On-site Power Generation
EISA 2007 requires new buildings and major renovations of Federal buildings to reduce fossil fuel consumption 100 percent by 2030, relative to 2003. As we approach that date, the use of on-site power generation becomes more critical. On-site power generation takes many different forms, from plug-load reduction systems to photovoltaics. The Green Proving Ground program is currently investigating the efficiency and cost effectiveness of four of them.
Preliminary Technology Assessments
Wood-Pellet Biomass Boiler, 2012 >
Biomass boilers use agricultural, forest, urban, and industrial residues and waste to generate heat. Advances in biomass boilers have delivered efficiencies of 90% or better, comparable to state-of-the art gas-fired condensing boilers. The biomass boiler technology being evaluated uses wood pellets, which are more standardized and denser than wood chips.
Honeycomb Solar Thermal Collector, 2012 >
A solar thermal collector generates hot water, which can be used for service water heating (SWH), space heating, or process heat. This product employs a ‘honeycomb’ design that promises greater heat gain on the energy-collecting surface and thus higher efficiencies than traditional flat-plate or evacuated tube collectors.
The Green Proving Ground program leverages GSA’s real estate portfolio to evaluate innovative sustainable building technologies.
