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Issue 124 July–September 2013 AU $7.95 NZ $8.95 www.renew.org.au
Window & Film Buyers Guide inside
DIY: biochar benefits + build-your-own solar HWS; The basics: how solar panels work; Electric bikes: winning the race
Issue 124 : Energy monitoring special feature
ReNew Technology for a sustainable future
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Mains LED Light GlobesA range of very bright mains LED light globes thatare a true replacement for traditional lighting.Offers a brilliant lumen performance with wide,evenly spread light output across a270 degree output angle, makingthem better than traditional lightglobes in many cases.
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Ultra Bright Flexible Adhesive LED Strip LightsThese flexible adhesive LED strips are made using the highest brightness 5060-SMD type LEDs, and feature 60 of theseLEDs per metre of stripping. Each roll comes as a 5m length, which can be broken down into individual 5cm sections with3x LEDs that can be individually soldered to apply power. Sold by the 5cm section and cut to your desired length. Seewebsite for full specifications.
• Flexible Adhesive LED strip, 60x 5050-LED per metre
Two types available:Cool white ZD-0570 Warm white ZD-0572 5m Roll $145 Each
Viribright PAR38 OutdoorLED Spotlight GlobesAn energy efficient alternative to power hungryoutdoor halogen spotlights and drivewaysensor lights, that doesn’t take several minutesto "warm up" like a compact fluoro! Using just18W of power, and producing over 1,300lumens of light, these globes are a DIRECT replacement for the 150W halogen globes. IP55 rated, with an E27 Edison screw base.
Warm White SL-2225 Natural White SL-2227
LED E14 Candle BulbsThese LED powered candle bulbs areideal replacement for chandeliers andother lavish light fittings. Both modelsare 3.2W with an output angle of 270degrees and are dimmable.
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5W 400 Warm white Bayonet 270˚ 2800K 40W SL-2210 $14.955W 400 Warm white Screw 270˚ 2800K 40W SL-2211 $14.955W 450 Natural white Bayonet 270˚ 4000K 40W SL-2212 $14.955W 450 Natural white Screw 270˚ 4000K 40W SL-2213 $14.958W 500 Warm white Bayonet 270˚ 2800K 60W SL-2230 $22.958W 500 Warm white Screw 270˚ 2800K 60W SL-2231 $22.958W 650 Natural white Bayonet 270˚ 4000K 60W SL-2232 $22.958W 650 Natural white Screw 270˚ 4000K 60W SL-2233 $22.9510W 820 Warm white Bayonet 270˚ 2800K 80W SL-2214 $29.9510W 820 Warm white Screw 270˚ 2800K 80W SL-2215 $29.9510W 900 Natural white Bayonet 270˚ 4000K 80W SL-2216 $29.9510W 900 Natural white Screw 270˚ 4000K 80W SL-2217 $29.95
Luminous Efficiency:
LEDs produce more light per watt than halogens -
(Typical halogen 50 Watt = 24Lm/w, Ecolume 15 Watt = 64Lm/w).
On/Off time and cycling:
LEDs light up very quickly. They are ideal for use in applications that are subject
to frequent on-off cycling, unlike fluorescent lamps that burn out more quickly
when cycled frequently, or HID lamps that require a long time before restarting.
Dimming: LEDs can very easily be dimmed
Cool light: LEDs emit no ultraviolet radiation or heat into the illuminated area that can
cause damage to sensitive objects or fabrics
Lifetime: LEDs can have a relatively long life. Fluorescent tubes typically are
rated at about 10,000 to 15,000 hours, depending partly on the
conditions of use, and halogen lamps at 2,000 - 4,000 hours.
Shock resistance:
LEDs, being solid state components, are
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unlike fluorescent and halogen bulbs
which are fragile.
Go Green!: LEDs do not contain mercury and
other rare earths.
See website for bulkquantity prices
RENEW 124_RENEW 03/06 10/05/13 9:52 AM Page 1
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...Power Saving with SolarRemote Solar Power Packages (NEW & IMPROVED)For those living in locations where mains electricity isn’t available, or is expensive to have connected, a remote solar power systemis the best solution for household power needs. Whilst a remote solar power system can be a major investment, Jaycar offerspackages to suit your needs and there are government incentives & rebates that may support your purchase*. Each packageincludes the necessary solar panels, a fully-featured interactive inverter-charger power management system, MPPT solar chargecontrollers, high capacity deep cycle battery banks, cables, connectors, and circuit protection. Just add the appropriate panelmounting hardware to suit your application. Contact our Powertech Team for a customised quote, [email protected]
Remote Getaway System3kWh Per Day with 1.2kW Solar ArrayThree days system autonomy at 3kWh per day usage. Includes 1500W inverter-charger, 24V-600Ah battery bank and 50A MPPT solar charge controller.MP-9002
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RENEW 124_RENEW 03/06 10/05/13 9:53 AM Page 2
4 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
ContentsIssue 124, July – September 2013
A mania for measurementEnergy monitoring, high-tech homes and more
Read more articles at renew.org.auFollow us on Twitter: twitter.com/ReNewMagazine Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ReNewMag
Features
22 dHigh-tech shackA house designed as a fibro shack retrofit is soon to become a sustainable housinglaboratory—after competing in the Solar Decathlon China. Beth Askham reports on the many energy-efficient features of this net zero energy home.
24 dThe lithium homesteadReplenishable Energy in Queensland recently installed a large lithium battery-based system in the bush. Rollo Sherriff describes how impressive it is.
26 dWind directionsHow's that—the largest wind farm in the southern hemisphere is now operating in Victoria! Alicia Webb gives us an update on the state of wind in Australia.
28 dEnergy accessThe Alliance for Rural Electrification steps up a campaign for small wind indeveloping countries.
o Electric vehicles engage the community at the recent EV Expo in Melbourne. Page 30.
o An internal thermal mass wall in the dining room of the Illawarra Flame, Australia's first entry into an international solar decathlon. Page 22.
30 dElectric communities come togetherRobyn Antanovskii finds there’s an EV for everyone at the recent expo, organised by the ATA’s Melbourne EV branch.
32 dFirst place (first try!)John Evans tells how his students won the schools e-bike race in the 2012 Hunter Valley EV Prize.
34 dKnow your renewables: solar panel basicsSolar panels are popping up on homes everywhere, but how do they actually work?Lance Turner gives us a tour of the basics.
38 dCool competition: winter PV testingColin Dedman updates his popular PV testing to include new panels and those thathad previously only had a run in summer.
40 dHow sustainable is solar PV?Engineer Alex Bruce became a convert to life cycle assessment (LCA) after failing to answer a question on PV sustainability. He describes how LCA is used by the company he co-founded, eTool.
96 dPlastic Free JulyThree years in, Rebecca Prince-Ruiz knows about the good and the ‘slightly tricky’ ofgoing plastic free.
o Martin Chape's crowded roof gets a new DIY solar hot water system. Page 80.
ReNew Issue 124 5renew.org.au
Special feature: energy monitoring
45 dAustralia-wide monitoring trialsAfter a spate of trials, is there a better deal in store for householders, asks Jack Nicholls?
48 Smart meter guideThe ATA's new booklet helps householders understand the new products and services smart meters can provide.
51 Display your powerRichard Keech explains the curiously named Zigbee network used by smart meters and in-home displays, and tests three displays.
54 No smart meter? Other energy monitoring optionsRich Haynes considers options for monitoring if you don't have a smart meter.
56 dPVOutput: online solar monitoringAustralia-run website PVOutput enables you to compare how your PV stacks up against others around the world. Gary Gliddon explains.
60 dConfessions of a monitorJohn Petheram has gained insights into his household’s energy use over four years of 'smart metering'.
63 dMeasuring a loaf of breadMichael O'Connell uses a plug-in energy meter to measure his daily loaf!
Window and filmbuyers guide66 dWindows that performPoorly performing windows can drag down the thermal performance of your home.Lance Turner looks at some solutions.
76 Biochar benefitsJohn Hermans explains what biochar is, its environmental benefits and the processhe uses to make it.
80 Build-your-own solar hot water systemAfter a slow and costly start, Martin Chape’s DIY solar HWS is working so well thatthere’s heat to spare. He describes the challenging build.
g Cover image: Rui Yan. The Illawarra Flame is the University of Wollongong's first Australian entry in this year's Solar Decathlon China to be held in August 2013. The house is based on the floorplan of the standard Australian fibro shack and, although a build from the ground up, is designed to be able to be implemented as a retrofit to an existing house. The Solar Decathlon China is a competition run by the US Dept of Energy and the China National Energy Administration for student-designed and built houses which must produce more energy than they consume. Page 22.
o John Hermans collects organic matter to turn into biochar. Page 76.
06 About ATA08 Editorial10 Up front14 Letters16 Products21 WIN! ReNew subscriber prize79 ReNew reader competition83 Browser84 Member profile86 Pears Report88 Q&A 90 Classifieds 92 Shop with the ATA93 Salvage It!
Regulars
DIY projects
6 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
AboutReNew and the Alternative Technology Association
ReNew magazineReNew has been published by the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) since 1980. Each issue features renewable technologies such as wind and solar power, along with ways to make our homes more energy efficient. ReNew also includes practical examples of water conservation and reuse, recycling of materials and alternative modes of transport such as electric vehicles. It provides practical information for people who already use sustainable technologies and practices, and demonstrates real-life applications for those who would like to.
ReNew is available from newsagents, by subscription and as part of ATA membership. ATA membership starts at $75 and offers a range of benefits. www.renew.org.au
Sanctuary magazineIn addition to ReNew, the ATA publishes Sanctuary: modern green homes, providing inspiration and practical solutions for a sustainable home. The current issue features renovation and retrofits, eco cubbies, good design on a budget and more. www.sanctuarymagazine.org.au
ATA branchesATA branches are involved in activities such as running monthly seminars, visits to sustainable homes and projects, and attending community events. See page 85 for a list of recent activities. www.ata.org.au/branches
WebinarsWith the support of bankmecu, the ATA YouTube channel hosts a series of free online webinars with experts sharing practical knowledge about sustainable living. Webinars include what to look for when choosing a solar PV system, building a sustainable house to suit your site, hydronic heating, retrofitting your home for energy efficiency, lighting, insulation and more. See the ATA website for upcoming webinars. www.ata.org.au
Publisher: ATA Editor: Robyn Deed Technical editor: Lance Turner Advertising manager: Katy Daily Proofreader: Stephen Whately Editorial and production assistance: Beth Askham, Lisa Blake, Donna Luckman, Sarah Robertson, Sasha Shtargot, David Ingram.Design templates: SouthSouthWestCover design: Subgreen Design
Contacts and contributionsSend letters and contributions to:ReNew Level 1, 39 Little Collins St Melbourne VIC 3000
Ph. (03) 9639 1500; F. (03) 9639 5814 [email protected]
Contributions are welcome; guidelines available at www.renew.org.au or on request. Next editorial copy deadline: 26 July 2013.
Advertising in ReNewAdvertising is available for products and services relevant to our audience. We reserve the right to refuse, cancel and withdraw advertising at our discretion. For enquiries email [email protected] or call (03) 9631 5412.
Next advertising deadlines: Booking: 9 August 2013Advertising copy: 16 August 2013
Alternative Technology AssociationThe Alternative Technology Association is Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisation promoting sustainable technology and practice. The ATA provides services to members who are actively walking the talk in their own homes by using good building design, conserving water and using renewable energy. The ATA advocates in government and industry arenas for easy access to these technologies as well as continual improvement of the technology, information and products needed to change the way we live.
With branches and members around Australia and New Zealand, the ATA provides practical information and expertise based on our members’ hands-on experience. It also offers advice on conserving energy; building with natural materials; and reusing, recycling and reducing the use of natural resources.www.ata.org.au
Advocacy and projectsAs well as advocating to government and industry, the ATA also conducts research projects with partners from government, industry and community sectors. Currently the ATA is researching the future costs of stand-alone power systems for urban situations, taking into account projected reductions in the cost of battery storage. The ATA has also been assisting local government and commercial clients to understand their energy use and look at opportunities for cost-effective reductions. www.ata.org.au/projects-and-advocacy
International projectsSince 2003, ATA volunteers have installed hundreds of solar power systems, providing lighting for over 4000 East Timorese. They have also trained 20 technicians to install and maintain solar lighting systems. For more information and to make a donation to give the gift of light in East Timor, go to www.ata.org.au/ipg
All rights are reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.
The publishers of ReNew take great care in selecting and verifying all material that appears in the magazine, but do not necessarily share the opinions expressed in articles and letters, nor do they accept responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by contributors and advertisers.
The construction articles presented in this magazine may require the handling of potentially dangerous AC or DC electricity. All wiring involving these voltages should be carried out according to the instructions given. Extreme care must be taken to ensure that no contact is made with these voltages. Never work on a circuit when it is connected to the power supply. The publishers of ReNew take no responsibility for any damage, injury or death resulting from someone working on a project presented in any issue of this magazine.
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Registered for posting by Aust Post: No VBG 4172
ISSN 1327-1938
Reg. No.: A0017411T ABN: 57 533 056 318
Quick Specifications
W
L
Roof Collector Storage Tanks Gas Boosters
1300 277 428 | www.apricus.com.au | PO Box 6109 Silverwater NSW 1811
Note: Diagram not to scale - basic system overview not installation guide.
Hot waterto house
Cold Inlet
Sol
ar F
low
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eturn
Apricus Solar Collector
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PTRVHW Outlet
A
Top Sensor
Solar Return
Flow
Inlet
BottomSensor
PTRV
HW Outlet Top Sensor
Solar Return
Flow
Inlet
BottomSensor
A
B
B
C D
C
D
E
F
G
H I
E
F
G H I
PTRVHW Outlet
A
Top Sensor
Solar Return
Flow
Inlet
BottomSensor
PTRV
HW Outlet Top Sensor
Solar Return
Flow
Inlet
BottomSensor
A
B
B
C D
C
D
E
F
G
H I
E
F
G H I
Roof Collector (mm) 10 Tube 20 Tube 22 Tube 30 Tube
Total Width 945 1540 1636 2240
Total Length 2025 2025 2025 2025
Dry Weight (kg)* 40 77 85 112
*Weight based on 3 x track flush mount frame
Gas Booster (mm) Label 20L/min 26L/min 32L/min
Width A 350 350 470
Depth B 194 194 244
Height - Including Brackets C 571 571 644
Height - Unit D 530 530 600
Glass Lined (GL) Stainless Steel (SS)
Stainless Steel Tank (SS) Glass Lined Tank (GL)
Measurements (mm)160L GAS
160L BOT
250L GAS
250L BOT
250L MID
315L GAS
315L BOT
315L MID
160L GAS
160L BOT
250L GAS
250L BOT
250L MID
315L GAS
315L BOT
315L MID
400L GAS
400L BOT
400L MID
Diameter 620 620 620 620 620 620 620 620 540 540 648 648 648 648 648 648 731 731 731
Height 1140 1140 1620 1620 1620 1990 1990 1990 1502 1502 1389 1389 1389 1682 1682 1682 1721 1721 1721
HW Outlet 666 666 1191 1191 1191 1491 1491 1491 1300 1300 1167 1167 1167 1470 1470 1470 1464 1464 1464
PTRV Port 666 666 1191 1191 1191 1491 1491 1491 1300 1300 1167 1167 1167 1470 1470 1470 1464 1464 1464
Top Sensor 666 666 1191 765 765 1491 980 980 1056 1056 953 759 759 1196 841 841 1207 841 841
Solar Return 460 250 460 365 365 460 430 430 812 812 740 564 432 922 564 509 950 564 564
Bottom Sensor 345 168 345 168 168 345 168 168 497 497 457 369 303 548 369 342 562 369 369
Solar Flow 345 168 345 168 168 345 168 168 182 182 174 174 174 174 174 174 174 174 174
Cold Water Inlet 168 168 168 168 168 168 168 168 82 82 74 74 74 74 74 74 74 74 74
Element Height N/A 185 N/A 410 780 N/A 480 1080 N/A 226 N/A 170 454 N/A 170 553 N/A 190 691
Dry Weight (kg) 40 40 56 56 56 63 63 63 61 61 86 86 86 98 98 98 130 130 130
A
C D
B
8 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
EditorialMade to measure: smarter tech, smarter savings
BUILT, unbuilt, built again … As I write this, the Illawarra Flame house featured on our cover is ‘flat-packed’ into shipping containers and on its way to China as Australia’s first entry in a Solar Decathlon. It’s quite an amazing concept—it seems enough of a challenge for students to design and build a net zero energy house, but to build it such that it can be taken apart and put back together in another country, by those same students: that’s such a feat! It makes me smile just to think of all the good engineering design that’s gone into it.
It’s a smart tech house, too, with systems for monitoring energy use and generation, water use and more. Along the way, the student designers have carefully weighed the options. One example is the monitoring of temperature: they’ve chosen to use a monitor that alerts the owner when there’s an ‘opportunity’ to open windows, rather than do that automatically.
I like that decision to resist the temptation to over-automate. I’d be interested to see down the track whether, as seems likely, that is the most sensible approach, given all the other variables that can’t so easily be monitored, such as—I’m just about to go out so I don’t want to open the windows right now!
The house’s monitoring systems tie in
nicely with our special feature this issue, on energy monitoring. We look at all ways to measure and monitor energy use at home, and try to tickle out what the benefits are. There have been many studies and most show that, particularly with real-time monitoring, there’s a real chance to reduce energy use at home.
It depends on a range of things and we do see a couple of trials where the reductions haven’t flowed through, particularly where people are already energy-aware or the information isn’t available in real time.
Interestingly, Jack Nicholls who wrote our article on Australia-wide trials told me recently that some of the data shows that there can be an initial flush of enthusiasm after monitoring is installed, which then dies down—meaning initial reductions in energy use are greater than in the long run. It seems it’s not the only answer, but it does help.
This issue we also look at PVOutput, an Australian-developed website that enables solar system owners to upload their system’s output online and then compare it to systems around the world, and to accumulate outputs as a team. We’re hoping to do just that, with an ATA team. See page 58 for how to join us!
NOTHING sums up the commitment of ATA members to creating a sustainable and resilient future better than the ATA’s International Projects Group volunteers. Since 2003, these ATA volunteers have travelled throughout East Timor to install small, inexpensive solar power systems that provide lighting for thousands of households, community centres, orphanages, schools and hospitals in remote rural villages.
East Timor is one of the poorest countries in our region. At present, only 20 per cent of the population have access to mains electricity, and communities in remote areas are not expected to have mains for at least another 15 years. These remote communities are often small, dispersed and financially
poor, so a lack of electricity affects the health and wellbeing of many.
Over the past three months, ATA volunteers have been busy planning for installations in East Timor in July and August this year. Working with project partners in Australia and East Timor, the volunteers have been using their knowledge in renewable technologies to design systems, order stock and develop training materials for local installers.
Our activities have a strong focus on training Timorese people to install and manage their own solar power and lighting, and several volunteers are certified workplace trainers.
Come July, four volunteers will be packing their bags and paying their own way to East
Timor to help bring cheap, green light to East Timorese families.
Donna LuckmanActing CEO, ATA To find out more about the ATA’s work in East Timor or to make a tax-deductible donation, see www.ata.org.au/ipg.
It’s a jam-packed issue with articles on a lithium battery system, wind farms and health, the next in our ‘basics’ series—this time on how solar panels work—winning EV bike designs, winter PV testing and more!
And don’t miss the last page story on Plastic Free July. It’s a great cause and you can do as little or as much as you want. Their website is full of tips and if you do join in, it’d be great to hear your stories of how it goes.
Robyn Deed ReNew Editor
In ReNew 125, out mid-September• Water tank buyers guide• Water-saving projects• Green roofs
10 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Go plastic free in JulyAustralia alone disposes of 1,000,000 tonnes of waste plastic every year. To reduce this waste, the Plastic Free July challenge has been created. The rules are:
• aim not to use any single-use plastic• it’s okay not to be perfect• collect any single-use plastic that you
couldn’t avoid using during the period to share as a ‘dilemma bag’ with the challenge organisers at the end
• decide how long you would like to take part for (this can be a day, week, month or more).
For help with the challenge, the website has lots of ideas on how to go plastic free, as well as ideas on how to promote the initiative.
You can register and participate as an individual, family, business, group or school. You can even encourage your local council to get involved. www.plasticfreejuly.org
Renewable energy hits record production in 2012Renewable energy supplied a record 13.14 % of Australia’s electricity in 2012, according to new figures released in June by the Clean Energy Council in their Clean Energy Australia Report 2012.
In 2012, the power produced by renewable sources was enough to power four million Australian homes. Of this energy, hydro contributed 58%, wind contributed 28% and solar contributed 8% with over one million houses now having solar PV installed.
“The clean energy industry contributed $4.2 billion in investment and approximately 24,300 jobs to the Australian economy in 2012,” said Clean Energy Council Chief Executive David Green.
He went on to say, “The cost of fossil fuels such as gas has been going up, while clean energy has been getting cheaper—fast. Recently the level of power generation from coal has been declining, while Australia’s 20 per cent Renewable Energy Target has been driving the increased use of technologies such as wind, solar, hydro and bioenergy. Solid rainfall in key hydro catchments in the first half of 2012 was also a factor.”
“Businesses and households are increasingly turning to energy smart appliances, and more than 800,000 solar hot water systems have now been installed as well,” he said.
Another encouraging result from their report is that they found that around 90% of people took some kind of action to reduce their energy bills in 2012. Read the full report here: bit.ly/sy1b0G
Greenhouse emissions falling—at least in Europe.
Greenhouse gases fell by 3.3 % in the European Union in 2011, leading to the lowest reported level of emissions since 1990. The decrease in 2011 was also the third largest over this period, according to official data compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and reported by the EU to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2011 were 18.4 % below 1990 levels, according
Up front
to the EU greenhouse gas inventory.Although there was an increase in
consumption of more carbon-intensive fuels such as coal, and hydroelectricity production and gas consumption decreased, emissions still decreased. This was largely due to a milder winter in 2011 compared to 2010, which led to a lower demand for heating.
Almost two thirds of the emissions reduction in 2011 came from the UK, France and Germany. The largest increases in the absolute volume of emissions were in Romania, Bulgaria and Spain.
Fossil-fuel consumption decreased by 5% in the EU. However, the average carbon intensity of the fossil fuels used increased, with solid fuel consumption, such as hard coal and lignite, rising by almost 2% between 2010 and 2011. Liquid fuel consumption decreased by 4% and natural gas consumption fell by almost 11 %. Biomass combustion increased by less than 1%.
Interestingly, consumption of renewable energy had the second largest decline of the last 21 years in percentage terms, mainly due to lower hydroelectricity production. However, wind and solar continued to increase.www.eea.europa.eu
ReNew Issue 124 11renew.org.au
Tesla on a rollUS electric car company Tesla Motors, criticised heavily for receiving a half-billion dollar loan from the US Department of Energy, has added to recent successes by paying back the loan, with interest, around nine years ahead of schedule.
While some renewable-energy startups have folded and failed to repay all or part of their loans, Tesla has been one of the big successes. Not only has the company posted above-expected sales figures, selling 4900 EVs in the first quarter of 2013, but Consumer Reports, a US product testing organisation (similar to Choice here in Australia), rated the Tesla model S as the best car they had ever tested. Not the best EV—the best car!
Tesla seems to be going from strength to strength, with vehicle and service improvements happening so regularly that even previous detractors are now singing their praises. Indeed, this newcomer to the
automotive market is making the established car makers look like dinosaurs in their designs and policies. www.teslamotors.com
Trees not carbon offsetsProfessor Brendan Mackey of Griffith University Climate Change Response Program is the lead author of an international study involving researchers from Australia and the UK. Their findings are reported in ‘Untangling the confusion around land carbon science and climate change mitigation policy’, published in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change.
“While protecting and restoring natural forests is part of the solution, the reality is that, for all practical purposes, fossil-fuel CO2 emissions are irreversible,” Professor Mackey said.
The findings highlight the urgent need for policy-makers worldwide to rethink the issue, as many assume that fossil-fuel emissions
can be offset through sequestering carbon by planting trees and other land-management practices.
However, the study did find that protecting natural forests avoids emissions that would otherwise result from logging and land clearing, while also conserving biodiversity. Restoring degraded ecosystems or planting new forests also helps store some of the carbon dioxide that was emitted from past land-use activities.
“No amount of reafforestation or growing of new trees will ultimately offset continuing CO2 emissions due to environmental constraints on plant growth and the large amounts of remaining fossil-fuel reserves.”Griffith University, Queensland bit.ly/11gR3PS
Across the country on solarElectric flight has been a dream of many experimental aviators, and solar-powered flight even more so. The best-known aircraft to achieve this is the Solar Impulse, a project born in 2003 in Switzerland.
The first aircraft, considered a prototype by the team, is known as the HB-SIA. It has performed a number of impressive feats, including staying aloft for 26 hours, and flying from Belgium to Paris and from Payerne, Switzerland, to Ouarzazate, Morocco, making it the first aircraft to make an intercontinental flight on solar power.
The latest mission for the novel plane is to fly from one side of the USA to the other: from San Francisco, California, to New York City, via Phoenix, Arizona, Dallas, Texas, St Louis, Missouri and Washington DC. The trek started in early May and is due to finish in early July, with each leg of the journey accompanied by public displays of the aircraft.
The project’s goal is to fly around the world in 2015 using the second-generation aircraft currently under construction, the HB-SIB.
The specifications of the current Solar Impulse are quite amazing. It has a 63.4 metre wingspan (the same size as an Airbus A380!) and is around 22 metres long, yet weighs just 1600 kg. Motive power is provided by four 7.5 kW brushless motors, which are powered from 200 m2 of monocrystalline solar panels embedded in the wings and stabiliser. Of course, reserve power for night flying comes from a lithium battery bank.
The design of the aircraft imposes some fairly strict limitations on its aeronautical abilities, such as a banking angle (during turns) of no more than 5°, but the Solar Impulse is not meant to be a practical, everyday aircraft. Instead, its goal is education.
Solar aircraft are not likely to become commonplace, as there simply isn’t enough energy falling on the aircraft to power it at a realistic speed, even with 100% efficient solar cells. On the other hand, electric (battery-based) aircraft are likely to become more common—at least for short-distance travel, until battery energy density improves.
The world may just be seeing the beginnings of a new aviation industry—and the Solar Impulse is an example of thinking outside the square. www.solarimpulse.com
“A US product testing organisation rated the Tesla model S as the best car they had ever tested. Not the best EV—the best car!”
12 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Up front
Still built for the bushThe ‘Built for the Bush’ travelling exhibition has been on the road since late 2009. The final two stages of the exhibition will be held in NSW at Gunnedah Creative Arts Centre from 25 May to 7 July and Muswellbrook Arts Centre from 12 July to 22 Sept 2013.
Built for the Bush explores the energy-efficient features of Australia’s 19th century country homes and the reappearance of many of these traditional practices in contemporary green architecture.
For Australia’s rural settlers the creation of simple, energy-efficient homes was a matter of necessity, with their limited access to materials, skills and resources. Today, architects recognise conservation of energy as a global imperative and are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the creation and maintenance of modern housing.
In this new light the low-energy solutions of the 19th century rural house are being reappraised: the environmental suitability of traditional building materials has been recognised; water is again being treated like a precious commodity; and passive shade, ventilation and heating strategies are once more being utilised to condition the air. bit.ly/ZlRXOz
Larger printed photovoltaicsScientists have produced the largest flexible, plastic solar cells in Australia thanks to a new solar cell printer installed at CSIRO.
The printer has allowed researchers from the Victorian Organic Solar Cell Consortium (VICOSC)—a collaboration between CSIRO, Melbourne and Monash Universities, and industry partners—to print organic photovoltaic cells the size of an A3 sheet of paper.
CSIRO materials scientist Dr Scott Watkins says, “There are so many things we can do with cells this size. We can set them into
advertising signage, powering lights and other interactive elements. We can even embed them into laptop cases to provide backup power for the machine inside.”
The new $200,000 printer is a big step up for the VICOSC team. In just three years they have gone from making cells the size of a fingernail to cells 10 cm square, and now, with the new printer, they have jumped to cells 30 cm wide.
With the ability to print at speeds of up to ten metres per minute, this means they can produce one cell every two seconds.
VICOSC project coordinator and University of Melbourne researcher Dr David Jones says, “We’re using the same techniques that you would use if you were screen-printing an image onto a t-shirt.” bit.ly/14kaZ6t
Wind farms and healthThe Victorian Health Department recently released two new information booklets on wind farms and health. One is four pages long and aimed at community information, and the other is 20 pages and contains more technical information about the nature of sound.
The community information booklet concludes that: “The evidence indicates that sound can only affect health at sound levels that are loud enough to be easily audible. This means that if you cannot hear a sound, there is no known way that it can affect health. This is true regardless of the frequency of the sound.”
This should be reassuring for community members not only in Victoria but also in other states. To download the booklets go to www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/windfarms.htm
o Permanent Camping (detail), Mudgee, Casey Brown Architecture.
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Energy advocates at the ATAThe ATA has recently focused its advocacy work on the Tasmanian government’s feed-in tariff and move to energy retail contestability, the review by the Australian Energy Market Commission on distribution reliability outcomes and standards, and the implementation by the Australian Energy Market Operator of a demand response mechanism in the wholesale electricity market.
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14 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Small wind considerationsI found the question and answer on small wind lightning protection in ReNew 123 very engaging as I have had my own experiences with lightning protection as a registered electrical contractor.
Before knowing anything about lightning protection, I did a job for a client who wanted me to put in an earth stake and run an earth wire to her veranda spouting. When I asked why she was so insistent that it had to be earthed she told me she was scared of being struck by lightning. I was only young then but that job laid the foundations of a long-lasting interest in lightning protection.
After a time I found we had an Australian/New Zealand Standard, AS/NZS 1768, dealing with lightning protection, from which I received an appreciation that lightning protection justification is risk based. I also found in the standard that lightning protection conductors need to be a minimum of 10 mm2, not the thinner 6 mm2 cable I
had used years earlier, otherwise not only will it be ineffective at providing you protection, the wire as it melts can be an ignition source, setting fire to things.
In reading the standard I gained an appreciation that if a lightning strike could cause major loss of life or damage then the protection should be considered. I quickly had a perspective attack in which I recognised this was a numbers thing and if it is my family's or my life in danger then I could justify considering lightning protection. That thinking was also helped along when I bought a new residence that had a 10 metre television aerial mast mounted on the roof directly above the bedroom and it was not earthed. Until I relocated the aerial I did not sleep much during thunder storms! They say never stand under a tree during a thunder storm, here I was under a 10 metre unearthed steel rod. The previous owners had lived with that television aerial above the bedroom for years—ignorance might be bliss, but!
So, yes, the number of people killed and the number of lightning strikes that actually do damage is low. If you want to ensure you are not one of those low numbers, consider installing lightning protection for your own peace of mind, if nothing else.
For the DIY associates in ReNew, nothing beats good earthing, and unless you want the earth wire to act as a fuse wire when a strike occurs, it needs to be the minimum size of 10 mm2. Without good solid earthing of the right size, your electrical system may become a lightning carrier, bringing the lightning to you!Frank Leister
Article on unitsWe support the suggestion proposed by Neil Biggar (in Letters, ReNew 118) to have an article about all things to do with units (for the not-so-scientifically minded!).
Another suggestion may be to have a space for longer letters—but not as long as an article. Sort of a ‘discussion’ page. This space could be used by readers to posit
an idea, comment on a topic or discuss an issue—all in more detail than a brief letter.Rose and Russell Cuthbertson
Cold air intakeRegarding Tom Chalko’s wood heater article in ReNew 123, while not wishing nor understanding how to disprove Tom’s results, could ATA review the article at www.woodheat.org/the-outdoor-air-myth-exposed.html to see if there is any substantial variation in both views for the balanced benefit of ATA members? John Colston
Reply from Tom Chalko: It was the woodheat.org article that motivated me to describe my successful cold air intake experiment in ReNew.
The key requirement for safe and reliable supply of convection-driven cold air to a wood-stove combustion chamber is positioning the cold air intake at a location that experiences static atmospheric pressure.
The author of the woodheat.org
Letters
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ReNew Issue 124 15renew.org.au
article does not consider this requirement and hence I think his conclusions are misleading. Imagine someone considering all possible fuels for your car except the required fuel and then concluding that your car does not work.
Static atmospheric pressure is the pressure of still atmospheric air, with no wind. We cannot stop wind from blowing, but we can use a chamber which atmospheric air can enter and escape from, but in which the wind speed is close to zero. An example of such a chamber in my situation was my basement.
If my basement was exposed to wind, I would probably build a box with some finely meshed holes in all sides and take my cold air from the middle of this box.
My home is situated at one of the windiest places in Australia, with a history of winds reaching 240 km/h and overturning buses, so using air at static atmospheric pressure for my cold air intake was quite important.
An alternative to convection-driven delivery of cold air to a wood heater is a forced cold air supply. My initial experiment involved forcing cold air into the ash box underneath the combustion chamber using 20 mm copper pipe, a flow control valve and a small fan.
The system worked, but I did not like the noise of the fan and the associated waste of energy, so I redesigned the system to be convection-driven and free from moving parts.Dr Tom Chalko
Write to usWe welcome letters on any subject, whether it be something you have read in ReNew, a problem you have experienced or a great idea you have had. Please limit letters to 350 words. Due to space restrictions we can’t guarantee to publish all letters received, and letters published may be edited for clarity and length. Send letters to: ReNew, Level 1, 39 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia or by email: [email protected]
Simple overheating solutionMy solar hot water unit (a RunOnSun) has been working too well and my method to control it was putting shade cloth over it for the summer. But if it was overcast for a few days I had to get up there again to adjust it every few days and it became tedious, as I am an aging old fart.
So here is a happy snap of my setup for giving me full throttle control of the solar hot water system to suit changing conditions, without climbing on the roof.
The blind is a Bunnings shade cloth unit 1.5 metres wide. The blind's original bottom rail was too heavy and could break the evacuated tubes in gusty winds so I replaced it with a 16 mm aluminium tube inside foam-pipe insulation and covered it with shiny aluminium tape before sliding it into the blind. A small wire clip keeps the shade cloth tensioned on each side to stop it bunching up.
The bottom cover and other brackets were made to suit. I used a bit of split polypipe over the gutter edge to prevent damage to the cord, which is tied off to a jam cleat on a ‘T’ hinge screwed on the wall.
It works fine and I see no problem with partially shading the tubes this way.
This is just meant to be food for thought for anyone interested. Keep up the great mag.Frank Smith
DIY solarOur family has been part of this country’s movement for sustainable energy over the past few years.
I would like to point out that it is possible to have a complete ‘green house’, with its own electrical power supply, in the city and within suburban locations.
Our power supply is a compromise between mains grid and our green power supply which generates power to be used by home appliances during day and night.
The weather conditions dictate input for grid power during prolonged hours of windless and sunless periods of the day, in which demand can
be balanced between the time that home appliances are used. For example, our green power supply can be used for the dishwasher, washing machine, dryer and air conditioner during the day, when there is optimum charge available from our wind and solar power (that is also charging batteries), and at night time our usage is balanced between the grid and our green power supply.
It is so simple to change over between grid and green power by a manual switch at the main switchboard. It shows the benefit of green power as your contribution towards your sustainable inspiration.Antre' Trosic
a The control panel of Antre’s solar power system. Note all the volt meters and ammeters.
16 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
01Gleaming hot waterContinuous flow or instantaneous hot water systems are usually gas powered, but there’s an ever-increasing range of electric units on the market. These are suitable when there is no mains gas available (running water heaters on LPG can be expensive) and, being electric, there is no wastage due to continuously running pilot lights.
The range of electric instantaneous hot water systems from Gleamous solve the problem of no gas availability and can provide hot water without the water wastage of running hot water from storage tank systems. The smaller units are ideal where hot water is needed a long way from the hot water system, such as a second bathroom, shed or workshop. The larger unit can provide hot water to an entire home without the standing losses of a storage type system, or the accompanying maintenance, such as replacing PTR valves and sacrificial anodes every few years.
There are three models in the range, two of which have no storage (the 3.3 kW, single-phase DSK-45EP and the 14 kW, three-phase GL5) and one which stores five litres of water at the point of use (the DSL-30N).
RRP: $99 for the 45EP, $295 for the 30N and $495 for the GL5. For more information and to buy online, contact Gleamous Australia, PO Box 611, Round Corner, NSW 2158, ph: 1300 550 490, [email protected], www.gleamoushotwater.com.au
ProductsIn this section we share info about products that sound interesting, sustainable and useful. Product listings are not an endorsement by ReNew or the ATA of any particular product—they are for reader information only. They are not product reviews and we have not tested the products.
03Even lower power consumption PCsVIA Technologies has long been known for their amazingly low-power consumption microprocessors, but in more recent times they have branched out with a range of low-power PCs and miniature PC motherboards.If you prefer to buy your PC already assembled and ready to go, then their ARTiGO range of tiny PCs are definitely worth a look.
The most powerful of the range, the A1250, features a quad-core 1.0 GHz VIA E-Series processor and up to 8 GB of DDR3 1333 SDRAM, a VIA VX11H media system processor with DirectX11 support, along with HDMI, VGA, two USB 3.0, two USB 2.0, gigabit ethernet, audio-in/out and mic-in sockets.
The system supports one 2.5” SATA HDD or SSD and can run Microsoft Windows, Windows Embedded Standard 7 (WES), WES2009 and Linux based operating systems. Average power consumption is 31.7 watts.
So, if you need a low-power PC for general or embedded use, then the A1250 or one of its lower power cousins in the ARTiGO range could be ideal.
RRP: from US$349.95. For more information go to www.viaembedded.com. To buy online (and to see a huge range of tiny, low-power PCs) go to www.mini-itx.com (UK-based) or www.e-itx.com (US-based). Also available on eBay from stores.ebay.com/YT-Solutions
02Low power consumption, lots of gruntThe options for low-power computing just keep expanding. Xi3 Corporation recently released several new low-power consumption computers which are designed to provide plenty of computing power while also being easily upgradeable.
Starting at under $500, the X3A modular computer is an entry-level desktop designed for most home and office applications. It features a dual-core 64-bit 1.65 GHz processor and 4 GB of DDR3 RAM. It comes standard with 32 GB of solid-state storage (upgradeable to 1 TB), can support two high-definition displays simultaneously, and has two USB 3.0 ports, four eSATAp ports, four USB 2.0 ports and a gigabit ethernet port.
Rated energy consumption is just 18 watts.The X3A’s much more powerful cousin,
the X7A, is powered by a quad-core processor running at up to 3.2 GHz, integrated graphics with up to 384 shader cores and 4 GB or 8 GB of DDR3 RAM. The X7A handles graphics-intensive tasks such as image and movie editing and, of course, games. The X7A can run three high-definition monitors simultaneously, has four USB 3.0 ports, four eSATAp ports, four USB 2.0 ports, a gigabit ethernet port and up to 1 TB of solid-state storage. Rated power consumption is 40 watts.
RRP: Starting at under US$500 for the X3A and under $1000 for the X7A. For more information go to www.xi3.com
ReNew Issue 124 17renew.org.au
04Finally, a leaf guard that works?While leaf guard systems for gutters sound like a great idea, the reality is that almost all of them suffer from problems of clogging—especially when gumnuts are involved. Leaf Safe Guttering is a new gutter system designed to eliminate the problems found with previous leaf guard systems.
The Leaf Safe Guttering system sits below the outer edge of the roof and is completely enclosed on top by a sloping lid that prevents leaves and debris falling into the gutter. Rainwater flows over an outer vertical gutter face that has two staggered sets of perforations which still have the upper flaps attached and turned inside the gutter. The flaps guide the water flowing over the vertical edge of the gutter into the gutter trough, while the leaves and other debris continue to flow downward and off the outside of the gutter.
Leaf Safe Guttering is made from Colorbond steel and is available in the full range of Colorbond colours. The guttering can be made to size and shipped anywhere in Australia to be fitted by local guttering installers.
For more information contact Leaf Safe Guttering, PO Box 189, Aldgate SA 5154, ph: (08) 8339 3480, [email protected], www.leafsafeguttering.com.au
06High-CRI LED lightingWhile LED lighting is becoming commonplace, much of what’s currently on the market has a CRI (colour rendering index) of no more than around 80. While colours can look ok, they are not as good as when seen under an incandescent lamp.
To address this, manufacturers are pushing the CRI of their lamps towards the perfect CRI of 100. The latest high-CRI lamps come from Brightgreen, which has produced some quite impressive downlight replacement lamps in the past.
The new versions of the D900 Cube and Curve downlight fittings feature CRIs up to 95 and total light outputs of over 900 lumens, making them a complete replacement for 50 watt halogen downlights. Rated efficacy is around 60 lumens per watt and rated ambient operating temperature is up to 50 °C, making them suitable for use even in the hotter parts of Australia.
The Cube and Curve require no transformers, having an input voltage range of 220 to 270 VAC. They are also fully dimmable from 3% to 100%. Both models come with a huge seven year warranty and a rated lifespan of 70,000 hours.
For more information and your local stockist, contact Brightgreen, PO Box 1400, Collingwood VIC 3066, ph: 1300 672 499, www.brightgreen.com
05A hot water wizardIf you prefer a gas hot water system and still want continuous flow, then there are quite a lot of options. If you’re also looking for a unit that is completely Australian-made, the Merlin 600E instantaneous gas hot water system is fully manufactured in Belmont, Western Australia.
The 600E has a maximum flow of 24 litres per minute at a 25°C temperature increase—more than enough to run two showers at once. It can run on either natural gas or LP gas with only minor adjustments and has electronic ignition (so no pilot light to waste gas). Optional wireless remote controls are available and can be added at any time.
Other features include scald protection, almost no maintenance, pre-emptive temperature control to reduce temperature variations and the ability to run on low gas pressures. Heating efficiency is claimed to be a very high 95%.
The 600E is designed for external fitting. Where space is very restricted, the optional Merlin Niche allows the heater to be partly recessed into the wall, reducing the space required.
RRP: $1400 and $110 for each remote control. Manufactured by Primo-Tech Pty Ltd, 73 Abernethy Rd, Belmont WA 6104, ph: (08) 9478 6443, [email protected], www.merlinhotwater.com.au
18 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Products
09Smart meter displayUntil now, getting real-time data out of smart meters has been difficult for many consumers.
The TotEM eKo in-home display from Intercel changes that. It interfaces with many current smart meters to display real-time data, giving consumers the information they need to manage their energy bills.
Features include the ability to setup energy savings targets, a display panel with an easy-to-understand consumption ‘speedometer’ via a ring of 30 LED lights, alerts of peak pricing and consumption, recording of historical data, and capacitive touch pads making it easy to navigate through the options. Information displayed includes instantaneous usage and cost, usage and cost-to-date, energy generated and earnings (for homes with renewable energy systems), historical display for hourly, daily, weekly and monthly usage, estimated bill to date, carbon emission display and lots of other data. The rest of the technical specifications are too numerous to list here, but are available on the Intercel website.
For more information contact Intercel Australia Pty Ltd, 33 Glenvale Crescent, Mulgrave VIC 3170, ph: (03) 9239 2000, [email protected], www.intercel.com.au
07Log your energy useThe Power-Mate, from Computer Control Instrumentation, is probably the most accurate plug-in energy meter for domestic use available. However, until now, the data collected had to stay in the meter.
The Power-Mate 10A Heavy Duty Serial is just like the regular Power-Mate Heavy Duty. It plugs into a regular 10A powerpoint and any standard mains-powered appliance plugs into it for measurement. However, the Power-Mate 10A Heavy Duty Serial has, as its name suggests, a built-in serial port that can be used to send data to any computer with a serial port (or USB-to-serial adapter, which is included with the meter). This allows the data to be collected for further manipulation, or even to be uploaded to your chosen web portal for sharing with others.
Other features include power factor corrected measurements; volts, peak volts, amps and power recording; calculation of accumulated, quarterly and yearly running costs; and resolution down to 0.01 W. It also records the load’s power factor, apparent power and reactive power, and displays cost, power, greenhouse gas emissions and much more. It has non-volatile memory and digitally filtered 24-bit measurements. No batteries are required and it has a large, bright easy-to-read LED display.
RRP: $350. For more information or to buy online go to www.power-mate.com.au or www.ccisa.com.au
08Solar panels that blend inOne of the biggest dislikes that many people have about solar panels is the look of them when they are added to the roof. On some homes it can be difficult to install them without the final result looking quite ugly.
CSR Monier has addressed this problem with their Solar Tile, which is designed to integrate into roofs that use their range of flat-profiled Horizon, Georgian, Cambridge and Madison roof tiles.
Each CEC-approved solar roof tile replaces 2.5 of the standard concrete roof tiles. They are made of tempered glass and use the high quality monocrystalline Q-Cells.
Rated output per tile is 30 watts and the tiles have a maximum power current rating of 7.63 A, which means they have a very low output voltage—they are obviously designed to be connected in long series strings.
One of the big advantages of using roof-integrated PV panels is that the panels actually offset some of the roofing material cost, helping to reduce overall construction costs.
For more information and an online quote, contact CSR Bricks & Roofing Head Office, Triniti Building 3, North Ryde NSW 2113, ph: (02) 9684 8700, [email protected], www.monier.com.au
ReNew Issue 124 19renew.org.au
10Fit a skylight anywhereWe have looked at home-made solar skylights several times in ReNew. Although solar skylights are available commercially overseas, they are few and far between here.
The Illume range of solar skylights come as a simple DIY kit consisting of a solar panel, LED light fitting and seven metres of cable joining them. You attach the solar panel to a sunny spot, either on the roof or anywhere suitable, and fit the LED light fitting to the room that needs illuminating. Once installed, the output of the light mirrors the sun’s intensity outside, just like a skylight.
The advantage of such a system is that no large reflective ducts or tunnels are required and the skylight can provide light to any room. Even rooms on the bottom storey of a two-storey home can have skylights.
The Illume kits come in four sizes—180 mm and 270 mm round, and 300 mm and 400 mm square. Light outputs are 450–540, 970–1050, 660–720 and 970–1050 lumens, respectively. Colour temperature of all kits is 6000–7000 K, which may be a bit cool for some people. There’s also an Illume Premium commercial-grade range for larger rooms and where more light is needed.
RRP: $214.50, $295, $313 and $375.10, respectively. For more information or to buy, contact Kimberley Products, 5 Abbotts Rd, Dandenong South VIC 3175, ph: (03) 9768 5777, [email protected], www.kimprod.com.au
11Solar systems in a boxThere’s a growing trend towards ‘solar systems in a box’ instead of systems assembled on-site from individual components. Solar Inception is one company supplying such systems—their SolaGRID ESS.
The SolaGRID system is designed to capture energy from multiple sources, including solar, wind, hydro, a diesel genset and the grid, and then use the stored energy on demand. The systems are supplied with SMA Sunny Island/Sunny Backup inverters and BAE Secura solar batteries. They are suitable for both stand-alone (off-grid) or grid-coupled operation.
The grid-coupled SolaGRID ESS units can store energy from the grid during off-peak times when the price is low and then supply the stored energy at peak demand time when the price is high.
The systems come in a weatherproof enclosure and are easy and quick to install. They are simply placed on-site and AC cables connected.
The modular design accommodates storage for small to large systems and storage capacity can be easily expanded as needs grow. Available in eight models, the SolaGRID ESS offers from 4.6 kW to 8 kW power output and energy storage capacity of 10 kWh or 20 kWh.
RRP: starting at $16,871 (ex GST) for a 5 kW/10 kWh standalone system. For more information contact Solar Inception, ph: (07) 3166 9598, [email protected], www.solarinception.com.au
12Zero maintenance deckingAs with any exposed wood, decking needs regular maintenance, such as relacquering or oiling, to prevent the wood from deteriorating.
There are quite a few recycled timber replacement products on the market, but most have one big problem—they are only available at a few selected outlets and often only in one or two states.
Oztuff Decking is made from recycled timber and polyethylene, and is available in five colour/pattern styles, making it suitable for most decking installations. The profiles are either 150 mm or 135 mm wide, 25 mm thick, and they come in standard lengths of 5.4 metres. Also available are Oztuff slat fascia boards which measure 71 mm wide x 12 mm thick and are also 5.4 metres in length.
Unlike suppliers of similar materials, Oztuff sell directly to the public and will ship their decking materials to anywhere in Australia. They will even send you a free sample if you fill in their online form.
RRP: $63 per m2 for the decking, $3.30 per lineal metre for the fascia slat. For more information, to do an online estimation and to buy, contact Oztuff Decking, ph: 1300 698 873, [email protected], www.oztuffdecking.com.au
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22 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
High-tech shackStudents set sights highA house designed as a fibro shack retrofit is soon to become a sustainable housing laboratory after competing in the Solar Decathlon China, writes Beth Askham.
STUDENTS from Wollongong have designed and built an energy self-sufficient house to compete in the Solar Decathlon China in August 2013. One of the features that makes this house so special is that it’s designed as a retrofit of the classic Australian fibro shack.
Inspired to improve the energy efficiency of the standard suburban Wollongong housing stock and to meet competition requirements of the solar decathlon competition “to accelerate the development and adoption of advanced building energy technology in new and existing homes”, the student team has stepped up to the challenge and has designed and built a beautiful, energy efficient, state of the art home that they call the Illawarra Flame.
The house was made at the TAFE Illawarra Institute in just 12 short weeks and will be disassembled and reassembled three times this year: the first time for a public open day at the university, the second time in China for the competition and the third time back at Wollongong University. There it will sit near the university’s Sustainable Buildings Research Centre (SBRC) to become a living laboratory for sustainable buildings research.
It has truly been a team project and a quick look at their website will show you the range of students involved in all stages of designing and building the house.
Masters student Michael Whitehouse is the Services Manager on the project. He says they installed 10 kW of solar PV on the house, which he thinks will provide the house with about four times as much energy as it needs. They decided to install the extra solar PV to ensure the house produces more energy than it consumes regardless of the weather. At
the time of the competition, the weather in Datong, China (300 km west of Beijing), will be a little like a Canberra summer with hot and dry days and they may need to use an air conditioner to make sure they can meet the competition requirements of keeping the house within a fixed band of temperatures.
The team installed two different types of solar panels, a primary array of polycrystalline panels and a secondary system of CIGS thin film panels. This secondary system is not as efficient as the polycrystalline panels but will be better at producing energy on a cloudy day.
Inside the house Michael thinks the electronics are quite simple. A C-BUS system (from Clipsal) uses a number of data loggers and most of the electricity is measured through
a current transformer. There is sub-circuit monitoring on all the internal circuits—lighting, kitchen, cooling and heating systems—that can give you targeted information.
Michael says that this type of system is “extremely flexible and expandable—a little more expensive because there are not as many installers but actually the wiring is cheaper than standard electrical wiring”.
An energy monitoring display located beside the kitchen shows your energy use and internal and external temperatures. “The system itself doesn’t provide the energy savings but it allows the occupier to control their own behaviour,” says Michael. Showing the occupant standby energy use is a good example of how information can induce
o The Illawarra Flame demonstrates that the standard fibro shack can be renovated for energy efficiency and comfort. Even though the design is for a retrofit, this house a new build so it can be be deconstructed and reconstructed for the competition.
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behaviour change, as seeing this usage can motivate an occupant to switch an appliance off when not in use.
The house’s cooling and heating system is called a PVT PCM (photovoltaic thermal, phase-change material) system. There were only a few overseas examples of this system to inform the team on how it might perform, and the data produced by the house will be used in further research into this system. It works by extracting heat from the CIGS thin film solar cells that are mounted to steel sheets. The heat is ducted down to a PCM (phase-change material) box underneath the house. The phase-change material absorbs and emits energy at around 22 degrees Celsius and will change to a liquid when surrounded by this hot air. When the ambient air temperature cools below 22 degrees, the phase-change material will change back to a solid, releasing heat that is fanned into the house. An added benefit of this system is that this warmed, outside air helps to improve indoor air quality.
In summer, this system will also work to cool the house as the roof temperature drops a couple of degrees during the night and the PCM box can store and fan this coolth into the house.
Michael thinks this system alone should be enough to keep the house at a constant temperature, especially as it works alongside a high level of insulation in the house (DOW Thermax and Knauff EarthWool).
Lots of research went into every part of this house and the windows are no exception. The team opted for double-glazed windows throughout as triple glazing was too heavy for the house’s portability requirements.
The windows allow for cross ventilation and were an important design consideration in the fibro shack retrofit. High operable windows assist with air flow through the house and are controlled through the C-BUS system. Michael says that the opening of these windows could have been automated, but the team instead opted for a system that alerts the user of an opportunity to open windows and then leaves the user to press the button that will open them.
Other features of the house include a greywater treatment system and a slow sand filter. The landscape design surrounding the house provides composting facilities, a reed bed, an aquaponics system and vertical green walls where you can grow food.
We wish them the best of luck in China! S
More info can be found at www.illawarraflame.com.au
o Design challenges included the difficulties posed by packing the retrofit for China. Here, the house is being packed into shipping containers.
o This interface panel controls the lighting through the C-BUS system. Here you can program the switches in the house, directing the lights they operate. This makes the C-BUS system very flexible and expandable.
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24 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
The lithium homesteadModern batteries in the bushRollo Sherriff, of Replenishable Energy in Queensland, recently installed a large lithium battery based system in the bush. He describes this impressive system.
AS LITHIUM batteries become cheaper they are starting to appear in renewable energy systems. With their theoretically longer lifespan and ability to handle much deeper discharges than lead-acid batteries, they have become economically viable to use in many systems.
Being a tad cutting edge, you would expect to see them in early adopter’s systems or in urban environments, where high-maintenance lead-acid cells are not ideal. However, they are also appearing in rural systems in some of the most unlikely places.
The system described here by the installer, Rollo Sherriff of Replenishable Energy, is on an outback station in Queensland!
Outback solarBarwidgi station, known previously as ‘Bullock Creek station‘, is situated 80 km north west of Mount Garnet. It is quite large, covering 74,100 ha (183,027 acres).
Prior to the installation, the station owner Royce Goudie and station manager Alan were running the two homesteads and machinery shed on diesel generators. These operated for approximately 20 hours each day, with an annual fuel bill of between $20,000 and $25,000.
Barwidgi station’s electricity consumption is around 35 kWh a day, sometimes peaking at over 45 kWh a day. To provide this energy from sources other than the diesel generators required a bit of careful design.
The off-grid system was designed and built by John Inglis, the owner of Positronic Solar, Data and Electrical in Brendale, Queenlsand. We installed it in mid-December 2012.
This system is different to most off-grid
systems in that it incorporates both grid and off-grid components, including a large, oversized array of grid-interactive type solar panels coupled to a pair of grid-connect inverters. This configuration can provide additional power of up to 6 kW once the battery banks are fully charged.
The energy produced during the day is not subject to typical power demand inefficiencies when used directly by the appliances. Charging batteries and then drawing power from the batteries via the Xantrex XW hybrid inverter-charger could
o The solar array is quite large, coming in at 14 kW. Oversizing arrays is becoming more common due to the low cost of PV panels. Having an oversized array means that the array produces the full inverter capacity for longer each day, although the extra capacity above the inverter rating isn’t utilised.
System specs• Solar array: 14 kW, consisting of 56
ET250 monocrystalline panels• Grid-connect inverters: two SMA
3000TL-21 inverters, total 6 kW. These feed into a Schneider Electric Xantrex XW Hybrid 6 kW inverter-charger.
• Battery bank: two banks of 48 V, 300 Ah HighPower lithium iron phosphate batteries (sixteen 3.2 V cells in each bank). These are controlled by a custom battery management system (BMS).
ReNew Issue 124 25renew.org.au
produce up to 15% power losses. Instead, this AC-coupled system avoids those losses for a lot of the energy used.
Once the batteries are near fully charged, the system user is able to fully utilise the additional power for any other purpose, or luxury, such as doing the washing, the transfer of water (running pressure pumps) and even air conditioning. This allows the good use of energy that would otherwise be wasted.
The system is also connected to the generator via the Xantrex inverter. It is set to run at 30% battery capacity.
Since installation the generator has kicked in only once after three days and 500 mm of rain, and then only ran for four hours. This was in the third week of January during ex-tropical cyclone Oswald.
The battery system supplied has approximately 24 kWh of usable energy storage, at 80% depth of discharge. At this level of DoD it is rated for at least 3000 cycles,
o Inside the battery and equipment enclosure. As you can see, the batteries are quite small for the capacity available.
o The two SMA grid-interactive inverters at left, with the battery and equipment enclosure at right.
with 80% battery capacity still available.The total system cost including GST was $63,000. After STC rebates of $18,500 it cost
$44,500, supplied, installed and commissioned. Against the previous cost of running the diesel gensets, this equates to just a two year payback period. S
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26 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Wind directionsThe latest stats on the wind industry
With the largest wind farm in the southern hemisphere now operating in Victoria, the Clean Energy Council’s Alicia Webb gives us an update on the state of wind in Australia.
THE Macarthur wind farm in southwest Victoria, the largest wind farm in the southern hemisphere, was officially opened on 12 April 2013 by Victorian Premier Denis Napthine and project partners AGL Energy, Meridian Energy, Vestas and Leighton Contractors. With 140 three-megawatt wind turbines, the Macarthur wind farm is the biggest installed so far in Australia and will generate enough electricity to power 220,000 homes.
Tasmania is also about to launch a new wind farm, with Hydro Tasmania’s Musselroe wind farm in the state’s northeast expected to come online in coming weeks. Musselroe will have 59 three-megawatt turbines when complete.
Target on trackThe federal government announced its response to the Renewable Energy Target (RET) review during March, and it was great news for renewable energy with the government adopting most of the recommendations from the Climate Change Authority (CCA).
The government effectively announced no change to the RET legislation. Most important for wind was that the fixed target of 41,000 gigawatt-hours for the large-scale RET will remain. The government accepted 28 of the 34 recommendations from the CCA, with an additional three recommendations accepted in-principle subject to the outcome of further consultation and analysis. The full response from the federal government is available online at: bit.ly/18HnMoE
Wind farms and health—new researchTwo new studies on wind farm and health effects were released in March, adding to a growing body of evidence that wind farms
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g Located 16 km east of the town of Macarthur in western Victoria, the 420 MW Macarthur wind farm will save approximately 1.7 million tonnes of greenhouse gases per year.
o The first of the Vestas V112 wind turbine blades for the Macarthur wind farm being unloaded in December 2011. The wind farm took about 2.5 years to build at a cost of approximately $1 billion, and became fully operational in late January 2013.
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Wind stats:• Wind supplied around 3.4 per cent of the country’s
electricity needs in 2012.• During 2012, five new wind farms were commissioned,
adding 358 MW of new capacity.• We now have 1537 turbines across 63 wind farms, with a
total installed capacity of 3004 MW.• There are currently 10 projects under construction, expected
to add 218 MW of capacity in 2013, and approximately 1000 MW in the following two years.
pose no threat to human health. The first study, conducted at the University of Auckland and published by the American Psychological Association, considered the hypothesis that exposure to the anti-wind farm health effects campaign could create a ‘symptom expectation’ and then actual symptoms in healthy volunteers.
The study exposed 60 participants to 10 minutes of infrasound and 10 minutes of sham infrasound. Prior to the exposure, half of the volunteers watched readily available information on the health impacts of wind farms and the other half watched information about the scientific position that wind farm infrasound does not affect human health.
Results showed that the group who did not expect to feel ill did not and that the group that expected to feel ill did feel symptoms. The study concluded that “Healthy volunteers, when given information about the expected physiological effect of infrasound, reported symptoms that aligned with that information, during exposure to both infrasound and sham infrasound.”
The second study, by University of Sydney Professor of Public Health Simon Chapman, undertook a historical audit of all complaints made about wind farm noise or health problems on all of Australia’s 49 wind farms.
The study found that while there are some 32,677 people living within 5 kilometres of a wind farm in Australia, just 120—or one in 272—of them have ever made a formal complaint, appeared in a news report or sent a complaining submission to government.
The study also found that some complainants took many years to voice their first complaint, even though wind farm opponents regularly warn that the ill effects can be almost instant.
Professor Chapman’s study supports the findings from the University of Auckland that anxiety and fear about wind turbines being spread by anti-wind farm groups can cause some people who hear the frightening information to develop symptoms. You can download the University of Auckland study online at: bit.ly/16q2VVR. The University of Sydney study is available online at: bit.ly/13Wi6qd
Help for host landholdersNSW Farmers released a wind farm guide for host landholders in January, which aims to assist farmers in negotiating with wind farm developers. It contains a lot of useful information about the wind farm development process and outlines questions to ask along the way. The guide is available online at: bit.ly/TZHDJn S
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28 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Energy accessSmall wind emergesThe Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) steps up a campaign for small wind in developing countries. By Marcus Wiemann, Secretary General of ARE.
SMALL and medium wind turbines may offer the most environmentally friendly and cost-competitive technologies for rural electrification in developing and emerging countries. Yet decision makers and project developers in these countries often don’t rate wind highly out of the basket of available energy options.
Given favourable conditions, small wind can be cheaper over the system’s lifetime than small PV, small hydropower and other renewable and non-renewable solutions, such as diesel or kerosene. It can also easily be integrated in hybrid systems with solar energy or diesel, offering a more environmentally friendly, higher quality and lower cost solution than diesel-only systems.
So why are small and medium wind turbines not used more widely in developing countries, where cost is such a dominant issue?
The answer is blowing in the windAt the beginning of 2012 the international Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) asked its wind members (a range of wind energy companies and associations) what barriers they’d faced while doing business in developing countries.
One of the main barriers they identified was that small and medium wind technologies remain relatively unknown to the decision makers. Through regulation, governments influence market growth and the performance and safety of wind systems, but they are often not fully aware of the potential of wind. Knowledge about and experience with small wind remain rare among practitioners from both the public and the private sectors.
There are also cost barriers to initial
investment. An exhaustive on-site wind resource assessment is needed to ensure the site is suitable, but the costs are extensive. The long duration of such assessments can also prove a barrier.
Another issue was a lack of quality standards and certifications for both the technologies and their installation process. These are needed to guarantee the reliability and safety of the systems and ensure that low quality products that could damage the image of the technology (as has sometimes happened with other technologies in the past) are avoided.
To address these issues, the Alliance launched a year-long Small Wind Campaign in June 2012 with the aim of creating partnerships and business-matching opportunities. It soon became clear, however, that we needed to take a step back and fill basic information gaps.
People wanted to know how to evaluate the suitability of small wind in specific areas, what long-term maintenance would be required, how to choose the best product and, most importantly, how to ensure that expectations were realistic.
To provide this information, ARE met with small groups to discuss the challenges of real-life projects in a way that was relevant to people and that they could apply in their own communities.
As a key part of the campaign, we produced a paper The potential of small and medium wind energy in developing countries (available free online), which includes technical information on the technologies, as well as recommendations on policy considerations for small or medium wind projects.
Following on from this, ARE conducted online webinars, side-events at the first International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition in Ghana and sent a business delegation to the Ivory Coast.
The biggest challenge was to provide opportunities for exchanging skills, project ideas and experiences in a market that remains extremely fragmented.
A long way to goOne very positive outcome of the campaign was that decision makers in developing and emerging countries have shown an interest in renewable energies in general, and in wind in particular. Renewables seem to tick all the boxes of their specific energy needs, with the increasing electricity needs in off-grid areas, the decreasing cost of renewables and the rising price of fossil fuels, and the increasing interest in international financing for renewable energies, the environment and climate change, as well as for energy access.
Now that the Alliance’s Small Wind Campaign has its foot in the door, what’s the best way forward and what are the most likely challenges ahead?
Balthasar Klimbie, director of Dutch Small Wind, who participated in the campaign, said: “In my opinion, the campaign was quite good for raising awareness. Next we should try to work on training and capacity building. Only through passing on knowledge to the local communities can we ensure the sustainability of the systems. We need to make sure that decision makers know how to deal with this issue. There is a long way to go”.
The Small Wind Campaign has taken some valuable steps towards reaching its ambitious
ReNew Issue 124 29renew.org.au
goals. When thinking of the estimated 1.3 billion people currently without access to electricity, the campaign’s impact may prove to be more than just a drop in the ocean. And if the enthusiasm and belief of the people involved in the campaign show anything, it is that we are on the right track. S
The Alliance for Rural Electrification is an international non-profit organisation, based in Brussels, focusing on the promotion and development of off-grid and distributed renewable energy solutions in developing countries and emerging markets. Marcus Wiemann is responsible for ARE’s policy sector and outreach. For more information and to access the paper produced as part of the campaign, go to www.ruralelec.org.
o This year Wind Energy Systems will install another six WES80 turbines on the island of St Helena. After installation of these turbines, St Helena will benefit from a significant reduction in its diesel usage, with 12 WES80 turbines in total. The first three turbines were installed in 1999 and a second three in 2009.
o Captiono Caption
Wind-diesel hybrid in Ilakaka, MadagascarThe rural town of Ilakaka is home to several thousand people living on an isolated grid in Madagascar. Energy used to be produced here using an expensive, inefficient diesel generator, so The Wind Factory installed a more efficient 100 kVA generator combined with a WES18 80 kW hybrid wind turbine. The wind turbine has two blades with a rotor diameter of 18 m, a tower height of 30 m, and also houses an integrated telecom antenna for the local provider. Now over 400 grid connections provide energy to about 2500 people and over 200 businesses. Diesel consumption is expected to fall by 40,000 litres a year, saving over 100 tonnes CO2.
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30 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
A GRANDMOTHER pedals effortlessly uphill on an e-bike. A cautious teenager balances gingerly on a powered skateboard, while a man rides a high-performance trike. Later, a bearded and dreadlocked fellow wobbles his way down the track on an electric version of a unicycle.
This was the scene at the test ride area of the Melbourne Electric Vehicle Expo, where there really was something for everyone.
“With bikes especially, both the technology and the need have come far enough to make them a very viable form of transport,” says Doug Rolfe, the ATA’s branch manager. Our grandmother finds this to be true, as she pulls up from her test ride very excited about the ease with which the electric motor enabled her to travel uphill.
Beyond the test ride area visitors to the expo could inspect a row of electric cars, including the Holden Volt, Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Tesla Roadster. Also on display were a number of cars converted from petrol to electric, as well as an electric racing car, an electric bus, and even a solar-powered car from the Aurora Solar Car team. Aurora also presented a seminar on the day about the challenges of designing a solar car to be compliant with the Australian Design Rules on their quest to create the first solar car to be officially road-legal.
Unfortunately, electric car usage has not grown as quickly in Australia as in some other countries. “In other countries, such as America, there are government rebates and concessions. None of this exists in Australia,” Daryl Budgeon from the Australian Electric Vehicle Association says.
The relatively high cost of buying an electric car in Australia has, of course, led some innovative people to instead convert their own petrol car to electric.
Justin Harding is one of those people, and
his electric Mitsubishi Lancer—or ‘eLancer’—was one of the vehicles on display. “I spent $20,000 on parts and did the conversion myself, which took two years of weekends to complete,” Justin says. “It can do 70 km trips and 100 kph. I have a 50 km round trip commute so it’s good for that, also for visiting friends and shopping.”
Inside there were e-bikes galore, many for road use but also the Stealth off-road bikes, which looked like a cross between a pushbike and a motorbike. There were foldable e-bikes, as well as bikes which, when pedalled, powered a blender to create a delicious smoothie. Parked in the middle of the action, the Good Brew Company served sustainably-
Robyn Antanovskii finds there’s an EV for everyone at the recent expo, organised by the ATA’s Melbourne EV branch.
a A fine Tesla Roadster electric car was on display. This car holds the world record for the longest electric car range of 501 km at 55 kph.
EV expoElectric communities come together
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Profile of a home-converted ‘superbike’One of the bikes on display at the Melbourne EV Expo was Carl Butler’s 2004 Kona ‘Stinky’ downhill bike. Here’s some specs.• The batteries are a pair of 10 Ah lithium
(LiFePO4) prismatic batteries, running a single battery on the bike (38 V) for street riding and both batteries (76 V) for going bush
• The motor is a sensored Crystalyte high torque 3525 mounted in a 26 inch wheel (approx 1 kW @ 76 V and 500 W @ 38 V)
• The controller is a sensored Crystalyte 72 V, 60 A with regenerative braking (regen button on handlebars to control speed and charge battery)
• Half twist-grip throttle• Second generation Cycle Analyst for
monitoring battery performance• Home-made torque arms made from
10 mm thick stainless steel• Home-made aluminium battery box.
brewed beer and cider from an electric trike carrying kegs. The atmosphere was buzzing.
“Our aim is getting more people on bikes,” the ATA’s Doug Rolfe says, and judging by the level of interest shown by the crowd, that aim is going to be achieved.
The day included several presentations, including an introduction to e-bikes by Dean Greguric, a self-confessed ‘bike nut’ from the ATA’s EV Melbourne branch. He says that e-bikes are fantastic for people who are looking for a greener mode of transport that doesn’t necessarily require them to be fit. “Not everyone wants to be part of the Tour De France every time they go to the shops.”
He also spoke about the laws relating to e-bikes as well as the basics of motors and batteries. A talk by former senior lecturer in mechanical engineering David Clark provided detailed information on battery electric power.
Enthusiasm for EVs among the younger generation was discussed in a talk by Gary Ellem from the University of Newcastle. Gary covered the annual EV Prize (see p. 32 for more), part of the Hunter Valley Electric Vehicle Festival that involves high school students designing and building their own e-bikes to compete in a one hour race.
Spending time at the expo chatting with exhibitors and test riding vehicles was a great
way both to find out more about EVs and get inspired about the abundant opportunities and possibilities that exist within the ever-growing electric vehicle field.
As the crowd slowly dispersed at the end of an action-packed afternoon, it was easy to believe that every single attendee walked away even more enthused about EVs than when they arrived. Except, of course, those who purchased a brand new EV on the day— though no doubt enthused, they most likely rode away rather than walked! S
The EV Expo was organised by the ATA Melbourne EV branch, in conjunction with Swinburne University and Boroondara Council. See www.ata.org.au/branches/melbourne-ev-branch for more info.
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32 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Prize positionFirst place (first try!)Dedicated teacher John Evans tells the story of how his students won the 2012 schools e-bike race in the Hunter Valley EV Prize.
AS PART of our Year 9 and 10 Design and Technology course, Hunter Christian School registered to compete in the 2012 EV Prize Schools competition. This is an endurance race for student-designed and made electric bikes, organised by the University of Newcastle. The competitors are allowed a budget of just $200 to purchase an energy source. This is generally a battery of some sort, but other options are possible. The team that completes the most laps in 1.5 hours wins!
It was our first time entering. After many hours of research, the school’s two teams settled on a 24 volt LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) 20 amp-hour battery to power the two bikes. This relatively new lithium battery technology needs a computer to manage the charging to maintain battery health (a BMS, or battery management system). Both the
batteries and the BMS were purchased from Catavolt in Cardiff for $275.
After another lengthy period of research with some good learning for everyone involved on motor theory and types, the teams selected a 500 watt brushless DC motor with a built-in computer controller and planetary gearbox.
We chose this motor because it came with a planetary gearbox that efficiently dropped the rpm down to a usable range. We are not talking about professional riders, so the likelihood of 15- or 16-year-old students keeping the motor operating within a close rpm range was low. The motor is very efficient (93%) around 3000 rpm. With roughly a 10:1 drop in the gearbox, this gave us about 300 rpm.
Thanks to The Bike Man in Islington, the team obtained two secondhand bikes: a
g Emily and Willem collect first prize for the competition. Above, the start of the race with the Hunter Christian School sitting in 5th and 8th down the line, ready to start.
road bike and a mountain bike. Lots of bike maintenance and repairs ensued, prior to the rebirth of the bikes as 21st century electrical vehicles. There were plenty of breakages and some assistance from another shop, Two Wheel Industries, before the heartache subsided and two reliable vehicles rolled out ready for the race track.
The end result was a bike (with no pedals!) capable of doing 40 kph on the flat and able to maintain 30 kph around our local go-karts track.
In addition to building the bikes, the students were given a number of other options to be part of the team. Some designed a banner, logos, team bags and T-shirts. This meant that more students had the opportunity to use their gifts and skills and we all learnt lots about working as a team and
ReNew Issue 124 33renew.org.au
how to manage a project.Race day 26 August arrived and the sky was
clear for a crisp 7.30 am start. The 30 teams assembled at the track for scrutineering and testing. Final modifications were made to the bikes and the drivers were briefed.
As there’s a compulsory driver change we’d settled on five drivers. The drivers were Emily Smith, Willem Passfield, Brian Burns, Lovekesh Singh and Jedidiah Mushariwa.
The teams had to complete qualifying laps to determine pole positions based on fastest times. Our teams came in 5th and 8th out of 30, putting them in good pole positions, and a strong position for the prize race.
At 2 pm, the actual race started (having allowed time for a battery recharge). Willem and Lovekesh led the teams onto the track. Willem used his go-karting experience to find ‘the line’ and Lovekesh drove smartly, conserving energy for the finish.
About the one hour mark most of the competitors’ batteries failed leaving about
g A close-up of the electric motor on the winning bike. You can see the copper heat sinks attached to the motor. Removing the pedals allowed us to go to a smaller chain drive. Each chain stage loses at least 5% in efficiency.
eight or ten bikes still in the race. The lead changed a few times but the Hunter teams were consistently in the top five places.
After a change of drivers at around the halfway mark, Brian and Emily steadily knocked out more laps. At 1 hour 25 minutes, the race leader’s bike faltered and we were looking good. But just 15 seconds later Hunter’s road bike, driven by Brian, faltered too.
But Brian managed to change gears and drive it up the final hill into first place, winning by a wheel. To his credit, he rode a victory lap to prove the bike’s superiority. Meanwhile Emily had been consistently catching up laps, and crossed the line in fourth place.
Hunter Christian School’s bikes both completed 44 laps of a 1.2 km track, for a total of 52.8 km within 1.5 hours, at an average speed of 35.2 kph. The fastest speed for the bikes to date is 52 kph.
The mountain bike’s motor bracket became
More on the motor
Making the two bikes was a big experiment. We added heat sinks on the motor, although this proved to be unnecessary as the motor never really even got warm (maybe because of the heat sinks or good driving?) With the cyclone motors, the speed controller is mounted inside the motor and I was concerned about two sources of heat all enclosed together. I also didn’t have much information on the controller and was concerned that there might be a temperature cut-off.
To help the driver conserve batteries we fitted an amp-meter but used the battery-to-motor cable as the shunt resistor. We didn’t bother calibrating the meter as it just gave an indication of the current drain and whether the driver was in the best gear.
The batteries were built from A123 LiFePO4 cells. The students put the cells together. Eight cells at 3.3 volts gave us a nominal 24 volt 20 Ah system. These things pack a punch and need to be treated with respect. A key switch was added to each bike.
twisted during the race, but otherwise the bikes performed beautifully and are a credit to their makers. Well done, class of Design and Technology! S
Hunter Valley Electric Vehicle Festival EV prize is on again in 2013. Go to: www.hunterevfestival.net/ev-prize
a The proud winning team and their bikes after the race.
34 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Know your renewablesSolar panel basicsSolar panels are popping up on homes everywhere, but how do they actually work? Lance Turner gives a quick explanation.
SOLAR panels (photovoltaic panels) generate electricity directly from sunlight. They have no moving parts and so are ‘solid state’ devices. This makes them, by and large, extremely reliable. In recent years they have become a popular addition to many homes in Australia and around the world, as they can be used to offset some or all of a home’s electricity use, thus reducing or even eliminating electricity bills completely.
We should mention that photovoltaic panels should not be confused with those used to make hot water, which are simply ‘flat plates’ that get hot when placed in the sun and transfer the heat directly to the water in the water heater tank.
So just what makes a solar panel tick—how does it do this seemingly magical trick of turning light directly into electricity?
What’s a panel consist of?A solar panel consists of a number of cells made of semiconductor material similar to that used in integrated circuits and other electronic components. The cells are usually quite large, up to 150 mm square or more, but only a fraction of a millimetre thick. As each cell produces only around 0.5 volts each in full sun, they are connected in long strings to generate useable voltages.
If a panel has more than one string of cells, they are connected in parallel. All of the connections are made using a thin, flexible foil made specifically for the purpose.
Once the cells are all wired together, they are placed face down on the outer glass (which will often have an anti-reflective coating), which is usually a toughened low-iron glass to allow the maximum amount of
light to reach the cells. The cells are bonded to the glass using an encapsulant such as EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate); a backing sheet, usually plastic, but sometimes glass or another material, is placed on the back to seal and protect the cells and encapsulant.
At this stage you have a large glass panel (now called a laminate) with the cells attached and two or more foil strips protruding from the backing. A junction box is mounted over these and the ends of the foil strips are connected either to a terminal block inside the junction box or to short ‘flying leads’ terminated in a special connector known as an MC connector.
The last stage is mounting the laminate inside a frame. The frame is usually made from extruded aluminium profiles for
corrosion resistance and robustness. Once the laminate is sealed into the frame you have a finished solar panel.
Some companies use frameless laminates in solar installations. Special frames are installed on the roof or wherever the solar array is to be mounted and the laminates are simply dropped into place and held with locking strips or clips. This can make for a vary fast installation, but is usually reserved for commercial-sized ‘solar farms’.
The above description covers both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels, but thin film panels are made slightly differently. While the process varies depending on the thin film technology being used, it normally consists of layers of
There are three main types of solar panel: monocrystalline (left), polycrystalline (centre) and thin film (right).
ReNew Issue 124 35renew.org.au
Solar panel safety and maintenanceThere are a number of important issues to consider when using solar panels. There’s not a lot of maintenance required—just keep the panel surface relatively clean and your panels should give you many years of service.
But there are a couple of safety issues to consider. The first is lightning protection. Solar panels can be struck by lightning, just like anything else that is outside in a storm. What happens to the lightning current depends on how well the panels are earthed. An unearthed or poorly earthed array can result in huge currents from a lightning strike finding their way into the rest of the system—with potentially damaging and dangerous results.
A solar array should be fully earthed if possible, with each panel being connected to the main earth conductor, which itself
should be at least 16 mm2 and connected to its own earthing stake. Some solar panel mounting systems make this task much easier and they are worth investigating if your area is prone to electrical storms.
Another area to mention is that of solar array disconnects. Many DIYers leave these out, but every array should have at least one main disconnect as close to the array as possible, as well as the disconnect at the charge controller or inverter.
In grid-interactive systems, where solar array voltages can be very high and hence very dangerous, placing disconnects or isolators between every two panels in a series string can break the array down into safe voltages for maintenance. Commercial systems like the Remote Solar Isolator and the SafetyinSolar isolator system can make even high-voltage solar arrays much safer.
semiconductor being deposited directly onto the glass in one large area. The individual cells are created by cutting the resulting semiconductor area into thin strips with a laser (it only cuts the semiconductor, not the glass itself) and then the thin cells are connected to produce the appropriate voltage and current requirements, usually using clamp-type connectors along the edges of the glass.
Sometimes, the semiconductor is deposited onto a backing substrate such as stainless steel, the cells processed and connected, and then the substrate is bonded to glass or is simply coated in a transparent protective coating to form the laminate.
Electrons from photonsThe details of the semiconductor material itself can vary, but the cells are usually made of silicon (an element), which has been purified and cast into blocks or grown into single large crystals. The blocks or crystals are then cut into very thin slices using a diamond wire saw.
The surfaces of the cells are polished and then the cells are treated with other elements, usually boron and phosphorus, which migrate into the cells, in a process called ‘doping’. This process causes one side of the cell to become N-type (an excess of electrons, and therefore a negative charge), and the other P-type (a lack of electrons, or an excess of positive ‘holes’, and so a positive charge). The junction between the two types is called—as you might expect—a P–N junction.
Anyone familiar with electronics will know that this is the basic structure of the simplest semiconductor component—a diode. And that’s exactly what solar cells are—huge, flat diodes.
Light behaves like both particles and waves, and those particles are called photons. When a sunlight photon strikes the P–N junction of a solar cell, it can cause electrons to move from one side of the junction to the other. This causes an increase in charge across the junction and hence the solar cell produces a voltage. If a conductor, such as wire, is connected to both sides of the cell, the excess electrons on one side of the junction will
flow through the wire to the other side of the junction. A flow of electrons is electrical current, so light striking the cells directly produces an electrical current.
Panel ratingsOnce upon a time, almost all solar panels were of the ‘12 volt’ variety. They consisted of 36 cells connected in series and produced maximum power at 16 to 17 volts DC (direct current), and the largest panels were around 80 watts. If you wanted to charge a 24 volt battery (or 48 volt, or whatever) you connected panels in series strings to produce the desired voltage, and if you needed more current you connected multiple strings in parallel to produce the desired current.
Nowadays there’s a huge variety of solar panel sizes and specifications. They range from small ‘12 volt’ panels of just a few watts through to huge 300 watt monsters designed to produce much higher voltages for use in grid-interactive systems.
The important thing to remember about solar panels is that they have a fairly fixed output voltage, regardless of the amount of power they produce. As the level of sunlight (insolation) changes, the available output current varies in proportion, but the panel voltage doesn’t vary a great deal at the point of maximum power.
We should look at a few basic specifications and what they mean.
Standard test conditions (STC) are a set of conditions that are used to measure the output parameters of a solar panel. They assume an insolation (solar irradiance) of
Figure 1. Construction of a typical thin film panel (left) and a crystalline panel (right).
36 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
1000 W/m2 and a 25 °C cell temperature. Standard test conditions give you a way to compare the performance of different panels. Some manufacturers also provide data for nominal operating cell temperature (NOCT) which gives a more realistic set of figures for normal operation of a panel, as cell temperatures are rarely 25 °C.
Maximum power point refers to the point on a solar panel’s I–V curve (a plot of current against voltage, see Figure 2) where the panel produces the most power under standard test conditions (STC). The power produced at the maximum power point is listed as Pmp.
Vmp is the panel voltage when the panel is producing maximum power at STC.
Voc (open circuit voltage) is the panel voltage under STC with no load on the panel at all. The panel voltage with no load can be considerably higher than the loaded voltage and must be taken into account when designing a system as you must make sure that the solar array voltage never exceeds the maximum input voltage of anything connected to the array, such as a solar charge controller or grid-interactive inverter.
Imp (maximum power point current) is similar to Vmp in that it is stated under STC and at the maximum power output of the panel. It is simply the current you can draw from the panel at the maximum power point.
Isc is the short circuit current of the panel—i.e. the current you would get from the panel at STC should the output of the panel be short circuited. It is typically 10% or so higher than Imp.
There is one type of solar panel that doesn’t produce DC electricity, but rather AC electricity for directly feeding into the mains grid. These panels are a regular DC panel with a grid-interactive microinverter attached to the back, so there is no DC output available. They are usually only used in AC grid-interactive systems.
Efficiency and what it meansEffectively, a solar panel’s efficiency is simply the output power divided by insolation in relation to the panel surface area. For instance, a panel that is 0.5 m2 that produces 100 watts under STC has an efficiency of 100/(1000 x 0.5)=0.2, or 20% in percentage terms.
The efficiency of a solar cell depends on the materials it is made of and a number of other factors. If a cell could turn every incoming photon into a moving electron it would have an efficiency of 100%. In reality this is not
possible for a number of technical reasons, and cell efficiency is usually 20% or less.
However, too many people get caught up in cell efficiency when in fact it’s not the most important specification. More important is the amount of energy generated for the cost of the panel over the panel’s lifetime. It may not be worthwhile spending twice as much to get a panel a few percent more efficient—the energy generated will be more expensive than that produced by a cheaper, less efficient panel.
The only time efficiency should be an over-riding factor in deciding which panel to buy is when roof space is limited. A less efficient panel is larger for the same power output, so if you have limited space, the most efficient panel might be the best choice, even if it is more expensive per watt.
TemperatureSolar panel output is affected by the operating temperature. Generally, the hotter the panel, the lower the power output. How much the output falls by is called the temperature coefficient and is stated in a percentage per degree celsius above 25 °C. For example, if a panel is rated at 200 watts at STC with a temperature coefficient of 0.4%/°C, at a 60 °C degree cell temperature it will have an output reduction of 0.4 x (60–25) = 14%. This means that it will only produce 172 watts at 60°C.
Clearly, if your panels are likely to run hot, then you should look for a panel with a low
Figure 2. A typical set of I–V curves for different cell temperatures, these ones for a Kyocera 315 W polycrystalline panel. The maximum power point is found on the ‘knee’ of the curve, showing how output voltage, and hence power, decreases as cell temperature increases.
temperature coefficient. Panels incorporating thin film materials usually have the best high temperature performance.
Panel longevity and warrantiesGenerally speaking, solar panels have a very long lifespan; however, they do tend to suffer some loss of output over time. Most panels come with performance warranties of 20 or 25 years, meaning that if they are not producing a certain percentage of their original rating (usually 90% after 10 years and 80% after 20 or 25 years) then the manufacturer will replace them.
There are a few factors that affect panel lifespans, including correct handling and installation, wind loadings and operating temperatures (panels mounted with no ventilation behind them may run hot).
Solar panel mountingAn important aspect of solar systems is the solar panel mounting. Panels are large, flat objects that can catch a great deal of wind, so they must be mounted correctly and securely to prevent damage to the panels and what they are mounted on.
There are many solar mounting systems available and some panels now incorporate slots in their frames to allow the use of special brackets for fast and efficient mounting of an array. While not the most important aspect of a solar system, panel mounting should at least be considered. S
„Good reputation? My WINAICO customers will still recommend me in 20 years.”
WINAICO is a trademark of Win Win Precision Technology Co., Ltd.WINAICO Australia Pty Ltd · Level 56 MLC Centre · 19-29 Martin PlaceSydney NSW 2000 · Australia · Phone: +612 9238 6127 Fax: +612 9238 6363 · [email protected] · www.winaico.com
WINAICO’s brand new Australian office and warehouse gives our installers direct access for the best prices and timely delivery on all our high quality solar panels, BIPV Products, inverters and racking.
264_90 x 130_anz_australien.indd 1 12.07.12 15:36
2013 EBAA ConferenceA Celebration of Earth BuildingOctober 4-6, 2013 Bamarang Bush Retreat via Nowra, NSW
Demonstrations of various earth building techniques, presentations, stalls and a house tour of local earth buildings.
For more details:
www.ebaa.asn.au
BEFORE YOU DO A THINGto those windows
read this
www.clearcomfort.com.au
38 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Cool competitionWinter performance figuresColin Dedman updates his popular PV testing to include new panels and those that had previously only had a run in summer. The results are interesting!
THE RESULTS of my solar PV panel testing were published in ReNew 118 and 119. At that time the top-performing panel, at least under summer conditions, was the Panasonic three-layer model VBHN235SE10 (formerly known as the Sanyo HIT-N235SE10).
I have now tested the Panasonic panels under winter conditions, as well as panels from Winaico, with a remarkable yield performance that had me double-checking the calibration of my equipment. Is there a new king among the panels tested so far?
Winter energy yield scores As explained in detail in the previous articles, the yield score is a measure, under real-world conditions, of the energy yield relative to the rated nameplate power. The higher the yield score, the more the panel exceeds nameplate power rating. Previous test results showed a clear correlation with the cost of the panels, with the high-end brands tending to produce more power for a given nameplate rating.
Summer test results in ReNew 118 showed the Panasonic HIT panels comfortably outperformed the competition with an energy yield score of 108.5%. As shown in Figure 1, the Panasonic panels lose a little of their edge in winter, although they still score an above-average yield of 104.5%. The reduction in winter wasn’t a surprise, as the Panasonic panels have an unusually low temperature coefficient of power, so the power drops off less at high summer temperatures. In summary, the Panasonic HIT panels provide exceptionally high energy yield relative to the stated nameplate power, especially under hot summer conditions.
However, the newly tested Winaico
polycrystalline panels set the proverbial cat among the pigeons, with a record-breaking yield performance of 108.8% under winter conditions. Further, as the temperature coefficient is similar to most other panels, it seems likely that a similar score will be achieved in summer. This is an impressive performance, with the result that they provide significantly more power than you pay for.
PV panels always contain some spread in performance as a result of normal manufacturing tolerances. Just to make sure that the Winaico panels tested were not ‘lucky freaks’, I obtained the factory flash test results for the two panels that I tested, as well as for all panels imported in the previous month.
The flash test performance of the two panels that I tested was very close to the average of the previous month’s imports, suggesting that the unusually high energy yield performance reported here is typical of these Winaico PV panels, and not just due to good luck.
Energy density scoreThe energy density score is a measure of the real-world energy yield relative to the area of the panel, which is especially important when roof area is scarce. It can also reduce installation cost, because fewer panels and less mounting hardware are required for a given amount of installed power.
As shown in Figure 2, the Panasonic HIT
o Figure 1. Winter yield performance.
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panel retains the crown in this category with a remarkable score of 133%. This is a direct result of the high-tech three-layer construction (HIT, or Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin layer, is a recent advance in panel technology that combines the best features of both crystalline and thin-film panels), which ‘catches’ more photons per unit area of panel.
Among the conventional panels, Winaico scores above average at 105.4%, and provides the highest energy density of any polycrystalline panel tested so far, due to its energy yield significantly exceeding nameplate power. Polycrystalline panels have traditionally had lower energy density (efficiency) compared to monocrystalline panels, but the results show little difference for modern panels. Sunpower is another company producing very high efficiency panels and it would be interesting to test them in the future.
Warranty scoreDetails of how the warranty score is calculated are given in ReNew 118. Note that Solarfun is now known as Hanwha and the Sanyo HIT is now a Panasonic panel. Their warranties have been recently upgraded, and it is the upgraded warranties that are charted here.
Referring to Figure 3, Winaico and Solarfun score well, mainly on account of a 12-year materials/workmanship warranty, compared to the general industry standard of 10 years.
In addition, Winaico offers as standard a two-year insurance period covering the entire PV generation system, including panels, inverter,
wiring, mounting system and so on, against damage or failure from almost any possible cause. Also covered is financial loss due to unexpected loss or reduction in electricity production for almost any reason. If total peace of mind is important to you, then it is worth looking at the details on the Winaico website. For those who have never heard of Winaico (I hadn’t), they are a high-end PV panel supplier with their head office in Germany and manufacturing in Taiwan. Quality and reliability are their stated priorities and this
appears to be reflected in their above-average warranty and performance.
Warranty details often change, so be sure to check for current warranty details with the manufacturer or distributor.
The best PV panel?There is no such thing as the ‘best’ PV panel.
A premium panel with above average energy yield score provides the satisfaction of knowing that, for a given nameplate rating, your PV installation will produce more power than the guy’s down the road using cheaper panels with a lower yield score.
If obtaining the most power for the lowest initial cost is your top priority, then it will be hard to beat the cheaper Chinese-manufactured panels, even allowing for the fact that the cheaper brands tend to overstate rated power. However, keep in mind that panel manufacturers who overstate the rated power output may also take shortcuts in other areas that affect reliability and longevity.
If roof area is scarce, then ultra high efficiency panels (those with a high energy density score) provide a real benefit and are worth considering.
How much weight should be attached to the warranty is a matter of personal preference.
Hopefully the test results presented here will assist in choosing the PV panel best suited to your own budget and priorities. S
o Figure 2. Energy density, or output per unit of surface area.
o Figure 3. Warranty performance.
40 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
The full cycleHow sustainable is solar PV?Engineer Alex Bruce became a convert to life cycle assessment (LCA) after failing to answer a question on PV sustainability. He describes how LCA is used by the company he co-founded, eTool.
MY experience with solar PV began seven years ago working on a remote power system for a wildlife sanctuary in the Kimberley. As a mechanical engineer with a passion for the environment I couldn’t have been happier. Delivering renewable energy solutions to a group who were working to protect the local environment—what more could I ask for?
But when I returned to Broome I was challenged by a friend at the local pub who stated that “solar ain’t sustainable. There’s more energy and carbon that goes into making the panels than they’ll ever produce in their life.” A statement which left me looking pretty silly.
Although I didn’t have a comprehensive response, my gut feeling told me that this wasn’t the case. After a couple of hours on Google the next morning, I was happy to discover that yes, while 1970s solar panels weren’t very sustainable, the technology produced today is much more efficient, in both product performance and manufacturing materials and energy use, and will offset its embodied impacts within just a few years of operation.
For the next couple of years, I was content to rely on those Google references, but the concept of ‘embodied impacts’ kept nagging at the back of my mind. How did they come to these figures, how accurate were they really and was there more to this question than just looking at the embodied energy?
I found answers to these questions in the science of life cycle assessment (LCA) and it inspired me to start eTool, an LCA software company. For those of you who haven’t heard of it, LCA is a method that assesses every impact associated with all stages of a product
or process over its entire life span. The LCA approach is sometimes referred to as ‘cradle to cradle’, if it accounts for full recycling of a product, or ‘cradle to grave’, if it ends in disposal into landfill.
When you apply LCA to a product like solar PV, you’re looking at all the impacts associated with it: from mineral sand extraction to make the silicon, to making the panel, through to taking the finished product and installing it on a roof. The scale of the analysis is phenomenal and it takes a dogmatic approach, some pretty clever software and the ability to wade through masses of data to produce a quality LCA.
The good news is that there’s a whole bunch of LCA practitioners dedicated to giving us answers to those tricky questions we get hit with down at the pub. With scores of intelligent people conducting LCAs on thousands of products and processes, we’re generating a really useful life cycle inventory (LCI) of everything from solar PV panels to clay bricks and even bottled water.
LCA is a fast growing field of study and, as a result, the accuracy of the data being produced is constantly being improved. Just like any scientific area, there is ongoing debate on which method works best and who has the most accurate data—something that’s vital to keep driving the research and improving the accuracy and accessibility of LCA.
But back to solar PV…There are a bunch of things you have to consider when conducting an LCA of an entire solar array:
• embodied impacts of components (solar panels, inverters, aluminium frames, cables and all sundries)
• transport of these components from the factory gate to site
• assembly• maintenance and replacement (replacing
inverters and the odd broken panel)• disposal and recycling• design life (how long the system lasts
before it’s ready for recycling)• how much energy it will produce in the
specified installation.The data used to generate the embodied
impacts of the components, especially the solar panels, is under constant scrutiny and the subject of a bit of controversy. At eTool, we’ve taken a fairly middle ground and conservative approach in the way we include this in our LCA methodology.
If we were only interested in the carbon impacts of the system, the first few elements above would help us determine the total
o The built environment life cycle considered by LCA.
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carbon impact and the last two would help generate what is called the ‘functional unit’. The functional unit is probably one of the most important elements when conducting an LCA; as the name implies, it’s used to weigh up the impact against the function of the product. So in the case of solar PV, the function is to produce energy (or kilowatt-hours) so the functional unit becomes kgCO2e/kWh. The functional unit allows us to compare two different products that are used for the same function to work out which one has the most positive outcome. It’s also really useful in conducting a consequential analysis: as in, “what is the consequence of installing or not installing a new solar array?”
Case study: Solar Gain 138 kWp solar array We recently conducted an LCA as part of Solar Gain’s winning tender for a 138kWp solar array on the Goldfields Oasis Recreation Centre in Kalgoorlie, WA.
The analysis was conducted using a 50-year project life, so pretty much all of the equipment used would require replacing, including the panels and inverters, some a number of times. There was a massive amount of embodied carbon associated with the system over this project life, totalling 581 tonnes. To put this into perspective, an average residential solar PV system of 3 kWp would be responsible for less than 13 tonnes of embodied carbon over the same 50-year period.
Disposal and recycling weren’t included in this assessment as the data isn’t quite reliable enough yet and the net impact isn’t large as a proportion of the total; however, the world of LCA is working on it.
The biggest carbon impact came from the solar panels, sitting at around 90% of the total, given a complete replacement of all the panels at least once. Interestingly, even though the installation is just shy of 600 km by road from Perth and a long way from the panel manufacturer by boat, transport and assembly amounted to less than 2% of the total carbon impact.
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o Part of the Solar Gain PV array on the Goldfields Oasis Recreation Centre in Kalgoorlie, WA.
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o The original Bell Solar Battery (photovoltaic panel) being used in an early test in 1955 in Americus, Georgia.Solar cell efficiency of this new technology was about 6%. Now, efficiencies range from 4 to 20%.
42 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Using HOMER energy modelling software it was predicted that this system would produce around 210 MWh/year and 12,000 MWh over its 50-year design life. Going back to the functional unit, we are looking at around 0.055 kg CO2e/kWh. Currently the electricity network that this system will be installed on—the South West Interconnected System (SWIS)—has a carbon intensity of around 0.93 kgCO2e/kWh (National Greenhouse Accounts Factors July 2012 Scope 2&3).
So in this case the system will save about 184 tCO2e/year (consequential analysis against the SWIS) and pay its embodied impacts off in just over three years. A fantastic result for the planet!
One thing we also need to consider, though, is that the carbon intensity of the electricity network will depreciate as we increase the renewable energy content. As a result, these solar panels won’t be offsetting as much carbon in, say, 20 years, as they are today. That said, the embodied impacts associated with manufacturing and installing solar PV continue to drop too. A discussion for another day, perhaps.
So, what if we installed the same system in a less sunny region or on a network that is already dominated by renewables? The consequential analysis would be less favourable as the system wouldn’t be offsetting as much carbon. What this highlights is the importance of conducting an LCA to determine the real value of a product and not assuming that one size fits all.
Other impactsIf you’ve managed to breeze through the techno-babble, you may be thinking “okay, great, solar reduces carbon emissions but what about the local environmental damage from toxic chemicals used in the manufacturing processes or the hole left in the ground from the bauxite mine?”
Well, this is where LCA can get really interesting. A complete LCA will also consider all of these environmental, cost and social impacts and provide the outcomes as well. In some studies, attempts are made to try and weigh one impact against another. For example, trying to determine if carbon emissions are more or less important than toxicity raises even more tricky questions which we’ll have to leave for another time. For me, the important thing is that LCA provides a way of quantifying these impacts and at least gives people the ability to make an informed decision.
A good way to look at LCA is not to consider it as the definitive approach to design but as a great tool for informing the decision process; as a very wise person once said, “it is better to be vaguely right than precisely wrong”.
It’s a rewarding and exciting place to be, watching buildings become quantifiably better. And with more and more LCA tools hitting the market, the science is becoming more accessible to everyone involved in the building industry, from the end occupant right through to the legislators. S
Alex Bruce is a renewable energy engineer and co-founder of eTool, a specialist in LCA for the built environment. For more information visit www.etool.net.au
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ReNew Issue 124 45renew.org.au
Australia-wide trialsDemand for a better dealAfter a spate of trials, is there a better deal in store for householders using smart meters, asks Jack Nicholls?
IN THE 21st century, traditional electricity meters have become something of a quaint anachronism. The meter sits outside your house, wheels clicking, and if the electricity company wants to know how much energy you are using they have to send someone around to check. Imagine if your phone company had to send someone out to physically poke around your mobile before they could bill you. Imagine the cost of it, which would be passed on in your phone bills. The mind boggles. And yet this is exactly how our electricity network is structured in the 21st century.
But that is changing. For some, it has already changed. Smart meters are being installed in household trials around Australia. These devices record electricity use in real time, sending an automatic report through to your electricity provider every 30 minutes. More usefully, via connected display units or web portals, smart meters can tell you how much energy you’re using, when you’re using it and what it’s costing you.
A ‘smart’ system? As anybody who has been snared by the honeyed words of door-to-door energy providers knows, Australia’s electricity market operates in a world of imperfect information. Smart meters are a way to give consumers and providers real-time, accurate information. In turn, consumers can make an informed choice about their electricity plan and save money through increased awareness of the cost of their idling plasma televisions.
Energy monitoring can take different forms. Web pages can be set up cheaply to display household energy use and offer comparisons with regional averages. At the high end, so-called in-home displays provide real-time
feedback on consumption and costs. With in-home displays, the cost of a house full of idling PCs and plasma televisions becomes perceptible. Every time you glance at the screen, you are reminded you could be saving money and pollution.
That’s the theory, anyway.In practice, people are wary. The authors
of Perth’s Solar City 2012 report wryly noted that “the majority of the community could be described as being in a state of ‘positive apathy’ in relation to the rollout of smart meter technology”. Meanwhile A Current Affair has raised “questions about cost effectiveness and health concerns”, while a report by Smart Grid Australia showed that the people of Victoria, who had by far the highest awareness of smart meters, also had the least favourable opinions of them. People are suspicious of being ripped off by energy providers or fried by electromagnetic radiation.
The effects of energy monitoringThe good news is hidden behind a forest of acronyms in the technical reports lying on government desks. But the news is good. Given the opportunity to actively monitor their own energy use, trial households are reducing their energy consumption by an average of 7–8%. That’s a significant cut in electricity bills and if repeated Australia-wide would mark a meaningful reduction in our national carbon bill as well.
These Australian results have been corroborated the world over. An Accenture Consulting report looked at 76 energy monitoring trials from across the world: 90% of trials have recorded marked energy savings, with a mean reduction in use of 7.9%.
The results have been clear. The more immediate and detailed the feedback to customers is, the higher the energy saving. In some studies the energy savings have reduced
o Smart meters are not exactly being welcomed by many home owners, who are suspicious of the positive aspects and concerned over positive health effects. However, they can enable real energy use reductions when combined with energy monitoring and other services—and the World Health Organisation rates them as not of concern, radiation-wise, and much lower than other sources of radiation in our homes, such as TVs and computers.
ENERGY MONITORING SPECIAL FEATURE
46 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
over time, perhaps after the initial flush of enthusiasm dies down, but importantly there are still long-term savings. Energy monitoring isn’t just a gimmick, it marks a permanent change in the way we use our energy.
Australian trialsThe largest smart meter program in Australia is being rolled out in Victoria, where the government has committed to providing every household and small business with a smart meter by the end of 2013. Voluntary trials, such as the energy monitoring web portal offered to residents in the Nicholson apartment complex (see box next page), have achieved uptake rates of less than 25%, so the state government is politely but firmly enforcing the smart meter changeover across the state, with the physical installations being handled by Victoria’s five big electricity distributors.
Outside of Victoria, the largest-scale trial of smart meter technology has been Perth’s Solar City program. As a city with very high home solar potential, Perth is a natural choice for a smart grid that can handle households putting electricity into the grid as well as taking it out. Since 2010, over 9000 smart meters have been installed, 1260 of which were paired to IHDs, and the results match with international findings. Households with smart meters and in-home displays achieved only 1.5% reduction, but that went up to 6.3% when combined with time-of-use pricing.
Demand managementThere is one more innovation in electricity production, more contentious than energy monitoring, which has been trialled in the Perth rollouts: time-of-use pricing. Under this flexible pricing system, all kilowatt-hours are not created equal. The price of electricity
during peak-use periods (around 4–8 pm on weekdays) will be raised, while the price in the off-peak (night time) will be lowered.
It’s a familiar idea to anybody who has tried to book airline tickets in the summer holidays. The aim is to ‘nudge’ consumers into new habits, such as running washing machines at night, and thus spread the electrical load more evenly through the day.
More direct forms of ‘demand management’ are also being trialled. In Queensland, Energex offered a rebate to any customers who installed a ‘PeakSmart’ air conditioner. These devices can be remotely controlled as the grid reaches full capacity, allowing network operators to cycle air conditioning loads. After a few minutes, before the ambient temperature grows too high, the air conditioning can be switched back on and another set of households given the same treatment.
Energex’s household survey reported that 94% of users in the trial reported ‘no difference’ in comfort levels when put on an on/off air-conditioning cycle around 75%/25%, and the company has announced peak load reductions of up to 27% per participant. Yet it remains to be seen if the practice of relinquishing autonomy over our air conditioners will catch on more broadly.
For some critics, time-of-use pricing marks the dark side of smart meters, given it is the real-time nature of smart meters that open the door to flexible pricing schemes. Some households are restricted in how easily they can respond to price changes; dinner still has to be cooked at dinner time, after all. A Deloitte study of time-of-use pricing commissioned by the Victorian government found a high variability in its impacts, with the cost impact on household energy bills varying from -24.3% to +12%.
Trials around AustraliaCountry Energy Trial Type: Smart meters, in-home displays (IHDs), time-of-use (TOU) pricingRegion: Queanbeyan and Jerrabombera150 participantsNovember 2004 – May 2006Median energy reduction: 8% Adelaide Solar City TrialType: IHDs, TOU pricingRegion: Adelaide500 participantsOctober 2007 – June 2013Median energy reduction: unknown; in a user survey, 70% of respondents said the program had saved them money, with a median quarterly saving estimated at $50 Perth Solar City TrialsType: IHDsRegion: Perth1260 participants, 1137 analysedNovember 2009 – September 2012Median energy reduction: 1.35%
Type: TOU pricing, some homes with IHDs, some withoutRegion: Perth351 participantsNovember 2009 – September 2012Median energy reduction: 6.3% (TOU and IHDs), 5.1% (TOU)
Queensland ClimateSmart HomeType: In-home displays onlyRegion: Queensland336,196 participants2009–2012Median energy reduction: unknown
g One aspect of smart meters is that they allow flexible pricing structures, where you get charged according to when you use energy. This is a simple example of a flexible pricing plan. The pricing would be as follows: Off-peak: 10 pm–7 am every day. The price of electricity is lowest, when the demand for electricity is the lowest. Shoulder: 7 am–3 pm and 9 pm–10 pm weekdays, 7 am–10 pm weekends. The price of electricity is lower than the peak rate and higher than the off-peak rate, when there is a reduced demand for electricity. Peak: 3 pm–9 pm weekdays only. The price of electricity is higher during the peak, typically on weekday afternoons and evenings, when the demand for electricity is the highest.
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ReNew Issue 124 47renew.org.au
In the long term, however, demand management should prove a cost saver for all of us. One of the central problems in Australia’s electricity grid is handling the demand peaks: the 44°C days when two million air conditioners are added to the national load. Fossil-fuelled power stations can’t just be switched on and off like a light-bulb, so energy is wasted as they idle in readiness for peak usage spikes.
Much of Australia’s new energy infrastructure goes into meeting these moments of peak demand and the costs are then passed on to users. By managing our energy use to even out these peaks and troughs, we can keep up with existing demand more easily. Fewer generators, fewer power lines, less costs for everyone.
Nonetheless, conscious of community backlash, the Victorian government has assured citizens that flexible pricing will be optional, at least for now.
In the meantime, the large-scale results of time-of-use pricing have been promising. Perth’s trial households achieved a 10% shift from peak-use to off-peak, easing the load on an aging infrastructure network. And for those households that have embraced flexible pricing, say by putting their washing machines on time-delays for early morning, the result has been lower bills year-round.
Conclusion Australia is still coming to grips with our burgeoning smart grid. We now know that time-of-use pricing shifts electricity consumption, while energy monitoring can actively reduce it. It’s complicated, and for now many consumers are still wary.
But with Victoria committed to rolling out smart meter technology across the state, while the United Kingdom is planning the same for the whole country, it’s looking like ‘smart’ energy is going to be the new normal. Like 3D printing or gay marriage, smart meters are starting to look as inevitable as the tide, and perhaps in the not-too-distant future the idea that we wouldn’t have the opportunity to flexibly monitor and plan our energy use will be met with incredulity. S
Jack Nicholls doesn’t like to monitor his life too closely, for fear of what he might find. He works as an author and climate campaigner in Melbourne.
Case study: ‘My energy dashboard’
Gabrielle Breen from Moreland Energy Foundation (MEFL) reports on the findings of a recent energy monitoring trial in Melbourne’s north.
In 2012, MEFL explored how a range of demographically diverse residents in a new high-density housing development, The Nicholson, responded to the provision of their electricity usage data via a web portal.
MEFL developed the ‘My energy dashboard’ web portal specifically for The Nicholson with support from VicUrban and the Solar Cities program. Through intensive promotions and community engagement, it achieved a 21% uptake rate by residents.
Events and other face-to-face approaches were found to be particularly effective in terms of uptake. Dashboard users tended to be in their 30s (some with young families), educated, middle to lower income, often home owners, and already engaged in energy efficiency for environmental reasons.
Users reported finding the dashboard design user-friendly and valued most of the features; however, there was a strong demand for real-time data, which was largely unavailable due to technical and project budget reasons. Users also said it improved their awareness of their energy use and the energy actions they could take, and to some extent the associated costs and environmental impacts. However, relatively few practical actions were taken (or intended to be taken) following the use of the dashboard—and this was borne out by the actual electricity consumption data which didn’t show a significant decrease. This appeared to be primarily because most of these residents had already undertaken energy saving actions.
Those who didn’t sign up for the dashboard either didn’t know about it, understand what it was for or how to use it, lacked time or had no internet access.
Sentiment towards smart meters was mixed across both users and non-users of the dashboard. Overall, about half of the residents understood smart meters and half were positive about their benefits; however, half were neutral about their rollout. With a couple of exceptions, there appeared to be no link made by residents between smart meters and beneficial energy services such as the dashboard.
Although there were no regulatory barriers experienced in this project, obtaining stakeholder ‘buy-in’ was somewhat of a challenge, as many had little direct incentive to support the initiative. This project demonstrated that consideration needs to be given on how to move beyond the ‘technically savvy’ and ‘energy engaged’ early adopters.
See the full MEFL report for recommendations arising from this trial. Find it at: www.mefl.com.au/news-and-events/item/1022.html
T Jia, a resident at The Nicholson, with his electricity consumption profile on the ‘My energy dashboard’ web portal.
g Residents attending a BBQ gathering as part of the project, proving the effectiveness of face-to-face events to encourage people to sign up to the web portal.
Phot
os: L
ucy
Best
48 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Smart meter guideFresh off the ATA press
With smart meters starting to appear across Australia, the ATA’s new booklet provides guidance to help householders take advantage of the new products and services they provide.
COMPARED to the old ‘spinning disc’ meters, smart meters change the way energy is measured and priced, allowing for more cost-efficient electricity supply and different ways of paying for energy. They can also enable a host of products and services, such as new flexible tariffs, in-home displays and online web portals, with potential benefits for consumers.
However, consumers need to be informed about issues relating to smart meters. For instance, a person might end up paying higher bills if they choose the wrong type of tariff for them.
With support from the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) has produced the Consumer Guide to Smart Meters to help householders and small businesses understand and take advantage of smart meters. Note that the guide is not intended to promote the uptake of smart meters or any particular product or service.
As flexible pricing is becoming more common, here we’ve provided an edited extract of the section on flexible pricing.
How does flexible pricing work?As an example, the flexible pricing to be offered in Victoria later in 2013 will include a three-part tariff. This will involve paying:1. more to use electricity at times of high
or ‘peak’ demand, for a few hours during weekday afternoons and evenings (e.g. from 3pm to 9pm Monday to Friday)
2. less during times of lower demand or ‘off-peak’ (e.g. from 10pm to 7am every night)
3. something in between peak and off-peak rates at other times. These are known as ‘shoulder’ periods and include daytime on weekends.
Compared to the flat tariffs that most electricity consumers are currently on, flexible pricing more closely reflects the actual costs of building electricity networks and operating generators to meet consumer demand.
Generally, consumers who use less energy during peak times will be better off on flexible pricing, and consumers who use more energy during peak times will be better off on flat tariffs.
BenefitsFlexible pricing can benefit many electricity consumers, particularly those who already use less electricity during peak times and/or more during off-peak times. If you are one of these people, savings can come without any change to the way you use energy.
As well, if you can change your electricity consumption so that it shifts away from peak times, then you may also be better off under a flexible tariff. For example, you could start running the dishwasher only at night or doing all the laundry on weekends, when electricity is cheaper. Some reports suggest that many consumers could save a few hundred dollars
consumer guide toSmart meterS
o In-home displays provide a near-real-time display of energy use and costs. Having this information in real-time has been associated with greater reductions in energy use.
What are interval and smart meters?An interval meter is a meter that records energy flow data at regular intervals, for example, every 30 minutes. A smart meter is an interval meter that can be remotely read by the energy business, and has in-home communication facilities and a few other features. For more information, see the full guide.
Flexible pricing is comingIn flexible pricing, commonly known as time-of-use pricing, the tariff charged for electricity varies by the time of day.
Flexible pricing is becoming more common around Australia. From later in 2013, all Victorians households and businesses will be able to choose from a range of flexible tariffs once they have a smart meter installed. If you live outside Victoria, you may be able to choose a flexible or time-of-use tariff, dependent on what retailers in your area offer and whether you currently have, or can purchase, an interval meter.
It is important to note that no electricity consumer will be forced to change to a flexible tariff or to give up their existing flat tariff. Any change to flexible tariffs will be voluntary.
ReNew Issue 124 49renew.org.au
a year by shifting the times of use of common household appliances.
And if a large number of electricity consumers begin to use less energy at peak times, there are system-wide benefits that may mean savings in the long term for all consumers. This comes from reducing the need for expensive network infrastructure and generators that are only used infrequently, the cost of which is passed through to all consumers in electricity bills.
Potential risksFlexible pricing has higher risks for the consumer than the normal flat tariff.
If you use a significant amount of electricity at the times when a peak or higher rate is charged, then you are likely to be worse off on a flexible tariff. There is a risk that consumers who do not benefit from flexible pricing will move to it anyway, perhaps due to a lack of understanding or as a result of questionable marketing practices.
There is also the risk that a change in the amount of time spent at home, for example due to a change in family or working arrangements, will affect which type of tariff is best for you.
To address these issues Victorian consumers will, until 2015, be able to try a flexible tariff and return to a flat tariff at any time if they find it does not work for them, without being locked in to a contract with the threat of exit penalty fees.
Other areas covered in the guideThe guide also covers other products and services enabled by smart meters:
• In-home displays: monitoring devices that provide information in real time including electricity use and cost (see a review of several in-home displays this issue on p.51)
• Online web portals: websites provided by some energy companies that show information on your past energy use and costs (see ReNew 120 for a review of the Jemena web portal)
• Critical peak pricing: a flexible pricing option involving a low standard price and much higher tariff on high demand days (see box below)
• Direct load control: the opportunity to externally manage an appliance’s use, for example, to control the use of air conditioners at peak times
• Smart appliances: appliances that are able to alter their energy consumption at different times and respond to messages from smart meters
• Messages and notifications: the ability for the meter to pass on messages to an in-home display about pricing changes, service disruption and emergency information. S
Download the full guide at www.ata.org.au. Tariff options can be found at the government’s new price comparison website, Energy Made Easy: www.energymadeeasy.gov.au.
o Online web portals provided by some energy retailers and distributors show information on your energy use and costs, which can be broken down by time of day, day of week and month.
Critical peak pricingIn the future we may also see ‘critical peak pricing’ introduced as an option for homes and small businesses.
Critical peak pricing is a time-of-use tariff such that, on the few days of the year when electricity demand is at its highest (usually hot days in summer but sometimes also very cold winter days), the price rises much higher—possibly up to 10 times the typical charge per kWh.
The reward for a consumer taking up a critical peak pricing tariff is having a lower tariff than normal for the majority of the year.
The logic behind critical peak pricing is that a large proportion of the cost of the electricity network is spent building and upgrading power plants, poles and wires to keep the electricity network operating on very high demand days.
Critical peak pricing provides an opportunity for those who can reduce their electricity usage on these high demand days to benefit from lower bills.
As with all flexible pricing, critical peak pricing will not be compulsory and is unlikely to be introduced until measures are in place to protect vulnerable consumers.
“Flexible pricing can benefit many electricity consumers, particularly those who already use less electricity during peak times or more during off-peak times.”
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ReNew Issue 124 51renew.org.au
Display your powerSmarter meteringSimpler, real-time feedback on energy usage is the best way to drive changes in behaviour: that’s the promise of smart-meter-connected in-home displays. Richard Keech explains how they work and tests three models.
Back in ReNew 121 I looked at smart meters and their associated web portals, which can provide useful information to consumers about how and when they use electricity. This article goes the next step and looks at how in-home displays can be used for personal energy monitoring.
On the tail of the rollout of smart meters around Australia (see Table 1 for the status of the rollout in each state), consumers can expect to see more products and services which take advantage of the facilities that smart meters provide.
One of the more interesting aspects of smart meters is their use of a wireless home-area network via a technology called Zigbee. This allows compatible in-home devices to communicate directly with the meter and display information of interest to the consumer. Such devices are known as in-home displays (IHDs).
As the old saying goes, you can’t properly manage what you can’t measure. The theory goes that if electricity consumers are given more information about how and when they consume their electricity, then they will become more careful and more efficient consumers.
Many studies have looked into this, with varying results ranging from showing no improvement, to showing savings in the order of 20%. Energy-use feedback that is closer to real-time usage tends to be associated with better savings.
What is Zigbee?The curiously named Zigbee system is a digital wireless home-automation method used to let a smart meter talk to other devices
in the home, hence the idea of a ‘home-area’ network. The meters have a rich set of data (not just instantaneous power) that they can communicate to Zigbee-connected devices.
Furthermore, the connected devices are not limited to displays, and control of devices is possible to provide active demand-response.
Zigbee is a low-power, low-data-rate system which allows it to be incorporated in devices that require very little power to run—after all it would be counter-productive for an energy
“Many studies have looked into the effect of monitoring energy use, with varying results, ranging from showing no improvement, to showing savings in the order of 20%. Energy-use feedback that is closer to real-time usage tends to be associated with better savings.”
Getting set up to use a Zigbee in-home displayThe Zigbee wireless signal used by smart-meter-connected in-home displays doesn’t stop at your property boundary, so it’s important for privacy that no one can snoop your meter data. To ensure privacy, data is encrypted and Zigbee devices have to establish a trusted relationship with the meter—a process known as ‘binding’.
Binding of the Zigbee device only needs to happen once, unless you want to move the device to another meter. Many devices can be bound and communicating to a meter at any given time. The Zigbee device-binding process proceeds like this:1. Find the codes. The device being bound
uses two long code numbers—a MAC and an install code. The MAC is a digital
address that uniquely and permanently refers to the device. The install code is a unique cryptographic code which can be used like a password. These numbers will either be printed on the device, provided on a card or displayed on the device itself on first use.
2. Enter the codes. Using your smart meter web portal, choose the ‘add new device’ (or equivalent) function. This will prompt for the MAC and install code, which will then pass the codes to the smart meter and make it listen out for the particular new device for a few minutes.
3. Turn on the device. While the meter is receptive, turn on the new Zigbee device and it should bind automatically. Successful binding should be obvious on the IHD itself and on the web portal.
saving device to actually increase power use. By being able to talk directly to the meter,
Zigbee IHDs can be authoritative in that they show the meter’s actual readings, not an estimate. These types of devices are beginning to be subsidised in Victoria as part of the VEET scheme (and possibly in other states also). So look out for a rush of them on the market in the near future.
In writing this article I sourced and trialled three Zigbee IHDs, with reviews over the page.
52 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
eKo from IntercelThe Australian-designed eKo from Intercel has the distinction of being the first IHD registered in Victoria under the VEET scheme. It has a compact circular colour screen surrounded by a ring of lights, plus a traffic-light trio of lights across the top. It uses a USB power source and draws a mere 0.7 W when the screen is on, and 0.6 W when the screen automatically turns off.
The operation of the unit is based around a user-set dollar budget per billing period. Combined with tariff settings, this then gives an energy target per day. The ring of lights advance clockwise and change colour from green to amber to red as your usage approaches and passes the daily target. The traffic lights across the top represent instantaneous power. Green is shown when power corresponds to a rate that would be less than 50% of the daily target, amber for 50% to 99% and red for levels above.
The system attempts to estimate your power bill and the underlying ‘standby’ power level. Note that standby power is measured as the lowest level of power usage over a period and so includes devices that are on all the time such as refrigerators which wouldn’t usually be counted as standby; baseline power may be a more apt name.
Daily energy used shows only the imported energy, so, if you have solar PV, the monitor won’t help with tracking your daily exported or net supplied (imported minus exported) energy.* This also skews the standby power estimate as the lowest imported level will often be zero—but you can read the lowest level at night to get a more accurate measure.
The general layout seems well designed and strikes a good balance between simplicity and detail. The operation with the ring lights (for daily energy) and traffic lights (for instantaneous power) allow for a good at-a-glance summary of the energy situation. *Correct display of daily solar generation is apparently to be included in the next release of the eKo’s internal software.
EMU from Rainforest AutomationThe EMU (Energy Monitoring Unit), out of Vancouver, Canada, is the simplest of the devices tested. It has a non-backlit LCD screen and is battery operated and designed to stick magnetically to your fridge or sit on a bench. It provides a simple up/down button arrangement to cycle through display modes showing 1) Date and time 2) Current meter readings (import and export) 3) Current power use in both kW and cents/hour 4) Total-to-date energy use, both in kWh and dollars 5) Tariff and 6) Messages.
To save energy the screen powers off until a button is pressed. On the left of the display is a light bar which flashes green or red, depending on real-time tariffs, e.g. if the tariff were to spike due to high power use, then the IHD can let you know. Since we don’t have dynamically adjusted tariffs yet in Australia, this feature is redundant and the residual flashing green light is annoying (fixed in the next firmware release apparently).
The EMU doesn’t try to be fancy, just simple and easy to use. The main practical limitation for use in households with solar is that there is no facility to enter export tariff or, indeed, to enter peak/off-peak tariff rates. The device is built assuming that the meter will have the proper tariffs as the designers of Zigbee intended (see Tariff Setting). So for me, the estimated energy cost was completely bogus. Let’s hope this gets fixed. Another minor concern was that the display was hard to read in low light.
Impressive was its capacity to run for extended periods from four AA batteries. So there’s negligible energy used in saving energy.
Intelligy from Millennium ElectronicsIt’s not often in Australia that you find consumer electronics designed and built in your own neighbourhood. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Melbourne-based Millennium Electronics not only design, but also manufacture from a factory quite near my home. Millennium is not a retailer, but design and manufacture to order, so the Intelligy unit is not generally available as a retail product.
The Intelligy is a high-end IHD and provides a colour LCD touch-screen in a smart white and chrome case. The display would generally be off to preserve energy; touching the screen activates it for two minutes by default. The display is encircled by an illuminated line, which represents the power level in the usual traffic-light scale of goodness.
The Intelligy uses the data in an interesting colour-coded graphical representation of power and energy usage. Tariff arrangements for import and export can be entered on the device without too much trouble.
The main problem I found with the device is the failure to give a suitable representation of power when exporting to the grid—it simply displays zero when power is being exported. Another niggle was that accumulated energy-use history (per day, week, month) all reset when the device is turned off.
A bonus with the Intelligy is its capacity to monitor and control appliances directly through the use of (optional) wireless power-measuring switches. I can see merit in being able to monitor the energy used by things such as refrigerators. However, in testing, the power-measuring switches were poor at sensing low-power appliances. I tested one on a radio drawing 2.9W, which the Intelligy recorded as 0 W.
ReNew Issue 124 53renew.org.au
Common issuesIn using three different IHDs I had several concerns in common, all of which relate to smart meters rather than the IHDs.
Real-time data. A claimed feature of IHDs is the real-time nature of the readings. In reality the power readings can be delayed by up to a minute depending on the smart meter and IHD. In my case the meter updates its internal Zigbee module every 45 seconds and the IHD polls the meter every 15 seconds. So on average the data is 30 seconds old, which significantly limits the usefulness in taking instantaneous power readings. I understand that the frequency with which the meter updates the Zigbee information is a function of the embedded meter software and may be improved in the future.
Precision. The meter controls the precision with which the energy readings are interpreted on the IHD. In my case the energy values have a precision of 1 kWh. Some other meters apparently have a 0.1 kWh precision. This might seem like a small detail, but it can affect the usefulness of measurements of energy used. For example, if the real start-of-day consumption value is 6701.900 kWh, then this will be taken as 6701 kWh. If at 8am the real consumption value is 6703.100 kWh, then the actual energy used is 1.200 kWh, but it will be shown as 2.000 kWh. So, for me, the accuracy is +/- 1 kWh, which is a large margin of error. This is a problem with the smart meter’s own software, not the IHD itself.
Tariff setting. When time-of-use pricing applies, setting the tariff in the IHD is non-trivial because of the need to set a schedule on a device with a small display and few buttons. The entire underlying system (Zigbee, meter
and upstream communications) is designed to send updated tariff information to the display. Unfortunately this feature is not used in Victoria because of competitive issues between the stakeholders. This leaves IHD designers having to work around the problem or to omit useful features.
Complementary to web portalI expect in-home displays to become a common and useful feature of energy-aware homes. The information they provide is complementary to that provided on web portals. Table 2, below, compares the features provided by the two approaches.
Given the greater richness of data presentation in a web portal, I think the historical energy-use features of IHDs are somewhat redundant. However for near-at-hand and near-real-time monitoring of energy I see IHDs as having a useful role.
Unfortunately, in Victoria at least, the usefulness of IHDs is compromised by a couple of shortcomings in the smart meters themselves. S
Richard Keech has over 25 years engineering experience in the military and in commercial IT. In 2010, he quit his job to study and he graduated in 2011 with a Master of Environment from Melbourne University. Today Richard works as an energy efficiency consultant and writer. Other resources: ‘Track your energy use online’ in ReNew 121 ATA’s Consumer Guide to Smart Meters available at www.ata.org.au.
State Status
ACT A small number of smart meters were installed by Metropolis prior to 2009. No plans for universal rollout.
NSW Approximately 27,000 smart meters have been rolled out in eight separate trial programs. Market-driven universal rollout of smart meters is under consideration; however no plans as yet.
NT 300 smart meters in use in Alice Springs. No plans for universal rollout.
QLD 4800 smart meters in four separate trials. No plans for universal rollout.
SA 7100 smart meters in three separate trials. No plans for universal rollout.
TAS Small number of smart meters were installed by Metropolis prior to 2009. No plans for universal rollout.
VIC State wide rollout underway. With almost 2 million smart meters installed already, they’ll be in almost all homes by the end of 2013.
WA 11,000 smart meters rolled out in the smart grid foundation project. Western Power proposing to replace 300,000 meters with smart meters over the next five years (⅓ of meters on the South West Interconnected network).
Table 1: The status of each state in terms of smart meter rollout. Only Victoria has a universal rollout underway. From National Smart Meter Infrastructure Report Release 1.3, Dept of Resources Energy and Tourism, 4 Feb 2013.
o Table 2: Some functions can be performed by both a smart meter web portal (see ReNew 121 for full details of one web portal) and by an in-home display.
In-home display only Features in common Smart meter web portal only
Near-real-time power monitoring.Compact, single-purpose device.Extension features such as appliance control.Reading instantaneous values of meter registers.
Short- and medium-term historical power usage.Estimated costs of power use.Estimates of things like standby power and electricity bills.
Longer-term historical usage.Richest graphical representation of usage patterns.Extension features such as tariff comparisons.
What is VEET?VEET stands for the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target. It is a market that has been created within Victoria to deliver a specific amount of emissions reductions (currently 5.4 million tonnes per annum) through the installation of more efficient technology in Victorian homes and businesses. It is similar in its operation to how the national Renewable Energy Target works. Eligible energy efficiency technologies (for example, LED lighting or in-home displays) are awarded a specific number of VEET certificates for their lifetime energy savings. These certificates have value within the VEET market and provide a discount to the end consumer on the purchase price of those technologies.South Australia and NSW also have state-based energy efficiency markets.
54 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
While Victoria is well on the way to completing its universal rollout of smart meters, the rest of Australia could be in for a long wait, as shown in Table 1 on the previous page. But if your utility provider is yet to supply a smart meter to your premises, there’s no need to delay as there are plenty of other options available.
In fact, some of the independent energy monitoring solutions on the market actually offer greater functionality than the smart-meter-connected displays. For example, you can monitor numerous circuits and compare things such as the energy use of the lights versus the stove, check how well your solar PV system is performing and, in some cases, monitor individual plug loads as well.
Different solutions for different metersRegardless of the type of meter you have, there is a sensor that will enable you to monitor your energy use. The simplest sensor is a current clamp which clamps around a cable to measure current. However, real power = voltage x current x power factor, and these simple clamps don’t measure either the voltage or power factor; they estimate power based on current only. This can lead to inaccuracies due to fluctuation in your supply voltage and the power factor of the loads in your house. That said, they are well and truly
Other energy monitoring optionsRich Haynes from eTool takes us through options for energy monitoring systems that don’t require a smart meter.
suitable for identifying your power use ‘hot spots’. They usually rely on battery power to transmit the information back to the in-home display or network gateway.
Alternatively, a DIN rail sensor relies on mains power to transmit the current readings. Some DIN rail sensors also measure voltage and may even measure power factor (check the specs). Both DIN rail and current clamp sensors can be installed alongside any meter. They are often used for measuring power in individual circuits that aren’t independently captured by the utility meter (e.g. solar generation).
From there, the sensors get more sophisticated and generally incorporate a current clamp as well as a parallel connection to enable voltage measurements, power factor calculations and also power the transmitter.
Regulations require that electricians install all the above types of sensor. If relying on a current clamp or DIN rail sensor and you have three phase power, you’ll need three sensors to determine your whole energy use, so this can push the cost up a little.
If you have a meter equipped with a pulse light you can use a pulse sensor to measure your consumption. The pulse light on a meter is usually a small red LED that flashes periodically. A pulse sensor simply sticks on top of the LED and recognises every time the
LED flashes. This is the most accurate way of measuring your usage as it simply relays the meter’s measurements to your energy monitor. The other advantage of these sensors is they don’t require an electrician to install them. Unfortunately you can’t use pulse sensors for multiple circuits as they only pick up the total energy usage as read by your meter.
To get the best of both worlds you could use a combination of a pulse sensor to get a very accurate reading of your total energy consumption and current clamps or DIN rail sensors to identify the highest and lowest consumption circuits. The functionality comes at a cost though, and if you’re hoping to monitor your energy for economic reasons, a simple, low cost solution could quickly help you identify the big energy users in your home by letting you watch your consumption as you walk around turning appliances on and off.
Review of independent energy monitoring solutionsTable 3 provides a summary of some of the non-smart meter energy monitoring solutions currently available on the Australian market. It is by no means exhaustive, but gives a guide to some of the options available. Readers are encouraged to conduct research themselves and shop around, as things can change very quickly in the energy monitoring market.
For more information about the difference energy monitoring systems can make to your consumption and energy bills, watch Rich’s online video www.bit.ly/CSITalk or visit eTool’s blog: www.etool.net.au/eblog/
Brand
Model/syst
em
In-home disp
lay hard
ware
Web
-based re
porting
Monitorin
g of a
dditional
circu
its
Monitorin
g of p
ower sock
ets
Price fo
r single
-phase se
tup
Price fo
r 3-phase
setup
Number of a
dditional
circu
its
Additional
cost
per circ
uit
Additional
cost
per socke
t
User c
omplexity
EfergyEfergy Elite Classic 3.0 ✔ ✗ ✗ ✗ $90 $110 Simple
Engage Hub Kit ✗ ✔ ✗ ✗ $90 $130 SimpleEcoTouch (3 Sockets) ✔ ✗ ✗ ✔ $159 $199 $20 Simple
EnviR ✔ ✗ ✔ ✔ $140 $180 9 $70 $40 SimpleEnviR with Bridge (1 Channel) ✔ ✔ ✗ ✗ $190 $230 Simple
EnviR with Bridge (10 Channel) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ $205 $245 9 $70 $40 SimpleWattson Wattson SOLAR Plus ✔ ✗ ✔ ✗ $229 $290 1 Simple
Watts Clever EW4500 ✔ ✗ ✗ ✗ $120 $160 SimpleSmart Energy Groups SegMeter ✗ ✔ ✔ ✗ $500 $560 7 $30 Intermediate
Power Tracker Power Tracker Gateway ✗ ✔ ✔ ✔ $350 $670 10+ $150 $120 SimpleHome Energy Monitor Kit ✔ ✗ ✔ ✗ $110 $135 Complex
OpenEnergyMonitor ✔ ✔ ✔ ✗ $180 $205 10+ $30 ComplexFluksometer FLM02 ✗ ✔ ✔ ✗ $210 $270 4 $30 Intermediate
Efergy
Current Cost
Open Energy Monitor
Table 3. Energy monitors that don’t require a smart meter. Note: The table data was compiled by eTool based on supplier websites and is intended as a guide only. Please verify prices and features with the supplier.Note that all systems that use clamp and DIN rail sensors must be installed by an electrician. The Watts Clever EW4500 is exempt as it has a simple stick-on sensor. Prices do not include installation.
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56 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
PVOutputOnline solar monitoringThis Australian-run website provides a way to monitor your PV system and compare how it stacks up against others around the world. Gary Gliddon (aka PVOutput’s TheGreatGazolio) explains how he got started as a self-confessed solar PV tragic.
I’M NOT sure what it was that sparked my interest in solar PV. Some junk mail from one of the big electricity companies offering reduced prices and very healthy government rebates might have been the trigger. That started many months of intensive research which allowed me to settle on my preference of inverter brand and panel brand: SMA for the inverter and Suntech for the panels.
Even before the install date, part of my research (predominantly care of the vast knowledge base on the Whirlpool Green Tech forum) had led me to a very exciting looking website—www.pvoutput.org. Started back in 2010, the site was put together for us PV tragics as a way to monitor how our systems were performing. We could input data such as kWh generated by the PV system, kWh exported to the grid, peak power achieved for the day, weather conditions and, if the information was available to us, energy consumed by the household and energy imported.
Though the number of systems signed up to the site at the time of my install was relatively small (I am system 332 on the list) it still gave a great cross-section of systems across Australia and enabled users to compare PV outputs by location, size, orientation, panel brand, inverter brand—and the list goes on.
When my install date finally arrived I was already registered on PVOutput and was excited to input my first day of data into the system.
A level playing fieldImmediately I could compare how my system was stacking up against those around me. Efficiency of the system was the most notable
comparison. Displaying data on a kWh/kW basis meant a level playing field so it didn’t matter the size of the systems around me—they could all be compared. I could see that my choice of panels and inverter was a good one.
Manually inputting data soon grew tiresome but, luckily, PVOutput had matured quickly. ‘Live data’ was the new ‘golden ticket’ on PVOutput. ‘Live data’ provided a change from just adding your totals at the end of the day; now you could regularly upload PV data in five, 10 or 15 minute intervals to PVOutput so you could see your PV generation throughout the day. The result is a graph of power and energy across the day as in Graph 1.
Auto loading of live dataThe next question was how to automatically extract and upload this data regularly. Inverter manufacturer SMA provides a Webbox system that logs data from the inverter to the web, but with little change from $1000 it seemed a big investment to make on a system that was supposed to be saving money. There had to be a better way.
Digging in to my minimal coding background, I set about finding a way of grabbing the information from my SMA inverter (that it was already capturing) and transferring that across to the PVOutput live data upload.
A simple Bluetooth dongle was all I needed to log in to my 4000TL inverter using the free software, Sunny Explorer, provided by SMA. I could then write some code using the Sunny Explorer command-line utility to transfer the current day’s inverter data from the inverter into a CSV (comma separated) file.
My next piece of coding was to dig into the CSV file and put the new data points into a
format ready for PVOutput. The final step was to upload the data points via the ‘addstatus’ service provided by PVOutput. This transfer is done using a command-line data transfer tool called curl.exe.
With the scripts working well it was time to automate the process. I simply used Windows Scheduler to run each script in turn and before long had rolled all the scripts into one
o Graph 1: Power and energy generated across the day
ReNew Issue 124 57renew.org.au
long process, all run from a single Windows Scheduler process.
I touched base with the PVOutput admin and he suggested putting the scripts on Google code. They can be found here: code.google.com/p/sma-uploader.
As the user base for my SMA uploader scripts began to grow along with the ever-evolving PVOutput, changes were constantly being made to the SMA uploader scripts until the current versions (4.3), which were released in August 2012.
There are now four scripts1. PVupload_live is run by the scheduler
every 10 minutes. It logs on to the inverter, downloads the latest data to CSV and then uploads the latest few entries of ‘live data’ to PVOutput.
2. PVupload_update can be run automatically by the scheduler or manually by clicking on the file and will upload the entire day’s ‘live data’ to PVOutput.
3. PVupload_backdate does the same as PVupload_update but for any given date up to 90 days prior.
4. PVupload_twodays is handy for users who don’t want to leave their PC on during the day. It will upload today’s ‘live data’ so far, and all of yesterday’s—ensuring ‘live data’ is always up to date.
Any of the above scripts can be run manually at any time by simply double clicking on the appropriate ‘vbs’ script. The process of logging on to the inverter, downloading the required CSV data and then uploading to PVOutput is all done automatically.
The live, update and twodays scripts can all be run via the Windows Scheduler to keep PVOutput as up-to-date as you like.
Comparisons galoreOnce the data is on PVOutput you can do all sorts of comparisons. Up to five systems can be compared on a graph at a time. For
o Graph 2: Up to five systems can be compared on a graph at a time; you can use this to compare output for systems in your local area.
o Graph 3: Compare output from year to year on your own system. This graph shows the output by time of day for the same date in 2012 and 2013.
“Started back in mid-2010, PVOutput was put together for us PV tragics as a way to monitor how our systems were performing.”
58 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
example, you might want to compare output for the day in your local area as in Graph 2 or from year to year on your system as in Graph 3.
There is also a PV ‘donut’ chart that shows where the bulk of inputs are coming from. What started as a small Aussie website is now hosting PV data for around 20 countries with almost 20% of the data coming from outside Australia. The donut at right shows the breakdown by region/state. This can also be broken down by country, panel brand, inverter brand and orientation.
a Graph 4: The donut across shows a breakdown
by region/state. This can also be broken down
by country, panel brand, inverter brand and
orientation.
And PVOutput doesn’t discriminate when it comes to inverter brands. There are ways and means of uploading data via just about any inverter out there—Xantrex, Aurora, Sharp, Enphase, Growatt, etc. Those with Bluetooth built in will generally use that. Some have Bluetooth add-on cards available for a reasonable cost. Some use an RS-232 interface which can then be converted to a standard network cable or USB and captured that way. In almost all cases there is someone tech-savvy enough to have figured out how to get the data out of your inverter. This is where the Green Tech Whirlpool forum is incredibly helpful and will generally lead to a solution.
There are even scripts written to run off a Raspberry Pi or Unix box.
With a little more cost outlay you can use an energy monitor as well (such as a CurrentCost or Flukso monitor). These can be integrated into the upload to PVOutput so that your energy use around the house is tracked as well.
PVOutput is one of the most consistently evolving websites I’ve seen. Requests are constantly being made (generally via Whirlpool) for enhancements and features to be added to the site, with the ever-obliging BankstownBloke quick to answer and implement where possible. The ‘What’s New’ page shows a constant stream of improvements being rolled out.
Although my SMA-uploader hasn’t had
d Graph 5: Track your energy usage and generation profiles by time of day.
a new release for over six months (if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it), I am always on hand to help with setup or to answer queries. S
Gary’s day job is as a software implementation engineer for an IT company in the healthcare sector. His spare time gets filled with little projects like the SMA scripts. Find the scripts and Gary at: code.google.com/p/sma-uploader
Join PVOutput’s ATA team!One of the other ways to group the results on PVOutput is by ‘team’. You can join a team and see the total generation of every system in the team. Given the large proportion of ATA members and ReNew readers with solar PV systems, we thought it would be interesting to track their output. So, we’ve set up an ATA team called ‘ATA’ which you can find on PVOutput at pvoutput.org/listteam.jsp?tid=668 or by searching ‘ATA team’. Register your system on PVOutput, enter some data and then you can join the team (you’ll need at least 5 outputs). We plan to publish graphs showing the team’s output in ReNew.
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60 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Confessions of a monitorFour years of smart meteringJohn Petheram has gained insight into his household’s energy use using a smart meter, web portal and other monitoring tools.
IT ALL began when we put a 1 kW solar PV unit on our Ballarat home’s roof in 2008. This was before the Victorian government’s mandated smart meter rollout, so we also needed to install a smart meter.
The Metropolis smart meter gave us access to data on the web about our net electricity usage and export. Combining this with data from our inverter, a hand-held energy meter and an older Efergy meter, we’ve been able to build up a picture of just how our energy usage and energy generation changes by month, time of day, and also after we upgraded our PV system to 2 kW. Interesting, useful and occasionally frustrating when your energy usage goes up rather than down!
The graphs show the sorts of monitoring we do, which I hope may be helpful to others wanting to monitor their own systems, or just to compare data.
Before and after the solar PV upgradeFigure 1 shows our monthly net electricity purchases and net solar electricity sales to the grid for the year 2010 when we owned a 1 kW solar PV system. In late 2011 we doubled the size of our system, so the data from 2012 in Figure 2 shows our net purchases and sales from a 2 kW solar PV system.
The totals show that doubling the size of our PV system led to electricity exports to the grid increasing by more than three times. This is largely because the 2 kW unit produces energy in excess of our home’s needs for a much larger proportion of the year than the smaller system.
The second set of solar panels is also about 20% more efficient than the first, even though they cover exactly the same area as and have an identical inverter.
Of course, the stats don’t tell the whole story. Another factor was that we had more trips away from home in 2012 than in 2010 (eight versus six weeks), which affected the electricity used. You can see on the second graph that a six-week trip away for part of May and June in 2012 meant that our net purchase of electricity was lower than might be expected in winter (compared to 2010, for example), and net sales to the grid were higher than usual in those two cold months.
The smart meter also showed that our net CO2 emissions were 2247 kg in 2010 but only 720 kg in 2012, a third of the 2010 total. This was because of the much higher proportion of renewable (solar) energy being exported by the enlarged solar PV system.
Good and bad solar daysWe can also track our daily generation and usage by time of day: useful for separating the good days (and times) from the bad. Figures 3 and 4 show data from two very different days at our house in 2012.
In both graphs, you can see that our lowest energy use is at night when only the fridge and some standby switches are on (about 1–2 kWh per day).
The higher net electricity use on the winter’s day (Figure 4) reflects partly the use of fans in our gas heaters along with a reduction in solar energy available to offset purchases from the grid in the daytime.
On the sunny summer day (Figure 3), the solar electricity generated greatly exceeded
o John’s four-bedroom house in Ballarat has two people in residence most of the year. Here, a second 1 kW solar PV system is being installed.
ReNew Issue 124 61renew.org.au
the energy used in the house. The net export to the grid exceeded the net purchase of electricity by 5.6 kWh.
Comparing the monthsIt is also useful to compare output by month. For example, for two very different months in lovely Ballarat: January 2012 sales from our 2 kW solar system to the grid were more than three times higher than in May, but even in May there was some export to the grid every day: there were always some periods of each day when the system generated more electricity than we were using.
Additional recordingOur smart meter does not provide data on the total electricity used in the house because it only shows the net import (purchase) and net export to the grid: it does not monitor the total energy generated by our solar PV or how much of the solar PV energy is used in the house.
To obtain that information we must take readings from our solar inverter and main meter about once per month (and when we go away or return from long absences). We can then calculate the amount of solar energy
used in the house by subtracting the net solar energy exported to the grid (based on smart meter data) from the total energy generated (based on inverter data).
Table 1 shows a summary over the past four years since we have had the Metropolis smart meter and solar power. These annual figures are very coarse but help us identify trends.
It is also valuable to record the gas meter reading each month, to provide a fuller picture of our total energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Our gas heating is by far our largest annual energy user and emitter of greenhouse gas at home.
With the help of a chemical engineering colleague, I worked out a rough estimate for the greenhouse gas emissions from our gas usage in 2010. We used a total of 90,673 MJ (90.7 gigajoules) of gas that year, equivalent to about 25,187 kWh. That’s nearly 10 times as much energy as we consumed from electricity. Based on 80% efficiency of the gas-burning in providing energy, one gigajoule results in about 69 kg of CO2 (according to Victorian figures), so 90.7 gigajoules results in emissions of about 6258 kg (or 6.25 tonnes) of CO2. That’s around three times the emissions from our electricity use!
2009 2010 2011 2012
1 kWh solar system
installed
1 kWh solar system
Solar unit doubled to
2 kWh in Dec
2 kWh solar system
Net electricity purchased 2318 kWh 2146 kWh 2546 kWh 2100 kWh
Total solar energy generated 1095 1098 1266 2520
Solar energy sold to grid 499 481 631 1567
Solar energy used in house 596 617 634 953
Total electricity used in home 2914 2763 3180 3053
Average daily electricity use 8.0 kWh 7.6 kWh 8.7 kWh 8.4 kWh
Net CO2 emitted (electricity) 2456 kg 2247 kg 2585 kg 720 kg
g Table 1. Annual data on John’s home electricity use and generation, 2009 to 2012.
o Figure 1. Monthly data for 2010 for our 1 kW solar PV system. Total net electricity purchased (green) = 2146 kWh, total net electricity sold to the grid (red) = 481 kWh.
o Figure 2. Monthly data for 2012 for our 2 kW solar PV system. Total net electricity purchased (green) = 2110 kWh, total net electricity sold to the grid (red) = 1567 kWh.
o Figure 4. A bad solar day—6 June 2012. 30 min data with 2 kW home PV system.Net electricity purchased (green) = 9.1 kWh, solar power sold to the grid (red) = 1.2 kWh. Net CO2 emitted = 10.7 kg.
o Figure 3. A good solar day—4 January 2012. 30 min data with 2 kW home PV system. Net electricity purchased (green) = 3.6 kWh, solar power sold to the grid (red) = 9.1 kWh. Net CO2 emitted = –7.3 kg [negative] (i.e. net contribution to grid renewable energy).
62 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Most people think that using gas heating means lower emissions, but that’s not always the case, particularly if you have solar PV or use GreenPower. We have reduced the emissions from our electricity usage. Now, we need to get into some double glazing and change the heating approach in our old brick veneer house.
We also find it useful to use a handheld energy usage meter to measure consumption of individual appliances in the house. Hence we know that the fridge uses well under 1 kWh per day in winter but closer to 2 kWh in hot periods of high use. Our standby energy use used to be over 1 kWh per day, but we have managed to lower that now.
We have an older Efergy meter (clipped on at the mains meter) which we still use. It is not of use to us in the daytime because we have solar power and it cannot distinguish the direction of electricity flow (to or from the grid), but we can use it at night to tell us our total electricity flow into the house and the change in use when an appliance is switched on or off.
Usage trendsThe trends in the annual totals in Table 1 reveal some curious patterns in our use and generation of electricity, which we are always trying to unravel. The totals can be markedly influenced by such factors as weather patterns, period of time spent away from home and number of people staying in the house.
It is a concern that our annual consumption is not falling (although our net purchase of electricity has declined). According to our home metering, we use a minimum of about 1–1.5 kWh per day (fridge and standby energy), so there is work to be done in identifying how we consume the other 6–7 kWh of electricity per day shown in Table 1.
I need to keep testing with an energy usage
meter all the new gadgets and appliances (and the standby load) that keep invading our home. Or perhaps I should just switch things off and spend more time in the bush!
Some benefits of smart metersFor us the cost of our smart meter ($300 in 2008) has undoubtedly been a good investment in helping to understand our daily, monthly and annual import from and export to the grid. Combined with our other monitoring, it helps us identify (and change) high and low energy use practices, and to use certain appliances at off-peak times.
Of course, you don’t have to use a smart meter to do this, but having the data made us think more clearly about the options. The data has also been very handy in checking (and sometimes correcting) the bills from energy retailers. I understand that some smart meter users have successfully used their data to negotiate the best possible pricing deal.
When overseas or away from home, I also commonly look at the Metropolis website to check that our home energy use is as low and regular as expected—and that our solar PV system is earning us some money.
I find it disappointing that Victorian smart meters will not initially provide data on the internet for all users. Roll on the promised day when smart meters can send the data we need to a console inside the house [Ed: In-home displays are now available that work with smart meters, see article on p. 51; some distributors and retailers have online portals, e.g. see ReNew 120’s article on Jemena’s portal].
A power-metering agent informed us that home gas will also be recorded by smart meters one fine day. We need to keep pressure on government to vastly raise the utility of these smart meters that we are being made to buy.
As flexible pricing of electricity comes on stream (much more than just off-peak and peak rates), the need will soar for innovative technologies to assist consumers to achieve the most cost-effective and sustainable energy use in their homes. Removing competition in the smart meter industry seems a poor strategy for Victoria to have adopted in striving for the efficient, low carbon future that we all desperately need. S
John Petheram is a volunteer at Smart Living Ballarat, an initiative of Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions (www.breaze.org.au) and Ballarat City Council.
kW Average hours/
day
Daily total kWh
Fridge 0.07 24 1.68
Computer & printers 0.04 10 0.4
Electric oven 2 0.5 1
Electric kettle (10 boils) 2 0.5 1
Pool pump (summer) 3 2 6
Lights 0.1 6 0.6
Microwave 1 0.3 0.3
TV and audio etc 0.02 4 0.08
Total 11.06
o Table 2. Approximate breakdown of electricity use based on measurements by John using a handheld energy meter, excluding occasional-use items like workshop tools. This total of 11 kWh is higher than the actual average daily use of 8 kWh over the full year, because the family is away for several weeks each year and pool pump use is only in summer.
“I need to keep testing with an energy usage meter all the new gadgets and appliances (and the standby power) that keep invading our home.“
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ReNew Issue 124 63renew.org.au
Measuring a loaf of breadAppliance monitorsIf you’re new to energy monitoring, Michael O’Connell shows how to use a plug-in energy meter to do the job of measuring your daily loaf!
How do you measure a loaf of bread? Length? Breadth? Width?
How about weight? What about calories? Food miles/kilometres? Energy used in production? Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)? Hmmm, now we’re getting closer.
In fact, all those ways are valid, interesting and informative. But I particularly wanted to measure the energy used by our (not so new) breadmaker in making a loaf of bread. Why? Because I hadn’t got around to it yet and I like to understand how our appliances use energy. This helps us reduce our overall energy use.
So how do you measure how much energy a breadmaker (or anything else) uses? With a clever little device called an energy meter. These meters connect between the power point and the appliance and record power, energy, cost, GHG, and lots more.
I use an energy meter that I bought a few years ago when I was doing energy audits, but there are many different brands on the market and they do a good job. You can also
hire them from various environmental groups (including the ATA!) and businesses. Many of the newer models store the readings or allow you to download the data to a computer for further study, or to create charts and graphs. This allows you to see how you are using energy and where savings can be made. It also provides a great way to chart your progress.
To use the meter I simply connected the cable from the meter to the power point and then connected the breadmaker to it and let the breadmaker do its thing for the next four hours. The picture shows the setup with the meter sitting on top of the toaster for convenience. The display is showing approximately $0.10, the total cost of electricity used.
The interesting thing about the breadmaker is that it has three different power consumption points. Most of the time it is just sitting there monitoring the temperature and time as the dough ‘proves’ or rises. Occasionally it switches on the heating element to maintain the ideal proving temperature. It also uses more power when mixing and kneading the dough and, of course, there is the actual cooking phase. Surprisingly, during the proving time it only uses about 0.5 W, considerably lower than the standby load of many appliances. During the heating or cooking phase the power usage climbs to around 550 W.
So the breadmaker adds about 0.4 kWh to our daily use at a cost of approximately $0.10, assuming one loaf per day. We would also be emitting around 600 g of CO2 if we weren’t on 100% GreenPower. Even with the cost of the electricity, the cost of the bread is significantly lower than shop-bought bread.
Of course, none of this takes into account
the growing, processing, packaging and delivery of the flour and other ingredients. However, these would be similar even for shop-bought bread.
The other important measure is what the bread tastes like. It’s absolutely delicious, with no added ingredients to be concerned about.
And for those who are interested, here is the recipe we use for our daily bread. You may need to adjust the mix to suit your machine or method.
1 ¼ teaspoons breadmakers yeast2 cups white bread flour/mix1 cup multigrain flour/mix½ cup rolled oats330 mL water1 tablespoon vegetable oilYUM! S
“Surprisingly, during the proving time it only uses about 0.5 W, considerably lower than the standby load of many appliances.”
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66 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Windows that performA window and film buyers guidePoorly performing windows can drag down the thermal performance of your home. Lance Turner looks at some solutions.
THE importance of reducing heat flows through windows and doors should not be overlooked. A great deal of heat can flow through single-pane glass and an otherwise well-insulated house can suffer considerable unwanted heat loss or heat gain. In fact, a single-pane plain glass window has almost no insulating ability—around R0.2.
The Australian Window Association (AWA) estimates up to 40 per cent of a home’s heating energy can be lost through windows and up to 87 per cent of its heat gained through them. Choosing high-performing windows and placing them appropriately can reduce energy costs significantly and improve thermal comfort. The art is in knowing how different windows will interact with the design of your home.
Heat transferThere are three main ways heat transfers through windows: radiation, conduction and air infiltration.
Firstly, heat is lost by indirect radiation. Warm objects inside the room radiate heat at long wavelengths (between 5 and 40 micrometres). This energy cannot pass directly through plain glass as it is opaque to such long-wavelength radiation. However, some radiant energy is absorbed by the glass and this is conducted through the glass to the outside. In summer, the reverse occurs, with longwave radiant heat (radiated by hot air and hot surfaces outside) passing indirectly through the glass into the room.
Still greater is the transmission of radiant shortwave solar energy—consisting of visible sunlight plus near-infrared radiation—which is largely transmitted directly through clear glass.
Secondly, heat is lost through conduction—direct transfer of heat from the warm side of the window to the cool side. In aluminium frames with no thermal break, heat is conducted up to six times more readily through the frame than the glass.
In winter, conduction from inside to outside also drives a convection current on the inside of the window, accelerating the rate of heat loss. Warm indoor air cools when it comes in contact with cold glass and falls to the floor, drawing in more warm air above it.
If your heating system has outlets directly under or above the windows, this will increase heat loss by increasing the temperature differential at the glass and breaking up the air layer on the inside of the
window. Deflecting the warm air away from the window can thus save on heating costs.
A final method of heat transfer is air infiltration. This occurs when air leaks through the gaps between the inner frame (that holds the glass) and the outer frame (head, jambs and sill). Poorly sealed windows result in a high air infiltration rate and poor thermal efficiency due to the transfer of warm air.
But the main problem is plain glass. Standard unshaded single-pane, untreated glass windows are an energy efficiency disaster, but there are lots of alternatives. These include double and triple glazing, factory-applied glass coatings, add-on (secondary) glazing systems, stick-on window films and a myriad of window coverings.
o When you have windows this large, the heat transfer can be huge, so some form of insulation is a must. These are double-glazed toughened-glass Miglas windows.
WINDOW AND FILM BUYERS GUIDE
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But how do you know which glazing system or treatment is the best solution for you? It’s a complex task for the average homeowner, but the Australian Window Association has sought to address this problem and make things easier with the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS). First though, it’s worth looking at the window performance measures used in rating windows.
Window performance measuresAn important window performance factor is the whole-window U-value (Uw). This measures how readily a window conducts heat. The lower the U-value, the greater a window’s resistance to conductive heat flow and the better its insulating value.
Note that it’s a ‘whole-window’ measure: all window performance measures in Australia include the effect of the frame and edge of the glass as well as the main central glass area.
The other important factor influencing window performance is its whole-window solar heat gain coefficient (SHGCw). This measures the window’s ability to control heat transfer from solar radiation. It is the amount of solar radiation admitted through the glass and frame combined (both directly, and absorbed and re-transmitted) as a fraction of the total solar radiation falling on the outside of the window. The coefficient is expressed as a number between 0 and 1—the lower the number, the less solar heat the window transmits.
Real-world U-values range from about 8
(worst case) down to 1 (best case). Real-world SHGCs range from about 0.75 down to 0.15. Unlike U-value, we don’t tend to label high SHGC as ‘bad’ and low SHGC as ‘good’ as the judgement depends on the climate where the building is located.
In almost all cases, a low window U-value is better in all climates. You’ll sometimes hear that a high U-value is better in hot climates because this allows the home to cool down faster at night. Other things being equal, this might seem true. However, cooling by means of night-time ventilation, through open windows, will flush out the day’s accumulated heat at a rate many times faster than what gets conducted through closed windows.
Windows with a low U-value also have a surface temperature on the inside that is closer to the desired room air temperature. This is true in all seasons and means better thermal comfort for people near the window.
So what is WERS?WERS simplifies window comparison by rating the performance of residential windows using a star rating system, much like star ratings for appliances. The star ratings are based on the window’s basic performance measures, U-value and SHGC. Windows receive a rating for both heating and cooling performance.
The heating star rating relates to how much energy the windows save when the home is heated, and so is the more important rating in cooler climates. The cooling star rating relates to how much solar and conducted
heat the windows exclude (and hence how much cooling load is avoided) when the home needs to be cooled, and is the more important rating in warm climates or for large west-facing windows.
WERS was developed to provide consumer-friendly window ratings under Australian conditions. Under the NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme), Australia has been classified into 69 different climate zones. To simply things, they were condensed down to just three zones under WERS—cooling, heating and mixed. Star ratings are constant across the country to within the half-star resolution used by WERS.
The WERS rating results are valid for all orientations, a wide range of window sizes and both raised timber and concrete slab-on-ground floors. If the homeowner does not use heating or cooling, the rankings still indicate which windows will give the most comfortable house. The decision on which window you choose is based on the relative importance of heating and cooling in your location.
However, WERS ratings will be less accurate if there are very large glass areas (total glass area more than 35% of floor area) and large areas of overhead glazing, including sunspaces, attached conservatories and large skylights.
WERS ratings rely on computer simulation rather than physical testing, since the latter isn’t available in Australia. Computer calculations are also cheaper and faster. The simulations are based on full manufacturers’ drawings and specifications.
g Composite window frames use aluminium sections for durability with wood covers on the inside. This provides an improved appearance and a level of insulation to reduce heat loss through conduction through the metal frame. Combined with double glazing, it can make for energy-efficient windows that are resistant to the weather but look great.
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“You’ll sometimes hear that a high U-value is better in hot climates because this allows the home to cool down faster at night. However, cooling by means of night-time ventilation, through open windows, will flush out the day’s accumulated heat at a rate many times faster than what gets conducted through closed windows.”
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68 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Multi-pane glazingLet’s now look at the various glazing options available.
Firstly, there is multi-pane glazing, either double or triple glazing. These consist of two or three panes of glass separated by a small gap. The gap may be filled with air, or a less conductive gas like argon which has slightly better insulating properties. Because the airspace is narrow there is not enough room for convection currents to circulate, so the layer of gas between the sheets of glass acts as an insulator, much like the tiny pockets of trapped air in bulk fill insulation.
Double and triple glazing is generally made as a unit which is a complete set of glass panes, sealed together with edge sealing and the appropriate gas already present between the panes. They are treated like a single pane, the only difference being that the window frame will obviously need to be deeper to
accommodate the much greater thickness of the unit, and they can’t be cut so must be made to exact size at the factory.
Double-glazed windows are far superior to single-glazed windows for insulating your home. If you’re wondering whether the added cost of improved glazing is worthwhile, consider that compared to single glazing, a double-glazed window could cut your heat loss in half.
It should be noted that shading double glazing is even more important than shading single-pane windows, as double glazing will trap solar heat in the home in summer if exposed to the sun. But this doesn’t mean that double glazing shouldn’t be used in warmer climates—it should be used in conjunction with appropriate shading, window coatings or other direct radiant protection. And remember, exhausting heat at the end of the day is as simple as opening a few windows.
Double glazing can be particularly useful in cold and mixed climates as it will retain more warmth after sundown, reducing heating loads. In such climates, a glazing unit with high SHGC will preserve passive-solar gain. Even on the north side of a home, on a seasonal basis, a low-U, high-SHGC glazing will easily outperform clear single glazing. This is because even though its solar gains are lower, this is more than offset by reduced heat loss to the outdoors. In net terms you are ahead!
Glass coatings and tintsThere’s a lot more to consider than multi-pane glazing, though. Coated glass can be used to improve the performance of single-pane windows or to turbocharge the performance of double- or triple-glazed units to make them even better.
Both glass coatings and tints are possible. Tints use a pigment in the glass which reduces solar heat gain and light transmission. Coatings are applied to the surface at the factory and can be reflective (‘mirror’ glass) through to the higher-end low-emissivity (low-e) coatings that reduce radiative heat transfer.
The various coatings affect the transfer of radiant heat, but don’t affect heat transfer via conduction or air infiltration. Selective coatings can allow certain light wavelengths through the glass and reflect others. For instance, visible light may be allowed to penetrate, while infrared (i.e. heat) is reflected to a specific degree.
Low-emissivity coatings reduce the onward transfer of radiant heat by glass, and so can
reduce heat loss or gain. The coating can be tuned to reflect most, some, or very little of the radiant solar heat, depending on the needs of the climate and orientation.
For example, you can get spectrally selective low-e glazing that looks clear, allowing most of the visible wavelengths of energy to pass, while reflecting up to half the longer, invisible heat wavelengths. It can reduce the SHGC by more than 60% compared with clear glass and is often used in warmer climates or for west-facing windows when trying to minimise heat from the sun, while still retaining daylight.
On the other hand, low-e glazing with a high SHGC is best suited for use in cool climates, particularly on northerly windows where passive-solar gain is important. This enhances retention of indoor radiant heat in winter without much loss of solar heat gain, useful for warming internal thermal mass.
Different coatings can provide differing levels of heat transmission and visible light transmission. The level of solar heat transmitted is given by the SHGC, and the level of visible light transmitted is the VT rating. For example, a coating with a SHGC of 0.4 and VT of 0.7 will let 40% of solar heat and 70% of visible light through.
Use of a coating on just one pane of a double-glazing unit is general practice, allowing for finer tuning of the heat flows.
From a solar heat gain point of view, the location of a low-e coating is quite important. In warm climates or for unshaded windows facing east or west, a low-e coating should be on the inside-facing surface of the outer glass layer and should be a coating with low solar transmittance (thus, low SHGC).
In colder climates where passive-solar gain is needed, the coating should be on the outward-facing surface of the inner glass layer. It should be a coating with high solar transmittance (thus, high SHGC). In the case of low-e coated single glazing, the coating is always on the room-facing surface. Glazing U-value is not affected by the coating location.
Glazing selectionSelection of the type of glass and coatings for your windows can be a daunting process. There are some general guidelines that apply, depending on your climate zone and the window orientation, but many factors come into play, including the design of your home and the size of the windows.
When looking at climate zone, in general
o Applying film to existing windows can greatly improve their thermal performance.
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in a hot climate (zones 1, 2 and 3, on the map, below), you want to reduce heat gain and so minimise cooling costs; in a cool climate (zones 6, 7 and 8), you want to reduce heat losses and so minimise heating costs; and in a mixed climate (zones 4 and 5), you need a balance between the two. Careful tuning of windows based on orientation can help maximise the result, combined with the use of good summer-only external shading and internal curtains or blinds and pelmets.
As mentioned previously, in general, all windows will benefit from having better insulating properties, i.e. from double or triple glazing or from insulating window coverings. These technologies slow down the conductive heat flows in both directions.
The trick is to then tune how you control the flows of radiant heat. For example, in warmer climates or for westerly windows, you’ll generally want a low solar heat gain, thus excluding heat from getting in. In cooler climates on northerly windows, you’ll generally want a high solar heat gain, to allow you to get access to the winter sun in winter, but you may also want to reduce radiant heat transfer back through the window with a low-e coating. For all window orientations, you need to take into account the window size and external shading. This is best done in conjunction with a professional window designer.
FramesWhile on the subject of windows, we must consider window frames—they are an important part of the heat transfer equation.
The most popular type of frame is the all-aluminium frame, but aluminium is a great conductor of heat and so provides little insulation. However, the performance of a frame needs to be considered in conjunction with the glass type, and while aluminium does conduct heat, it can provide suitable insulation levels if combined with the right glass type.
Aluminium frames can be made to perform better by introducing a thermal break inside the frame. This consists of a section of frame between the inner and outer frames that is made from an insulating material such as timber or plastic (usually polyamide).
A number of manufacturers now make ‘composite aluminium’ frames—aluminium frames with timber covering the inside of the frame, effectively creating a thermal break and making them look like timber windows on the inside.
You might prefer other framing materials and these include timber (making sure it is sustainably sourced), uPVC plastic (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride), and even fibre-reinforced plastic (fibreglass).
Materials such as uPVC and fibreglass can
be toxic to manufacture (although uPVC has improved in this respect in recent years) and do not readily break down in landfill. uPVC is recyclable and in many countries this happens when homes are pulled down as it is considered a valuable resource. However, in Australia this is rare as we have a long way to go with building material recycling. Aluminium is fully recyclable, but takes a great deal of energy to manufacture initially. So you have to weigh the positives and negatives of each material when making a decision.
Window tablesTable 1 lists a range of companies that have had products tested and achieved WERS ratings of 7 Stars and above. As the number of windows products is simply massive, due to the ability to mix window designs, frame materials and glass coatings, along with other features, we have simply listed a range of features that each company can supply at these Star ratings.
In many situations you may not need a window rated at this level, such as if you live in a mild climate or the house performs well thermally due to other design factors. We recommend checking out the WERS website for other suppliers that may have products suitable for your application. Budget will come into the equation as well because higher performing windows may cost more.
Climate and glazingThe climate you live in is one factor that determines the types of glass that you should use in your windows. Windows are rated according to the climate zone—hot, mixed or cold. The Australian Window Association provides recommendations for window materials, depending on which zone you live in.The table below has the recommended glazing for the different zones, collated from the AWA’s climate zone guides. Note that even in the hot zone, insulating glass units (IGU, e.g. by double glazing) are recommended.
Climate zone Glass types Frame types
Hot climate zones 1, 2 and 3
TintedHigh-performance tintTinted low-e (low solar gain)Tinted IGUTinted IGU low-e (low solar gain)
AluminiumThermally broken aluminiumTimberuPVCFibreglassComposite
Mixed climate zones 4 and 5
TintedTinted + clear low-e (med solar gain)Tinted + clear IGU (med solar gain)Tinted + clear IGU low-e (med solar gain)
Cold climate zones 6, 7 and 8
Clear low-e (high solar gain)Clear IGUClear IGU low-e (high solar gain)
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70 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Window filmsIf double glazing your home is out of the reach of your immediate budget then one way to improve the performance of your existing windows is through the application of film.
Film can be considered to be a lot like a factory-fitted coating on the glass, but instead they come on a roll and should be fitted by a professional. Skilled DIYers can install it themselves but should note that fitting films cleanly with a professional result takes practice—getting it wrong can result in bubbles, trapped dirt and even glass breakage through thermal stress, so unless you have experience or are happy to live with such potential problems, then it’s recommended that you get your films applied by a professional window film installer or someone accredited through the WERS For Film program. A WERS For Film accredited individual will issue an energy certificate at the conclusion of the job that will contribute to your energy rating.
Films come in many types, including spectrally selective and low-e, and vary in performance and what they actually do—the trick is to select a film that does what you need it to do, depending on the local climate, the orientation and location of the window, and the performance of the rest of the house.
Low-e films are the only type that reduce the window’s U-value in addition to solar gain and glare reduction. All other films reduce only SHGC and VT to some extent.
For example, if your windows are in full sun in summer, then use a film that blocks incoming solar heat but still allows adequate visible light through—this will reduce solar heat gain but also allow you to use natural sunlight instead of artificial lighting. If the windows are always in shadow then you might need a low-e film to prevent heat loss in winter, rather than reducing any radiant heat gain in summer.
Like glass coatings, films are rated with a U-value and a SHGC, as well as a visible light transmission rating. These specifications allow you to select the features that you want in a film, just by looking at the numbers. For instance, if you need to retain good light transmission then you need a film with a high VT. If you need to exclude direct radiant sun then you also need a low SHGC. Select the film to suit the application based on the manufacturer’s specifications and the desired look of the finished installation. How the film does its job is not so important—there are lots of proprietary formulations and materials, many of which are metal coatings
such as gold, silver and bronze.Like windows, there’s now a range of films
that have been tested and have achieved WERS ratings. WERS film ratings assume the use of poorly-performing (‘default’) frames as there is no way to know the properties of the specific window the film is being used on. This means the ratings are conservative and a real window might perform better than the rating would suggest.
We have chosen to look at the higher end of the film market, and Table 2 only includes those films that have achieved a WERS rating of 4 Stars or better for cooling or 3 Stars or better for heating when applied to a single-glazed timber- or uPVC-framed window. However, there are many more films available from each of the listed suppliers, so if your house performs well already then you may not need a top-of-the-line film.
The film market tends to cater for cooling—keeping the heat out—more so than for keeping the heat in. This is to be expected in Australia, where hot summers and mild winters are the norm in most parts of the country but there are also some high performing low-e heat-retention films available.
Add-on double glazingSo far we have looked at commercially available windows as well as add-on films, but these are not the only ways to achieve better window performance. There are several aftermarket double-glazing products designed to be attached to the inside of existing window frames as a second layer of glazing material, in effect providing double-glazing performance at a lower cost than complete glass replacement.
Clear Comfort is one of the most popular, consisting of a flexible clear film that is held in place with double-sided adhesive tape. The film is then shrunk with a hair dryer to make it taut so that it isn’t noticeable. Although a permanent installation, it can also be fitted to removable ‘fly screen’ frames or homemade frames.
More rigid add-on products usually use a secondary glazing sheet, often acrylic but sometimes glass, attached to frames that attach to the window frame. This allows easy removal of the inner glazing sheet while giving performance similar to air gap double-glazing units. A well-known example of this system is Magnetite, which uses acrylic sheets that are easily removed for cleaning.
You can even make your own homemade
double glazing using similar principles—the options are varied and limited only by your window frames. Check out ReNew 84 for an example of adding your own double glazing, or check out DIY Double Glaze (www.diydoubleglaze.com.au), a company that takes some of the scariness out of DIY double glazing by providing access to double-glazing units and equipment for the DIYer, as well as free advice. ReNew’s sister magazine Sanctuary has an article on secondary glazing in issue 14.
The AWA has pointed out that neither Clear Comfort nor DIY Double Glaze are AWA or WERS members. We recommend you also read the ‘A warning to DIYers’ box below before going the DIY route.
Even more improvements—insulate!If double-glazing and film options are not suited to your situation—for instance, if you are a renter or your budget is just too tight—then you can improve the thermal performance of windows with some simple insulation.
Windows can be insulated in a number of ways. Covering them with thick curtains or using roller or vertical blinds is a good place to start, but they must have pelmets at the top to prevent convective currents circulating, otherwise they will do very little. However, this means that the windows are only insulated when you can’t see out of them, so you can have a well-insulated house, or enjoy your view, but not both. If you find pelmets ugly or impractical, then you may be able to fit a strip of wood or other suitable material between the top of the window frame and the curtain rail or track.
Pleated and cellular blinds can seal well because they can be mounted against the window reveal. Side tracks that seal against air movement are also available. For solar control
A warning to DIYersThe AWA would like to point out the risks of a homeowner handling glass sheets while upgrading windows. It can be highly dangerous and the end result will not meet the requirements for AS4666 (Insulating Glazing Units) and may not meet the requirements of AS1288. The installation of double glazing is a task that should be undertaken by a professional tradesperson due to the risks involved in the application as well as the ongoing risks posed by the installation of glazing that will not meet the standards of safety in Australia.
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and insulation, external roller shutters are an effective alternative to curtains or blinds, but when closed, they let in little or no light, so this needs to be considered. External woven or mesh screens are available which retain some view while providing good solar control. A new energy rating scheme for window coverings (external and internal) is being developed by the Blind Manufacturers’ Association of Australia (BMAA). ReNew will keep you informed as news unfolds about this new program.
There are other window insulation systems available, such as Renshade, an add-on reflective foil system. A recent introduction into Australia is the Inflector insulating panel (www.inflector.com.au). This is a foil mesh panel fitted to a reversible frame, much like a flyscreen. One side is reflective while the other is dark. In summer the reflective side goes outwards, in winter it faces in. The Inflector panels also qualify for government rebates in ACT and NSW.
For the budget-restricted or renter, there are some even simpler insulation methods available. One we have looked at in ReNew in the past is ‘bubble glazing’, which entails the application of a sheet of bubblewrap to the window, holding it in place with double-sided tape. This will block the view in or out but still let in some light, providing a method that is very cheap and quite effective, and adds some privacy as well.
Reducing costsIf you’re smart you can minimise the cost of energy efficient glazing. If the windows are not too big, thinner glass can be used, saving cost and weight. Doors have to be glazed with safety glass (which costs more, multiplied by two with double glazing). Windows set down low that are larger than a certain size also must use safety glass. Raising sill heights to 500 mm above floor level can eliminate the requirement for safety glass (as covered by Australian Standard AS1288) and save a lot of money.
With the requirement for all homes to meet energy regulations, efficient glazing is one way you can quickly upgrade a building’s energy performance. Studies by the Australian Glass and Glazing Association on the homes built by one of Victoria’s biggest home builders showed an average cost payback of just over five years.
Weather sealsIt is also important to remember that a window allowing airflow around it will be a
poor insulator, no matter what its materials and construction. Windows that have moving sections should have good seals between the moving frame and the window frame. Most modern commercially made windows have a reasonable seal, but their effectiveness depends on how well the window is designed and manufactured. The amount of air that passes through an area of window under a given pressure is known as the infiltration rating—the lower the value, the better.
Compression seals, as seen on awning and casement windows, usually seal better and last longer than brush seals commonly fitted to sliding or double-hung windows.
A good seal between the window frame and the wall is also very important. When the window frame is fitted, it must be sealed correctly to prevent any air leaks. It is not uncommon to see windows with gaps and considerable air leakage between the frame and the wall.
DoorsGenerally, much that applies to windows also applies to doors containing glass. Glass doors are available with many of the same features as windows, including double glazing and the various types of heat flow reducing glass.
Sealing around doors can be more difficult than windows, but is equally important and should not be overlooked.
Standards and ratingsWindows and sliding doors made to Australian Standards AS2047 and AS1288 will carry a certifying label. These standards cover things such as safety, water resistance, air infiltration and other important features. Some windows are fully imported and conform to stringent overseas standards. However, this does not mean they comply to Australian testing requirements. If a window is supplied to you without any certification, you should not use it.
Some Australian-made windows don’t need to comply with AS2047, such as replacement windows for heritage homes.
Windows that are tested to have a WERS rating will usually come with a WERS label attached. If unsure, check the WERS website for compliance.
Well worth itImproving the thermal performance of glazing can be expensive, but it is a very worthwhile
investment. It may be as little as 1% of the total cost of building a home and can reduce energy loss through windows by 40% or more.
If you decide to replace your existing windows and go with double glazing, it is important that you get quotes from at least three suppliers and talk to them about what is right for your home. Remember, what applies in colder climates doesn’t necessarily apply in warmer climes. Even the orientation of a home and its location on the block can determine what types of windows are needed.
Also, don’t assume that the same window type and rating is ideal for each room—selecting a window’s ratings for each room can tweak the thermal performance even further. While that may seem like a lot of effort, you may be living with those windows for a long time, so it can be worth it. S
ReNew would like to thank Dr Peter Lyons (www.fenestralia.com), Michael Miller (President, WFAANZ) and Richard Hamber (AWA) for their invaluable input in writing this guide. More information on glazing can be found in Your Home Technical Manual (available from the ATA or at www.yourhome.gov.au), and the Australian Window Association, www.awa.org.au. Also see the article ‘High-performing windows’ in Sanctuary 20. For information on the Window Energy Rating Scheme, see www.wers.net. For information on films, go to the Window Film Association of Australia and NZ, www.wfaanz.org.au
WINDOW AND FILM BUYERS GUIDE
Windows in bushfire zonesThe Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating system has been designed to improve the ability of buildings to withstand a bushfire attack. The BAL has six levels of risk, with increasing construction requirements ranging from ember protection at the low levels to fire-rated construction at the highest. For windows, the requirements range from installing thicker toughened glass to bushfire shutters or bushfire-approved window frames. The material of a window frame can in many cases be mandated for a higher bushfire protection BAL. Australian hardwoods and uPVC meet many requirements at lower BAL levels, but only some timber species (see AS 3959–2009) will meet higher levels. Aluminium and steel frames meet most requirements for bushfire protection, but there are other criteria for better thermal performance.
Supplier 7 Star+ heating
7 Star+ cooling
Types of windows Types of doors Types of frames Insulating glass features
Heat-reduction features
Where available?
Bushfire rating
Visibility Air infiltration
Australian Glass and Glazing Pty Ltd Ph: (08) 8382 9919 [email protected] www.auglass.com.au
Y – Awning, tilt & turn, casement, sliding, bi-fold, stacker windows
Bi-Fold, stacker, sliding, tilt & open, tilt & slide
uPVC Double-glazed with argon
Low-e and other pyrolytic and soft coated glass
SA and interstate
BAL-29, higher using bushfire shutters
Glass selection dependent
Australian Window Solutions Ph: (08) 8386 1006, 0410 084 914 [email protected] www.australianwindowsolutions.com.au
Y – Awning, tilt & turn, casement & sliding windows
No 7 Star uPVC 24 mm double-glazed units, argon gas filled with warm edge spacer bar
None or low-e All of SA Up to BAL-29 0.42–0.46 0.27–0.34
Blue Sky Windows Ph: (03) 9588 2198, 0450 908 [email protected] www.blueskywindows.com.au
Y – Tilt & turn, casement, awning, tilt only, tilt slide, sliding, bi-fold, turn only
French, tilt & turn, turn only, bi-fold, sliding, tilt slide, lift slide, casement
uPVC profiles from Kommerling
Double-glazed, argon gap, can be triple-glazed (Can supply 5 chamber windows, sound insulation)
Energy Advantage glazing
Vic only All tested to BAL-40
0.4 0.52
Canterbury Windows Ph: 1800 104 000 [email protected] www.canterburywindows.com.au
Y – Awning and casement
No 7 Star Timber: meranti, WRC, KD hardwood
Double-glazed, argon gap
None and low-e Vic, NSW, Qld, SA
Timber options to meet BAL- 12.5, 19, 29
Air: 0.51 Low-e: 0.46
Air: 0.79 Low-e: 0.17
Dowell Windows Ph: 1300 882 188 www.dowell.com.au
Y – Awning window, sliders, casements, bi-folds, double hung, fixed lights
Alfreco, sliding, bi-fold, French doors
Timber, aluminium, thermally broken aluminium
Double-glazed, argon gap (95%) Double-glazed with low-e
7.5 Star: 1 and 2 side low-e. 7 Star none
Australia wide
Up to BAL-40
Can be varied from 0.77 to 0.19. SHGC also can be varied
Awnings 0.04, sliders 1.3, doors 1.47, thermaline slider 0.74, thermaline door 0.25
Easy Windows ph.: (02) 9999 4377 [email protected] www.easywindows.com.au
Y – Gold 58 tilt & turn casement window
No 7 Star uPVC profile Double-glazed, argon gap
Energy Advantage glazing
Australia wide
Certified to AS3959 to BAL-40
0.4 0.52
Ecovue Double Glazed Windows & Doors Ph: 1300 326 883 www.ecovue.com.au
Y – Most window types Most door types uPVC profile Double-glazed, low-e, argon gap
Low-e, tint, double glazed
Sydney & Perth
Ecovue range conforms to BAL-29
0.39–0.56 0–2.81
Elite Double Glazing Ph: (03) 6248 4111 www.elitedoubleglazing.com.au
Y – Awning, tilt & turn windows
No 7 Star uPVC Double-glazed, air or argon gap
None or low-e – – 0.42–0.46 0.27–0.34
Enviro Vision Ph: (08) 9345 4662 [email protected] www.envirovision.com.au
Y – Kommerling C70 tilt & turn, casement window, awning window
no 7 Star uPVC profile Double-glazed, argon gap
Energy Advantage glazing
Ship to anywhere
BAL-40 0.4 0.52
Miglas Australia Ph: (03) 9728 7555 [email protected] www.miglass.com.au
Y – Casement window, awning window
No 7 Star AliClad (composite)
Double-glazed, argon fill standard
Low-e Australia wide
BAL-40, soon to be BAL-FZ
0.48 0.07
Paarhammer Pty Ltd Ph: (03) 5368 1999, 1300 655 920 [email protected] www.paarhammer.com.au
Y Y Heat & cool, tilt & turn windows
Cooling: sliding, bi-fold doors
Plantation Victorian ash, FSC certified manilkara, red ironbark, european redwood
Double- or triple-glazed windows. Triple-glazed doors
Heat: low-e on inside, argon gas filled 16 mm space Cool: low-e both sides, argon gap
Australia wide
BAL-40 & -FZ rating with red ironbark timber and FSC manilkara
Heat: 0.33–0.39 Cool: 0.28–0.37
Heat: 0.05 Cool: 0.05–0.31
Precedence Windows & Doors 15 Capella Cres, Moorabbin Vic 3189 Ph: 1300 162 784 www.precedencewindows.com.au
Y – Ultimate: casement & polygon, awning, push-out casement & awning. Integrity: casement operator/stationary windows
No 7 Star Ultrex fibreglass pultrusion profiles
Double- and triple-glazed. Air, argon, argon-krypton gaps
Low-e 180 glass, argon and krypton/ argon gases
– – 0.48–0.56 5
Rehau Ph: 1300 760 665 [email protected] www.rehau.com
– Y Awning, casement, tilt & turn
Casement, tilt & turn
uPVC Double glazed with argon gap
Low-e Australia wide
BAL-29 0.04 0.51–0.77
Southern Star Windows Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 733 599 [email protected] www.southernstarwindows.com.au
Y – Awning & casement No 7 Star Timber: meranti, WRC, KDHW or merbau, chain of custody certificatn
Double-glazed with argon gas gap
Low-e available Vic, Qld, NSW, SA
To BAL-29 depending on timber, glass, hardware
0.51–0.55 0.17–0.79
Stegbar Pty Ltd Ph: 1800 681 168 [email protected] www.stegbar.com.au
Y – Awning,casement, fixed, sliding door
– Western red cedar, siteline composite window
Double-glazed and double-glazed with low-e glass
Energy advantage/tech, Planitherm T
Australia wide
Up to BAL-40
7 Star: 0.44–0.56 7.5 Star: 0.47–0.52
7 Star: 0 7.5 Star: 0
Titane Windows & Doors (Tas) Ph: (03) 6326 8217 [email protected] www.titaneupvcdoubleglazing.com.au
Y – Gold 58: tilt & turn, casement, awning + C70: tilt & turn, casement, awning window
Gold 58 French, hinged, tilt & slide doors, C70 French, hinged, tilt & slide doors
uPVC profile Double-glazed, argon gap
Energy Advantage low-e glazing
Tas, Vic, ACT, SA
BAL-29 0.4 0.52
Trend Windows & Doors Ph: 13 72 74 [email protected] www.trendwindows.com.au
Y – Awning and casement
No 7 Star Timber: western red cedar, meranti, rosewood; aluminium, ThermAL
Double air, and argon gap glazed, secondary air
Low-e Australia wide
Extreme range BAL-40 (5.5 Star max)
7.5 Star: 0.49 – 0.51, 7 Star: 0.34 – 0.56 Sec: 0.43 – 0.52
7.5 Star: 0.12 – 0.22, 7 Star: 0.04 – 0.22, Sec: 5
Ultimate Ph: (02) 6043 5955 [email protected] www.ultimatewindows.com.au
Y Y Awning, casement No 7 Star Heat: Euro-aluminium EC50TB, Cool: Euro-aluminium EC6565TB
Heat: double-glazed with argon gap, Cool: triple-glazed with two Cool-Lite surfaces and argon gaps, EPDM spacer
Heat: low-e ACT, Vic – Heat: 0.53 Cool: 0.21
Heat: 0.3 Cool: 0.80
Valley Windows Ph: (03) 5128 5879, Display:(03) 8832 9000 [email protected] www.valleywindows.com.au
Y – Awning window, casement window
No 7 Star Timber: western red cedar or Victorian ash
Double-glazed, argon gap
None or low-e – – 0.46–0.5 0.06
Weatherall Windows Ph: 1300 132 095, 0459 946 369 [email protected] www.weatherallwindows.com.au
Y – Awning, tilt & turn windows
No 7 Star uPVC Double-glazed, air or argon
Low-e and tinted glass
Vic, east SA, south NSW, ACT
Meets BAL-29
0.42–0.46 0.27–0.34
Zenit Windows Ph: (03) 9555 6977 [email protected] www.zenitwindows.com.au
Y Y Awning, tilt & turn windows
No 7 Star uPVC Double glazed with air and argon gap
Low-e and multi chambered frame
Australia wide delivery
Up to BAL-29 0.42–0.46 0.27–0.34
WINDOW AND FILM BUYERS GUIDE
Table 1: Window suppliers with high-performing windows having a WERS rating of 7 Stars or better for heating OR coolingNote: There are many other window suppliers with 7 Star+ windows who were unable to return data in time for publication. Below are just a sample of suppliers with high-performing windows; in addition, lower Star ratings than 7 Stars can also give good heating and cooling improvements. When choosing a window, look at WERS for its heating and cooling Stars and percentage improvements, and/or the U-value and SHGC.
ReNew Issue 124 73renew.org.au
Australia’s most energy efficient windows and doors
Double & Triple Glazed - Tilt & turn windows - Draft free bi-fold, sliding & French doors - Entrance combinations
Award winning and truly sustainable solutions for owners and designers of unique homes.
Bushfire safe windows, doors and shutters for all BAL ’ s including Flame Zone BAL-FZ
Call us on: 03 5368 1999 or 1300 655 920 www.paarhammer.com.au
Brand/manufacturer Model Cooling Stars
Heating Stars
Film type Film appearance Cost per m2
Cool % Heat % Total-windowUw SHGC Tvw Air Inf
3M Window Films Locked Bag 19 North Ryde NSW 1670 Ph:136 136 [email protected] (VIC)
Silver P18 4.5 1.5 Reflective Reflective $65 61% 1% 5.1 0.18 0.13 5
Night Vision 15 4 1.5 Tinted Smoky $75 56% 1% 5.3 0.23 0.12 5
Black Chrome 10 4 1.5 Tinted Smoky $65 56% 2% 5.3 0.23 0.08 5
Amber 35 Low-E 4.5 2 Low-e Amber tint $75 63% 12% 4.3 0.2 0.24 5
Solar Gard 1/6 Stanton Road Seven Hills NSW 2147 Ph: (02) 9838 8888 [email protected] www.solargard.com.au
Silver AG 25 Low-E 5 2 Low-e Medium silver $60–$80
65% 12% 4.2 0.19 0.18 5Solar Bronze 20 4.5 1.5 Tinted Bronze 62% 0% 5.1 0.17 0.18 5Solar Bronze 35 4 1.5 Tinted Bronze 57% 5% 5.1 0.24 0.28 5Solar Bronze 35 (safety 4mil) 4 1.5 Tinted Bronze 57% 4% 5.1 0.24 0.26 5Silver 20 4.5 – Tinted Silver 62% -2% 5.2 0.17 0.13 5Silver 20 (security 10mil) 4.5 – Tinted Silver 61% 0% 5.1 0.18 0.14 5Silver 20 (safety 4mil) 4.5 – Tinted Silver 62% -2% 5.2 0.16 0.12 5Silver 20 (security 8mil) 4.5 – Tinted Silver 62% -2% 5.1 0.16 0.12 5
Slate 10 4.5 – Tinted Dual view 61% -6% 5.4 0.16 0.09 5Stainless Steel 10 4 – Tinted Chrome 58% -2% 5.4 0.2 0.07 5Sterling 20 4.5 1.5 Tinted Neutral reflective 60% 1% 5.1 0.19 0.18 5Grey / Silver 15 4 1.5 Tinted Dual View 59% 0% 5.2 0.2 0.05 5Silver / Grey 20 4 1.5 Tinted Dual View 55% 2% 5.3 0.24 0.1 5Sentinel Silver 20 (external) 4.5 – Tinted Silver 60% -6% 5.5 0.16 0.13 5True Vue 15 4.5 – Tinted Dual View 61% -2% 5.2 0.18 0.1 5True Vue 5 4.5 – Tinted Dual View 62% -3% 5.2 0.16 0.04 5
Hanita Pacific Pty Ltd Unit 4, 50 Rooks Rd Nunawading VIC 3131 Ph: 1300 456 700 www.hanitapacific.com.au
OptiTune 05 4.5 – Tinted Reflective exterior + neutral interior
63% -5% 5.3 0.15 0.05 5
OptiTune 15 4 – Tinted 59% -1% 5.3 0.19 0.11 5
PolyZone Silver 20 Xtra 4.5 – Polycarbonate exterior, tinted
Reflective silver 60% -6% 5.5 0.16 0.13 5
Silver 20 4 – Tinted 60% 0% 5.2 0.19 0.14 5Silver 20 Xtra 4 – Exterior, tinted 60% -6% 5.5 0.17 0.13 5Silver 20 Low-E 5 – Low-e, tinted 65% 9% 4.4 0.18 0.13 5Solar Bronze 20 Xtra 4.5 – Exterior, tinted Reflective bronze 61% -7% 5.5 0.15 0.13 5Solar Bronze 20 4.5 – Tinted 62% -1% 5.1 0.17 0.13 5Solar Bronze 35 4 1.5 Tinted 56% 5% 5.2 0.26 0.26 5Safety Silver 20, 4 Mil 4 – Safety, tinted Reflective silver 59% -1% 5.3 0.2 0.15 5Safety Silver 20, 5 Mil Xtra 4 – Exterior, safety,
tinted60% -6% 5.5 0.17 0.14 5
Oceania Distributing Pty Ltd 8/79 Mandoon Road, Giraween NSW 2145 Ph: (02) 9636 6011 [email protected] www.oceaniadistributing.com
3SB20int 4 1.5 60% 1% 5.2 0.19 0.16 53SS20int 4 1.5 58% 2% 5.2 0.22 0.18 53SV10int 4 – 60% -7% 5.6 0.17 0.08 53MG10int 4 1.5 58% 1% 5.2 0.21 0.06 53MGD20int 4 1.5 57% 3% 5.2 0.23 0.17 53SS20ext 4 – 56% -1% 5.5 0.22 0.18 5
MEP Films 275 Canterbury Road Canterbury VIC 3126 Ph: (03) 8809 2700 [email protected] www.mepfilms.com.au
3N1020BSRint 4 1.5 Tint Bronze $65 60% 1% 5.2 0.2 0.16 53DL05GRSRint 4 1.5 Tint Dark grey $65 56% 2% 5.3 0.24 0.04 53R20SRint 4.5 – Tint Silver $65 60% 0% 5.2 0.18 0.13 53SD2500int 4 1.5 Tint Security POA 58% 6% 5 0.23 0.41 53V14SRint 4 – Tint Sky blue $65 58% -6% 5.6 0.19 0.09 53VEP35int 5 3 Low-e Emerald green $120 66% 23% 3.5 0.22 0.27 53VEP70int 3.5 3.5 Low-e Light amber $170 53% 35% 3.5 0.42 0.55 5
Smart Films Tintplus Unit 5, 39 Secam Street Mansfield QLD 4122 Ph:1300 658 503, (07) 3849 2022 www.tintplus.com.au
3R10_S_Gint (HeatShield) 4 – Reflective $39.50 59% -1% 5.3 0.2 0.04 5
3R20_Sint (Mirror Tint 20) 4 1.5 Reflective $34.50 57% 3% 5.2 0.23 0.19 5
WINDOW AND FILM BUYERS GUIDE
Table 2: Window films with WERS rating of 4 Stars or better for cooling OR 3 Stars or better for heating.Figures are for film applied on WERS ‘Generic Timber/uPVC Window – Single Glazed’.Percentage improvement figures for cooling and heating are compared with using base-case ‘Generic Window 1’ (3mm clear in standard aluminium frame). A negative percentage improvement figure indicates performance worse than the base-case window. A positive percentage improvement figure indicates performance better than the base-case window.
Our windows are in a heritage house
www.clearcomfort.com.au
Long wait for a tradesman?TOO EXPENSIVE
What about my skylight?
But I
’m r
entin
g
You just need to read this
We don’t wantthe windows replaced
TOOMUCH
ADVICE
What about the damage?
What about the extra weight?
www.pickeringwindows.com.au
Quality + Price + Service
We aim to deliver the best quality product, give you exceptional service and all at a reasonable price. Choose the brand that more Sanctuary homes use.
No job or design too difficult!
PICKERING JOINERYManufacturer of Quality Timber Windows and Doors
ph: 03 5243 4166
For quality, custom made, heritage and architectural timber windows and doors call us at Pickering Joinery.
Craftsman built timber windows and doors since 1960
Pickering Joinery
TRYING TO CUT DOWN THOSE ENERGY COSTS ?
When your next step is window film,the logical choice is Sola Seal !
Certified supplier and installer ofEnerlogic energy efficient window films
Ph.08 8268 4666 www.solaseal.com.au
www.inflector.com.au
Is Your Energy BillSky High?
Is Your Energy BillSky High?
Inflector is a cost effectivepassive window insulation
solution that helps heat yourhome or building in winter
and keep it cool in summer
Save up to
on energy costs
40%
76 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Biochar benefitsAn introduction to making biocharJohn Hermans explains what biochar is, its environmental benefits and the process he uses to make it.
IT WAS not until I read The Biochar Revolution by Paul Taylor that I began to think about biochar’s agricultural and environmental value, and decided to make the effort to make biochar at home. This article won’t attempt to summarise the book but rather focus on how I’ve used its approach to benefit our household.
What is biochar?In a word, biochar is charcoal. Crushed into small particles, the charcoal can be used to improve the nutrient- and water-holding capacity of soil, and so improve plant growth and productivity.
Biochar is a relatively new word, but biochar’s use has been documented as far back as the Amazonian Indians, who created tera preta or ‘black earth’. These nutrient-enriched soils retain much of their higher fertility, and their char, thousands of years after they were created.
Biochar can also permanently lock up carbon to help neutralise our carbon footprint. In this world where governments are largely failing to mitigate a climate catastrophe, this is another path for a ‘bottom-up’ global effort.
Why make biochar?Biochar is now commercially available as a soil conditioner, at around $10/kg, but if you are not confined by allotment size, it is quite easy and cheap to make instead. You can also then control what goes into it.
In my case, I have been using the sticks and leaves that I would otherwise have burnt to reduce summer bushfire risk.
Making it has also given our household another option for becoming truly carbon neutral, other than planting trees. Biochar means we can now lock up atmospheric carbon in the soil, potentially for thousands of years, rather than have it re-enter the atmosphere when the ground litter rots or is burnt. Once it is added to the soil, it remains mostly inert to oxidation and hence does not re-enter the carbon cycle. At the same time, it increases the soil fertility in our extensive food garden.
Biochar chemistryWhen organic matter is burnt in the open air, it nearly all burns to ash, with only very small amounts of unburnt black char. It is
o Loose material goes in, but it needs to be compressed with a short post rammer. The photo shows the 200-litre TLUD drum as a single-skin unit, with secondary air vents visible at the top. John has since wrapped this drum with three 82 cm lengths of old corrugated iron, attached using Tek screws. This wrapping reduces heat loss, which helps maintain the secondary combustion.
DIY PROJECTS
DIFFICULTY RATING: HHHII
ReNew Issue 124 77renew.org.au
possible to make char in a controlled open-air fire by extinguishing it early with water, but smoke, heat, flames and gas emissions will result.
In biochar manufacture it is preferable to use enclosed steel drums to control oxygen delivery and to burn most, if not all, of the carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane which otherwise are given off in smoke. If unburnt, most of these gases have a far higher greenhouse gas effect than CO2. When the fuel is burnt in controlled conditions, they are converted to CO2. An added advantage is that it is a fairly smoke-free production process—far more neighbour-friendly than open-air fuel reduction burning.
Ways of making biocharThe very early char-makers used pits dug into the ground and mud-covered wood piles to control the off-gas burning of solid wood. These were very smoky operations.
There are basically three methods currently used to produce biochar.
The first method involves an ‘oxic’ fuel burn using an open-air fire. To do this, a strip of ground litter raked into long narrow piles is lit along its upwind edge. After 10 minutes a high proportion of the material is converted to char and the fire is then completely extinguished using water from a hose. This method resembles standard leaf-litter burning and has several negative effects: smoke, heat, flames and gas emissions.
The second method is an oxygen-starved burn in a large (200 litre) drum modified into a ‘top lit up draft’ (or TLUD, pronounced tee-lud). A TLUD drum has two sets of air feed holes. Primary air holes in the bottom
of the drum provide just enough oxygen to enable the fuel to pyrolise (chemical decomposition by heat), producing a small flame but a large quantity of volatile gases (smoke). Upper secondary air vents supply a sufficient amount of oxygen to these volatile gases so that they then burn, in a secondary combustion, to a nearly clear flue stream.
The third, and more traditional, method is an ‘anoxic’ (oxygen-free) burn, in an inverted steel retort. The retort is an open-top drum that is filled with wood and then turned upside down over a flat metal disk. The retort is held up above a wood-fuelled fire, contained within another larger steel drum. The gas driven from the inverted retort then burns to assist in heating the retort even more, so that the reaction becomes self sustaining.
For simplicity, I will only describe the second method in detail: making biochar using a TLUD drum.
Creating a TLUD combustion vesselThe TLUD drum needs to have about eight 40 mm primary air holes in the bottom and eight 40 mm secondary air holes around the sides near the top. The holes should be evenly distributed. Ensure there is a central air hole in the bottom of the drum.
The drum also needs a lid and a flue pipe on top. I use a flue with a diameter of 150 mm and 1.8 m long. The simplest lid and flue connection is made by making eight star-arranged angle grinder cuts in the centre of the lid, like an asterisk, with each cut extending out to the diameter of the flue. You then fold up the triangular sections, place a section of flue over them and rivet the flue to the triangulated lid folds.
Loading the drumI use a mat of crumpled steel wire mesh at the bottom of the drum to enable better air flow and assist pyrolysis of the fuel near the bottom. Over this, I place a capped pipe (of about 90mm diameter and 90cm in length) in the centre of the drum, resting on the wire mesh and just above a central air hole in the bottom of the drum.
The next step is loading the collected dry leaves and sticks around the central pipe; I use a short wooden post as a ram to compress the fuel. Once the drum is full, the central pipe is removed, leaving a hole in the centre of the compressed organic material so that air can pass through it. It’s important not to move or shake the drum after the pipe’s removal or the hole may become blocked.
I also raise the drum on three small blocks of 20 mm pine offcuts, so that fresh air can enter under the drum and into the primary air holes. When the fire gets to the bottom of the drum the pine blocks will burn out, subsequently shutting off the primary air flow and slowing the final burn process. As the bottom of the drum gets very hot, it is important that at least a two-metre radius is raked clear of combustible matter.
The process of pyrolysisTo start the combustion process, I ignite the fuel at the top of the drum, around the outer periphery, and cover the container with the flued lid soon after lighting.
As long as the fuel is fairly dry and the central air passage remains open, the secondary combustion process should maintain itself, giving a smoke-free burn. It’s important to check the burn progress of the
o Lighting the centre of a fully charged barrel. John has since found it’s preferable to light around the outer periphery rather than the centre.
o Well-made biochar is almost pure carbon.
78 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
TLUD regularly, as the time taken to complete the charring process will vary, due to moisture content, particle size and degree of fuel compaction. I have a 40 mm observation hole drilled in the outer edge of the lid which allows for easy inspection. I find that it usually pays to let it burn a bit longer after I think it’s ready! As a rough guide, my burns usually take about three to four hours.
Once I think it’s ready, I remove the lid and use water from a hose to quench the glowing char mass. If water quenching is not done, the char will all turn to ash and the product will be lost to the atmosphere as CO2. I spray water in the top until it comes out the bottom—as reignition often occurs and you could lose the lot overnight. Note that if the burning fuel is quenched too soon then a proportion will remain unburnt. Some trial and error may be needed, but it’s all good fun!
The fuel weight of a 200-litre drum of compressed litter is around 40 kg and the final char weight is around 10 kg.
When to make biochar using a TLUDThe best time to prepare your TLUD drums is on warm or hot days, when the organic matter is fully dried. The drier the fuel, the hotter the burn and the less chance there will be of the secondary fire going out (which would lead to a very smoky chimney plume). After loading, you can seal up the drums and keep them for firing up on cooler or even rainy days.
I did all of my char-making through the summer season, on days following rain, when ground fires were not permitted. This represents a fuel reduction option during the fire restriction season as the fire is fully contained and (should be) smokeless. I have never observed live embers coming from the flue stack, but, of course, never light up on hot days or fire ban days.
Carbon offsettingMy estimation is that a kilogram of biochar holds the same amount of elemental carbon as 1.6 litres of petrol. Having vehicles that run on vegetable oil and biodiesel, and a house that is powered 100% from the sun and micro hydro, my offsetting challenge is not as great as most, but there are a lot of other products and services that I wish to offset. In addition to the value of carbon offsetting, my productive food garden will reap the benefits of biochar for a long time to come. S
If you have an interest in biochar, I strongly recommend Paul Taylor’s book The Biochar Revolution. Otherwise try Googling TLUD—there’s a lot going on out there!
o Raking up small ground litter for the charring procedure.
o Inspecting the previous charred batch, while the next one is being fired. Notice that minimal smoke is being emitted.
a Quenching the glowing char mass, before it all turns to ash.
WarningExtreme care should always be taken when working with combustible materials. It’s a good idea to have a fire hose or water fire-extinguisher handy when making biochar. Only use steel 200-litre drums or similar steel or stainless steel drums, never aluminium. The ATA encourages readers to always place safety first.
Solar Success explains everything needed to size, design and install stand-alone solar systems for homes and properties at the lowest feasible cost. It also covers all that buyers need to know about grid-connect - including ‘time-shifting’ that enables the day’s solar to be used at night.The book explains how first to slash energy usage (without loss of convenience) such that system size can be reduced - typically by 25-40%. Thoroughly researched by an engineer writer who designed and built his own 3.4 kW system in the Kimberley, and then built his own home using almost none but solar power. He also fitted out five off-road vehicles for free camping with solar.As with all of Collyn’s books, the subject is presented in plain English combined with total technical accuracy.It is a comprehensive guide to every aspect of solar, from small cabins to big properties.
For caravans and motor homes see also Solar That Really Works, and also Caravan & Motorhome Electrics.
$47.50 (+$5 post Aust) $7.50 (NZ) $12.50 all other.(Trade enquiries welcomed)
SUCCESSFUL SOLAR BOOKSPO BOX 356, Church Point, NSW 2105. Tel: 02 9997 1052(Order now - via web address below, mail, or telephone).
www.successfulsolarbooks.com
ReNew readers!What have you done to save water around your house?
The most liked* entry will WIN a Water Cube from Flexi Rain Tanks worth $645!
Enter the ReNew reader competition! Send a photo and a description of your water saving efforts (300 words or less) to [email protected]
*Liking will be both most popular on social media and as judged by an expert ATA panel.
shop.ata.org.au/shop/water-cube-starter
Closes on 31 July 2013, Australian residents only.
80 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Up for a challenge?Build-your-own solar HWSAfter a slow and costly start, Martin Chape’s DIY solar HWS is working so well that there’s heat to spare. He describes the challenging build.
I RECENTLY managed to finally fulfil a promise made back in 2011 to build a new split-system vacuum-tube solar HWS that can be monitored via the internet.
At the time of making the promise I had already started collecting parts. I was lucky enough to find a used 300-litre Chromagen water tank for $100 that had already been used for solar and was still in good condition. Being solar meant that it already had the additional flow and return pipes required to go to the solar collector on my roof.
The reason for the new system was that my existing Edwards close-coupled solar HWS, while still working after 16 years, was looking a bit the worse for wear with signs of corrosion on the tank outer and some of the piping. In fact, when we came to remove it from the roof, we discovered that the screws holding the stainless straps had corroded right through. The only things stopping the tank from sliding down the 30 degree pitched roof were the screw heads holding the corrugated iron sheeting in place!
Importing glass vacuum tubes: not for the faint-heartedImporting the 30-vacuum-tube collector array direct from China proved interesting, to say the least! The tubes, manifold and frame cost only $335, but, when the boxes arrived at the Fremantle wharf, the shipping company contacted me to advise I needed to pay another $488 before I could collect the boxes.
Part of that charge, $150, was to make a declaration to Australian Customs that the items were under the $1000 threshold, and therefore avoid import taxes and GST. I declined to have the importer do that on my
behalf but then discovered I was not allowed to lodge the form myself. Fortunately I found someone in Sydney who could lodge it for me for the bargain price of only $90.
I reluctantly paid the shipping company $338, which was the balance of the $488 port charges, and headed to the wharf with my Customs clearance sheet. On the wharf no one could find my crates and instead they offered me a cardboard box containing two bicycles! Finally, I was allowed to walk around until I found my crates.
When I returned home and unpacked the boxes, I found five of the 30 glass tubes were broken. I contacted the shipper and they refused to accept responsibility. I contacted the Chinese exporter who offered me 10
replacement glass tubes for only $25, but added it would cost more than $500 to have them shipped.
I eventually found a company in Australia that could supply five glass tubes for $125. There was an additional $25 for a crate and $75 to ship: a total of $225. I duly paid for these along with shipping costs. The courier arrived with a cardboard box rattling with broken glass, and I refused to take delivery. So the replacement tubes were returned to Melbourne, but thankfully these were replaced without further cost. Finally I had my five new tubes and was able to repair the broken collectors.
I haven’t worked out the total cost of importing these tubes, but I estimate it must
o The new evacuated tube panel sits neatly between the (many!) PV arrays.
DIFFICULTY RATING: HHHHI
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be up around the $1k mark. My advice to folks buying vacuum tubes would now be: try and source locally, and pick them up yourself!
Controller confusionUnfortunately importing the controller didn’t go smoothly either. Having successfully brought items from China to Australia in the past I figured this was the best way to go. There’s such an amazing amount of technology available at bargain prices from China. But communication can be a problem. When, as an engineer, you start asking about technical details, things can become confused.
After a bit of research I chose an SP26 intelligent solar HWS controller at a cost of US$90 that was advertised as having an RS485 port. However, despite several emails and reassurances from the seller, there were no ports on the controller I received. So we exchanged yet more emails which got me exactly nowhere.
Giving up on that supplier I found that a new SR1168 intelligent controller had become available from another store. This boasted not only an RS485 port but also a port to plug in an SD flash card, and even showed a diagram of it being connected into a network. I forked out another US$138 and it was on its way to Australia.
I was delighted to find when it arrived it was exactly what I had been aiming to purchase.
Gas or electric boost?I chose an electric instant hot water unit for boosting temperature as I could cancel out the electric power drain by an extra PV panel on my grid-connected array. I avoided a gas
booster as the capital cost of the appliance is around four times the electric one, and I also believe an electric heater has finer heat control than most of the gas appliances.
Additionally, it is my view that domestic gas prices will climb as it competes with the export markets to China, India and Japan. The WA government has managed to excise gas from the Gorgon project for domestic use, but at a higher price than is currently paid.
There are some amazing instant electric HWS on the market in Canada and the USA for around US$250, complete with remotes to set your temperature at the kitchen sink or in the bathroom. But importing these and having them approved here is a costly exercise. So I went for a Chinese unit, a Gleamous GL5 instant HWS with no remote, that has a local importer in Sydney, a two-year warranty and a quality control system in place.
They retail for just under $500, and the importer helped me out because he was interested in my project.
I estimate this system will use around 40% less energy compared to the immersion booster in my old solar HWS. I have installed Current Cost power monitoring on this new
system and can view its energy use on my smartphone. The immersion booster in my old system was also monitored and I have a couple of seasons of data for it, so I will do a comparison to the new system after this coming winter to check my estimate.
Circulation pumpMost of the circulation pumps on commercial split-system solar HWS are 240 volt AC. But as I already have a 24 volt DC battery bank in my garage right next to where the water tank was going to be placed, I naturally chose a 15 watt 24 volt DC pump.
The pump I chose is Chinese but I sourced it locally for around $80. Unfortunately, neither I nor the plumber I hired read the pump instructions and it ended up fitted the wrong way up. Within three months it had failed and I had to purchase a replacement.
Putting it all together (finally!)When I had all my bits and pieces ready I went out and found a licensed plumber. He agreed that I could set my hot water tank in place then he would do all the piping and connections.
U The ‘found’ Chromagen tank being plumbed. Note the Gleamous instantaneous hot water system on the wall (the red box).
“I estimate this system will use around 40% less energy compared to the immersion booster in my old solar HWS.”
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To use a wash bay in the garage for the hot water tank I needed to build a small tank stand (so that we can still get access to plugs in the concrete floor needed for termite control). The stand was easy to build but I also wanted a drip tray to stand the hot water tank in. I went to my local plumbing supplier and they quoted me $348 plus GST and a three week wait for the tray. So I headed over to a local sheet metal worker and he quoted me $25 to fabricate the same thing. The sheet metal worker called me the following day and said I could come and pick it up. When I paid him the $25 he handed $5 back and said make it $20. I was over the moon.
So with the tank in place in its drip tray and the instant electric HWS mounted on the wall I had the plumbers over.
I provided them with all the valves and connections which I had sourced at good prices myself. I ensured they connected all copper pipes away from the wall so I could add insulation at a later date.
Now the inside part was ready for me to wire up. I included a digital flow meter in the pump circulation pipe so I could measure the water going through the collector on the roof . I also installed the thermocouples on the tank and the roof.
Then I found that I couldn’t tap into the DC rail of the solar controller board and that it switched 240 volts AC to the relay contacts. I soon had a temporary fix by building a box with a 240 volt AC coil relay and using the relay contacts to switch the 24 volts DC to the circulation pump, then via a small sine wave inverter to provide 240 volts AC to the controller. I figure at a later time I will use hac into another controller board and remove the 240 volt AC stuff and so make it switch the DC pump directly.
On the roofMoving outdoors, I repaired the damaged vacuum tubes with my replacement glass and assembled the frame to hold the manifold. With the help of my friend John, who had helped me pull down the old close-coupled solar heater, I lifted the frame and manifold onto the roof and fixed it in place. I cut two holes on the top of the corrugations to take the flow-and-return copper pipes and inserted rubber grommets to prevent dissimilar metals from touching.
Over the top of the grommeted holes I placed those little corrugated boots that
plumbers use for vent pipes. Then I called the plumbers to install the flow-and-return pipes.
Then things got interesting again. I had previously called the plumbers’ boss and he told me that his guys could solder the adapters for the copper pipes to the manifold while up on the roof—but when they arrived to do the job they said they couldn’t do that. So I had to help them unfix the frame, lift it off the roof to be soldered and then put it back up. I also had to remove the corrugated boots which I had siliconed and screwed on so they could get the copper pipes through.
After the plumbers had finished I wrapped the exposed pipes from the manifold with insulation. To prevent ultraviolet from damaging the insulation I wrapped it with a foil tape designed to stand up to 150 °C.
Finally, John and I installed the vacuum tubes. The tubes have a copper section at the top that slips into a copper tube inside the manifold, and a rubber seal around the glass to keep external moisture out.
Any of the tubes can be removed from the manifold without turning off the water.
The tubes are slid into place through the ring on the lower end of the frame then a threaded piece locks the glass tube into the frame.
When all the tubes had been fitted we turned on the water and the solar controller. To our surprise, within three hours the 300 litre tank had reached 40 °C.
Next time…If I were to do this project over again there are a few things I’d do differently. I’d carefully read the manuals and instruct my plumber better to avoid having to replace the circulation pump, and having to remove the frame from the roof and put it back up again.
I would also source my vacuum-tube array from within Australia: much better to let the importer bring in a container full of tubes and carry the risk of damage in transit, and the red tape of importing. Prices in Australia are comparable to what I ended up paying to import directly. My imported manifold also had odd copper pipe sizes which meant I had to fabricate special adapters. If you buy local you can go and have a look before you buy.
On the positive side, the vacuum tubes are so efficient that in the hot Perth climate they are generating too much heat! I am now looking at using a heat exchanger to draw heat off the tank and use it to create cooling for my home in my next project: a solar air conditioner. The hotter it gets, the more cool air I intend to produce. But that is a challenge for another day! S
Martin derives great pleasure from setting himself green challenges and solving the technical problems they produce. He uses his articles in this magazine to share his journey with others in the hope that they, their children, and grandchildren will all benefit. Find him at: www.sustainabilitysolutions.net.au.
U The controller talks to the computer and the data from the controller can be accessed over the internet.
WarningExtreme care should always be taken when working on roofs and correct safety equipment, such as a harness, should be worn. All mains (240 volt) wiring must be done by a qualified electrician. The ATA encourages readers to always place safety first.
ReNew Issue 124 83renew.org.au
Browser
Root SimpleFor many people, modern life is very complex and busy, and one of the casualties of this is the skill of being ab le to DIY.
There are many websites aimed at the DIY crowd but most seem to be quite technology oriented—but not everything needs a high-tech solution!
Root Simple takes a more back-to-basics approach. The main area of the site is the blog section which contains dozens of DIY suggestions and projects, many of them simple and designed to reuse ordinary materials that are often thought of as waste.
For example, there’s lots of information on gardening, some great examples of simple but effective gardening techniques, and info on things you can eat that you might not have realised
were edible—oxalis salad anyone?In the food section there are
some great recipes and in the ‘domesticus’ category there’s all
sorts of interesting DIY stuff, such as home-made cleaners and fabric dyes, remedies and the like.
If you feel like you need
to brush up on your basic household DIY skills, this is a good place to start.www.rootsimple.com
Science AlertWhile most science news websites are US or Europe-centric, Science Alert focuses on
science being done in Australia and New Zealand.
As you might expect, the site covers science news from all
areas, but, with climate science being so important nowadays, there’s a lot of climate-oriented science news here. Even in the
other categories, such as life, health and technology, many of the news items pertain to planet sciences, as so many issues affect modern society and our general quality of life in some way.
From printing solar cells, developing better crops, the impact of introduced species and looking at the history of global warming, there’s lots of interesting snippets written at general reading level—the articles are not full of tech talk and obscure references like some science news sites.
There’s not just news reporting either; the site also features opinion pieces on many subjects, and there’s even a job finding category, although it’s not as well populated as it could be, with only 114 jobs listed when we checked.www.sciencealert.com.au
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ATA member profileExperience countsHaving just turned 94, active ATA member Bruce Plowman takes time out to talk to Beth Askham about his home, his love of technology and the role he played in war-time communications.
ATA’s oldest member, Bruce Plowman, has managed to fit in a lot since he was born in 1919.
A reader of ReNew since the first magazines were published, back when it was called Soft Technology, he joined the ATA “because it offered an exciting new experience in the participation and exchange of views... particularly with Lance and others who have joined the ranks since.”
“I have lived a very full life against very tough conditions in the days of the Great Depression which determined my path in life,” says Bruce. In 1938 he won a scholarship for four years study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, but had to find his own way to a US port. Luckily, he was offered a job as third radio operator on the SS Mariposa due to leave Sydney on September 3rd 1939. Fate was not on his side, however, and WW2 began before they set sail. Bruce had to stay in Australia. As a member of the Air Force Wireless Reserve, his skills in radio communications, developed at both the Marconi School and as a radio amateur, saw him being sent to Camperdown in the southwest of Victoria to organise and conduct training for the newly formed Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) for communications. He set up a coastwatch section to look for shipping, aircraft movements and possible landings by invaders.
To earn a living at this time, he also began a radio and appliance repair service in Terang, covering most of the Victorian western district. He was certainly busy, and says, “My weekdays were devoted to earning a living as well as running the VDC, and my nights and weekends were devoted to the VDC. We
set up a string of observation posts along the cliffs along what is now the Great Ocean Road using a primitive telephone system; these were manned by volunteers, 24 hours a day in 12 hour shifts.”
During the latter days of the war years, he also helped to set up a communication system for the Bush Fire Brigades Association (which later became the Country Fire Authority). This involved designing and adapting radio communications that were both fixed and mobile, including special antennae for the fire vehicles. He did this as a volunteer and later his antenna designs were adopted by the Los Angeles Fire Service and the Canadian Royal Mounted Police for their vehicles. It never occurred to him to take out patents for the mobile antennae: “Many years later this was done by a Japanese company, Yaesu Muten. If only I had thought of that!” he says.
On the home front, Bruce has put in place a huge range of renewable energy, water saving and energy efficiency measures over the years. “We have solar power, solar HWS, 20,000 litres of rain water storage, two eight-metre deep water bores, gutter guards on all spouting, roof and wall internal insulation, shade cloth awnings and external blinds, all air leaks and wall vents blocked off, evaporative cooling to all rooms and Boston Ivy completely covering north-facing walls. We also had the brown cement roof tiles painted with a light beige-coloured reflective paint. We are printable proof that ATA knows its business, as most of what we have [in our home] originated either from the ATA or the American magazine Home Power.”
As for the direction of the ATA, Bruce believes the focus of the ATA should stay with its DIY appeal, which is what makes it distinctive in his eyes.
o Bruce’s house has solar hot water, solar PV, Boston Ivy on the north-facing wall, reflective roof paint and a water tank.
“We are printable proof that ATA knows its business, as most of what we have [in our home] originated either from the ATA, or Home Power.”
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Here’s what the ATA branches have been up to over the last couple of months—practical and inspiring!
Adelaide: The Adelaide branch has hosted meetings on a number of excellent topics including Powerbank energy storage systems in February, insulating for thermal and sound control in March, and building and living in an energy efficient home in April.
Brisbane: In February the Brisbane branch held a fascinating discussion on the subject of peak oil. In May they were involved in the Brisbane ‘Speed Date a Sustainable Designer’ event and also investigated the concepts behind ‘positive development’ as the next step beyond sustainable development.
Cairns: Members have been conducting ATA stalls at the Mareeba Markets. See the Cairns branch website for more information and contact them if you’d like to get involved.
Geelong EV: The Geelong EV branch has continued to meet monthly to discuss current projects and new technology. In February they combined with a local Transition Town to host a Sustainable Living Festival event. Monthly
private vehicle construction workshop days continue to be a focus.
Melbourne: At their February meeting, the Melbourne branch investigated the success of investment in solar PV. In March they heard from speakers on the subject of measurement of building performance. At their May meeting they had excellent presentations on window and glass technologies from Viridian Glass and Paarhammer Windows.
Melbourne EV: The Melbourne EV branch met in March to hear Brian Garsden discuss his approach to solving traffic congestion. In April they organised the giant Melbourne Electric Transport Expo with guest speakers and more than 70 electric vehicles including bikes, cars, trikes, skateboards, and even a bus and a racing car. They then heard from Deep Green Research on current and future EV projects.
Perth: In March the Perth branch participated in the Perth ‘Electrikhana’, an event with test-drives of production electric vehicles, conversions, scooters and e-bikes.
Sydney Central: The Sydney Central branch hosted a speaker on phase-change materials at their February meeting. During March they investigated decentralised energy storage systems and in April they held a popular event centred around the ‘Earthship’ method of low energy building.
Sydney West: The Sydney West branch is based at the Hawkesbury Earth Care Centre. In May they held their Earthcare Fair / Autumn Harvest Festival. Over 500 people enjoyed a range of sustainable entertainment and stalls at this inspiring venue.
Tasmania North: The Tasmania North branch investigated pyrolysis technology at their February meeting. In April they visited the Musselroe Bay Wind Farm and in May toured an innovative local business aiming to be the most sustainable supermarket possible.
See the branches webpage for upcoming events from our other branches in Canberra, Coffs Harbour, Sunraysia and Warkworth, NZ.
To find out more or to join a branch, see www.ata.org.au/branches.
If you think you DON’T NEED window insulationthen all you need to do is
1. Cancel your ReNew subscription now2. Put your head under your pillow
3. DO NOT go to this website:
www.clearcomfort.com.au
86 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
THE Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) was instructed by the government (under pressure from the Greens) to prepare a comprehensive 100% renewable scenario for the National Electricity Market. This was released recently.
Unfortunately AEMO still seems to be trapped in a supply-side straightjacket. They use demand projections that all involve ongoing growth, so the benefits of declining demand are ignored. In their scenarios, the annual peak demand will shift back to winter evenings because of the impact of PV on summer demand. Major contributors to winter evening electricity peak include lighting (residential and commercial), heating, cooking, TVs and electric hot water. All of these loads can be dramatically reduced by energy efficiency and demand management measures. Time-of-use pricing will drive this trend even faster.
AEMO also presents the cost of the renewable scenario relative to prices now, rather than relative to where prices would head anyway under the more costly business-as-usual scenario. This just perpetuates the false debate about the cost of renewable energy, although the AEMO report still shows a renewable future is affordable.
AEMO has done Australian society a disservice by failing to factor in realistic energy efficiency potential. If the energy supply industry uses these scenarios to plan investments, it will be badly burnt financially. And guess who will pay…
The role of the carbon priceThe recent crash in the EU carbon price reflects a combination of lower economic
(and fossil fuel) growth than expected, as well as the impact of overly generous exemptions and lack of political commitment. This situation is the outcome of being generous to powerful interests during its development, on top of the traditional inability of economic modellers to factor in market failures and innovation when projecting future emissions. The GFC has contributed too.
It highlights the reality that, while a carbon price is important, it is just one element of an effective response to climate change. We do need ‘direct action’—but serious commitment, not the Coalition’s unrealistic and misleading approach.
The linking of Australia’s carbon scheme to the EU means their politics will drive our carbon price and it will be much lower than expected. Given the broad business support to keep the carbon pricing scheme, a future Coalition government should drop its commitment to remove it. Business needs the policy stability created by carbon trading, and the low price leaves plenty of room to adapt. But ideology is a powerful force.
Within Australia, a key failure in the design of our carbon pricing scheme has been the government’s refusal to build in mechanisms for voluntary energy efficiency and energy-related emission reduction to cancel permits—and so make such activities ‘additional’ abatement beyond the carbon cap.
Basically, unless this is done, cutting an individual’s emissions simply frees up permits under the fixed cap for others to pollute more. The carbon permit pie stays the same size, but the voluntary energy efficiency or renewable energy action means that person’s share of the permit pie is reduced, leaving more room
According to the International Energy Agency, energy efficiency is the key to carbon abatement—but that’s not evident in a range of recent reviews in Australia, writes Alan Pears.
The Pears ReportEnergy inefficiency
for others to pollute. This is an accounting problem, not a justification to stop cutting emissions, but it has provided an easy excuse for conservative state governments to opt out of abatement activity, forced progressive businesses and councils to shift to buying international offsets (‘abatement leakage’), and disempowered the community.
The fundamental problem is that while voluntary action in Australia to cut energy-related emissions is good for the global environment, it is not recognised in our carbon scheme’s accounting approach. Efforts of groups such as the Voluntary Carbon Markets Association (www.vcma.org.au) failed to force the government to fix this glaring accounting problem. The Climate Change Authority is meant to address this in its review, but they have many other big issues to address.
What makes it more frustrating is that the government has established the Carbon Farming Initiative which fixes this problem for agriculture and forestry. Their carbon storage actions create additional tradeable certificates. But apparently energy is not important enough to deserve fair treatment.
COAG’s evaluation of energy efficiency programs: behind closed doorsIn April 2012, the Council of Australian Governments announced that national and state governments would review 74 energy efficiency and carbon reduction programs to ensure that they were ‘complementary’ to carbon pricing and compliant with COAG’s principles for efficiency, effectiveness, equity and administrative simplicity. The results were meant to be released at the April 2013 COAG meeting.
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We have already seen some state programs cut under this process. One victim was Victoria’s Environment and Resource Efficiency Program. This required about 250 larger business energy and water users to conduct audits, prepare action plans and implement measures identified that had payback periods shorter than three years. In practice, this scheme was delivering around $90 million of savings at an average payback period of under a year: that’s better than 100% annual return on investment, and a carbon cost well under minus $100 per tonne of CO2 avoided. Yet business cheered when the program was shut down. We live in a strange world.
COAG did release two papers on the outcomes of the review process. The papers do not provide any information on which programs will continue, be shut down or modified. They do tell us that 61 of the 74 programs have been reviewed, and that 34 measures will continue, 15 have been discontinued and 7 rationalised. Eighteen await decisions. Interestingly, 49 measures were found to be both complementary to carbon pricing and to meet the COAG principles. Another 18 measures have been shut down or have reached completion. An additional 88 measures have been identified for review, 50 of which are federal programs.
One of the reports states that about half of the reviews have been published, but
provides no web links or other information on where these can be accessed.
This situation is most unsatisfactory. We do not know which programs are being closed or continued, nor why some measures were found to comply but have still been shut down. We are not told what the other measures already shut down are, nor what the additional 88 measures to be reviewed are.
This whole process is a serious failure of transparency. It adds to the uncertainties faced by the energy efficiency industry and potential beneficiaries from programs. Energy efficiency has a hard enough time without this kind of treatment. According to authorities such as the International Energy Agency, energy efficiency is our key carbon abatement option over the next few decades. Australia seems determined to make sure this doesn’t happen here.
PV owners stand up for your rights!Over a million Australian households are now private electricity generators—more than 10%! Yet they get a raw deal. Now is the time to tell your local MP that you demand a fair deal.
This means prompt and competent service and billing from retailers and network operators. It means either being paid a much higher feed-in tariff (the same as the retail power price at the time of export) or being allowed to sell excess PV power to
neighbours via existing power lines for a very small charge. After all, most local PV transfers would be well within capacity limits. Alternatively, we should be allowed to run our own low-capacity cables to neighbours.
Government regulators should limit the size of socially regressive and anti-competitive quarterly fixed charges. It seems that some within the electricity industry (including some regulators) see higher fixed charges as a way of discouraging competition from distributed generation and energy efficiency.
As a matter of interest, the Victorian regulator, the Essential Services Commission, has a specific objective in its legislation to ensure the financial viability of the industries it regulates—that is, the electricity supply industry. So, by law it must oppose competition from energy efficiency and other measures that threaten the incumbent businesses. Clearly this must be changed.
Some community groups are mobilising in this space (such as Solar Citizens www.solarcitizens.org.au)—join in! S
Alan Pears has worked on sustainable energy issues since the late 1970s. He is one of Australia’s best recognised and most highly awarded commentators on sustainable energy and climate issues. He teaches part time at RMIT University and is co-director of Sustainable Solutions, a small consultancy.
“This scheme was delivering around $90 million of savings at an average payback period of under a year. Yet business cheered when the program was shut down. We live in a strange world.”
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Recycling PV panelsQ —Do you know where broken solar panels can be recycled or disposed of?
—Alan Bates
A —There’s no PV recycling system here in Australia that we know of, but there are schemes overseas, such as www.pvcycle.org and www.pvrecycling.com.
My best suggestion is to break the panels down by removing the framing and junction box or cables; that way you are left with just a flat PV laminate, which takes up a lot less space in landfill. It is mostly glass and silicon and is pretty benign in landfill, being not much different to rock really.
The aluminium framing could be on-sold in quantity or taken to a metal recycler who will pay for it. As for the junction boxes, who knows, there’s not a lot of use for them but putting them up on eBay in large lots should find takers.
—Lance Turner
LED downlights and power problemsQ —I have been told by a sparkie that dimmable LED lights cope better with power fluctuations than non-dimmable ones. Is there any truth in this? Also, I was told by a salesperson that if a fairly expensive LED four-light track failed I would have to replace the whole fitting. This doesn’t seem right to me. Presumably you could replace globes with most fittings, or replace the driver or driver parts if this were the problem, rather than throwing away the entire fitting?
—Lynn Atkinson
A —How well a fitting copes with power problems depends on the quality and design of the driver. Dimmable fittings will be designed to handle a range of voltages and ‘chopped’ waveforms, so they handle spikes well, but a properly designed fixed-output driver
should work just as well. It also depends on what you mean by fluctuations, such as long-term (minutes to hours) variations in mains voltage, or short-term spikes caused by motors etc, or both.
The advantage with a dimmable driver is that it does give you the option to add dimming later should you want or need to.
Regarding the track light, that depends on how it is designed. If it has replaceable bulbs, then no, you wouldn’t have to replace the whole unit. Many suppliers are selling standard halogen track lights with LED retrofit bulbs, so the combination is fairly common.
If the fitting is designed from the ground up as a LED fitting then it will have one or more drivers driving the embedded LED arrays, so if you get a LED failure, you will have to live with that light being out unless you can get a replacement array and find someone to install it. If the unit uses a single driver to drive four arrays (unlikely, but I’ve seen poor designs like that) and the driver fails then, again, you would need to find an equivalent driver and have it fitted by a technician (with LED experience—all electronics techs are not created equal).
As it depends on the fitting design, you’ll need to get technical details or have a close look at the fitting you are proposing to use so that you can see how it’s configured.
This is one of the aspects that is working against LED lighting at the moment—there are so many variations and you need to understand what you are buying.
—Lance Turner
Fridge upgradeQ —We have just completed stage one of a power upgrade to our stand-alone power system at our farm north of Bairnsdale. Stage one comprises:• 2 kW of new panels • outback Flexmax 80 solar regulator• switchboard upgrade• four new batteries 4/6 RP 830 Ah (now
eight in total)• storage capacity 24 volt, 1660 amp-hours• 240 volt inverter
Stage two will comprise a 5 kW, 48 volt SMA inverter, plus some more panels and batteries, possibly gel type.
We currently have a gas fridge and would like to update to an energy efficient 240 volt fridge-freezer combination. Have you done any comparisons on efficiencies and suitability?
—Greg Buchanan
A —While it can be a good option to use a DC fridge so that your refrigeration isn’t reliant on the inverter, DC fridges of a good size have become quite rare. Fortunately, at the same time, mains-powered fridges have become a lot more efficient, to the point where there’s very little difference between DC and AC units.
We haven’t done any Choice-style testing as we don’t have the resources to do so, but the best place to start is at the energy ratings website at www.energyrating.gov.au, where you can compare fridges and freezers to find the most efficient units in the size that you need.
There’s a lot of choice nowadays, but you should be looking at an energy consumption of 1 kWh/year/litre of volume for a fridge-freezer, or better.
—Lance Turner
Downlight transformer energy useQ —I have recently replaced a number of 50 W halogen downlight globes with MR16 12 V, 9 W LED globes. They work fine and I am happy with the light but I have been told the transformers each continue to use around 10 W each, so the power use is 9+10=19 W instead of the original 50+10 = 60 W. Is this correct?
—Clive
A —This can be the case and you are right to be concerned, but it depends on the transformer—they are not all created equal and the loss can vary from about 5 W to a whopping 15 W!
The loss is also proportional to the load, so a transformer that loses 10 W with a 50 W load will have lower losses with a 9 W load, but
Q&ADo you need to know how to dispose of broken solar panels? Or do you need an energy-efficient fridge for an off-grid system? Ask ReNew your question via [email protected].
ReNew Issue 124 89renew.org.au
Write to usWe welcome questions on any subject, whether it be something you have read in ReNew, a problem you have experienced, or a great idea you have had. Please limit questions to 200 words. Send questions to: ReNew, Level 1, 39 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, or [email protected]
it will still be higher than you might expect. Indeed, in some cases the transformer will waste more energy than the LED bulb uses.
For this reason, special high efficiency electronic transformers are available and sold by many LED bulb suppliers, including the ATA’s webshop. If you have power sockets installed in your ceiling, you can install these without the need for an electrician.
—John Knox
Solar panel warrantyQ —I am in my mid eighties, in good health, and live in a retirement type village in which we all own our own homes/cottages. Four years ago, after listening to some lectures in our hall, some 30 residents engaged an installer to install solar electric systems on our homes. I had a 1 kW system installed and it works very well for my usage.
Recently an electrician was on my roof doing some unrelated work and mentioned to me that in his opinion condensation was present in my panels, which should not be so. As I no longer get up on roofs I had no knowledge of this. I attempted to contact the installer but he had moved and I had no luck.
The six panels in question are Sharp model NU-SOE3E (according to the original installer’s documentation) and had a 10-year warranty.
Can you offer any advice as to what I should do to have these panels examined by some representative of Sharp (assuming they are in fact Sharp brand) with a view to a possible warranty claim. No other resident is aware of any similar problem with their installations but nor have they inspected their panels.
—Geoff Russell
A —This seems to be a known problem with these panels: there’s a Whirlpool forum thread on it at forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1545330.
I suspect that what some of the posters there stated is correct, i.e. that if the panels are past the manufacturer’s warranty of 12 months and are still producing full output
(which it seems they are) then you can’t claim until the output drops below the performance warranty (90% output after 10 years).
The Sharp solar panel warranty does state that discolouration is not covered. However, you could still contact Sharp Australia and see what they say, you can contact them at www.sharp.net.au or PO Box 6827, Blacktown NSW 2148, ph: 1300 13 55 30.
—Lance Turner
Hot water losses through plumbingQ —I live in a rental home where the kitchen sink is a long distance from the electric HWS. It takes a lot of time for the hot water to make its way through the pipes to the kitchen sink for dishwashing purposes. Therefore, ‘wasted’ hot water is left in the pipe between the sink and the HWS after I turn the tap off.
Is it more energy efficient to wash my dishes via hot water boiled in my kitchen kettle or from my HWS via the kitchen tap? Is there a rule of thumb which determines when a certain method is more efficient? Does the equation change depending on whether the HWS is gas or electric?
We actually have a dishwasher, but still need to wash some larger items in the sink. So I was curious as to whether it’s cheaper to use kettle water or tap water in that case.
—Stuart McMillen
A —There are a few solutions to this. A kettle would be cheaper as there are no standing pipe losses. Electric kettles are actually quite efficient; the only losses are the heat losses through the side of the kettle, which are fairly low as the whole heating cycle is quite short.
Of course, this is assuming your electrically heated hot water from your HWS is using peak rates. Off-peak heated water is much cheaper, so using the kettle would cost more.
You could install a water recirculation system: they work by sending the cold water in the pipes back to the hot water cylinder until the water comes through hot. It doesn’t
save the lost heat but it does save the water.The third solution is a small point-of-use
electric water heater. The lowest cost unit I’ve come across is the Gleamous 45 (www.gleamoushotwater.com.au) but there are quite a few others, such as the Stiebel units (www.stiebel.com.au).
Interestingly, the most energy- and water-efficient way to wash dishes usually turns out to be the dishwasher. A complete wash and rinse in 12 litres of water is not uncommon nowadays, something that’s pretty much impossible for the equivalent number of dishes with handwashing (unless you don’t rinse them, though there are health implications and the general yuck factor with that—although it is a common practice from what I’ve seen!) Plus, a dishwasher can give you back a fair bit of time each day.
—Lance Turner
Notes and errata: Issue 123In the article “The heart of the system, A process for battery sizing”, the following paragraph may have been confusing: “When systems are set up, owners are often instructed to never let the battery go below 85% state of charge (SOC) to maximise battery life. Think of SOC as the inverse of depth of discharge—85% SOC is 15% DOD.”It should have been: “When systems are set up, owners are often instructed to never use more than 15% capacity per day, and never let the battery go below 15% state of charge (SOC) to maximise battery life. Think of SOC as the inverse of depth of discharge—15% SOC is 85% DOD.”
“Interestingly, the most energy- and water-efficient way to wash dishes usually turns out to be the dishwasher. A complete wash and rinse in 12 litres of water is not uncommon nowadays, something that’s pretty much impossible with handwashing.”
90 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Australian Sun Energy Distributor for Greenland's Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water Systems. Amazing fast heating ability. Tough borosilicate single wall vacuum glass tubes. Ph: Peter 0405 418 575 www.australiansunenergy.com.au BP Architects Beautiful Sustainable Award Winning Homes designed for comfortable, energy efficient, low allergy Healthy Living. Bridget Puszka MSc:Arch (London) BArch (Melb. Uni.) St Kilda Ph.: (03) 9525 3780 E: [email protected] www.bparchitects.com.au
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Energy Aspect Living (SA) Award winning builder in energy efficient and sustainable construction of new homes and renovations across Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills and surrounds. 20 Evans Street, Woodside SA 5244 Ph: (08) 8389 7364 www.energyaspectliving.com.au
Going Solar (TAS, VIC) a
Design, supply and installation of solar electricity and solar hot water systems. Renewable energy components, energy efficient lighting, insulation and Bio non-toxic paints. 34 years industry experience. Ph: (03) 9348 1000 E: [email protected] www.goingsolar.com.au
Lifehouse Design Simple, serene buildings - Resting places for our emotional well-being - Highly energy-efficient and environmentally responsible - Small footprints - Buildings that remind us of our connectionn to the natural world. Paul Hassall & Robyn Gibson PO Box 965 Castlemaine Vic 3450 Ph: (03) 5470 5584 E: [email protected] www.lifehousedesign.com.au
Livos Australia Healthy, sustainable and economical alternatives to synthetic paints and oils. Fully declared, non-toxic, plant-based products suitable for concrete, timber, decks and walls. Available in clear & stains for DIYs & professionals. Ph: (03) 9762 9181 www.livos.com.au
Mark the Spark Energy Saver (TAS)Specialist electrician #C481. Renewable power solar accreditation #F594. Solar hot water. Saving you energy since 1985. Mark the Spark Ph: 0428 390 393www.markthespark.net.au
Advertise in ReNew: Reach an audience actively looking for sustainable products and services Phone Katy on (03) 9631 5412 for further details and pricing schedules or visit www.renew.org.au
ReNew 125: Water saving issue | Bookings due: 9 August 2013 | Material due: 16 August 2013
Natimuk Solar (VIC) Design, Install, Sales and Services Servicing Victoria for 12 Years Solar, Wind, Stand-alone and Grid connected Call Lachlan Hick on 0429 865 263 www.natimuksolar.com.au
Sandford Electronics & Solar (NSW) aSolar modules, deep cycle batteries, battery chargers, regulators, solar trackers, inverters, meters, wind turbines, micro-hydro, low voltage refrigeration. Ph: 0416 050 125 www.sandford.com.au
Seymour Solar (NSW) Design, supply and installation of stand alone, grid connect and grid back up solar power systems. CEC accredited. Licensed electrical contractor. PO Box 535 Moss Vale, NSW 2577 Ph: (02) 4869 3643 Mob: 0418 480 096 E: [email protected] Smart Solutions in Solar Grid connect & off-grid professional design & install teams engineering quality results. Gambier Electronics Pty Ltd 20 White Ave, Mount Gambier SA 5290 www.gambierelectronics.com.au
Sola Seal window films (SA) The trusted name in window film since 1985. Accredited supplier and installer of Enerlogic window film If the next logical step is window film, the next logical choice is sola seal! Ph: (08) 8268 4666 E: [email protected] solaseal.com.au
Solar Charge (VIC)40 years experience Grid Connect Specialists. Quality German Bosch Solar panels & SMA Inverters supplier. Working Display Showroom: Oakleigh South VIC 3167Ph: (03) 9544 2001www.solarcharge.com.au
Sustainable Builder and Architect (NSW) Enviroarch Australia—multi award winning builders and architects specialising in green design and construction. New homes, granny-flats, extensions. See us on Facebook Ph: (02) 4353 5002 [email protected] www.enviroarch.com.au
TankworksTankworks Australia manufactures a huge range of corrugated steel rainwater tanks and raised garden beds. With factories in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, Tankworks can supply the entire East Coast. Ph: 1300 736 562 www.tankworks.com.au
Understanding Renewable Energy SystemsInstallers or enthusiasts, this book covers: basic electrical, circuit protection, energy auditing, grid connected, stand-alone, hybrid, mini grid, wind and micro hydro systems.E: [email protected] www.ecodrive.com.au
Wholesale, residential, commercial solar Expert advice, quality products, great customer service. CEC accredited designers and installers. Leasing options available. Total turn-key solutions, we do all the work for you. SunTrix - Solar Energy Solutions Ph: 1300 884 898 E: [email protected] www.suntrix.com.au
ClassifiedsWhen selecting any service provider, get two or three quotes and check accreditation/references. a indicates this provider offers discounts to ATA members.
ReNew Issue 124 91renew.org.au
Advertiser Directory
Advanced ECO Solutions....................................... 44
Advantec/Draftstoppa ........................................... 31
Alco Battery Sales ..................................................27
Apricus Australia ......................................................7
Aquamonitor ........................................................ 85
Atamai Village ....................................................... 42
Aussie Batteries & Solar ........................................ 59
Australian Correspondence Schools ...................... 12
Building and Home Improvement Expo................ 43
Clear Comfort ............................................. 37, 74, 85
Delta Energy Solutions ............................................ 9
DC Solutions Australia .............................................. 1
DJS Trading............................................................ 62
Dynamic Energy Solutions .....................................55
Earth Building Association of Australia ..................37
EcoInnovation/Powerspout .................................. 62
Energy Conscious Design/Splash Monitoring ....... 44
EnerLogic .............................................................. 65
Excelsior Power ..................................................... 64
Intercel .................................................................. 50
FLIR Systems ......................................................... 20
Going Green Solutions ...........................................74
Inflector ..................................................................75
Jaycar Electronics ................................................2–3
Lighting Matters ..................................................... 13
Loop Solar .............................................................. 14
Low Energy Developments .................................... 91
MR Components ................................................... 44
Natural Paint Company ..........................................55
NOWarchitecture ................................................... 12
The Owner Builder Magazine ................................. 91
Paarhammer ...........................................................73
Pickering Joinery ....................................................74
Positronic .............................................................. 59
PowerSupplies Australia ....................................... 44
Rainbow Power Company ..................................... 64
Run On Sun Australia ............................................ IBC
Selectronic ........................................................... IFC
Si Clean Energy ................................................... OBC
SmartNow ............................................................. 50
SolaSeal ..................................................................74
Something Solar .....................................................25
Steplight .................................................................55
Successful Solar Books .......................................... 79
SunTrix ...................................................................55
Timber Tech Windows........................................... 64
Ultimate Solar........................................................ 50
Watersweet ...........................................................37
WINAICO ................................................................37
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The Owner Builder magazine
A copy of The Owner Builder magazine every two months will provide you with technical advice and regular inspiration.
Do you dream of building your own home?
92 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Shop with the ATABooks, kits and energy-efficient devicesThese are just some of the products available in the ATA Shop. To browse the full range and place an order go to shop.ata.org.au, or fill out and return the form at the bottom of the page.
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Sanctuary: modern green homes issue 23 Price: $11.95 A renovation and retrofit special feature, plus eco cubbies, good design on a budget, greener paints, and the NSW and Queensland sustainable designer directories. Sanctuary 23 is full of fabulous homes, ideas and inspiration.
Home energy meter Price: $95 This wireless meter helps you conserve electricity by showing your usage and costs in real-time. Installation doesn’t require an electrician: simply attach the LED optical sensor to your smart or other electronic meter and program in the number of pulses per kWh for your meter.
Solar electricity eBooklet Price: $5 The ATA has recently updated its Solar Electricity Booklet. It’s now available on our webshop as an ebooklet, including information to help you plan your solar electricity system. Includes info on solar panels and other system components, siting considerations, system sizing and feed-in tariffs.
LED 10 watt warm white bulb Price: $29 These new warm white LED bulbs draw only 10 watts yet produce light equivalent to an average 75–100 watt incandescent. Coming in both Edison screw base and bayonet, you simply plug-in in place of a standard bulb. Not dimmable. A 5 watt bulb is also available ($19.50).
East Timor coffee blend Price: $8 Treat yourself to a 250 gram vacuum-sealed pack of yummy East Timorese coffee. All proceeds go to ATA’s projects in East Timor. (No member discount on this item.)
Water cube starter packPrice: $645 Invented in Melbourne, this DIY-installable 800-litre water tank adds capacity where and when you want it. Harvest and store rainwater for your garden, toilets, laundry and car washing (i.e. non-drinking water). Price includes delivery in Australia.
Valvecosy Price: $20 An elegant solution for a largely hidden problem, this insulating cover is designed to fit neatly over the pressure/temperature relief (PTR) valve on your hot water service. It reduces heat loss, conserves energy and saves you money.
ATA webshop The ATA has a new webshop that makes it easier for you to subscribe, renew and make the most of the great products available. Take a look, log in as a guest or create a user profile. Remember, if you’re a member you can download all the back issues of ReNew for free.
Plan your own solar electricity system
Boo
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Solar electricity
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Published by the Alternative Technology Association
Solar panels and other system componentsSiting considerationsSystem sizingSelecting your system and installerRebates and feed-in tariffs
ReNew Issue 124 93renew.org.au
HAIR TRIMMERSHair trimmers are used by people with beards—and often by people with dogs! Some people also cut their own hair using a trimmer. Hair trimmers are now very cheap and so when they clog up or their blades lose their sharpness, they’re simply thrown away. But for a small, cheap item, there’s a surprising
d Here’s the view inside. A solenoid, connected directly to mains power, pulls in an arm that is connected to the moving section of the blades. As the current alternates, so the blades move back and forth. Adjustable springs set the spacing between the solenoid and the moving plate. With the adjustment correct, the plate and solenoid do not come in contact with one another.
d A few moments after opening it up you have available a 10-amp mains power switch, some screws (including two made from stainless steel!), a lever and two springs.
g An unexpectedly useful part is the larger section of the comb. It’s sharp, made from stainless steel and is ideal as a scraper. I use mine to roughen surfaces before gluing them together—and I’ve never used a better tool for this job!
g Finally, there’s the mains-power solenoid. I found one of the simplest—yet most intriguing—uses is to show children the connection between magnetism and electricity. With the solenoid wired straight to a 10mm LED, a wave of the circular magnet (salvaged from a microwave oven) lights the LED up brilliantly. Instead of the LED you can use a VU or power meter salvaged from a cassette deck or amplifier.
SALVAGE IT!
An interesting combinationFax machines and hair trimmers!
Mechanical paper-handling parts and an excellent scraper are just some of the parts you can rescue from these oft-discarded items, writes Julian Edgar.
DIFFICULTY RATING: HHIII
number of parts inside that can be reused.As with many other small appliances these
days, hair trimmers are often put together with screws with odd-shaped heads—heads that you’re not likely to have a screwdriver to suit, so you may have to drill out the head of the screw to get inside.
94 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
FAX MACHINESAlong with the original Luddites, thermal fax machines are victims of the technological revolution. But you won’t find fax machines destroying cotton and wool mills—instead you’ll find them forlornly sitting amongst municipal refuse at the rubbish tip, or for sale for nearly nothing at garage sales, or put out for kerbside rubbish collection. You might even have one yourself, tucked into a back cupboard never to be used again.
But fax machines are definitely worth pulling apart for the components you’ll find inside—often, as is the case with other paper-handling consumer goods (think also printers and photocopiers), for the mechanical parts as much as for the electronic bits.
This Panasonic KX-F2500 was found at the local tip. The person who had discarded it had kept the telephone handset and the IEC power cord—but that’s okay, there are still plenty of good bits left inside. As with most of these sorts of items, the heavier the machine is, the more likely it is to have quality parts inside. This machine was quite weighty.
SALVAGE IT!
a A few screws later and the insides were revealed. The drive assembly, comprising two stepper motors, gear-trains and one-way clutches, can be seen at left. At the top is a switch-mode power supply and lots of screws and wires can also be glimpsed. This looks like it will be good!
a The removed dual stepper motor gear-train. Very usefully, the whole assembly comes out as a single piece. This means that whenever a stepper motor needs to be geared down (think robots or model railways, for example) the reduction gear-train can be used without modification. It also means that where the stepper motor needs to be driven at high speed (for example, when making a hand-cranked alternator) this, too, can be easily achieved.
ReNew Issue 124 95renew.org.au
o Shown here are three rubber rollers—excellent as anti-vibration mounts, for making grommets or as an additional handle grip on small screwdrivers. Also seen are six steel shafts (uses include axles, spacers, bending into hooks etc), a variety of springs and some self-tapping and machine thread screws. At the prices my local hardware store charges for small springs, I must have accumulated about $50 of salvaged springs!
o Inside this fax machine—and most of a similar design—you’ll find plenty of steel shafts with rubber rollers mounted on them. The rollers are easily removed from the shaft by setting a bench vice so that its jaws are just a little further apart than the diameter of the shaft. The shaft can then be placed in the vice vertically, the rubber roller bearing against the top of the jaws. A hammer and punch can then be used to push the shaft through the roller.
o I chose not to salvage the switch-mode power supply, miniature pushbuttons or the handful of LEDs. Instead, I obtained a microphone, small speaker, two micro-switches with levers, a female IEC power cable socket and a fuse. So what’s that long thing up the top? It’s one of the beauties out of a fax machine—the LED bar that illuminates the paper during scanning. This one comprises 30 surface mount green LEDs, the board illuminating superbly on 12V. It’s perfect for concealed front panel lighting on equipment that needs to be used at night ( just mount the light-bar behind a bezel), for decorating a clear PC case, or even for glovebox lighting in your car!
o And here’s another goody. It’s the lens—and it’s sharp and has a useful magnification. In fact it’s perfect as a hand-lens. Because I already have enough of them, in this case I didn’t bother salvaging the rectangular glass sheet over the LED light or the front-faced mirrors that are also part of the optical system.
96 ReNew Issue 124 renew.org.au
Plastic Free JulyRethink, refuse and reduceThree years in, Rebecca Prince-Ruiz knows about the good and the ‘slightly tricky’ of going plastic free.
2013 WILL be the third year my family has participated in Plastic Free July and it gets easier each year. Our family of five uses so much less plastic than we did three years ago. Many habits have stayed with us and it feels good to be putting less in the recycling bin.
However, when life gets hectic, I have noticed that plastic creeps back into our lives. Plastic Free July works really well as an annual ritual that brings the problem of disposable plastic back into mind and renews my efforts.
I have found that refusing plastic gets easier all the time. I now know where to buy milk in reusable glass bottles and I no longer feel shy about asking the butcher or fishmonger to fill my containers. I keep a supply of reusable bags and containers in my handbag, car and bike panniers so I don’t get stuck without.
Like any challenge it’s not always easy. I looked after a friend’s child recently and she came bearing gifts of food wrapped in
plastic—I accepted gratefully, said nothing but felt guilty knowing it would end up in landfill.
Where to draw the line with other people is a challenge. My family is really supportive but our teenage daughter is convinced that only shampoo, conditioner, face scrubs and moisturiser that come out of plastic bottles actually work! I have chosen other battles to fight.
I am still buying some personal products such as sunscreen and toothpaste—we don’t want our children to end up with as many fillings as we have so I haven’t been brave enough to make our own. Last week I went to a shopping centre half an hour away to purchase solid shampoo and conditioner bars: $42 for three small items! The boys are trying those but I refused and am using bicarb soda and apple cider vinegar, and so far so good.
There is no easy answer to the dilemma of choosing between something local that is plastic-wrapped and the same item plastic-free that has travelled halfway across the world—or between organic foods wrapped
in plastic versus plastic-free alternatives that cost more. I have now decided that the savings I make by purchasing all our dried goods in bulk probably more than cover the increased costs for some items.
Change takes time and it has been gratifying to see how some of my friends have slowly embraced the challenge. In the first year people seemed to just watch what we were doing and ask questions. Last year I saw more friends choosing such things as reusable cups for takeaway coffee, and some signing up for the challenge as well.
For me, Plastic Free July provides an opportunity to rethink, refuse and reduce. It means being more organised, shopping locally, making our own and living more simply. Kneading dough and making rosemary and olive oil crackers with my son, Ronan, was a time to chat and work together (and quicker than going to the shop to buy!) S
To find out more about Plastic Free July see www.plasticfreejuly.org
d Ronan making homemade deodorant from bicarb soda, cornflour and lavender oil.
d We make lemon and lime cordial in reused tomato passata bottles. We get lemons from our (and our neighbour’s) trees and sugar in bulk from a dry-goods store.
d Making their own rather than buying plastic-wrapped: rosemary and olive oil crackers made by Rebecca and her son. Yum!
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