some plywood as well as some bearings to keep it all running smoothly. If you are patient enough and only work on a little bit of the turbine at a time, when finished, these homemade wind generators can be more efficient then the store bought, commercially manufactured ones.

You will probably find that the most difficult part of creating your very own wind generator is the making of the propellers. While it is possible to simply purchase your own blades, the goal is to save money and have a hands-on experience.

The most important thing to remember is that you should not rush the project. If you simply rush in and attempt to finish building your DIY wind turbine in the least amount of time, you will soon come to realize this was a mistake. There are many potential problems of the turbine which can be associated with rushing. These issues can include an imbalance in the alternator as a result of the resin being mixed poorly to loose assemble which results in a very low efficiency of wind to electrical energy conversion. So take your time and try to split up the project in easy to handle segments.

In the end though, you will have a beautiful looking as well as fully functional means of home power generation. You will save loads of money by choosing to build a DIY wind turbine versus purchasing a pre-built unit and you will even be able to see higher energy efficiencies as well.

Learn a lot more about how to get started building your own DIY wind turbine here.

David Harst is a renewable energy expert, who often writes online about solar and wind energy. Also check out this recommended YouTube video and article about a homemade wind generator, and residential wind power here.

Technorati Tags: Building, Home, turbine, wind

Building Your First Homemade Solar Cell

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:17:14 +0000

Alternative energy is definitely a viable source of electricity, but at the current costs, not many can afford it, save corporation, the rich or the government. Until NOW! How to build a cheap homemade solar cell, over and over again

Did you know that, just like corporations, we as private citizens have the same opportunity to get rebates and tax credits for employing alternative energy sources, like homemade solar panels? But who knows how to construct a homemade solar cell and link many together to harness the sun’s energy for our everyday needs?

The alternative to this is buying completed systems, and having them installed; this will cost into the $10,000′s if not more. Not everyone has that kind of money, and I myself can’t afford to incur any more debt.

So what is the answer, if solar energy solutions are widely unavailable to the general public because of cost, and constructing homemade solar panels is a daunting task; you first have to find a starting point?

Diy solar power guides are offering a viable alternative for those of us who are interested in building homemade solar panels. They offer step by step instructions on every aspect of building, and installing your own home solar power system; they offer complete diagrams and video instructions so that you get it right the first time when making your first homemade solar cell. They even have video tutorials.

Many of these alternative energy guides not only show you how to create your own solar energy, but also how to harness the power of the wind, by building homemade wind generators to provide alternative energy for your family. (This is a good addition to solar power because the windmill can generate electricity when it’s cloudy or the sun is not so bright.)

There are fundamental things that you need in order to be able to use homemade solar panels and windmills to generate electricity:

1.the basics of solar energy: How solar energy is generated. Every component needed in a complete solar energy installation.(you will need to know this when you make your own solar panel.)

2.step-by-step instructions to building a solar panel and you can be sure to produce a fully functioning solar panel.

Learn how to build the panel casing and wire all of the cells together.

- Detailed plans complete with color diagrams and pictures.

- Easy to follow instructions that will answer all your questions.

3.Solar Panel installation And Mounting

How to fix the solar panels to your roof just like the professionals do.

4.How to connect each homemade solar cell, and how to wire your homemade solar panels to your home

5.how to figure out how many solar cells, and panels you will need to run your entire house. Learn what a battery bank is, and how big it has to be for you to be able to disconnect from the grid.

6.Where to go to get the forms and apply for the solar tax rebates

Using solar energy at home to create electricity and reduce if not eliminate your power bill involves either, a lot of money, or a lot of knowledge. Speaking from my own perspective, I don’t have the money, and I do not possess the knowledge to incorporate the use of homemade solar panels.

With the various diy solar guides on the market, powering your home using alternative energy sources is now a viable option for the masses, and is something that should be seriously considered if one wants to generate their own electricity, and lessen the burden on the earth’s natural resources at the same time.

To learn more about homemade solar panels, or how to cheaply build your first homemade solar cell diy guides, go here: http://makehomesolarpower.info

Technorati Tags: Building, cell, First, homemade, solar

Building Your Own Solar And Wind Power Systems ? Everything You Need To Know

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:43:30 +0000

In this day and age, the two most important things, which need proper attention are the environment and the economy. This is due to the fact that the environment seems to be powerless already because of the high-level of pollution nowadays and the economy is on its critical condition by now because of the increasing inflation rate every year. Thus, you have to act now and do your duty as a responsible human being. You have to do something which will benefit both the environment and the economy. As a matter of fact, one of the very best ways, which you can consider to help the two most important things here on earth is to try building your own solar and wind power systems.

It is quite undeniable that solar energy and wind energy are a renewable types of energy. When you say renewable energy, it simply refers to a type of energy which naturally comes from the environment. Such type of energy can be easily replaced as well as beneficial not only the human race but also to the environment. Hence, building your own solar and wind power systems is a very good thing for you to consider in these days. You just have to be aware on how to get started.

The following are the ways which you can consider in building your own solar and wind power systems:

1. Purchase a DIY solar and wind power system kit. There are so many DIY solar and wind power system kits available in the world market today. You simply have to carefully choose a kit which can be very helpful on your part. In addition, you also have to purchase a kit which is not too expensive but irrefutably effective. In doing so, you can surely save yourself from any regrets in the long run.

2. Carefully read all the instructions. All of the DIY kits on how to build a solar or wind power system include instructions on how you can do such task without the help of any experts. You just have to carefully read all those instructions in order to be truly successful in building your own solar and wind power systems.

3. Be patient and take your time in building your own power system. Patience is absolutely a virtue. Thus, you have to make sure to be very patient in constructing your homemade power system. You have to instill into your mind that you cannot construct your own power system in just a snap of your finger. This only means that you have to exert much of your effort so that you can come up with a very effective power system at the end of the day.

Indeed, building your own solar and wind power systems is not just a simple child’s play. Hence, you really have to bear in mind all the aforementioned ways in building or constructing your own homemade power systems. In this way, you can be sure that you can successfully construct your power system sooner or later, save the dying environment and somehow save a certain amount of money for your own sake.

Ready to stop relying on an expensive energy source?

Technorati Tags: Building, Everything, Know, Need, power, solar, Systems, wind

Green-Trust.Org & Woodhenge.Org building wind turbines

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:48:20 +0000

Green-Trust.org and Woodhenge.org on Discovery’s Science Channel “Invention Nation” Aired on December 17th, at 10pm Eastern time. The Science Channel is found on both cable and satellite TV. Check out www.treehugger.com You will see show hosts Chris, Nobu, and Micah learning to build a 1000 watt wind turbine from scratch, which helps power our off-grid home. More information on our wind turbines can be found at www.green-trust.org, http and tewind poweryahoo.com Get the Wind Power Workshop, by Hugh Piggott, to learn how to build your own wind turbine as seen on our Science Channel episode.

Technorati Tags: Building, GreenTrust.Org, turbines, wind, Woodhenge.Org

Wind Energy Voice » Building

Energy Efficient Building Plans

How to make *Energy Audits* work for your Building

Building my 10 foot wind turbine at home- full version

Building Energy Efficiency – Distributed And Renewable Energy Sources

Critter Camp’s Proposed Sanctuary Building

Do it yourself Kit – Building Your Own Solar Panels or Wind Power Generator

Building A DIY Wind Turbine At Home

Building Your First Homemade Solar Cell

Building Your Own Solar And Wind Power Systems ? Everything You Need To Know

Green-Trust.Org & Woodhenge.Org building wind turbines

How to make Energy Audits work for your Building