Friday, February 8, 2008

Forfar Energy Audit





OK great we are installing a wind turbine to generate electricity for the station, and we are tuning up our solar hot water heating system for the station. But where is all the electricity we use at Forfar going? To answer that question I set the students on a project to measure and monitor the electric power consumption of the station. They worked diligently counting light bulbs, measuring electric consumption of every plug in appliance they could find, and discussing.conservation and efficiency measures. The students evaluated electrical usage and Forfar resident population data for the past three years. The conclusion of the study was a presentation to the Forfar staff which laid out a very detailed picture of where electricity is being used, recommended conservation measures, and future projects which would improve energy efficiency on the station, and renewable energy projects which could lead the station to an energy neutral position over time. The students worked very hard on the project and provided invaluable data to the Forfar staff.

Pictured is our Kill-A-Watt meter in use monitoring the coffee, microwave, and toaster station in the dining room and Eleizabeth Farrell preparing for the staff presentation.