In this report, the options of the project by the Ashton Green community, that aims at an integrated and sustainable energy service approach, are introduced and evaluated.
Being on the global agenda, CO2 reduction influences a vast amount of policy areas. Brought down to national and local levels renewable energies have great potentials to reduce carbon emissions. An example of a renewable energy approach is the Ashton Green Project in Leicester, UK. While planning a sustainable community the energy demand is planned to be met entirely by renewable energy generation.
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Introduction
3. The Ashton Green Community Concept
4. Solar Hot Water
5. Photovoltaic
6. Wind
7. Biomass CHP
8. Geothermal Heat Sources
9. Integrated approach for Ashton Green
10. Summary
11. References
Objectives & Research Topics
This report explores the feasibility of implementing various renewable energy technologies to meet the domestic energy demands of the proposed Ashton Green community in Leicester, UK. It evaluates individual options and discusses integrated approaches to achieve a sustainable, low-carbon development.
- Analysis of renewable energy potential in the East Midlands
- Evaluation of solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal technologies
- Integrated energy system modeling for sustainable communities
- Assessment of planning, economic, and environmental constraints
- Strategies for achieving long-term carbon reduction targets
Excerpt from the Book
Solar Hot Water
Solar Hot Waster (SHW) is an active solar technology that does not produce energy directly but by supplying hot water to buildings it decreases the requirement of other energy sources, such as electricity, gas or oil.
One advantage of SHW technology is that it operates effectively even when no direct sunlight is available and therefore the overall efficiency of these devices are increased. Other factors, including geographical location, orientation and the device’s installation angle, have to be considered carefully as they influence the systems performance.
The collecting devices are mainly represented by two types of collectors. (A) Pipes are mounted to a flat plate when using a flat plate collector. The solar radiation is absorbed by the plate and the generated heat is drawn off by a fluid that distributes the energy to heating or storing devices. (B) The technology of evacuated tubes provides a more efficient system to utilise the energy supplied by the sun. As the absorbing and the first heat transfer take place in an evacuated tube heat loss is reduced by both reduced convective heat loss and better insulation. Single tubes are combined to bigger arrays and the heat of each tube is transferred to a second heat carrying fluid.
Summary of Chapters
Executive Summary: Provides an overview of the CO2 reduction challenges and introduces the Ashton Green project as a case study for sustainable energy planning.
Introduction: Discusses the global context of climate change, the role of greenhouse gas emissions, and the political framework supporting renewable energy transition.
The Ashton Green Community Concept: Details the site development goals for 3,500 houses in Leicester and the vision for an entirely renewable-powered community.
Solar Hot Water: Examines the mechanics, efficiency, and integration of solar thermal systems into residential building structures.
Photovoltaic: Analyzes the implementation of PV technology, including its efficiency, cost factors, and limitations regarding domestic supply matching.
Wind: Reviews the potential for wind turbine energy generation and discusses environmental and planning concerns such as noise and aesthetics.
Biomass CHP: Explores the use of combined heat and power plants fueled by biomass as a controllable backup system to balance energy supply.
Geothermal Heat Sources: Investigates the potential of utilizing underground heat as a stable and reliable energy source for large-scale development.
Integrated approach for Ashton Green: Compiles various technology combinations to ensure a reliable energy supply for the entire community.
Summary: Concludes that a mix of technologies is required to achieve a sustainable and low-carbon community, emphasizing the need for re-evaluation over time.
References: Lists the academic and institutional sources used to assess the feasibility of the energy strategy.
Keywords
Renewable Energy, Ashton Green, Sustainable Development, Biomass CHP, Solar Hot Water, Photovoltaic, Wind Energy, Geothermal Heat, Carbon Reduction, Energy Efficiency, Leicester, Sustainability, Sustainable Community, Energy Strategy, Climate Change
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this assignment?
The report examines the practical implementation of various renewable energy technologies specifically within the context of the Ashton Green community development project in Leicester.
Which renewable energy sources are evaluated?
The paper evaluates solar hot water systems, photovoltaics (PV), wind energy, biomass combined heat and power (CHP), and geothermal heat sources.
What is the main goal of the proposed Ashton Green project?
The primary goal is to create a sustainable, large-scale residential development where the total heat and electricity demand is met entirely through renewable energy generation.
Which scientific approach does the author use?
The author performs a comparative technology assessment and reviews existing strategic reports to model potential integrated energy systems suitable for the specific constraints of the site.
What does the main body of the document cover?
The main body breaks down individual technologies by their technical functioning, benefits, and challenges, before synthesizing them into integrated examples for the community.
Which keywords define this work?
The study is characterized by terms such as Sustainable Development, Energy Strategy, Carbon Reduction, Biomass CHP, and Renewable Energy in Practice.
Why is the biomass CHP plant considered vital for this project?
It acts as a controllable, reliable backup source that can bridge supply gaps when weather-dependent sources like wind and solar are insufficient.
What are the primary disadvantages of relying solely on solar and wind for this community?
The main issue is the intermittency of these sources, which often does not match the peak domestic energy demand, necessitating expensive storage solutions or backup systems.
How does the author view geothermal energy in the context of this study?
Although it was not included in the original energy strategy for Ashton Green, the author identifies it as a promising, stable, and potentially cost-effective technology for future consideration.
Does the author conclude that the project is feasible?
Yes, the report concludes that a sustainable energy supply is technically feasible, though it requires careful integration and long-term planning.
- Quote paper
- Bastian Görke (Author), 2006, Renewable Energy in Practice. The Ashton Green Community Concept, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1030685
