There are several ways to generate heat and cool your building using renewable energy sources. These include biodiesel, ground source heat pumps, geothermal systems, and solar collectors. To learn more about each of these renewable technologies, visit the EPA’s website. Peninsula Heating and cooling solutions are beneficial to consumers, as well as the environment. However, you should be aware of their drawbacks. Read on to learn about their advantages and disadvantages.
Biodiesel
Although biodiesel is commonly used in home heating oil, it is not the only renewable fuel available to use for these purposes. Biodiesel reduces the carbon content in home heating oil and also helps reduce nitrogen oxide and greenhouse gas emissions. The use of biodiesel reduces the carbon footprint of the home heating oil industry, which contributes nearly one-third of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Unlike conventional petroleum fuels, biodiesel is renewable and is made from energy crops like corn, soybeans, and sugarcane. Biodiesel burns cleaner than oil, so it is a better alternative to fossil fuels. However, until recently, biodiesel was not seen as a viable substitute for oil, which has become more expensive. Today, however, scientists are developing technologies to use other biofuels, such as discarded cooking grease.
Ground source heat pumps
There are numerous benefits to using ground-source heat pumps for building heating and cooling. These systems use less electricity than air-source heat pumps and air conditioners. They are also more efficient than conventional systems. In addition, they are compatible with renewable energy sources. In some states, rebates and incentives are available for the installation of ground-source heat pumps. Achieve Renewable Energy has participated in the MetroWest Solar + Clean Heat Challenge in 2021, and is one of the few geothermal design and installation firms in New England with certified staff.
Unlike air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps are more efficient and operate close to their design point. These pumps take advantage of varying air temperatures throughout the day and season, with the lowest temperatures occurring at peak heating and cooling demands. As a result, heat pumps remove heat from one area and transfer it to another. They work by pumping fluid around a circuit. They require little maintenance and are reliable for over 20 years.
Geothermal systems
A geothermal heat pump uses the earth as a source of heat and a sink for heat from the building. It circulates a fluid that absorbs heat from the air and relinquishes it to the soil. The ambient air must be warmer than the building’s interior temperature to benefit from this process. The pumped air is transferred to the building through ductwork. The process can be reversed to cool the building.
Another benefit of geothermal systems is that they don’t use fossil fuels or a lot of electricity. They are recognized as renewable energy sources by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and a federal tax credit of up to 30% can be claimed if installed in a building. Depending on the model and efficiency of the system, the payback period can be as short as seven or eight years. Choosing the right geothermal system installation company can help you determine your breakeven point.
Solar collectors
Solar collectors provide heat for storage tanks that can be used to drive heat pumps or chilling devices in a building. During the night when the temperature is lower than normal, the heat in the storage tank can be used to warm up the solar collectors. These heating and cooling solutions can provide buildings with clean, renewable energy that doesn’t compromise the comfort of occupants. To see the benefits of solar collectors, learn more about their installation and how you can save money.
The benefits of solar process heat technologies extend well beyond space heating. They can also be used for water heating, ventilation, and space cooling. The project aims to develop a system for commercial buildings that is cost-effective and environmentally-friendly. The research team is currently testing different methods of solar heating and cooling to determine which of these technologies is most suitable for a building. This research will provide concrete recommendations for commercial solar applications and demonstrate the benefits of these technologies.
Ice energy
When constructing or replacing a chiller, building owners should consider incorporating ice energy as a renewable heating and cooling solution. The price of the base unit is comparable to a high-efficiency air-conditioning unit, and a self-generation system can qualify for incentives under the California Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), which can lower the price even further. Moreover, a cooling system made from ice can reduce the load on a chiller during peak cooling hours, reducing the load on the grid.
Buildings use about five percent of their total energy consumption for cooling, and air conditioners account for a tenth of worldwide electricity consumption. The demand for cooling is expected to increase as more countries develop and become wealthy. Using ice to store energy and use it for cooling will reduce the demand for energy while simultaneously reducing the building’s carbon footprint. This method is more environmentally friendly and can save the building owner money, while improving the quality of the building’s air.