| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.39 |
| Liaison | Robert Stroufe |
| Submission Date | Sept. 25, 2012 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Chatham University
IN-4: Innovation 4
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Mary
Whitney University Sustainability Coordinator Office of Sustainability |
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A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Chatham University installed building-integrated micro-channel solar thermal collectors on its research greenhouse and roof-mounted installations on the two highest-occupancy residence halls on the Shadyside Campus. It is one of the largest solar thermal hot water installations in Pennsylvania. The project incorporates advanced micro-channel technology from Solar Tomorrow, Inc. to provide student residents with solar-heated hot water. This project is just one example of Chatham’s commitment to reducing its global warming pollution and reaching carbon neutrality by 2025.
Some project details:
Number of collectors: 64
• Peak power: 90 kW [307,000 BTU/hr]
• Total area of collectors: 1,270 sq ft
• Total thermal storage of 2,260 gallons
• Collector made of 100% aluminum alloy containing 70% recycled content
• Collectors fully recyclable after 20-25 year lifespan
• 1,160,000 BTU of solar energy stored in tanks on an average sunny day
• 15 to 20 tons of CO2 prevented from entering the atmosphere per year.
The installation on the greenhouse is designed as a teaching system and as a research project. There are two different types of collectors installed on the greenhouse: glazed collectors and unglazed collectors with a stone composite surface.
The collectors are installed at the ground level to showcase the installation and system elements to students and visitors. Signage describe the basics of the technology and provide information about the project, and a computer display next to the collectors shows live system data. The system is designed to be controllable by learners, so that the installation can be used in class.
Chatham University received the “Green Power: Make It…” award from Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) for this innovative project.
Useful links:
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ush2o/projects/commercial_projects_detail.cfm/projectId=44
http://www.chatham.edu/news/index.php/2011/11/chatham-university-receives-green-power-award-from-citizens-for-pennsylvanias-future
http://blogs.chatham.edu/rachelcarson/2011/07/14/solar-panels-atop-rachel-carson%E2%80%99s-dorm-at-chatham-university/
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A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
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The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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