Solar Panel on Roof, Sackville, NB- SE
Solar Panels From June 2013 to December 2013 all of their electrical needs were provided for from the PV panels. December 2013 snow and ice storms effectively covered the panels and drastically reduced the electricity being produced. The owners stressed the importance of keeping the panels free of ice and snow. With the return of the sun they expect that by April 2014 they will start accumulating credits with NB Power for surplus power produced from the panels. Credits can be used during the next winter when the sun is weaker and when they need to rely more on the …
Manure & Food Waste in St. André- BE
The Laforge Holstein plant is a biomass system set on 400 hectares (1000 acres) of land that uses organic materials such as potato peels, fries, pizza dough and tomato sauce, mixed with manure and chicken grease residue for biodigestion (anaerobic decomposition). The system has 2 mixing tanks that hold the organic material: tank 1 is used as an energy source and tank 2 is used as a protein source. These tanks are linked to the biodigester using a regular feeding schedule run by a computer program that is linked to all the machinery. The ideal pumping ratio of organic material or feed …
Air to Air Heat Pump in Knowlesville- PS
This 2-bedroom bungalow in Knowlesville, NB, is heated and cooled by a 350 W (1200 BTU/h) air-to-air heat pump. The move from wood to 2 heat pump units has greatly improved the efficiency of the home plus adding cooling capacity for the summer. Both heat pumps are manufactured by Fujitsu. The system is well sized for the house. She found that the installation was done quickly and professionally. Her heating, cooling and electricity needs are being met for approximately $1599/year, less than when she had the wood stove. …
Active Solar, Combined System, Geothermal & Wind (to be installed) at NBCC in Bathurst- SE, GT, WIND
The design has incorporated alternative energy sources principally using geothermal heating and cooling with the addition of solar PV, solar thermal collectors and wind turbines with opportunities to learn of these technologies. Of note the wind turbine has yet to be installed and the full array of solar panels is not yet complete. The main story here is the innovation and diversity of energy and energy demonstration projects for purposes of education as well as energy efficiency. This is illustrated in a variety of lighting methods in classrooms with real time energy monitoring to assess comparative energy requirements. Lighting quality …
Ground Source Heat Pump in Woodstock- GT
The owner has Asthma and finds the air quality very good thanks to the efficient Heat Recovery Ventilator, airtight construction, and the Ground Source Heat Pump. R-2000 insulation, insulated concrete forms, and advanced framing allow for more insulation (R-30 value). The home is certified R-2000 and the owner claims the extra costs paid for themselves in 6-7 years and has achieved an Energuide rating of 86. The 16-year-old heat pump was recently replaced. The new heat pump cost $13000 and he should receive $3250 in grants from Efficiency New Brunswick and the former Federal ecoENERGY program. Their power bills are …
Crossfire Masonry Heater in Woodstock- BE
The owner built the fireplace around an existing home; he says it would have been much easier to build the house around the fireplace. The owner went from 5 cords of hardwood to burning 2 cords of soft wood and scraps, but in addition to the house was also completed during the same time period. Because the heat lasts for so long, less time/labour is spent filling the fireplace with wood. The owner decided that a masonry heater would best suit his needs, after looking at several different types they decided on the Crossfire 950-kg (2100-lb.) insert (Model number CF-2100-BO). …
Biomass Combined with Oil at Bathurst Chaleur Regional Hospital- BE
One large boiler will soon be on line to produce 98% of the annual hospital energy needs (including heating and cooling) using biomass as the energy source. The boiler will produce steam for the production of electricity. On normal months it is expected there will be a small net surplus of power that, through net metering, can be returned to the grid. This will result in virtually a self-sustaining facility at a much-reduced cost. This boiler replaces three older boilers. An oil-fired boiler can be used as a backup during a shutdown for maintenance and cleaning. Innovative funding for this …
Passive Solar in Heath Steele- PS
This is a retirement home on the North West Miramichi that the couple spent decades designing and refining. The building is …
Cultural and Sport Centre in Cormier Village (Eco-Park) Phase 10- GT, SE, PS
The Ecoparc includes a 3.6 hectare (9 acre) Acadian forest woodlot along the Kouchibouguac (Kagibougouet) River. In partnership with Vision H2O and with the assistance of a Roland Chiasson, a biologist and naturalist, educational trails have been established. Plans call for a minimum 0.8-hectare (2-acre) sustainable landscaped and demonstration area. Included will be an organic vegetable garden, native plant and shrubs, sustainable water management demonstration to mention a few of our plans. This project has been 2 years in the planning. The residents in Cormier Village have been consulted in depth as well as many consultants in energy efficient construction and representatives of …
Biomass in Port Elgin- BE
The owner decided to install this type of stove instead of a wood stove because the wood pellets were made from wood industry by-products. However the pellets she purchases now are made from whole trees. In comparison to a wood stove, the pellets appear to be dustier. And the pellets also create more waste because they are delivered in plastic bags. The owner burns 140 bags per year to keep her 140 squared metres home heated. The stove requires little attention, other than keeping the stove hopper full, every 24 hrs and cleaning the ash out ever week. Fire ash …
