Renewable Energy at UNH
ELECTRICITY
As described on the "where does
our electricity come from?" section of the ENERGY SOURCES & COSTS page,
approximately 10 percent of our electricity is generated from renewable sources in New
England. Also, a portion of the "net interchange" electricity listed in
that section comes from renewable sources, mainly Hydro-Quebec.
SOLAR
The solar collectors mounted on the roof of Parsons Hall
are no longer operable. The Parsons system is a "hydronic" system, with
the collectors normally filled with pressurized water. Those collectors have reached
the end of their service life (approximately 20 years). The collectors have internal
corrosion and excessive water leaks. UNH Facilities hopes to work with interested
faculty and students to assess the rehabilitation potential for the solar system,
including possible moving parts of the system to another location. Students in the
Mechanical Engineering Technology program are currently conducting an assessment study of
all system components.
Photovoltaic (PV) solar systems directly convert solar energy into electricity. UNH is currently installing a small solar PV system at the MUB. The efficiency of solar PV technology is currently very poor, approximately 10 - 12 percent. Because of that low efficiency, economics tend to be poor. Solar PV electricity in this climate currently costs about 20 cents per kilowatt-hour, versus UNH's electric rate of 12 cents per kilowatt-hour. For example, one recently proposed PV system had an economic payback of 40 years on equipment with a service life of only 20 years.
As research and development efforts continue to improve the efficiency of PV systems, they will become more economical and have more realistic applications at UNH. Most solar PV applications in this area of the country are limited to remote locations where it would be cost prohibitive to run power lines. As an educational institution, the primary justification for a solar PV system at UNH would be as a learning tool for faculty and students to use in their course work and research. The value of that educational benefit would offset the otherwise poor economics of solar PV.
WIND POWER
UNH previously had a small wind generator located outside
Putnam Hall. That equipment was too small to generate any significant amount of
electricity. The primary function was as an education tool for students in the
Thompson School energy program. The Thompson School no longer has an energy program,
and the wind power system was recently sold as surplus property.
One objection to wind power systems in general is the unsightly nature of the systems against the skyline. Opponents of wind power also cite instances of wind generator blades killing birds. The first step in considering the use of wind power at UNH would be to conduct an assessment study of available wind during a typical year. Faculty and students interested in wind power are encouraged to initiate that study. Interested parties can contact the UNH Energy Office for assistance and support.
HYDRO POWER
UNH currently has two dams that could be studied by
interested faculty and students for hydro power potential. One dam is located at the
Water Treatment Plant and the other is located at the old reservoir by the Woodman Farm.
The Water Treatment Plant provides a significant electrical load next to that dam.
There is not any significant electrical load located adjacent to the old reservoir
dam. Interested parties can contact the UNH Energy Office for assistance and
support.
BIO-ENERGY
One form of bio-energy involves burning biomass
(typically wood chips) to produce electricity. There are currently no plans to
develop a biomass electricity generation facility at UNH. Another form of bio-energy
involves the production of methane. The UNH Dairy Research Center located by the
route 4 overpass has a manure digester that is capable of producing methane gas.
That system is currently inoperable. A group of faculty and students are currently
studying methods to bring the digester back into operation. The primary use for that
methane would be to provide heat and hot water for the dairy facility, or possibly to
power a small electric generator.
ENERGY CONSERVATION
All sources of energy, including renewable sources have
some negative environmental effects. Energy conservation, by way of conserving
behaviors or improved equipment efficiency, always benefits the environment regardless of
the energy source involved. While it is important to develop renewable energy
sources, we should not loose sight of the need to continue to be as efficient as possible
in our use of energy. Visit the Tips to Conserve page for
some of the most cost effective ways to reduce the undesirable environmental consequences
of our energy consumption.
