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What's cooler than seeing a plume of smoke exit the tail pipe and a car swerve dangerously close to oblivion? If we ignore environmentalists from the modern-day green planet movement, we can rejoice in a testosterone fueled ride down hell's highway.
Car Exhaust systems, while varying from car model to car model, dissipate the fumes from the combustion of certain fuels; it is essential to note that these gases are dangerous to the health of humans and the environment. Below is the basic assembly for car exhausts:
Air Pump - Air pumps help control emissions by forcing air into the exhaust manifold and increasing the amount of exhaust gases to be burned. The air pump is powered by a belt, which is attached to the engine, and requires periodic checks if you want to avoid emission troubles or worse case scenario, an engine check light. The pump takes the oxygen thick air and sends it on its merry way. As a result, lethal gases are cleaned up - carbon monoxide becomes carbon dioxide.
Exhaust manifold - An exhaust manifold is attached to the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. More cylinders mean more fuel combustion, which means better car performance. Its job is to steer exhaust gases from engine cylinders through a pipe and to the exhaust system. Check your exhaust manifold for leaks because a leak in the manifold means poisonous fumes like carbon monoxide and other smog-inducing gases are leaking through.
Catalytic Converters - A catalytic converter is what makes emissions that much less harmful to people and the environment. As the heart of an exhaust system, it connects the exhaust manifold to the muffler. It's a contained area that encourages a chemical change; in fact, its where carbon monoxide (CO) becomes carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrocarbons (HC) become carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H20). In a three-way converter, nitrogen oxides (NOx) become nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O).
Muffler - The muffler controls the noise of an exhaust system. The muffler converts the jumbled sounds of gas rushing through the exhaust system and working valves into a less prominent noise. The engine exhaust is blown out of the muffler, through the tail pipe, and into the atmosphere.
Tail pipe - The tail pipe is that piece of metal jutting out from the back of a vehicle that releases exhaust gas.
All in all, a car exhausts system is hard at work making poisonous gases less lethal to humans and the environment.
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In my opinion, it is becoming more and more important to keep exhaust noise pollution from Quads, UTV's, and ATC's down to a minimum. Not only are our communities being patrolled and monitored for sound pollution, so are our favorite riding areas and local race tracks. We as riders need to make sure we are doing everything we can to not irritate the people around us, who may not enjoy the same recreational activities that we do. There is no quicker way to get our favorite riding area's shut down than to run around full throttle with a super loud exhaust. It only takes a couple complaints to the authorities before they take action and shut the area down.
So what options do we have to get the power we want while maintaining an acceptable sound level? Here are a couple options on how to quiet your ATV exhaust:
1. Buy an aftermarket ATV silencer add on that attaches to the end of your exhaust. This isn't the best looking option but will certainly work to quiet things down.
2. Buy a stealth ATV exhaust system. Stealth ATV exhaust systems are typically slip on exhaust systems that replace your existing muffler. since this replaces your existing exhaust, it is your best option for long term use. There is no tip to come loose and fall off. Also typically a stealth exhaust system won't noticeably affect your performance over stock.
While all these options are great for silencing your ATV, none of them are very desirable when it comes to getting the most performance. With all this in mind, most ATV performance exhaust companies have realized this and begun making quieter high performance exhaust alternatives. Some examples are the FMF quiet series, DMC afterburner, HMF Quiet Race Series, FMF Q series. A lot of these aftermarket exhausts come with "quiet core" inserts that allow you to choose between maximum performance and lower sound levels. With this new breed of ATV and UTV exhaust systems we can be sure to get the best balance between power and sound.
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These days, as laser engraving becomes more and more popular, the need for proper ventilation and fume removal is often overlooked. There are three basic methods; direct ventilation out of the building, tapping into a large air handling system, or a stand-alone filtered system. There are advantages and disadvantages to each which will be addressed. It is important to note that most flatbed lasers are operated in a retail environment, relatively small shops or are even home based so not every method of ventilation is applicable.
Laser engraving is very versatile and a wide variety of materials can be processed with attractive results. Because of the diversity of the substrates it is imperative that dust, debris and fumes be efficiently removed from the laser enclosure. The need to ventilate is not unimportant. Considerations include safety, potential damage to the laser and work environment.
Safety for the operator and other personnel in the shop should be paramount for any employer. Lasing is a thermal process and as such the material is burned, melted and vaporized. Some plastics are even toxic when they are heated and the fumes can be harmful when inhaled. To address this all lasers come equipped with a fume removal port that allows external connections.
Air is "pulled" through this port by the vacuum unit and away from the lasing area. What happens to that particle laden air is what differentiates the three ventilation methods.
The simplest method is to use a blower system that draws the air through a hose which is then ported outside the building. This is certainly functional but typically does not handle odor or the fumes very well and often there is a strong residual smell in the work area. In addition, certain parts of the country have EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) rules that prohibit pumping toxic elements into the air. Blower motors tend to operate at a fairly high decibel level so they can be quite loud. The blower motors themselves are inexpensive, but sometimes there are modifications required to the building itself that can drive the overall costs to install up.
In industrial environments there are sometimes existing air handlers that can be tapped into via the laser exhaust port. These very large devices are filtered such that the air they expel in to atmosphere has been "scrubbed" and is not toxic. In most cases they comply with the local EPA restrictions and are totally safe. However these are physically large, expensive units that are designed for use in manufacturing plants and are overkill if purchased solely to operate that standard laser engraving system. If such a system exists in your building by all means explore this as an alternative for your ventilation needs, but make sure that the system has the capacity needed for the laser when venting other equipment in the facility at 100% volume.
The third alternative is a self contained, multi-stage filtered device. As with the others, it attaches to the port on the laser but then draws the air through a series of filters that serve to remove large particles, gasses and odors. The air that is vented from the unit is usually 99% odor free and is safe to inhale. These devices are relatively small, very quiet and are portable. The filters are consumable items and have various operating durations based on usage and the particulate being filtered.
The filter system consists of a large particle filter/or catch bag, a HEPA filter and either an active chemical filter or activated charcoal reservoir. All of the filter elements can be replaced by the user with very little effort. Unlike the other configurations which are hard plumbed to the laser, the stand-alone units are mounted on wheels and can be easily relocated within the shop at the operator's convenience. This makes them the preferred solution for smaller shops and home based businesses.
There are a number of vendors such as Quatro, TBH, Purex and others. If this seems to the best alternative for you take the time to evaluate the systems including the Db level and the consumable costs.
Protecting the laser is also a consideration. Some plastics produce caustic and molten particulate that can infiltrate the moving parts of the laser gantry. In some instances, this can cause rust or non-typical wear on components which can affect the life of the motors, belts, screws and consequently can deteriorate the performance and output of the machine. Out gassing and smoke caused by lasing plastic, wood or coated materials can adhere to the optical components of the unit. Dirty mirrors or lenses lead to low output power or back reflection issues that can result in damage to the system. All adequately sized fume removal systems should have the air volume capabilities to protect the mechanical elements and optical components from these air born particles. All laser manufacturers should be able to provide the CFM requirements for their laser models which can then be used to size the proper exhaust unit.
Having a comfortable work environment is a goal of most shop owners. Managing the odors caused by processing wood, leather, plastics or rubber is part of the effort to keep the employees happy and productive. If you have ever had to smell some of the materials mentioned burning it is obvious how unpleasant it can be. If you take this one step further and consider the customers in the shop you can see how managing the fumes and odors should be a priority. Some vendors operate lasers in malls or other retail locations so courtesy for the storefront next to yours, should not be discounted. The last thing you want to do is to drive your customers out of the shop due to a very manageable situation.
Whether you have already purchased a laser engraver or you are investigating adding one to your shop, do your due diligence when selecting a ventilation method also. The laser is an investment in your business so maximize your return by choosing the proper exhaust system that will extend the life of the machine and provide a safe comfortable working environment for you and your employees.
I'll be happy to provide advice should anyone wish to contact me.
Most of us like to turn heads with our bikes and the exhaust is a big part of that. A cool looking exhaust system can really enhance the appearance of your motorcycle. Plus the distinctive throaty roar of a Harley-Davidson engine comes from the exhaust.
But there is more to Harley exhaust systems than gleaming chrome and bestial growls. Understanding the function of your exhaust lets you choose the best one for your bike.
Dealing with Emissions
The full Harley exhaust is designed to deal with the output of an engine, dealing with environmental, aesthetic, and legal issues.
The converter is designed to change harmful chemicals in the emissions into something less damaging to the environment. It uses a catalyst to convert dangerous gasses, including carbon monoxide and unburned fuel into carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other innocuous compounds. Reducing harmful emissions is not only environmentally friendly - it is also required by the EPA.
The muffler control sound and sparks. Although many Harley owners like the roar of their engine, many communities have noise ordinances that limit how loud your bike can be. Mufflers don't necessarily just suppress sound. They can also be used to control sound to get the noise you want from your bike.
Performance Enhancement
Your Harley exhaust system has a strong effect on engine performance and power. A clogged or poorly designed system restricts the flow of exhaust and reduces engine efficiency. Consider a path from the gas tank through the engine to the exhaust. If any part of that path is restricted, the whole system slows down and that means less fuel to your engine and less power.
Most people understand that a clog in the fuel line reduces power but may not realize that a clogged exhaust can do the same. Clogs aren't the only problem. An inefficient Harley exhaust restricts the flow from the engine and that creates a backup which cuts performance. Well designed systems with smooth curves rather than sharp corners allow the exhaust to vent more easily and the engine to run better.
High vs. Low Mounting
Where you put your exhaust, a high vs. a low position, will generally be determined by the bike's use. High-mounted Harley exhausts are used for bikes that will be used on trails and off-road. These bikes get a lot of dirt and water coming their way and the pipes are mounted high to keep these contaminants from getting into the exhaust and clogging it.
The problem with high-mounted exhausts is that they aren't very passenger friendly. Street bikes are more likely to carry passengers and don't need the protection of high mounts. These motorcycles are more likely to opt for low-mounted exhaust systems.
Choosing the right exhaust system is key to both the look and performance of your bike so consider all of your needs before making your choice.
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Diagnosing emission failures, using the exhaust gas analyzer can be a task. Auto repair is constantly evolving and has become a technical field to work in. Using the proper knowledge, you can find the right auto mechanic to repair your emission failure and be on the road to a cleaner atmosphere along with a fatter wallet. Here we will examine carbon emissions and 5-gas analysis.
Lambda, Combustion Efficiency, Carbon Gases, CAT Efficiency and EVAP Emissions:
- Lambda is perfect air fuel ratio 14.7 parts of air to 1 part of fuel. The closer you get to Lambda, the less carbon emissions. Lambda is a great diagnostic tool, more fuel and less air means rich condition, which will cause the CO and HC gases to be high. We will discuss carbon emissions further in the article.
- Combustion efficiency speaks for itself, the more efficient the combustion is, the cleaner the emissions gases are and the better the fuel mileage is. For checking combustion on your vehicle, consult an auto repair technician with the proper equipment. Carbon Gases pollute the earths atmosphere and can cause a number of Ozone problems including "Acid Rain". There are three very harmful gases; Carbon Monoxide, Hydrocarbons and Oxides of nitrogen.
- Carbon monoxide or (CO), this harmful gas will usually be out of range when there is a fuel problem and the vehicle is rich, considering it is a reading of unburned fuel or raw fuel escaping the tailpipe.
- Hydrocarbons or (HC), this gas is will be seen usually with an ignition problem. HC is read in parts per million or grams per mile. It is the reading of partially burned fuel escaping the tail pipe. Both of these carbon emission gases can be easily diagnosed, using the correct procedure and checks, including your Lambda Numbers.
- Oxides of Nitrogen or (NOX), A gas that has been known to cause acid rain. NOX basically boils down to Cylinder pressure or temperature. The more pressure or heat in the cylinder the higher the NOX will be. If a cylinder exceeds 2,500 degrees the vehicle will produces excessive NOX. This can be achieved in different ways including the exhaust gas recirculation or (EGR) system.
- Catalytic Converter or (CAT) efficiency, the catalytic converter is the most important emissions component on a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. The CAT cleans the carbon emissions to virtually zero when it is 100% efficient. Engineers have created an Ozone preserving automotive part, which needs to be in excellent operating condition.
- Evaporative Emissions or (EVAP) one of the most complicated emission repairs, if you do not have the training and equipment. EVAP emissions pollutes the Ozone 10 times more the vehicles tailpipe because to the CAT. Evaporative Emissions is actual fuel vapor that is creating carbon gases. Gasoline is a huge carcinogen, which means it causes cancer and is very harmful, be careful gassing up your ride. The invention of the catalytic converter has significantly reduced tailpipe emissions therefore EVAP emissions is now the major contributor to carbon gases. I have experienced many different problems concerning the EVAP system and have a great skill for Evaporative system diagnosis.
Most importantly, find the proper auto repair facility to diagnose and repair harmful emissions failures. Not only will this preserve our Ozone, it will also save you money. The best way to locate a great auto mechanic is to look at their emissions work. If they are poor on diagnosing carbon emission failures and do not have a 5-gas analyzer, then they do not have the training and or equipment to diagnose a drive ability problem or check engine light. I have worked on cars all of my life and currently perform quality auto repair. In this article I have examined carbon emissions and 5-Gas analysis.
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There are exhaust systems and then there are exhaust systems. Your vehicle's exhaust system does everything that it needs to do to keep your car performing properly as well as to protect the environment safe from harmful pollutants. When it is working properly, that is. Not every owner is satisfied with stock exhaust systems, particularly the hobbyist or recreationalist who uses his or her vehicle for leisurely pursuits. If you are a hobbyist and you want a system that performs well beyond what a stock exhaust system has to offer, then please read on for some important information.
So, what is your sound preference? Say, what?! Yes, one of the attributes of a high quality performance exhaust system is finding one that brings out the sound that you want it to make. Generally, there are three types of exhaust systems sounds you can choose from. Gibson Exhaust, a popular manufacturer of performance exhaust systems breaks it down as follows:
High: Produces a sound of high volume and intensity. Expect resonance with the cab.
Moderate: "Big Block" powerful exhaust tone with minimal resonance inside of the cab.
Low: Produces a mellow tone while it maintains a stock sound within the cabin.
Are you not sure which type of system that you want? Then, simply stop by the Gibson Exhaust site for sample sounds of the exhaust system for your truck or SUV.
Beyond sound, there are several other characteristics of any performance exhaust system that should be noted. They include:
More power. Stock mufflers can restrict engine power by as much as one third. With a properly specified and fitted performance muffler in place, air flow restriction can be reduced significantly. The result will be borne out every time you pull something or when you climb a hill as torque is freed up to bring out additional power.
Improved fuel economy. An efficiently working engine burns less fuel. With a performance exhaust system in place, your engine has a friend and not a foe that works in conjunction with the engine to achieve higher fuel mileage.
Longer lasting. What good is paying extra money for a performance exhaust system if it doesn't last longer? Made from aircraft quality stainless steel, your performance exhaust system can easily outlast the life of your vehicle. Depending on the manufacturer you choose, warranties as long as one million miles can assure that the exhaust system you place on your vehicle not only avoids corrosion but is also the last one it will ever need.
Certainly, performance exhaust systems can cost a lot more than stock systems. For the hobbyist who enjoys the throatier sound, stronger torque, and improved fuel economy, a performance exhaust system makes perfect sense.
Well, your elegant and iconic ride can slow down and look a bit beaten up when salty water, soil and rocks and even some acerbic gases threaten to tear down its exhaust system but who said that you have to buy a brand new Mercedes every time your iconic ride blows its exhaust or muffler? Just replace that worn out factory exhaust with the new aftermarket exhaust for Mercedes and you have your stunning ride back.
Add more power and agility to your Mercedes; make sure that ride is stress free and comfortable by installing it with exhaust for Mercedes. This ensures that you get rid of hole-ridden pipes and exhausts that release carbon monoxide inside your Mercedes making you and your passengers uncomfortable. It further increases the performance of your ride by equipping its exhaust system with ability to pass through the gases better. If you already have it on your Mercedes try renovating your ride by replacing the old exhaust with the new exhaust. Its stainless steel material increases the durability while it is finished with a beautiful aluminum varnish to make sure that it does not compromise the elegance of your iconic car.
Find high quality and genuine exhaust for Mercedes from leading world manufactures to ensure that they are not just of outstanding nature but that they also have a long and resilient operating cycle that can resist wear and indeed outlasts your ride. The proper finish ensures that the exhaust does not corrode and fail easily. The exhausts are designed with your Mercedes and a variety of models in mind ensuring that you get one that fits your car perfectly. The complete Mercedes exhaust comes with a full exhaust to ensure that in case you have to replace a spoilt part you don't replace the whole system but only the affected or blown out parts. In addition, the exhaust for Mercedes is designed to give you a leak free connection and is sure to fit other structures and designs.
These exhaust for Mercedes are an absolute cinch to install. The detailed installation instructions are simple even for the novice or technically challenged person and will allow you to install the exhaust on your car by yourself and you will be up and operational within 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can seek the assistance of a professional car technician and have them install the exhaust system for you. Upgrade that ride and make it more cozy and it is as simple as installing it with the exhaust for Mercedes.
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What sparked my interests in the RV Generator issue? Two things actually, the first one was close to home. A good friend of mine, unbeknownst to himself had a carbon monoxide leak slowly seeping into his RV. After installing his rigged up exhaust system, he ran his air conditioning and other appliances off of the portable generator versus off of the RV power. One day as he was driving along, he inexplicably came down with an overwhelming headache and started feeling sick, the cabin felt like it was turning around in circles and he was having trouble thinking clearly. I believe the only thing that saved him was his military training and background. Once those symptoms flared up, he immediately pulled over and got his family out of that death trap on wheels.
They had the RV towed to a shop and tests were ran to determine if it was carbon monoxide poisoning or some other issue. When they fired up that generator and let it run, it set off the carbon monoxide detector after twenty minutes. An examination of his homemade system revealed that the integrity of the connector that tied the muffler and the exhaust system together was not properly sealed.
Had they let that RV generator run after they had parked, we'd most likely be reading about them on the Channel Five News. Please heed this warning carefully; avoid homemade RV generator exhaust systems at all costs! I have to be honest, being in the generator business, I have seen some pretty dangerous setups jimmy rigged. To this date I have yet to see or identify any homemade installation that meets reasonable standards for safely handling RV generator exhaust gases.
Unless you are a mechanical engineer, this is not a do it yourselfer project. The second thing that sparked my interest in addressing this matter is that every year more than a thousand people die in their sleep due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't take a chance and become one of them. When these accidents happen due to fumes from a portable generator or some other type of generator, rest assured the incident always finds its way across my desk. Many nights, I have pondered how different the outcome would have been had the person or family been educated on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
There are plenty of options available for those who would like to run their RV generator while parked. If you decide to use one, make sure that the installation is done to specs. Don't allow the person doing the install to cut corners or jimmy rig anything. I've seen people use common couplers and U-clamps to join the muffler from the generator to their exhaust system. A million times NO! I've watched them wrap duct tape around that connection, thinking that would seal it, once again, NO! If you're going to do it, have it done right. Remember, your life and the life of others is at stake.
And finally, don't learn this next lesson the hard way. One thing many of these do it yourselfers very rarely take into consideration is the hot pipe their exhaust system exposes others to. All it takes is a child or an unsuspecting adult to touch that piping, and you've got a potential lawsuit on your hands. My suggestion, if you're going to add an exhaust system to your RV generator, get it done professionally if at all possible. If not, use one of the pre-fabbed kits that are recognized by industry experts as being safe.
How's this for a challenge? Create a zero net source energy (as opposed to site energy) home as defined by the Department of Energy's Building America program. Design it to operate in the extremes of Denver's unpredictable climate, using off-the-shelf, readily available technologies. Keep the mechanical systems as simple and uncomplicated as possible. Incorporate energy-efficiency strategies that don't require the home owners to be experts in sustainable building operations or conduct any maintenance beyond that required of a 'normal' home.
Not overly difficult, you might say? Add that the design must be replicable for future Habitat for Humanity homes, utilize low-cost construction materials, and allow volunteer- friendly construction techniques. Still with me? The clincher: The target market is the affordable housing sector. Impossible, you might say? Challenging yes, but not impossible for an integrated design team of NREL engineers and Habitat for Humanity staff and volunteers. The finished product is a 1,200 square foot, three-bedroom reduced income home that actually produces more source energy than it consumes!
Design Considerations
The combination of energy engineers, a construction manager a real estate development manager and Habitat volunteers on the design helped strike a balance between engineering ideals based on energy modeling, cost realities inherent in affordable housing, and considerations involved in a volunteer construction crew.
Habitat's volunteer labor advantage steered the design team to approaches that favored low materials costs and high labor costs. While this approach minimizes the substantial labor cost, when combined with the affordable housing requirement it restricts the range of sustainable strategies available. For example, strategies such as structured insulated panels (SIPs) and insulated concrete forms were not considered because of their high cost. Similarly, the requirement for volunteer-friendly construction techniques and ease of replication eliminated the option of using Straw Bale. The design simplicity requirement eliminated the possibility of a combined solar space heating and water heating system. Finally, the zero energy requirement, given Denver's cold climate and the current high cost of PV systems, required some trade offs that some 'purists' might consider controversial.
Design Approach - Envelope
Given the considerations described above, the design team decided to focus first on reducing the home's energy load as much as possible, and then size the PV system to meet the remaining electricity needs. The first place to look? Yes, you guessed it - a passive solar orientation with a 'super insulated' envelope. Starting with a standard Habitat three-bedroom, 26 x 46 square foot design with a crawlspace, the team increased the South-facing glazing area and reduced the North, East and West facing glazing area. Next, a double-stud wall with fiberglass batt construction was selected to take advantage of it's relatively low cost, volunteer-friendly technique and Habitat's low construction labor cost. Blown fiberglass installed in the attic achieved an R-60 rating and insulated floors achieved an R-30 rating. While the double stud wall design, with exterior structural studs spaced at 16 inches O.C. might not achieve LEED Homes Advanced Framing Techniques points, the interior studs spaced at 24 inches O.C. certainly meet the requirement. The R-3 fiberglass batts in the exterior wall cavities and the R-13 filling the space between the exterior and interior walls as well as the interior wall cavities definitely help optimize energy performance. An outer vapor-permeable house wrap and fiber cement siding, with and an inner poly vapor barrier plus drywall adds to a very 'tight' whole-wall-R value. Blower tests yielded a natural infiltration rate result of 0.15 ACH, a very 'tight' indication.
Heating and Ventilation
With the house's heating energy needs drastically reduced through this super-insulated shell, the design team then focused on the heating and ventilation system. Note that I didn't mention heating, cooling and ventilation system. Yet another design challenge! Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver has a policy of not equipping its homes with air conditioning. This meant that the final design had to maximize heat reduction (for example by maximizing solar gain) without increasing the cooling energy load.
To supply a proper amount of fresh air to the house while minimizing potential for energy loss, the team opted for an energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system with efficient electronically commutated motors. The system exhausts air from the kitchen and bathroom, and supplies fresh air to the living room and bedrooms. Heat loss from ventilation is reduced because the ERV system heats the incoming air with warmth from the exhaust air.
The design team soon discovered that a very low heating load is a double edged sword. On the one hand very little energy is required to heat the house. On the other hand, most commonly available heating systems are oversized for such low heating needs, and overly complicated or expensive systems cannot be cost-justified. After carefully considering a variety of high-efficiency heating systems, and much internal debate, the team decided to follow a hybrid approach of electricity from the PV system, and natural gas.
Controversial Approach
Some of us who are 'purists' may turn up our noses at the thought of a zero energy home using natural gas. However, the economics involved convinced the design team that a hybrid approach was the best solution (see side bar)
The PV system selected by the design team uses the local utility grid for storage, thus eliminating the substantial cost of the storage battery. When the system is producing more energy than is being used, it delivers energy to the grid. When the system produces less energy than it produces, it draws electricity from the grid.
When the system draws electricity from the grid, it is likely drawing fossil-fuel generated electricity. Although a larger sized PV system may minimize the volume of electricity drawn from the grid, the cost of larger systems is prohibitive. The design team opted to include natural gas in order to reduce the size of the PV system by 1.1 kW, making it much for affordable for a Habitat Home. The team designed the system to offset the natural gas used, thus achieving, and even surpassing, the goal of net zero source energy.
The hybrid approach allowed the team to size the PV system that is affordable, offsets the use of natural gas as well as any grid generated electricity, and thus allows the home to achieve (and even surpass) the goal of net zero source energy. The hybrid space heating system combines a pointsource direct-vent natural gas furnace in the dining room and living area, with small baseboard electric-resistance heaters in the bedrooms.
Water Heating
The design team selected a solar water heating system - rather than a combined space/water hearing system - for simplicity, backed up by a natural gas tankless water heater. The team calculated that the 96 square foot collector area and 200 gallon water storage would result in an annual solar-savings fraction of 88%. They opted for the tankless natural gas back up heater after finding that the tankless system uses zero heating energy whenever the solar water tank is at or above 115 degree water delivery temperature.
The Crowning Element
Having reduced all possible energy loads as much as possible, the design team zeroed in on the lighting, appliances and miscellaneous electric loads (MELs). They installed compact fluorescent light bulbs throughout the house, and ENERGY STAR label appliances. This left the miscellaneous electric loads, from TV, hair dryer, toasters, computers, and anything else that could be plugged in by the occupants. Using Built America benchmark assumptions on MELs, the team settled on a 4kW PV system. Because the Built America assumptions on based upon a national average of a 'typical'
American household, the actual occupant use and local climate may either block the home from achieving zero energy usage, or propel it to the ranks of 'net energy producer'.
The Verdict
Initial test results were encouraging. From the February to July of 2006, the PV system produced 1,600 kWh more electricity than the house consumed. Factoring in the natural gas used for space heating and water heating backup, the house produced 75% more source energy than it consumed. Although a longer testing period is required, it's a safe bet to say that the house will be an annual net energy producer rather than just achieve net zero energy user. However, this could change if the occupants begin using more than the average calculated into the Built America benchmark.
And the home owners? While it is true that the house is a net energy producer, they unfortunately are not free from utility bills. There is the monthly charge for the natural gas, as well as fixed charges for the electric grid and natural gas connection fees. From October of 2005 to May of the 2006, the owners shelled out an average of .25 per month in energy bills. Because the fixed monthly charges averaged 80% of those bills, in actuality the family used on average .60 worth of energy.
For those of us who suffered through 0+ monthly energy bills during that same period, those results are very compelling.
KEY RESIDENTIAL SUSTAINABLE FEATURES
Energy and Atmosphere
Passive Solar Design
o The house was designed with increased glazing area on the long South facing side, and reduced glazing area on the North, East and West facing sides.
Renewable Energy
o 4kW Photovoltaic system using utility power grid storage to eliminate need for and associated high cost of, storage battery
Insulation
o Raised heel trusses in attic allow 2 ft of blown fiberglass insulation, achieving R-60 rating for thermal envelope top
o Floors insulated to R-30
o R-3 fiberglass batts in outer 2 x 4 structural stud wall cavities, and a second, interior 2x4 stud wall with R-13 fiberglass batts placed horizontally between stud walls and vertically in interior wall cavities
o Outer vapor-permeable house wrap and fiber cement siding
o Inner poly vapor barrier and drywall
Space Heating
o Hybrid natural gas/electric heating system, combining a pointsource direct-vent natural gas furnace in the living room and dining area, and small baseboard electric-resistance heaters in the bedrooms. This combination provides the added bonus of zone heating, as each appliance has its own independent thermostat.
Water Heating
o Solar water heating system with 96 square feet collector area and 200 gallon water storage tank as primary water heating system, with natural gas tankless water heater as a back up system
Windows
o Double - glazed, low -e glass installed in South facing windows, with U-factor of 0.3 and SHGC of 0.58. For the East, West and North facing windows, Double - glazed, low - e glass was also used, with a U-factor of 0.22 and SHGC value of 0.27. The U-factors of all windows exceed (ENERGY STAR requirements by 20%).
Appliances
o ENERGY STAR® appliances were installed.
Lighting
o Compact fluorescent light bulbs deployed throughout the house
Indoor Environmental Quality
Local Exhaust
o Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) system with efficient electronically commutated motors, exhausts air from the kitchen and bathroom, and supplies fresh air to the living room and bedrooms.
Outdoor Air Ventilation
o The ERV system heats incoming fresh air with warmth of the exhaust air, thus significantly reducing heat loss from ventilation.
Materials and Resources
o Advanced Framing Techniques: Walls consist of inner 2x4 stud wall, 24 inches O.C.
