Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1
Cambrian College
$20,959.00
Development of a Heat Recovery and Energy Efficiency Test System for the @Source-Energy System
FY 2013-14
Summary
The Xstrata Nickel Sustainable Energy Centre (XSEC) at Cambrian College is constructed with@Source-Energy Wall panels on the south wall. The @Source-Energy Wall is a patented (pending byRenewable Resource Recovery Corp.) precast, prestressed concrete wall panel with photovoltaic (PV) panelscast into the face of the wall and a thermal heat recovery system embedded in the concrete behind the PVpanels. Thermocouples installed in the XSEC @Source-Energy System measure heat generated behind the PVpanels. To date, the electricity generated by the @Source-Energy Wall is not connected to the buildingelectrical system and the laboratory does not have equipment to utilize the electricity. Consequently there is nodata to demonstrate any change (expected increase) in electrical generation efficiency in the @Source-EnergyWall system.A battery system will be installed to store electricity generated by the @Source-Energy Wall PV, and anelectrical load will be applied. Meters will be installed to measure and record the electricity generated by theSystem. This project will assist R3C to determine the electricity generated by PV panels on a @Source-EnergyWall, specifically if the heat recovery system increases efficiency and reduces heat buildup behind the panels.Data will be collected over a full four seasons, providing technical performance information for R3C. The endresult of the project will be a validated and optimized heat recovery system and valuable performance testresults for the @Source Energy Wall.Perfecting the heat recovery function and increasing panel efficiency of the @Source Energy Wall willaugment the marketability of R3C's current product line and will undoubtedly increase sales within 1 year ofthe completed project. The @Source Energy Wall will have documented co-generation capabilities which willopen up the commercial building market. Having hard annual performance data will also allow frontline salespeople working for the industry partner to more accurate scope and quote new PV installations.
Program
Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1
Recipient
Location
Ontario, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
451454-2013
Name nom
Gravel, Stephen
Department département
Head Office
Organization id
24060
Institution établissement
Cambrian College
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2013
Competition year année de concours
2013
Award amount
20959
Program id
CARD1
Program name en
Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1
Program name fr
Subventions de recherche et développement appliquée - niveau 1
Group en
Research partnerships programs
Group fr
Programmes de partenariat
Committee code
1561
Committee name en
Applied Research and Development Grants
Committee name fr
Subventions de recherche et développement appliquée
Area of application code
300
Area of application group en
Energy resources
Area of application group fr
Ressources d'énergie
Area of application en
Energy resources (including production, exploration, processing, distribution and use)
Area of application fr
Ressources d'énergie (production, exploration, traitement, distribution et utilisation de l'énergie)
Research subject code
2518
Research subject group en
Electrical and electronic engineering
Research subject group fr
Génie électrique et électronique
Research subject en
Instrumentation and measurements
Research subject fr
Instrumentation et mesures
Partie
1
Nb partie
1
Application title
Development of a Heat Recovery and Energy Efficiency Test System for the @Source-Energy System
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
The Xstrata Nickel Sustainable Energy Centre (XSEC) at Cambrian College is constructed with@Source-Energy Wall panels on the south wall. The @Source-Energy Wall is a patented (pending byRenewable Resource Recovery Corp.) precast, prestressed concrete wall panel with photovoltaic (PV) panelscast into the face of the wall and a thermal heat recovery system embedded in the concrete behind the PVpanels. Thermocouples installed in the XSEC @Source-Energy System measure heat generated behind the PVpanels. To date, the electricity generated by the @Source-Energy Wall is not connected to the buildingelectrical system and the laboratory does not have equipment to utilize the electricity. Consequently there is nodata to demonstrate any change (expected increase) in electrical generation efficiency in the @Source-EnergyWall system.A battery system will be installed to store electricity generated by the @Source-Energy Wall PV, and anelectrical load will be applied. Meters will be installed to measure and record the electricity generated by theSystem. This project will assist R3C to determine the electricity generated by PV panels on a @Source-EnergyWall, specifically if the heat recovery system increases efficiency and reduces heat buildup behind the panels.Data will be collected over a full four seasons, providing technical performance information for R3C. The endresult of the project will be a validated and optimized heat recovery system and valuable performance testresults for the @Source Energy Wall.Perfecting the heat recovery function and increasing panel efficiency of the @Source Energy Wall willaugment the marketability of R3C's current product line and will undoubtedly increase sales within 1 year ofthe completed project. The @Source Energy Wall will have documented co-generation capabilities which willopen up the commercial building market. Having hard annual performance data will also allow frontline salespeople working for the industry partner to more accurate scope and quote new PV installations.
