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Building removal
Associated Project(s):There are three buildings on the site of the future Solar Farm. The SSC requested that the Timber Frame barn be salvaged, rather than demolished. The company that is the preferred vendor for this work provided this detail:
It would be our intention to reuse 100% of the wood components. We would re-erect the building as it stands with only modifications being to the interior layout spacing. We will recycle the steel roofing. We would handle the concrete in non-landfill manner; planned use is as a fencing fill for the new owner. Battens and doors and any exterior wood treatments would be reused in the re-newed structure. Although the nails will not be reused in the re-erection of the building, they have been allocated to go to a local BFA candidate.
meeting updates
Associated Project(s):Yesterday’s meeting covered more refined and detailed breakdown of the following topics, most of which were discussed in prior meetings, with the exception of the newly introduced structural support “Space Frame” option.
- Panel layout configurations for truss mounted structural frame- 4 sections of seven rows at approx. 100 modules/row or four sections of six rows also 100 modules each. Truss mounting providing specific spacing for mounting dimensions. Also mentioned types of Truss material recommending tubular over welded angle, siting weatherization, degradation, appearance and animal habitat prevention as main reasons.
- Space Frame structure was introduced as a favorable option.
- A space frame is a structure system assembled of linear elements so arranged that forces are transferred in a three-dimensional manner. In some cases, the constituent element may be two dimensional.
- Macroscopically a space frame often takes the form of a flat or curved surface.
- It should be noted that virtually the same structure defined as space frame here is referred to as latticed structures in a state-of-the-art report prepared by the Task Committee on Latticed Structures [2], which states
- A latticed structure is a structure system in the form of a network of elements (as opposed to a continuous surface). Rolled, extruded or fabricated sections comprise the member elements.
- Another characteristic of latticed structural system is that their load-carrying mechanism is three dimensional in nature.
- Space frame benefits although more costly up front were presented as prefabricated, galvanized and powder coated, sturdy, longer Life cycle and less maintenance, but requiring cranes and other installation costs. They also have installer requirements for mounting solar array as to maintain the integrity of the coating and protective surfaces. Provided flexible mounting spacing to help maximize power output and minimize shading.
- Inverter layout revisited with schematic diagram presented illustrating component placement and wiring layouts.
- An overall electrical schematic was presented identifying key component placing and overcurrent protection limits and needs, along with electrical room Layout.
- Metering usage stated existing meters could be utilized with the addition of a revenue grade power production meter to monitor the array output.
- Single line diagram was presented identifying current and project components, mentioning the output potential of 1400-1600 amps at 480 volts.
- Introduced idea of rainwater harvesting for irrigation or toilet flushing usages.
- Procurement procedures mentioned and moved as major topic for next meeting with concerns of turnkey type purchasing being the industry norm verses purchasing standard variety purchasing from multiple vendors in normal construction.
- Next meeting PEP is having the structural Engineers present design considerations, and Mr. Jim Lev will have construction procurement representative attend.
NCPD conceptualization mtg
Associated Project(s):Today’s meeting covered LED fixture questions and concerns:
They presented data and layout with luminescence patterns for 2 fixtures one costing $400. 00/fixture and another $1000.00/fixture. It was mentioned that we need dimming features but no specifics on how or the criteria for that.
Also covered were:
- different configurations for trusses and rows of PV modules, scaffolding, and height and spacing requirements for same.
- The module size and efficiency requirements needed to create 1600(Mwh) of power annually, along with quantities per different sq/ft
- Drainage for the snow and rain off of the modules, along with snow removal equipment in the bay areas
- Shading impact due to elevator towers, and overlapping rays during the winter months effecting production and how to handle these issues
- Central inverter scheme being the most effective and the optional layouts and wiring for same.
- DC combiner boxes layout scheme and wiring to reduce the effects of shading on power production
Solar Installations - preliminary list
Associated Project(s):Facilities & Services created a list of existing and planned Solar installations on campus:
a. Installed:
i. #1206 BIF – Approx. 3,700-4,000 s.f. on a building roof.
b. Active:
i. Approx. 20”x20” panel for a fixed speed radar detector near lot E-15.
ii. Approx. 20”x20” panel to power lights for pedestrian crossing on Springfield Avenue. Lights have been removed due to maintenance issues. Panel remains.
iii. Approx. 20”x20” panel for a mobile speed radar detector on Lincoln Avenue.
iv. Approx. 20”x20” panel for an electric tractor/mower charger. Item is off the grid. Location?
c. In Planning:
i. #0052 KCPA
ii. #0409 Electrical and Computer Engineering along with #1094 NCPD
iii. South solar farm
iv. Housing
v. #0118 ARC - Solar Thermal
vi. Residence Hall #3
vii. College of Engineering discussing something at MNTL with grant funds.
SSC primary contact identified
Associated Project(s):Teresa Tousignant will be the Student Sustainability Committee's representative for this project during spring 2013.
Student Sustainability Committee approves funding for the Solar Farm
Associated Project(s):The Student Sustainability Committee approved the Solar Farm funding of $1.05M over the course of three years.
ACUPCC tweets about UI Solar Farm
Associated Project(s):The American College and University Presidents' Climate Committment picked up the UI Solar Farm project on twitter.
Channel 3 shares info about UI Solar Farm
Associated Project(s):Channel 3 news shared the story of the UI Solar Farm on TV and on the Illinois homepage website.
Channel 15 does interview about UI Solar Farm
Associated Project(s):Channel 15 news interviewed Morgan Johnston about the UI Solar Farm. The news report showed on Channel 15 on Friday, November 09.
News-Gazette article about UI Solar Farm being approved
Associated Project(s):The News-Gazette had an article about the Board of Trustees approval of the Solar Farm.
Board of Trustees approves Solar Farm
Associated Project(s):The Board of Trustees for the University of Illinois approved the purchase plans for the Solar Farm on Thursday. The next steps are to complete the Development Agreement, Land-Lease Agreement, and Power Purchase Agreement. Once these are completed, the Solar Farm vendor will begin the design and implementation of the Solar Farm at the southwest corner of Windsor Road and First Street. The entire site should be completed and operational by the end of 2013.
Board of Trustees approves solar farm
Associated Project(s):The Board of Trustees for the University of Illinois approved the Solar Farm purchase.
WILL does interview about Solar Farm
Associated Project(s):Jeff Bossert at WILL Public Radio interviewed Morgan Johnston about the Solar Farm. The interview was recorded and will be on the radio.
News-Gazette article about site selection
Associated Project(s):The News-Gazette published a follow-up article about the Solar Farm site selection. The article is online.
News-Gazette Article describes Solar Farm
Associated Project(s):The News-Gazette contacted SSC members and F&S to get an overview of the Solar Farm project as discussed at the BOT Audit, Budget, Finance, and Facilities sub-committee meeting. The article is online.
It was also picked up by the Chicago Tribune, Danville Area Connect, I4U, as well.
F&S discussions with SSC continued
Associated Project(s):The Student Sustainability Committee met with F&S and exchanged letters and draft letters before finalizing the funding approval for the Solar Farm. Some of the related files are attached here.
Audit, Budget, Finance, & Facilities subcommittee forwards Solar Farm to Nov. 8 BOT agenda
Associated Project(s):The Board of Trustees Audit, Budget, Finance, and Facilities subcommittee discussed the Solar Farm project, and agreed to bring it to the Board of Trustees for approval on November 8, 2012.
SSC formal proposal submitted via email
Associated Project(s):Due to the Board of Trustees meeting schedule, the SSC has agreed to do a straw-poll about the funding of the Solar Farm project at their upcoming meeting on Oct. 26, 2012. They requested a full proposal be submitted this week, for review by committee members this coming week. The submitted proposal and associated calculations are attached here.
No concerns found for Franklin's Ground Squirrels on site
Associated Project(s):As a follow up to the EcoCAT submittal for the Solar Farm, Jim Sims worked with Dr. Edward J. Heske and Torrey W. Rodgers, from the Illinois Natural History Survey, to arrange a field survey to check for Franklin's Ground Squirrel. None were found.
Attached Files: