Research & Development - October 2017

There are even window glazing systems that use photovoltaic technology to generate electricity.

On-site Batteries: All buildings pay for the energy they buy from the utility grid based on rates determined by demand.

On-site batteries can dramatically reduce demand charges by storing excess solar energy that is used for the high-rate periods of peak demand. Sophisticated energy management systems can control this process for optimum financial benefit.

Energy Efficient Workstations: Using
daylighting, workstations can be brightly
lit using little energy. When natural light is
not sufficient, point of use LED desk lights
are very efficient. Energy-efficient lap top
computers can be used, and phantom loads
reduced.

Phantom Load Reduction: Electronics and appliances use power when turned “off,” which represents a significant energy drain. In some electronics, this standby mode accounts for the majority of the device’s annual energy consumption. These include remote controls, lights or displays that stay on after turning them “off,” or cords that incorporate a “power brick”.

The simplest solutions include developing protocols for unplugging devices when not in use and utilizing “smart” power strips.

Smart technology is now available that can automatically kill all phantom loads when devices are not in use.

Laboratory and Kitchen Exhaust Fans: Inefficient exhaust fans use extra energy and pull conditioned inside air out of the building. ECM fans use less energy and insulated external flaps can reduce heat loss. In many laboratories, fume hood sashes are left open even when unattended. Simple “Sash Hood Stickers” attached to the hood encourage lab workers to close the sash hoods when not in use. In some labs, energy use is so intensive that a comprehensive management approach to reducing energy

Product/Literature Showcase

Ground-source and air-source heat pumps are effective energy efficient technologies for heating and cooling.

J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla Sustainable Laboratory Facility is the first net-zero energy, carbon-neutral biological laboratory. Credit: Nick Merrick, Hedrich Blessing Photographers

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