Miscanthus/Fisher House Project (continued...)
Project Goals
- Improve energy efficiency of a University building
- Gain practical logistical experience from this small scale project to provide a knowledge base for larger, more in-depth projects such as installing a combined heat and power (CHP) systems into larger buildings on campus
- Expand upon other campus research into biomass viability, including biomass yield, soil/water implications, economics, harvesting technologies, and rotation strategies
Project Benefits
- Pelletized Miscanthus is expected to result in an annual savings over natural gas of $200 to $300 per year, or 25% to 40% based on actual costs in calendar year 2005.
- Miscanthus is a carbon-neutral energy source and has been shown to have a negative carbon budget.
- Replacing natural gas usage with Miscanthus energy can prevent the emission of 51 tons of carbon per year, a sizable impact for such a small facility.
- Energy saving upgrades to the facility will be made on a phased basis, allowing the impact/benefit of each to be monitored and measured.
The fully upgraded facility is expected to be officially opened in May 2007.
|
|
