Critical Power: Integrating renewable power into buildings

Building owners have more questions and requests on how to integrate renewable power into their buildings. And as the Smart Grid evolves, integration of renewable energy sources is increasing. Possible renewable power technologies include solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass. As the technologies that support increasing use of renewable energy mature, the codes and standards that define their use, interconnection, and interoperability with the grid must keep pace with them. Engineers involved with integrating renewable power into buildings must be aware of the applicable energy codes and standards and how to properly implement them into the building design. They must also evaluate the design objectives, materials, systems, and construction from all perspectives. It’s critical for designers to assess the design for cost, quality of life, expansion capabilities, efficiencies, impact on environment, creativity, and productivity.

Learning objectives:

• The audience will understand the applicable codes: ASHRAE Standard 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings; ASHRAE 189.1: Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings; and NFPA 70: National Electrical Code, Article 705: Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources
• Attendees will learn about identifying specific renewable energy technologies to be included in a new building or major retrofit project
• Viewers will understand how to connect renewable energy technologies to the grid
• Viewers will learn how employing energy management techniques reduce energy consumption and costs by driving efficiencies, improving system reliability, and providing data to support energy sustainability.

Speakers:

Andrew Solberg, PE, CEM, LEED AP, Director of Advanced Design and Simulation, Industrial & Advanced Technology Group, CH2M Hill, Reno, Nev.

Scotte Elliott, CEM, Electrical Engineer, Metro CD Engineering LLC, Powell, Ohio

Moderator: Jack Smith, Consulting-Specifying Engineer, Pure Power, and CFE Media, LLC

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