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Griffith University EcoCentre Solar Energy Upgrade and Education Resource Project

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Griffith University EcoCentre

Solar Energy Upgrade and Education Resource Project

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Griffith University is committed to a robust, equitable and environmentally sustainable society and has been at the forefront of environmental science

research and education for over 30 years. Griffith has a longstanding commitment to community engagement, as evidenced through the Griffith University

EcoCentre.

The EcoCentre is organisationally situated within Griffith University’s Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology (SEET) Group and is the

University’s principal vehicle for community engagement. The EcoCentre was established in 2001 with the aim of increasing interaction with the wider

community through environmental education. This intent is carried through all aspects of the Centre, from its sustainable building design, to its

collaborative partnerships and innovative program delivery.

It is the vision of the Griffith University EcoCentre to:

be a leading information and resource centre, recognised as demonstrating excellence in sustainable development and environmental education;

be the gateway for environmental education and research at Griffith; and

enhance community participation in environmentally sustainable practices through partnerships and dissemination of information.

The EcoCentre is now an internationally recognised environmental education hub for the promotion of sustainable development, environmental education

and community engagement. Through strategic alliances with Local, State and Federal Government agencies, business and industry, and the wider

community, the Centre delivers collaborative public awareness education programs on sustainable living. The Toohey Forest Environmental Education

Centre - a unique partnership between Griffith University and the Queensland Government Department of Education and Training – is, based in the

EcoCentre, and furthers the educational reach of the EcoCentre through specialist environmental and sustainability education programs for students,

teachers and schools. Since it’s opening in 2001, the centre has been visited by over 160,000 people from the local, national and international community

since 2001 and of these 40,000 were primary and secondary students. This indicates the impressive reach and impact the EcoCentre has as a community

education centre.

The EcoCentre was designed and constructed according to strict ‘eco-design’ principles. The sustainable building design involved a total life cycle approach

with attention paid to the environmental impacts which occurred during the construction and the ultimate demolition phase of the building, as well as the

ongoing impacts of daily operations. The building design reflects a key principle of sustainability, that is, the need to live more lightly on the Earth. It also

serves to educate our community about how to live sustainably. Environmental impacts are minimised in a number of ways, including through the use of:


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solar energy to meet the energy needs of the EcoCentre ambient ventilation and lighting to minimise the energy needs of the EcoCentre rammed earth walls for temperature regulation rainwater collection for ‘greywater’ functions a reconditioned (post-consumer) modular carpet system wet composting toilets so we are not impacting on the main sewerage system aerated concrete floor panels minimal environmental impact through design heat and glare reflective 'smart' glass to allow the use of natural light, reduce heat and glare and reduce energy consumption

As a leading environmental education hub it is vital for the EcoCentre to continually show leadership and commitment in educating, advising and

encouraging the community in ways to become energy efficient, reduce their carbon footprint and manage their environmental impacts. True to our vision

to be ‘a leading information and resource centre’, we are embarking on a journey for the EcoCentre to become a demonstration-based ‘one stop shop’ on

solar energy and energy efficiencies. To do this effectively we need to continually and consistently ‘practice what we preach’.

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The development and implementation of the Solar Energy Upgrade and Education Resource is a two staged project with Griffith University providing

$200,000 for Stage 1 through the Griffith Environmental Loan Fund (GELF) program. Stage 1, completed in March 2012, involved an upgrade of the

EcoCentre’s solar energy system with the installation of a 19.26kW multiple brand and multi-technology solar PV system, and a series of associated in-

house displays.

The original Cannon PV system installed in 2000 is of an Amorphous (thin film) technology and has a peak power output of approximately 4.2kW. This system currently generates a daily average of approximately 17.5kWh. Current electricity consumption in the EcoCentre is a daily average of approximately 65kWh, meaning the original solar panels generated approximately 27% of the EcoCentre’s daily average consumption requirements. In 2010 the EcoCentre went to tender for the installation of a unique system which would showcase multiple solar energy technologies and multiple brands on the market, from generic cheaper products to the more expensive. The intention is to provide a unique opportunity for the community to be able to compare the energy efficiencies and life cycles of different technologies and different brands in a non-commercial environment. In addition, one set of panels is on a dual-axis tracker, allowing for comparisons between roof mounted and tracker mounted systems to also be made. The Solar Guys, a local company, won the tender and began installation in August 2011. The system installation was completed in February 2012 and the in-house displays in March 2012.


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The solar energy upgrade has placed the EcoCentre in a net positive position, that is, a carbon positive position. Indeed, it contributes to offsetting another

building’s energy requirements on the University’s Nathan Campus, thereby greatly reducing Griffith’s carbon footprint. In addition, the solar energy

upgrade will provide an opportunity for the EcoCentre to further educate the community about solar energy through a comprehensive resource that

showcases the benefits of solar energy and energy efficiencies to the wider community.

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The new multi-technology, multiple brands 19.26kW system is comprised of:

Panel Size Technology Inverter Fixture Sample Sunpower SPR318 (5 panels)

1.59kW

Back Contact Mono-Crystalline Cell

SMA SB1700

Roof Mounted

Sharp A-SHP-185W (11 panels)

2.035kW

Mono-Crystalline Cell

SMA SB2500HF

Roof Mounted

Original Cannon Amorphous

System

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Sanyo HIT-N210SE10 (16 panels)

3.36kW

Heterojunction with an Intrinsic Thin Layer composed of a Mono-Crystalline Silicon Wafer surrounded by Amorphous Silicon thin film layers.

SMA SB3000HF

Roof Mounted

Bosch µM-SI110 (28 panels)

3.08kW

Amorphous and Micro-Crystalline Multi-Junction Cell

SMA SB3000HF

Roof Mounted

Generic XHD – 250 (12 panels)

3kW

Mono-Crystalline Cell

SMA SB3000HF

Roof Mounted

Kyocera KD215 (14 panels)

3.10kW

Multi-crystalline Cell

SMA SB3000HF

Roof Mounted

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The combined system has added another 19.26kW to the original 4.2kW system increasing it to a 23.46kW PV system producing up to 97kW hours per day.

This covers 100% of our current electricity usage and produces a positive feed of up to 33kWh per day into the Griffith University grid, further assisting the

University in reducing its carbon footprint. The new installation also produces real time comparisons of the different technologies, highlighting aspects such

as total KWH produced, energy efficiencies and impacts such as weather and orientation.

The unique PV system will allow the comparisons between: 1. Seven different technologies of PV panel - including the comparison of the same system using different methods of fixture (roof mounted vs dual

axis tracker.)

2. Different priced PV systems on the market – cheaper generic to more expensive branded panel and the whether price impacts on performance.

3. Lifecycle of PV systems over time to determine how weather impacts on the efficiency and physical state of the panels.

4. Different size systems to show the amount of energy produced for each one

5. Comparison between new and old technology

The information and data from the system will assist the community in determining which technology is more suitable for their requirements. This is extremely important as it will empower them with the knowledge when thinking about installing solar and when talking to a commercial supplier or retailer.

Kyocera KD215 (14 panels)

3.10kW

Multi-crystalline Cell

SMA SB3000HF

Dual Axis Tracker


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Roof Mounted System

Snapshots of the Solar Upgrade System

Roof Mounted System

Inverter Bank

Roof Mounted System

Inverter Display

Dual Axis Tracker Dual Axis Tracker An Abundance of Solar


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Real Time Monitoring Displays - The real time monitoring displays only use the data extracted from the new 19.26kW system.

Energy Today: Total amount of kWh produced daily Total Energy: Total amount of energy produced since installation – in MWh

Power: Total

amount of kW

used from the

19.26kW system.

CO² Prevention: Total amount of CO² emissions saved Kilometres driven: Total amount of km driven in comparison to CO² total

Irradiance: Radiance factor from the sun Module Temp: Temperature of the panels Wind speed: How windy it is around the panels.

These screen shots were taken on the 9th February 2012 when the system was working to capacity.


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The solar PV system provides the means to demonstrate:

how solar energy works

comparisons of different technologies

the factors impacting on efficiencies

real time data to be utilised in conjunction with an education resource

CO2 savings

Solar PV system data will also provide the following:

Estimate of energy consumption during solar hours

Estimate of energy consumption during non-solar hours

Detailed analysis of the various solar system designs to calculate ‘real’ energy output yields, allowing for an analysis of solar panels and an analysis of

inverters

Assessment of the installation site to consider shading factor on solar output

Provide estimates on pay back periods

Provide an estimate of GHG saved in CO2, presented as the equivalent number of trees planted and equivalent number of cars off the road

The solar energy resource addresses an urgent need in the community for a demonstration style, easily accessible and comprehensive resource on solar

energy and energy efficiency. It does this by:

helping the wider community to make informed decisions regarding the uptake of renewable energy generation, primarily solar energy technologies

encouraging the community to manage and reduce their carbon footprint

SSttaaggee 22 –– CCoommpprreehheennssiivvee EEdduuccaattiioonn RReessoouurrccee

Supporting the installation of the solar PV system and in-house displays will be the development of a comprehensive education resource on solar energy,

energy efficiency, climate change and living sustainably. Stage 2 of the project will address the increasing and urgent need in the community for a resource

that provides demonstrated, credible and relevant information in one place – a ‘one stop shop’. Through extensive research and collaboration with

government, industry and the community the relevant content will be identified and presented in a format which is easily accessible and is responsive to a

range of learning styles (visual, auditory and kinaesthetic).


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This information will be available by visiting the EcoCentre or going online to a purpose-built website. Social media activities will also be implemented to

promote the resource and engage the community.

The means of delivery of the information and knowledge will be:

1. In-house (Stage 1 & Stage 2)

Digital displays (Stage 1 - complete)

Live data feeds from EcoCentre solar PV (Stage 1 - complete)

Interactive activities

Provide resources to support primary, secondary and tertiary education (Stage 1 & 2)

2. Website (Stage 2)

Comprehensive & relevant information on solar energy and energy efficiencies

Live data feeds from EcoCentre solar PV and hot water systems

On-line training modules on solar energy

Links to targeted external resources and websites

3. Social Media (Stage 2)

Facebook iPhone applications – live data feed from EcoCentre solar PV and carbon footprinting activities

4. Workshops and Information Sessions (Stage 2)

Drawing on the expertise within Griffith University and the links the EcoCentre has with leading organisations nationally and internationally, workshops and

information sessions will target different community sectors on topics such as:

Solar energy and solar energy systems

Managing your environmental impacts and reducing your carbon footprint


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Understanding your energy bill

Research and development in the renewable energy sector

Advances in market-ready technology

Preparing for a low carbon economy

Managing your energy use and costs

Green skills/jobs - demonstrating sustainability in action and provide jobseekers with the latest information in environmentally sustainable practices

and technologies.

In developing the comprehensive education resource we will:

create a portal for transparent knowledge transfer through different education delivery methods

provide information about government programs and initiatives

provide state, national and global perspectives

showcase research and development

The solar energy upgrade and education resource project will deliver:

a carbon net positive position further contributing to the reduction of Griffith University’s carbon footprint

a unique and integrated solar system which is easily accessible by the community

easy access to comprehensive and relevant solar energy information

strengthened collaboration between government, industry and education bodies

promotion of the EcoCentre as a credible information hub for solar information

a relevant, informative and needs-driven information portal

increased business, industry and community knowledge of environmental behaviours

a distribution of captured knowledge for research use by Griffith University and external organisations

assist in communicating Griffith University’s sustainability initiatives and programs such as the Sir Samuel Griffith Centre, Australia’s first zero-emission

and self-powering teaching and research building driven by sustainable energy with hydrogen-metal hydride storage currently under construction at the

University’s Nathan campus.


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Complementing the solar energy resource is The 'Green Energy Lab'. Launched in 2012 The Green Energy Lab is a mobile resource which showcases renewable energies, energy consumption and energy efficiency. The major focus / themes of the 'Green Energy Lab' are energy consumption, conservation and energy sources (including renewable forms). As well as hands-on activities, the 'Green Energy Lab' includes a number of stations which showcase various renewable energy technologies. It includes a:

32" LCD monitor that details, via a Linux operating system, real-time energy production and energy consumption, as well as details such as temperature,

wind speed, solar panel (PV) and angle of inclination.

40" LCD monitor that features DVD's and PowerPoint presentations relating to topics such as energy, sustainability and global warming.

Wind generator (10W)

Roof mounted Photovoltaic Cells (i.e. solar panels) - 3 X 120 watts

60 watt stand-alone solar panel

Hydrogen-powered model car

Solar cooking display featuring a parabolic dish and 2 solar ovens

Pedal-powered generator

Stand alone 60 watt solar panel

12 volt appliances

240 volt appliances Mini water turbine demonstration

There is a real need in the community for a resource which will provide: 1. an unbiased comparison between PV technologies 2. creditable and relevant information as to educate the community on PV technologies and efficiencies 3. a ‘go to place’ where the community can openly discuss options and information in a non-commercial environment The transition towards a sustainable society is a journey that requires behavioural change through education. By showing leadership in how we manage our

own energy requirements our vision is to provide a comprehensive, demonstration-based educational resource on solar energy, energy efficiencies, climate

change and living sustainably, encouraging all Australians to make the necessary changes that will enable them to transition to a low carbon society and live

more sustainably.

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