Northern Arizona University

New Energy Sources under Review at Northern Arizona University

Universities consume large amounts of energy at costs that increase annually. In 2004-05, NAU used 51.5 million kilowatt hours (KWH) of electricity at a cost of $2,828,160. Most electricity in northern Arizona is produced by coal-fired generating plants which typically release particulate matter and greenhouse gases. Emissions of this type have been associated with increases in atmospheric temperature, smog, acid rain, and acute lung ailments, such as asthma and bronchitis.

Fossil fuels are also finite. As worldwide demand for coal increases and supply decreases, the price likely will rise. Better efficiency and new renewable energy sources are needed to help meet our nation's present and future energy needs, assist national security and reduce negative environmental impacts. In the near future, NAU will implement these energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives.

Photovoltaic (PV) array

Thanks to the generosity and technical assistance of Arizona Public Service (APS), a new photovoltaic installation on the NAU campus will power a portion of the Applied Research and Development (ARD) building. The PV system will have a capacity of 165KW and will be completed in November, 2006. Approximately 20% of the estimated needs of the ARD building will be supplied by solar energy. Excess power will be fed back into the grid with a credit to the University.

Biomass generators

Biomass fuel is any renewable, plant-derived material. Trees, soy beans and corn are commonly used to produce biomass fuels. Typically these fuels are less polluting and have fewer health consequences than fossil fuels. Their use is becoming more widespread and their cost more competitive.

NAU expects to install one or possibly two biomass generators on campus in the near future. One unit likely would use wood chips to generate as much as 3MW of electricity, enough to meet about one-third of the campus's electrical needs. The chips burn very hot and combust almost completely, increasing overall efficiency and reducing pollution and waste. Excess heat from the process can be piped to other facilities for heating.

In addition to a biomass electrical generator, NAU has collaborated with the Flagstaff Forest Partnership on a proposal to fund a feasibility study of a state-of-the-art syngas generator. Syngas is released from wood particles heated to extremely high temperatures. The gas has BTU content near that of natural gas. Syngas can be used to heat buildings or to manufacture other bio-fuels.

These biomass generators will benefit from and contribute to sound forest management in the greater Flagstaff area. Thinning local forests improves forest ecology, wildlife habitat, fire prevention and produces significant biomass to use as an economical fuel. Since transportation of wood over a distance of about 50 miles is less economical, Coconino Forest is expected to be the primary fuel source for NAU's biomass power plants.

Biomass power generation provides an excellent example of the integration of cost-saving technology with responsible ecological management and community benefits. Partnerships among renewable technology manufacturers, ecologists, community advocates and institutions like Northern Arizona University are helping to make more sustainable practices, such as biomass energy, a reality.

   

CSE is proud to be in our new home in the Applied Research and Development Building - one of the most efficient buildings in the world!  The ARD building has been granted the US Green Building Council's LEED "Platinum" certification, the highest level attainable.