CLIMATE CHALLENGE by SOLAR SERDAR

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (CCRES) 

CLIMATE CHALLENGE 

 The world’s scientists tell us that we have just a few years to turn around the growth of greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid the worst effects. Projected impacts include the increased intensity of hurricanes; the long-term destabilization of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets, leading to much greater sea level rise; the acidification of the world’s oceans; and a vastly increased rate of species extinction. Wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Amazon could collapse under the weight of just a few more degrees. Continued climate change will result in regional scarcities of water, food, and land, which can lead to human conflict and political instability—posing a greater national security risk to the U.S. 

More intense storms, droughts, floods, and wildfires will result in costly property, agricultural, and infrastructure losses, while projected sea-level rise could force migrations out of coastal areas and result in hundreds of millions of global climate refugees by the end of the century. Additionally, more frequent and intense heat waves, a rise in the spread of infectious diseases, and poorer urban air quality will pose serious public health threats. The total projected economic costs from these impacts are extraordinary. Climate change is already here. It is already affecting our natural environment, our national security, and our quality of life and these warning signs are plain to see. 

The 10 warmest years on record have all occurred since 1990. Mountain glaciers are receding on every continent and the sea ice is melting. The seas have begun a slow but menacing rise, encroaching upon coastal cities in every nation where populations are concentrated. We can—and must—act urgently if we are to limit and eventually halt the impacts of climate change on human communities and natural ecosystems. The greater the magnitude and rate of warming, the greater the chances are for devastating and irreversible changes in the Earth’s climate system. 

Even by acting today to reduce our emissions from cars, power plants, land use, and other sources, we will see some degree of continued warming for a period of time because past emissions will stay in the atmosphere for decades or more. The window for effective action is closing fast and responding to the climate crisis will take commitment and ingenuity. The actions we take in the next several years will determine the kind of world future generations will inherit. 

The Earth is naturally insulated by a delicate balance of heat-trapping (or “greenhouse”) gases in the atmosphere. When the sun shines on the Earth, some of that heat is absorbed, keeping Earth warm enough to support life. 

However, over the last century, humans have been releasing more and more carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere when we burn fuels and cut down forests. These additional gases have altered the composition of our atmosphere, trapping more heat than is possible for the Earth to sustain and maintain the current natural balance among its ecosystems. The result is human-caused global warming, which brings serious threats from flooding to the spread of disease to the disruption of agriculture in many parts of the world. The science behind global warming is often portrayed as enormously complex, but some of it is quite simple. It begins with the energy that radiates from the sun, which gives us light and warmth. As some of this energy radiates back toward space as heat, a portion is absorbed by a delicate balance of heat-trapping (or “greenhouse”) gases in the atmosphere that creates an insulating layer. Without the temperature control of this greenhouse effect, the Earth’s average surface temperature would be 0°F (-18°C), a temperature so low that the Earth would be frozen and could not sustain human life as we know it. 

 The most abundant of greenhouse gases is water vapor. In addition, there are other powerful greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide. Each of these is a natural part of the never-ending cycle of life, death, and decomposition on Earth. But since the onset of the Industrial Revolution, humans have been pumping out more and more of these and other greenhouse gases. Scientists are clear: human activities are contributing to global warming by adding large amounts of heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere. Our fossil fuel use is the main source of these gases. Every time we drive a car, use electricity from coal-fired power plants or heat our homes with oil or natural gas, we release carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases into the air. The second most important addition of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere is related to deforestation, mainly in the tropics, as well as other land-use changes. 

 The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is now 380 parts per million (ppm), 100 ppm higher than at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. And, as a result of the build-up of gases, the temperature is beginning to rise. Adults today have already felt the average global temperature rise more than a full degree Fahrenheit (0.8°C) during our lifetimes. We expect another degree F by 2020 due to past emissions. Based on modeling by an international body of experts studying the climate crisis, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the temperature could increase by more than 7°F (4°C) by the end of the century in the absence of meaningful efforts to rein in global warming pollution. 

EVERYDAY CHOICES 

 Throughout history, people have been a powerful force for positive change. That’s because when people unite and call for action, change isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable. But no single person stormed the beaches of Normandy or ended slavery, and no single person will stop global warming. When we solve the climate crisis, it will be because all of us worked together to get it done. It will be because we, along with our neighbors, co-workers, and friends around the world, took a stand and demanded that our leaders make stopping global warming a top priority. In order to create the kind of large-scale change required to stop climate change, we need our elected leaders to implement policies and pass laws that promote renewable energy and support energy efficiency. 

We need companies to publicly support these policies and improve their business operations and product offerings. The good news is that we are already five million strong and have begun to make our voices heard. However, there is still more work to be done to ensure that the future will become safer and cleaner for the next generation. If we’re going to solve the climate crisis, it’s going to take all of us working together, and our work begins right here at home in America. 

 For more information on how to take action to urge our elected leaders to support bold action to protect our climate and put us on the path to a clean energy future, visit CCRES, where you can learn how to be wiser, write a letter or op-ed for your local paper, or volunteer on the CCRES campaign. 

Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES)

Željko Serdar 

Head of business association  

solarserdar@gmail.com 

MICRO HYDRO POWER

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

MICRO HYDRO POWER


Hydro electricity can be one of the cheapest methods of providing off-grid renewable electricity, but it is also very site specific. The best sites are on steep hills, with fast flowing water. One advantage is that on a good site you may not need batteries or an inverter (to step from DC to AC voltage), as the turbine will produce 240 volts AC and can just be turned on when needed.

The capital cost of hydro power schemes is quite high, but if you have a suitable site it can be a good investment. As of Spring 2010, ‘feed-in tariffs’ give a good price for electricity generated - a reasonable size scheme can recoup costs in 5 years or so.

To learn more about this technology, take a look at our blogs
http://solarserdar.blogspot.com/
and
http://solarserdar.wordpress.com/

Related questions


Do I need permission to install a micro hydro system?

If you are planning to remove or abstract more than 20m2 (20,000 litres or approx. 4,400 gallons) of water per day from a watercourse you will need an abstraction licence, even if the water is later put back into the watercourse. This means that virtually all micro hydro projects will require such a license, as even a flow rate of 1 litre per second amounts to 86m2 per day.

The license must be sought from the Environment Agency, who will assess effects on river ecology and flooding, prior to installation. The Environment Agency recommends that you contact them as early as possible as it can take around 3 months to get the license. For further information, consult the Environment Agency's document "Abstracting water - A guide to getting your licence".


It's also worth discussing details with local planning officials, as the powerhouse ans pipework may require planning permission.

If you don't own the land involved you'll need to seek permission from the landowners.

Can I convert an old watermill to generate electricity?

Old watermill sites are not usually good for generating electricity. A large, slow-moving body of water gives a high torque (turning force) and waterwheels make use of this to operate machinery directly. Low rotational speeds makes it difficult to use them for electricity generation; it’s easier to make electricity with a fast flow of water that can be channelled to hit a turbine at high pressure. Waterwheels are also expensive to construct compared to water turbines and need lots of maintenance. However, some 8,000 mills or mill sites are recorded in Britain, and as a small number may be suitable for generating electricity, it may be worth looking into. A hydro turbine installed at Gants Mill in Somerset generates up to 12kW of electricity and feeds into the local grid.

Another example is a waterwheel adapted to generate electricity at Pedley Wood in Cheshire.

The most suitable type of waterwheel for conversion to electricity production is the overshot style, as it has the highest head. It often proves worthwhile to increase the head by raising the headrace and/or lowering the tailrace. Some types of waterwheel can operate at a very low fall of only a few metres – you’d then need large flows of water to get reasonable amounts of power out of them.

Generators operate most efficiently at high speeds. Motors or generators that run at very low rpm (revolutions per minute) are large and expensive - a 1000rpm motor is much bigger than a 1500rpm one. Therefore, it may be more practical to gear up to a faster turbine, or consider installing a micro-hydro turbine instead.

How much will a micro hydro system earn?

The feed-in tariff (FiT) scheme for renewable electricity generation can make micro-hydro a very attractive option. Under this scheme, a generator receives a certain payment (19.9 p/kWh for systems installed in 2010/11) for every unit of electricity generated from micro-hydro power, whether you use it yourself (and save on bills) or sell it to the grid (for another 3 p/kWh).

For a 5 kW hydro scheme, this could work out to annual payments of £5,000 to £10,000, guaranteed for 20 years. However, to be eligible for FiT income, the hydro scheme has to be installed by a professional accredited under, and using turbines registered with, the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.

How much electricity can a micro hydro system produce?

A good hydro site depends on the 'head' of water (the vertical drop) and the flow rate. To estimate the energy in a water source, multiply the flow (in litres per second) by the head (in metres) by 10 (acceleration due to gravity). Halve the result, to account for losses and inefficiencies, to get an idea of potential power generation (in watts).

Flow x Head x 10 x 0.5 = Potential power generation in Watts

As this equation makes clear, a greater head will provide more power. Also, as a high head turbine will spin very quickly, there may be no need for complex gearboxes or belts.

Most micro-hydro schemes are ‘run-of-river’ - they don’t have a reservoir and only take water from the stream when it is available. You usually need a drop of over 10 metres for a scheme to be viable. Highhead ‘Pelton’ turbines are comparatively cheap, easy to install and work well in fluctuating flow. Crossflow turbines are more suitable for lower heads. Other turbines are available; suitability depends on a combination of the available head and flow of water.

Free, independent and impartial advice on renewable energy and sustainable living provided by the CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Željko Serdar
Head of business association


solarserdar@gmail.com
solarserdar@yahoo.com

HEAT PUMPS by SOLAR SERDAR

RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER SOLAR SERDAR (CRECSS)

HEAT PUMPS

Heat pumps use the same technology as fridges or air-conditioning units, but instead of taking heat out of the house, they bring heat in from the outside air or from the ground.

A heat pump will use electricity, so as long as grid electricity is generated by fossil-fuel and nuclear power stations it will not be a completely renewable heat source. It is important to make sure a heat pump operates very efficiently if it is to be a better option than gas or oil fired heating. A recent field trial report on heat pumps revealed that heat pumps installed in the UK in recent years often only reach low levels of efficiency, often offering little or no environmental or financial advantage compared to, say, gas heating. However, it seems that the problem is primarily that many systems were badly installed, or put into buildings that aren't suitable. There is evidence from both continental Europe and the UK that heat pumps can reach high levels of performance if specified and installed correctly.

The key thing is to have a well-insulated home, a correctly-sized heat pump and a low-temperature heating system - ideally underfloor heating running on water heated to only 35 degrees C.

Our information sheet gives more advice on how to evaluate the efficiency of a heat pump, how the different types work, and what the costs are likely to be.

Related Questions


What is a heat pump?

You’ll almost certainly have a heat pump in your home already, as they are used to keep fridges cool - basically by ‘pumping’ heat out. Most air conditioning units are also heat pumps. Both of these are generally airsource systems.

A ground source heat pump will usually be the more efficient option for home heating – giving the lowest running costs. Air-source systems are cheaper to install, but their efficiency will drop as air temperatures drop (when you need heat most). Also, heat transfer from air is more difficult than from other sources. Water-source systems can be very efficient, but they’re not common because you need a water source that will not freeze (such as a spring).


Are air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) noisy?

There will be some noise - check technical literature on manufacturers' websites for figures. Worcester Bosch quote 65 decibels (db) for the noise level at 1 metre from their unit. By comparison, normal conversation may be at a noise level of 50db, a busy office about 60db, and a busy street about 70db. The external part of an ASHP is basically the same as an air conditioning unit, but they do vary a lot - so don't judge all ASHPs by the noisiest air conditioner.

Are heat pumps environmentally friendly?

To be environmentally beneficial, the whole heating system must be properly specified and the house very well insulated (to a level above that specified by current UK Building Regulations). You can vastly improve the efficiency of your existing property with simple energy conservation measures - see our ‘Energy Conservation’ section for advice.

The efficiency of a heat pump is given by its coefficient of performance, or COP. A system operating at COP3 will give out 3 units of heat energy for each unit of electricity used. However, you need to bear in mind that most grid electricity is generated from fossil fuels or nuclear power, at efficiencies of only 30 to 40%, so you’ll need a very good COP to outweigh this. If a system has a poor COP you’d be better off with a gas boiler, which would give off less carbon dioxide and make a smaller contribution to climate change. Electricity generation also causes other forms of pollution: sulphur & nitrogen oxides (that cause acid rain), particulates, mining impacts, and nuclear waste.

An Energy Saving Trust field trial of 83 heat pumps in the UK found a wide variance in performance - only a few reached a COP of 3 or more. The average COP for air source heat pumps was 2.1, while the average for ground source systems was 2.3. Many were early installations, and as installers gain experience, performance should improve. To avoid a low COP, ensure that a home is well-insulated, has a low-temperature heating system and good heating controls, and that the ground loop or air-source unit has been adequately sized. See other questions and our information sheet for advice.

You can sign up for a ‘green tariff’, and have your electricity use allocated to renewable sources such as wind or hydro power. This is an excellent way to help promote the growth of the renewable energy industry, but it’s not a green light to use loads of electricity! Doing so will increase overall electricity demand, and until more renewable energy technologies are ready, this will increase the use of fossil fuels and nuclear power.

If you have a stream that would be suitable for a micro-hydro system, then a renewably-powered heat pump could be feasible and beneficial. See our Micro-Hydro information sheet for initial advice on this technology.

A heat pump contains about 2 kilos of refrigerant, usually hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These are potent greenhouse gases (about 1600 times more powerful than carbon dioxide) and a leak during or after the system’s life will have a damaging impact. Some suppliers use hydrocarbon refrigerants such as R290 or R600a (propane & isobutane); these will have a much lower impact if accidentally leaked.

Do I need a lot of land space for ground-source heat pump (GSHP)?

Trenches should be at least two metres deep to harness a consistent year-round heat source. Trenches will need 50-80 metres of pipe per kilowatt (kW), or 10 metres of ‘slinky’ coiled pipe per kW, with at least 5 metre distance between trenches with coils. So a typical 8kW heat pump requires around 400m2 of ground area for slinky coils. Note, however, that this will depend on a number of factors, including ground conditions.More info at http://solarserdar.wordpress.com/.

Boreholes need 20-50 metres of pipe per kW, and will usually be 100-150 metres deep. You may need 2-4 pipes per borehole, or more than one borehole. The Pipe diameter should be 20 to 40mm for best performance: large enough to reduce pumping power but small enough to increase flow velocity and cause ‘turbulent flow’ (giving better heat transfer). Bear in mind that installers trying to reduce costs might skimp on the length or bore of pipe, or the depth of the trenches.

What's the difference between an air-source and a ground-source heat pump?

Ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) draw heat from under the ground using either a borehole or a series of pipes laid a few metres below the surface. This
heat is mainly solar energy that has been absorbed by the ground. The ground below a couple of metres down is protected from extremes of heat or cold and stays at about 10°C all year. This is of course not warm enough in itself - the heat pump ‘boosts’ it to the level needed for heating a home.

Air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) do the opposite of air-conditioning units. Instead of taking heat out of a building, they take heat from the outside air and uses it to heat a house. See our related questions to see which one is right for you.

How efficient are heat pumps?

A heat pump operates most efficiently when the temperature gap between the heat source and the heat demand is minimised. To reach COP4 you must have a very well insulated house - usually a new-build or an extensive renovation. Heat pumps will not be able to heat water to 75°C for standard radiators, so you’ll need a low temperature system. Large radiators can be run on water at about 50°C, whilst underfloor heating can be run at only 35°C. Underfloor heating can be fitted under solid or suspended timber floors, but thick carpets should not be used – they’ll stop the heat coming through.

So that a heat pump can work at maximum efficiency all year round it is usually sized to meet about 90% of the heating demand. This means some form of backup heating is likely to be needed during very cold spells – for example a wood-fired room heater. Heating domestic hot water to 60°C will further diminish efficiency, so an immersion heater is often used - which means more electricity use and higher costs. Solar water heating is a good alternative for hot water - see our solar water heating section for more advice.

High quality heating controls are needed to run the system as efficiently as possible. Weather compensation controls regulate internal heating according to the outside temperature. For example, in cool weather underfloor heating may need water at only 25°C to provide suitable comfort.More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com/.

Free, independent and impartial advice on renewable energy and sustainable living provided by the RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER SOLAR SERDAR (CRECSS)

Željko Serdar
Head of business association
www.solar-serdar.com
solarserdar@gmail.com
solarserdar@yahoo.com

CLEAN ENERGY PRINCIPLES - SOLAR SERDAR

RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER SOLAR SERDAR





Clean Energy Principles


We have all the tools and resources we need to solve the climate crisis. Here in the U.S., by using our energy more efficiently, utilizing clean, renewable energy sources, upgrading and expanding our energy infrastructure, and transitioning to low carbon fuel sources in our transportation sector, we will not only reduce global warming, but also save American consumers money and create new jobs and business opportunities.

Energy Efficiency
Millions of dollars and enormous amounts of energy are wasted each year simply because our homes and businesses aren’t as energy-efficient as they could be. To make the most out of the energy we currently produce, America needs a national efficiency upgrade. The result will be more comfortable and valuable homes and buildings, lower utility bills, and tens of thousands of new jobs as we retrofit existing buildings to be more efficient and manufacture more American products that use less energy.

Renewable Energy
America’s power sector relies on fossil fuels and emits pollution that endangers the air we breathe, the water we drink, and heats up our atmosphere. We need to accelerate the ramp-up of clean, renewable electricity sources through policies that support increased private and public investment in clean energy technologies. Renewable energy will deliver clean, reliable power to meet America’s needs, reduce carbon pollution and make real progress toward solving the climate crisis.

Energy Infrastructure
The U.S. electricity transmission and distribution system — or “grid” — is in critical need of an upgrade. Investing in a modern transmission infrastructure will enable clean electricity to power American homes and businesses. Smart grids can enable households to sell excess electricity they may produce from their solar panels, providing a new source of revenue. One day, smart grids may interact with our electric-drive vehicles, enabling renewable energy to be stored in the batteries, and deployed when we need it most. Smart meters can inform users of their energy usage, and enable them to take actions to reduce their electricity consumption during peak hours, saving money. Investing in our energy infrastructure can provide many opportunities to create even more innovative ways of making inroads to repowering America with 100 percent clean energy.

Transportation
U.S. passenger vehicles (cars and trucks) consume about 380 million gallons of gasoline per day and contribute 20% of our global warming pollution. The gasoline for these cars is almost entirely refined from petroleum, nearly 60% of which is imported. We can encourage state and local governments to set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for the transportation sector, and make investments in public transit and smart development patterns that can reduce our reliance on personal automobiles and imported oil. Smart transportation systems that provide accessible alternatives to personal vehicles will also make our air cleaner to breathe and make our nation safer by reducing our dependence on foreign oil.More info at
http://solarserdar.blogspot.com/
http://solarserdar.wordpress.com/

Minimize Your Impact, Save Money

You can take steps to help Repower America each and every day. Make your own switch to energy efficient appliances, power generated by renewable energy, and cleaner sources of personal transportation. With all of us working together, we can build a movement to Repower America.

Change a Light Bulb
Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Drive Less
Walk, bike, carpool or take mass transit more often. You’ll save one pound of carbon dioxide for every mile you don’t drive.

Recycle More
You can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per year by recycling just half of your household waste.

Check Your Tires
Keeping your tires inflated properly can improve gas mileage by more than three percent. Every gallon of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Use Less Hot Water
It takes a lot of energy to heat water. Use less hot water by installing a low flow showerhead (350 pounds of CO2 saved per year) and washing your clothes in cold or warm water (500 pounds saved every year).

Avoid Products With a Lot of Packaging
You can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide if you cut down your garbage by 10 percent.

Adjust Your Thermostat
Move your thermostat down just two degrees in winter and up two degrees in summer. You could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year with this simple adjustment.

Plant a Tree
A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.

Turn off electronic devices
Simply turning off your television, DVD player, stereo, and computer when you’re not using them will save you thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER SOLAR SERDAR

Željko Serdar
Head of business association

www.solar-serdar.com
solarserdar@gmail.com
solarserdar@yahoo.com

ENERGY FOR FREE (croatian text)

HRVATSKI CENTAR OBNOVLJIVIH IZVORA ENERGIJE SOLAR SERDAR (CRECSS)



SVE ŠTO NAM TREBA – TU JE NA DOHVAT RUKE


Uz današnju tehnologiju i znanje ne moramo koristiti fosilna goriva niti išta drugo što zagađuje naš planet i škodi ljudima. Priroda nas svakodnevno i potpuno besplatno opskrbljuje velikim količinama sunca, vjetra i vode, a energija dobivena iz tih izvora čista je i nepresušna. Već u osnovnoj školi djeca uče o obnovljivim izvorima energije, ali ih nigdje ne uče da su fosilna goriva i alternativna energetska rješenja (hidrogen, biomasa i nuklearna energija) koja su na silu pogurana u prvi plan, nepotrebna i opasna, i da postoje samo kako bi održale profitne strukture koje je industrija stvorila.

Nafte, ugljena i ostalih eksploatiranih dobara sve je manje, a cijena im je usporedo s tom činjenicom sve veća i veća. Uz to, posljednjih je godina je sve jasnije kako je prevelikim iskorištavanjem fosilnih goriva čovjek značajno i najvjerojatnije nepopravljivo oštetio životni okoliš, ne samo sebe, već i svih vrsta na Zemlji.

Energija Sunca

Solarne energije ima toliko da jedan sat svjetlosti oko podneva sadrži više energije nego što čitav svijet potroši tokom jedne godine. Kada bismo mogli ”uhvatiti” samo 1% sunčeve energije, nikada ne bismo morali koristiti naftu, plin ili bilo što drugo. Dostupnost te energije je neupitna, tehnologiju za njezinu obradu imamo već dulje vrijeme, a jedina je prepreka pokvarena potreba onih koji žele udio u tržištu sa već uspostavljenom energetskom strukturom.

“…Kada bismo samo 3 posto teritorija Hrvatske prekrili Sunčevim pretvornicima u toplinsku i električnu energiju, dobili bismo oko osam puta više od današnje ukupne energetske potrošnje u Hrvatskoj”, piše Dr.sc. Natko Urli s Instituta “Ruđer Bošković” u svom tekstu objavljenom u biltenu Zeleni forum.

Energiju sunca može se prikupljati solarnim kolektorima koji služe za zagrijavanje vode i prostora, fotonaponskim ćelijama koje direktno pretvaraju sunčevu energiju u električnu i fokusiranjem sunčeve energije (koristi se u velikim energetskim postrojenjima).

Energija vjetra

Vjetar je zapravo oblik solarne energije. Sunce neravnomjerno zagrijava različite dijelove Zemlje, čija je površina nepravilna. To rezultira različitim tlakovima zraka, a vjetar nastaje zbog težnje za izjednačavanjem tlakova. Postoje dijelovi Zemlje na kojima pušu takozvani stalni (planetarni) vjetrovi i na tim područjima je iskorištavanje energije vjetra najisplativije. Dobre pozicije su obale oceana i pučina mora. Energija vjetra je dugo bila smatrana slabim i nepraktičnim izvorom jer ovisi o geografskom položaju. Ipak, Američko ministarstvo za energiju priznalo je 2007. godine da kada bi se u samo 3 od ukupno 50 američkih država iskorištavala energija vjetra čitava nacija bi bila snabdjevena strujom. Suvremene vjetroturbine postale su jako efikasne, a ne ispuštaju ugljični dioksid koji uzrokuje globalno zagrijavanje. Iskorištavanje energije vjetra je najbrže rastući segment proizvodnje energije iz obnovljivih izvora jer su postrojenja visoko pouzdana, nema troškova za gorivo i nema zagađivanja okoline. Loše strane su visoki troškovi izgradnje i promjenjivost brzine vjetra zbog koje se ne može garantirati isporučivanje energije. Za domaćinstva su zgodne male vjetrenjače snage do nekoliko desetaka kW. One se mogu koristiti kao dodatni izvor energije ili kao primarni izvor u udaljenim područjima. Kad se koriste kao primarni izvor nužno im se dodaju baterije u koje se energija sprema kada se generira više nego što se potroši. Velike vjetrenjače često se instaliraju u park vjetrenjača i preko transformatora spajaju na električnu mrežu.Više informacija na http://solarserdar.wordpress.com/

Energija vode

Energija vode je najznačajniji obnovljivi izvor energije, a ujedno i jedini koji je ekonomski konkurentan fosilnim gorivima i nuklearnoj energiji. U posljednjih 30-ak godina proizvodnja energije u hidroelektranama je utrostručena.

Ne može se koristiti posvuda jer podrazumijeva obilje brzo tekuće vode, a poželjno je i da je ima dovoljno cijele godine, jer se električna struja ne može jeftino uskladištiti. Da bi se poništio utjecaj oscilacija vodostaja grade se brane i akumulacijska jezera. To znatno diže cijenu cijele elektrane, a i diže se razina podzemnih voda u okolici akumulacije. Razina podzemnih voda ima dosta utjecaja na biljni i životinjski svijet, pa prema tome hidroenergija nije sasvim bezopasna za okoliš. Veliki problem kod akumuliranja vode je i zaštita od potresa, a u zadnje vrijeme i zaštita od terorističkog čina (za vrijeme Domovinskog rata Srbi su pokušali srušiti branu Peručkog jezera). Procjenjuje se da je iskorišteno oko 25 % svjetskog hidroenergetskog potencijala.

Energija plime i oseke

Energija plime i oseke je forma hidroenergije koja iskorištava spuštanja i dizanja razine mora. Elektična energija stvara se zahvaljujući generatorima, tj. podvodnim turbinama, postavljenim na područja s velikim morskim mijenama. Ovaj izvor energije ima ogroman potencijal za zbog ogromnih površina svjetskih oceana. Da bi energija plime i oseke funkcionirala na zadovoljavajućem nivou potrebni su vrlo veliki pomaci u mijenama, od barem 5 metara između plime i oseke, a malo je mjesta koja bi zadovoljavala takve uvjete. Elektrana La Rance u Francuskoj je najveća elektrana koja radi na principu energije plime i oseke, a ujedno je i jedina elektrana takve vrste u Europi. Smještena je u estuariju rijeke Rance u sjevernoj Francuskoj i stvara dovoljno energije za zadovoljavanje potrebe 240.000 francuskih domaćinstava. Glavni razlog zašto energija plime i oseke nije našla mjesto među komercijalnim obnovljivim izvorima energije, usprkos neospornom potencijalu je naravno novčana neisplativost. Nedostatak je i činjenica da dnevno mogu raditi samo desetak sati, točnije za vrijeme kad se plima diže, odnosno oseka spušta. No, to i nije toliki problem zato što su plima i oseka potpuno predvidljive pojave, tako da se lako može isplanirati vrijeme rada tih elektrana.

Energija valova

Energija valova je oblik kinetičke energije koja postoji u kretanju valova u oceanu. Ta energija može biti iskorištena da pokrene turbine, a postoji dosta mjesta gdje su vjetrovi dovoljno snažni da proizvedu stalno kretanje valova. Procjenjuje se da globalni potencijal ovog vida energije može dostići proizvodnju i do 80,000 TW/h (teravat-satova) godišnje. To znači da se 50% ukupne potrošnje energije na planeti može pokriti samo od ovog izvora. Glavni problem s energijom valova jest činjenica da se taj izvor energije ne može ravnomjerno koristiti u svim dijelovima svijeta. Ipak, postoje mnoga područja s vrlo visokom stopom iskoristivosti, kao što su primjerice zapadna obala Škotske, sjeverna Kanada, južna Afrika, Australija te sjeverozapadna obala sjeverne Amerike. Tehnologije za iskorištavanje energije valova nisu samo instalirane na obali, već i daleko na pučini.

Konverzija termalne energije oceana

Konverzija termalne energije oceana je metoda stvaranja elektriciteta koja iskorištava temperaturnu razliku između duboke i plitke vode. Ukoliko postoji veća temperaturna razlika, veća je i efikasnost čitave metode, a minimalna temperaturna razlika treba biti oko 3°C. Ova metoda ima dugu povijest, još s početka 19. stoljeća. Većina stručnjaka smatra kako bi ova metoda dala dobar omjer ulaganja i koristi jer bi se sa već postojećim tehnologijama mogao proizvoditi gigawat električne energije. No to ipak nije slučaj jer OTEC zahtijeva ogromne, skupe cijevi velikih promjera koje se moraju postaviti barem kilometar duboko u more kako bi mogle dovoditi hladniju vodu sa većih dubina, što je naravno preskupo.

Oceani predstavljaju 2/3 površine zemlje i predstavljaju ogroman potencijal vrijedan daljnjeg istraživanja kako bi se povećala isplativost ulaganja i smanjili ogromni početni troškovi, što je ujedno i najveća mana ovog obnovljivog izvora. Važno je naglasiti da plimni, valni, solarni i izvor energije vjetra ne zahtjevaju da se bilo koja druga energija prije njih mora upotrijebiti ne kao ugalj, nafta, biomasa, hidrogen, i svi drugi. Samo ova četiri izvora energije, efikasnim iskorištavanjem kroz tehnologiju mogli bi snabdjevati svijet zauvijek.Više informacija na http://solarserdar.blogspot.com/

Geotermalna energija

Toplina u unutrašnjosti Zemlje rezultat je formiranja planeta iz prašine i plinova prije više od četiri milijarde godina, a radioaktivno raspadanje elemenata u stijenama kontinuirano regenerira tu toplinu, pa je prema tome geotermalna energija obnovljivi izvor energije. Osnovni medij koji prenosi toplinu iz unutrašnjosti na površinu je voda ili para, a ta komponenta obnavlja se tako da se voda od kiša probija duboko po raspuklinama i tamo se onda zagrijava i cirkulira natrag prema površini, gdje se pojavljuje u obliku gejzira i vrućih izvora. Izvještaj o geotermalnoj energiji iz 2006. godine sa MIT-a (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) govori o tome da je 13,000 ZJ (zeta džula) trenutno dostupno u zemlji sa mogućnošću da se 2,000 ZJ može s lakoćom sprovesti u cijevi koristeći naprednu tehnologiju. Ukupna potrošnja energije svih zemalja na planeti je oko 0,5 ZJ godišnje! Ovo znači da Zemlja može biti opskrbljena energijom narednih 4,000 godina samo od ovog izvora.

Zemljina toplina može biti obnavljana generacijama, dakle možemo ju koristiti zauvijek.

Biomasa

Biomasa je obnovljiv izvor energije, a čine ju brojni proizvodi biljnog i životinjskog svijeta. Može se izravno pretvarati u energiju izgaranjem te tako proizvesti vodena para za grijanje u industriji i kućanstvima te dobivati električna energija u malim termoelektranama. Fermentacija u alkohol je zasad najrazvijenija metoda kemijske konverzije biomase. Bioplin nastao fermentacijom bez prisutnosti kisika sadrži metan i ugljik te se može upotrebljavati kao gorivo, a ostali suvremeni postupci korištenja energije biomase uključuju i pirolizu, rasplinjavanje te dobivanje vodika. Prednosti biomase u odnosu na fosilna goriva su manja emisija štetnih plinova i otpadnih voda, zbrinjavanje i iskorištavanje otpada i ostataka iz poljoprivrede, šumarstva i drvne industrije, smanjenje uvoza energenta, ulaganje u poljoprivredu i nerazvijena područja i povećanje sigurnosti opskrbe energijom.

RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER SOLAR SERDAR (CRECSS)

solarserdar@gmail.com
solarserdar@yahoo.om
www.solar-serdar.com

Renewable Energy Center SOLAR SERDAR recommends ECCOPLAN (croatian text)

Hrvatski Centar Obnovljivih Izvora Energije SOLAR SERDARpreporuča
ECCOPLANEccoplan je jedna od vodečih firmi u Hrvatskoj u ponudi štedljivih i ekoloških rješenja za grijanje i hlađenje u Vašem domu, te jedan od tržišnih pionira u ponudi proizvoda koji se oslanjaju na obnovljive izvore energije. Svi naši proizvodi predstavljaju vrhunac kvalitete u svojoj branši.

Početkom 2004. godine osnovana je firma Eccoplan sa primarnom misijom distribucije toplinskih pumpi priznato najkvalitetnijeg svjetskog proizvođača - švedske firme Thermia. Kao prva firma na području Hrvatske koja je nudila toplinske pumpe, bili smo i ostali predvodnici u uvođenju naprednih tehnologija koje koriste obnovljive izvore energije. Od tada do danas, proširili smo svoj asortiman kako bi bili u mogućnosti ponuditi cjelovita rješenja za instalaciju toplinskih pumpi u Hrvatskoj.

Stručnjaci za toplinske pumpe
Kao tvrtka sa najdužim iskustvom u prodaji i ugradnji toplinskih pumpi u Hrvatskoj, kvaliteta naših radova i proizvoda je neupitna. Naš asortiman sadrži sve elemente neophodne za instaliranje, dok je naš stručni tim na raspolaganju za instalaciju za sve kupce.

Odnos koji traje
Naša briga za kupca počinje sa njegovim prvim upitom, a ne prestaje nikada. Za svakog kupca nudimo realnu procjenu uštede i povrata investicije, te pomažemo u odabiru idealne kombinacije rješenja za njegove individualne potrebe. Nakon ugradnje, uz dogovor sa kupcem, provodimo periodičke provjere sustava, brinemo za detalje, radimo na održavanju ukoliko se za njim ukaže potreba, te radimo za Vašu evidenciju mjerenja potrošnje i učinkovitosti, kako bi Vaše iskustvo sa nama i našim proizvodima ispunilo sva Vaša očekivanja.

Pametna tehnologija današnjice
Sunce je gotovo neiscrpan izvor energije, koji grije i osvjetljava naš planet već gotovo pet milijardi godina, bez znakova umora. Energija koju Sunce predaje Zemlji najvećim dijelom biva zarobljena u zraku, tlu i vodi. Toplinske pumpe iskorištavaju tu sunčevu energiju kako bi grijale Vaš dom i osigurale vam toplu vodu tokom cijele godine, dok mnogi modeli nude i mogućnosti hlađenja tokom perioda vrućina.

Toplinske pumpe koriste električnu energiju ili kako bi preusmjerili toplinu iz okoliša u Vaš dom, ili kako bi višak topline iz vašeg doma preusmjerile u okoliš. Takvo preusmjeravanje topline troši znatno manje energije nego druga rješenja za grijanje ili hlađenje. Primjerice, kako bi zagrijala Vaš prostor, toplinskoj je pumpi potrebno samo 25% električne energije koja bi bila potrebna električnoj grijalici za isti zadatak. Uz ovako visoke uštede u potrošnji energije, prosječna toplinska pumpa u cijelosti povrati svoju vrijednost u samo nekoliko godina.Više informacija na
http://solarserdar.wordpress.com/.

Trajno rješenjeToplinske pumpe su vrlo robusne, pouzdane i izdržljive. Životni vijek toplinskih pumpi proizvedenih u zadnjih 20 godina teško je procijeniti jer - velika većina još uvijek radi optimalno. Realno je za očekivati da bi Vaša nova toplinska pumpa pouzdano radila barem tri desetljeća, vjerojatno i duže. Jednom kada ju se pravilno instalira, toplinska pumpa zahtjeva minimum pažnje i vrlo je jednostavna za održavanje.

Toplinske su pumpe također i vrlo jednostavne za korištenje - nakon ugradnje i namještanja postavki, možete i zaboraviti da imate toplinsku pumpu i mirno uživati u blagodatima mikroklime koje vam ona pruža.

Prijatelj okoliša
Dok većina drugih rješenja za grijanje ili hlađenje koristi sagorijevanje fosilnih goriva ili veliku količinu električne energije, koja je nažalost također dobivena većinom iz sagorijevanja fosilnih goriva, toplinske pumpe koriste samo malu količinu električne energije za postizanje velikih učinaka u Vašem prostoru.

Uz znatnu uštedu električne energije, koja katkad prelazi i 75% u poređenju sa klasičnim metodama hlađenja i grijanja, te bez ikakve negativne direktne interakcije s okolišem - bez ispuštanja ikakvih štetnih supstanci ili plinova, toplinske pumpe prepoznate su u svijetu kao jedno od rješenja koje najviše doprinosi zaštiti okoliša u segmentu grijanja i hlađenja domova ili poslovnih prostora.Više informacija na
http://solarserdar.blogspot.com/.

VRSTE TOPLINSKIH PUMPI
Zrak/Voda toplinske pumpe pružaju grijanje putem zatvorenog vodenog kruga, mogu grijati vodu za potrebe kućanstva, te neki modeli rade i kada se vanjske temperature spuste daleko ispod nule. Ova vrsta pumpi može pružiti cjelovito rješenje za grijanje vašeg doma ili poslovnog objekta.

Zemlja/Voda toplinske pumpe (geotermalne ili površinske) koriste zatvoreni sustav podzemnih cijevi kako bi izvlačile toplinsku energiju iz tla ili podzemnih voda. Poput zrak/voda, podzemne mogu grijati vodu za potrebe kućanstva i rade na nešto višim temperaturama, na kojima su puno učinkovitije zahvaljujući činjenici da temperatura tla ostaje stabilna tokom cijele godine, bez obzira na vremenske prilike.

Otpadni zrak pumpe recikliraju korišteni zrak iz vašeg doma ili poslovnog prostora i izvlače energiju iz njega. Ovakva vrsta pumpi ne može zadovoljiti potrebe grijanja niti može grijati toplu vodu, no može pružiti dodatne uštede i povećati učinkovitost drugih grijačih rješenja.

Sve toplinske pumpe u našoj ponudi koje griju i vodu za kućanstvo opremljene su i sigurnosnim grijačem koji dodatno podiže temperaturu vode kako bi spriječio nastanak bakterija u sustavu.

Povijest toplinskih pumpi
Lord Kelvin prvi je opisao princip rada toplinske pumpe još davne 1852. Prva komercijalna uporaba podzemne pumpe zabilježena je u zgradi Commonwealtha u Portlandu, 1946. Usprkos svojoj visokoj učinkovitosti i znantno manjem utrošku energije u poređenju sa klasičnim rješenjima za grijanje ili hlađenje, toplinske pumpe kao komercijalna tehnologija zaživjele su tek 70-ih godina prošlog stoljeća u skandinavskim zemljama, prvenstveno u Švedskoj, gdje je Thermia 1973. proizvela prvu komercijalnu toplinsku pumpu u Švedskoj sa integriranim spremnikom za toplu vodu.Više informacija na www.solar-serdar.com.

Spremnici za PTV
Akumulatori za efikasnu proizvodnju vruće vode za velike kuće i imanja.

Thermia KB i Thermia KBE su dva pouzdana akumulatora vruće vode koji spremaju vruću vodu zagrijanu dodatnim izmjenjivačem topline. Akumulatori su dizajnirani tako da rade sa vanjskim izvorom topline i izmjenjivačem topline.

Thermia KB i Thermia KBE su identični osim što KBE se isporučuje sa priključkom za uronski električni grijač. Dostupni su su veličinama od 2020 do 1000 litara. Za veče potrebe može se serijski spojiti nekoliko akumulatora.

Ventilokonvektori
Za ugodnu klimatizaciju cijele godine.
Aermec HL je ventilokonvektor koji vam efikasno omogućava održavanje jednolike i komforne temperature tokom cijele godine, a daje optimalne rezultate u kombinaciji sa Thermia sustavom klimatizacije.

Dodatna oprema
Modul hlađenja pasivno/aktivno omogućava vašoj toplinskoj pumpi pasivno, a kada to više nije dovoljno i aktivno hlađenje vašeg doma.

Kontakt sa djelatnicima firme ECCOPLANTel: +385 (0)49 412 165
Fax: +385 (0)49 412 165
GSM: +385 (0)91 5659 518
e-mail: info@eccoplan.hr

Sve što Vas zanima o TERMIA dizalicama topline možete naći na
www.thermia.com
ili na našim portalima

Hrvatski Centar Obnovljivih Izvora Energije SOLAR SERDAR
Željko Serdar
Voditelj poslovnog udruženja
solarserdar@gmail.com
www.solar-serdar.com

Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources - PARTNERSHIP (croatian text)

Hrvatski Centar Obnovljivih Izvora Energije - PARTNERI




Detaljnom analizom stanja gospodarskih sektora i osluškivanjem potreba poduzetnika, nastojimo zadržati fleksibilnost poslovanja prilagođavajući svoje programe zahtjevima tržišta, u cilju optimizacije poslovnih rezultata.

Kvalitetnim jamstvenim programima, formiranjem mreže kompetentnih poslovnih savjetnika, subvencioniranjem istraživanja i savjetovanja u području zaštite okoliša i očuvanja energije te promocijom i privlačenjem investicija u obnovljive izvore i poduzetništvo, želimo potaknuti ravnomjerni razvoj regija u RH te utjecati na brži rast malog i srednjeg poduzetništva kao i cjelokupnog nacionalnog gospodarstva.
Hrvatski Centar Obnovljivih Izvora Energije (HCOIE)


Aedilis d.o.o.

Prodaja i najam građevinskih alata, opreme i strojeva, rabljene opreme; servis i prodaja rezervnih dijelova; montaža i demontaža građevinske opreme; domaći i međunarodni transport /dostava robe na gradilište.
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Akzo Nobel Boje Hrvatska d.o.o.

Proizvodnja građevinskog materijala, trgovina i usluge. Veleprodaja: boje, lakovi te ostali materijali za završne radove u graditeljstvu. Savjetovanje u primjeni istih, pružanje tehničke podrške.
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Armirač Inženjering d.o.o.

Dobava, izrada i montaža armature za armiranobetonske konstrukcije u visokogradnji, niskogradnji i hidrogradnji. Prodaja betonskog čelika i armaturnih mreža.
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Baumit građevinski materijali d.o.o.

Prodaja građevinskih materijala: žbuke, završni slojevi, ljepila, mortovi, fasadne ploče od stiropora, kamena vuna i pluto, specijalni materijali za sanaciju vlage. Savjetovanje o primjeni materijala.
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Proizvodnja, prodaja i ugradnja ograda i ogradnih sustava. Vodeći smo europski proizvođač svih vrsta ograda: elektrovarene pocinčane i plastificirane industrijske ograde. Ogradni paneli različitih visina i boja. Pletene i elektrovarene žičane ograde u rolama.
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Graditeljstvo, proizvodnja, transport i trgovina. Visokogradnja, proizvodnja i prodaja betona i betonske galanterije od vibriranog betona, usluge voznog i strojnog parka. Proizvodnja betonskih ploča za zatvaranje tramvajskih kolosjeka.
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Proizvodnja i prodaja: crijep i krovna oprema (jednostrešni krov, rubni crijep, sljeme/greben, snjegobrani, ozračivanje krova, krovni proboji, osvjetljivanje krova, uvala, opšavi, učvršćenje krova, krovne folije, krovni žljebovi), usluge besplatnog izračuna pokrova...
www.bramac.hr

Centrometal d.o.o.

Proizvođač termotehničke opreme. Proizvodnja komponenata za centralno grijanje i pripremu potrošne tople vode, bilo uz pomoć plina, loživog ulja, krutog goriva, biogoriva ili solarne energije.
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Chromos boje i lakovi d.d.

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www.chromos.org

Comet d.o.o.

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www.comet.hr

Diminox

Proizvodnja najmodernijom tehnologijom: dimovodne cijevi i elementi (priključci) svih vrsta i promjera iz inox limova. Primjena: od kućanstva stambenih zgrada...

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www.eko.hr

Famy d.o.o.

Trgovina, graditeljstvo i vanjsko trgovinsko poslovanje. Veleprodaja i maloprodaja građevinskog materijala sa vlastitog skladišta u Sesvetama; valovite bitumenske pokrovne ploče, bitumenska šindra, PVC valovite i trapez ploče, krovne folije, čepaste trake za zaštitu...
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Proizvodnja i prodaja aluminijskih profila: građevinski profili (za izradu prozora, vrata, zimskih vrtova, fasada - ventilirajuće (kamena, keramička), alucobond fasade, brisoleji za fasade), trgovački profili (ograde, prometni znakovi...), industrijski profili prema narudžbi...
www.feal.ba

Fermacell GmbH

Prodaja kompletnog sustava suhe gradnje za unutarnje uređenje stropova, podova i zidova. FERMACELL ploče dimenzionirane za jednu osobu vrlo su praktično rješenje za promet/prolaz koji se odvija uskim stepenicama. Idealne su za strop i potkrovne nagibe.
www.xella.hr/html/cro/hr/fermacell_aktualno.php

GP Krk d.d.

Niskogradnja, visokogradnja, montažna gradnja te betonska galanterija. Vlastita proizvodnja: kameni agregati, betonski proizvodi (betonski rubnjaci, rigoli, šahtovi, omnia ploče) i asfaltne mješavine. Montažna gradnja: hale, tipske trafostanice, autobusne čekaonice...
www.gp-krk.hr

Gutta Hrvatska d.o.o.

Prodaja: Bitumenski pokrovi - gutta bitumenske valovite ploče i bitumenska šindra; Guttabeta zaštita izolacije - čepaste membrane; Guttagliss prozirne plastike za interijer, eksterijer, krov i zid - trapezne i valovite ploče, višeslojne ploče od polikarbonata...
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www.hauraton.com/hr

Henkel Croatia d.o.o.

Prodaja ljepila i masa za brtvljenje za široku potrošnju i primjenu u kućanstvu, za "uradi sam" majstore, obrtnike, te za primjenu u građevinskoj industriji.
www.henkel.hr

HERC uslužni obrt

Prodaja: ulazni otirači renomiranih svjetskih proizvođača 3M i EMCO. Usluge: iznajmljivanje otirača, održavanje, dostave i podopolaganja otirača. Prodaja i postava zaštitnih folija za stakla, prodaja protukliznih traka, iznajmljivanje uredskih prostora, usluge čišćenja...
www.herc.hr

Holcim Hrvatska d.o.o.

Proizvodnja cementa, betona i agregata (drobljeni kamen, pijesak, šljunak) transportni beton i asfalt. Vrste cementa koje proizvodimo: Cement u vrećama: Holcim Majstor, Holcim Ekspert; Rasuti cement: Holcim Majstor, Holcim Ekspert, Holcim Lumen, Holcim Primus.
www.holcim.hr

I.T.V. d.o.o.

Proizvodnja Spezi hidratiziranog vapna, gašenog vapna i malta fine, proizvodnja ljepila za keramiku, finih žbuka, završnih mokrih žbuka i masa za zaglađivanje, prodaja Murexin proizvoda - ljepila za keramiku, hidroizolacija, mase za fugiranje, silikoni, predpremazi...
www.itv-murexin.hr

Ingra d.d.

GRADITELJSTVO: kompletna niskogradnja, istraživanje i studija izvedivosti, projektiranje i visokogradnja; ENERGETIKA: izgradnja hidroelektrana, termoelektrana, trafostanica i dr.; INDUSTRIJA projekti vezani uz industriju građevinskog materijala, naftna...
www.ingra.hr

Inker industrija keramike i porculana d.d.

Proizvodnja sanitarne keramike: WC školjke, umivaonici, bidei, keramički kotlići, stalci za umivaonike i pripadajuća oprema.
www.inker.hr

Italserrande Rolovrata Proizvodnja d.o.o.

Proizvodnja i ugradnja: garažna vrata, industrijska vrata te zaštitne rešetke. Rolo vrata, sekcijska vrata, brzopodizna vrata. Automatika za vrata i ograde. Motori za tende, rolete. Rampe i parking stupići za čuvanje parking mjesta.
www.rolovrata.com

Iveta d.o.o.

Proizvodnja i ugradnja PVC i ALU stolarije različitih oblika i boja: prozori, vrata (ulazna i balkonska), ukrasni paneli za vrata, rolete, grilje, klizne stijene, harmo stijene, zimski vrtovi. Prodaja stanova.
www.iveta.hr

Jedinstvo d.d.

Proizvodnja: stambeni i sanitarni kontejneri, kontejneri za smještaj telekomunikacijske i elektroopreme, kontejnerski objekti; proizvodne i skladišne hale, trapezno profilirani aluminijski i pocinčani limovi; oprema za ceste: ograde za zaštitu od vjetra...
www.jedinstvo.com

Jub d.o.o.

PROIZVODI ZA INTERIJERE: temeljni premazi, mase za izravnavanje, unutarnje boje, proizvodi za dekorativnu obradu, JUFIX tapete od staklenih vlakana, proizvodi za problematične površine, proizvodi za betonske površine, sredstva za nijansiranje, proizvodi za drvo...
www.jub.si/hr

Kaeser Kompressoren d.o.o.

Kompresori - proizvodnja, prodaja, održavanje. Projektiranje i izvođenje sustava komprimiranog zraka.
www.kaeser.hr

Kemenović d.o.o.

Proizvodnja i prodaja: ekspandirani polistiren (stiropor, EPS) za sve namjene u graditeljstvu - toplinska i zvučna izolacija podova, zidova, fasada, ravnih krovova i potkrovlja, ploče za drenažu, stiropor za lagani beton, profilli od stiropora - štukature, vijenci za fasade...
www.kemenovic.com

Knauf Insulation d.o.o.

Industrija termičkih, akustičkih i protupožarnih izolacija. Proizvodnja: kamena vuna robne marke TERVOL® za toplinsku, zvučnu i protupožarnu izolaciju u graditeljstvu, industriji i brodogradnji. Proizvodnja staklene vune Knauf Insulation a to su Classic 040...
www.knaufinsulation.hr

KONČAR - Kućanski aparati d.o.o.

Proizvodnja električnih aparata za kućanstvo, veleprodaja i maloprodaja kuhinja i ugostiteljske opreme.
www.koncar-ka.hr

Kutrilin TPV d.o.o.

Kutrilin TPV preko svoje Radne jedinice Graniti vrši izradu, prodaju i ugradnju kamenih ploča od granita i mramora. Izrada gotovih proizvoda od kamena (nadgrobni spomenici, stepenice, prozorske klupice, kuhinjske radne plohe, šankovi, stepenice, kupaonski elementi itd.).
www.graniti.com.hr

Lacuna d.o.o.
Distribucija, proizvodnja, te prodaja opreme za zaštitu na radu: zaštita ruku, zaštita glave, zaštita sluha, zaštita očiju, jednokratna zaštita tijela, odjeća visoke vidljivosti, oprema za rad na visini... Vatrogasni aparati te ostala oprema…
www.lacuna.hr

Lesnina Inženjering d.o.o.

Generalni zastupnik tvrtke AHI ROOFING koja je najveći proizvođač prefabriciranih limenih krovnih ploča GERARD. GERARD KROVOVI: GERARD KLASIK (oblik klasičnog pokrova); GERARD BIBER (oblik biber crijepa); GERARD MEDITERAN (oblik kanalice)...
www.lesnina-i.hr

Lindab d.o.o.

Tvrtka Lindab bavi se proizvodnjom i prodajom proizvoda i proizvodnih sustava namijenjenih sektoru građevinarstva. Spektar proizvoda uključuje sustav drenaže krova Rainline, krovni/zidni sustav Coverline, lako konstruktivni sustav Construline te sustave za ventilaciju.
www.lindab.hr

Lipovica d.o.o.

Proizvodnja: aluminijski radijatori i odljevci u tlačnom i kokilnom lijevu, te ukrasni stupovi (kokilni lijev od aluminijske legure) za uređenje okoliša - pločnici, parkirališta, prolazi...
www.lipovica.hr

M SORA ZAGREB d.o.o.

Proizvodnja, prodaja i montaža drvene i drvo-aluminij stolarije: prozori, panoramske stijene (preklopne stijene, podizno klizne stijene, klizno otklopne stijene), vrata (unutarnja, vanjska), ugradnja prozora, dodaci za prozore i vrata...
www.m-sora.si/hr

M-Profil d.o.o.

Građenje objekata od čelika, čelične konstrukcije, krovni i zidni sendvič paneli, profilirani limovi, PVC i AL prozori i vrata, profili za suhu gradnju, armaturne mreže, netkani tekstili, kontejneri, strojevi za obradu lima...
www.m-profil.hr

Magrad d.o.o.

Najam i servis EKO mobilnih WC kabina, stambeno - poslovnih kontejnera za gradilišta, uredskih kontejnera i sanitarnih kontejnera. Najam ekskluzivnih sanitarnih prikolica te prodaja komunalne opreme (ekološki WC, plastični WC, kemijski WC...
www.magrad.hr

NATURA STUDIO d.o.o. - centar energetske efikasnosti

Gradnja pasivnih i niskoenergetskih kuća, montažnih kuća. Gradnja stambenih i nestambenih zgrada, montaža kuća visoke kvalitete, gradnja niskoenergetskih naselja, gradnja po principu ključ u ruke (od projekta do faze ključ u ruke).
www.naturastudio.hr

Nexe Grupa d.d.

Proizvodnja i prodaja građevinskog materijala: Beton: svježi plastični i pumpani beton od MB 10 do MB 40, lagani beton, cementna stabilizacija i cementne glazure s dodatkom aditiva...
www.nexe.hr

Nivogradnja d.o.o.

Investiranje, projektiranje, nadzor nad gradnjom, izgradnja stambeno poslovnih objekata, prodaja stanova i poslovnih prostora, prodaja građevinskog materijala.
www.nivogradnja.hr

Novoferm d.o.o.

Garažna vrata, protupožarna vrata, protuprovalna vrata, sobna vrata, metalni dovratnici, motori za ograde. Veleprodaja i maloprodaja.
www.novoferm.hr

Novolit d.d.

Proizvodnja: kombi ploče za toplinsku i zvučnu izolaciju i apsorpciju zvuka - NOVOLIT, KOMBIVOL, KOMBIPOR te ekspandirani polistiren - NOVOLIT STIROPOR. Izrada: fasadni profili, dekorativne štukature i plastika za vanjske i unutrašnje dekoracije.
www.novolit.com/hr

Okipor d.o.o.

Prerada ekspandiranog polistirena i proizvodnja toplinsko izolacijskih materijala i ambalaže te distribucija hidroizolacija na bazi bitumena i ostale trgovačke robe.
www.okipor.hr

Otis dizala d.o.o.

Dizala, pokretne stepenice, pokretne trake. Projektiranje, konzalting, servis, održavanje, ugradnja, modernizacije: dizala, pokretnih stepenica i pokretnih traka.
www.otis.com

PBZ Nekretnine d.o.o.

Promet nekretninama, graditeljstvo i usluge. Kupoprodaja nekretnina, posredovanje u kupoprodaji nekretnina, iznajmljivanje nekretnina, usluge građevinskog vještačenja, procjena vrijednosti nekretnina, izrada elaborata za investicijska ulaganja, etažiranje...
www.pbz-nekretnine.hr

Peri oplate i skele d.o.o.

Proizvodnja oplatnih sistema i sistema skela: nosači oplata, oplata stupova, penjajući sistemi, nosive skele, skele, radni podesti, stepeništa, oplate za mostogradnju i tunelogradnju, spojni pribor, usluge...
www.peri.com.hr

Petrokov d.o.o.

Generalni zastupnik i ovlašteni serviser za kotlove, bojlere i opremu Vaillant. U svojoj ponudi imamo kotlove i plamenike "CTC", kotlove na plinsko, tekuće i kruto gorivo Ferolli i Centrometal te ostalu opremu za grijanje proizvođača Giersch, Rotex, Grundfos, Herz...
www.petrokov.hr

Phoenix Capitis d.o.o.

PhoenixLifestyle je najveći hrvatski lanac kvalitetnog namještaja i opreme za uređenje interijera. Veleprodaja i maloprodaja: namještaj za stanovanje (dnevni boravci, blagovaonice, kuhinje, spavaće sobe, dječje sobe), namještaj za urede, namještaj za ugostiteljstvo...
www.phoenixlifestyle.com.hr

Pipelife - Hrvatska cijevni sustavi d.o.o.

Proizvodnja i prodaja plastičnih cijevi i cijevnih sustava za primjenu u distribuciji vode, plina, tople sanitarne vode, tople vode za grijanje, odvodnji i kabelskoj zaštiti. Opskrba kupaca cijevima i cjevovodnom opremom, što uključuje i nabavu...
www.pipelife.hr

PREFA Aluminiumprodukte Ges.m.b.H. Zastupstvo za RH

Proizvodnja i prodaja: aluminijska krovna i fasadna rješenja te savjetovanje. Aluminijska krovna rješenja od gotovih elemenata raznih oblika: Prefa krovne ploče, Prefa krovne šindre, Prefa krovni rombovi; Aluminijska krovna rješenja za falcane krovove Prefalz...
hr.prefa.com

Rabalux Rasvjeta d.o.o.

Proizvodnja i veleprodaja rasvjetnih tijela. Veliki izbor klasične i moderne rasvjete: reflektori (spotovi), stolne i podne lampe, visilice i lusteri, zidne i stropne (plafonjere) svjetiljke, fluorescentna rasvjeta, vanjska rasvjeta.
www.rabalux.hu

Robert Bosch d.o.o. Toplinska tehnika

Proizvodni program obuhvaća: solarne sustave, dizalice topline, kotlove na kruta goriva, visokoučinkovite sustave grijanja na osnovi fosilnih goriva, kao i inteligentnu regulaciju.
www.bosch-climate.com.hr

Rockwool Adriatic d.o.o.

Rockwool Adriatic je dio Rockwool Grupe, vodećeg svjetskog dobavljača negorive za okoliš prihvatljive kamene vune. Proizvodnja i prodaja: kamena vuna i proizvodi bazirani na kamenoj vuni namijenjeni za toplinsku, zvučnu i protupožarnu izolaciju.
www.rockwool.hr

SCHIEDEL - proizvodnja dimnjaka d.o.o.

Proizvodnja: dimovodni kanali svih profila, ventilacijski sustavi i šamotna opeka, INOX dimnjaci za novogradnju te sistemi sanacija postojećih dimovodnih kanala, vanjskih i unutarnjih kamina.
www.schiedel.hr

Schomburg d.o.o.

ZASTUPSTVO PROIZVODNOG PROGRAMA TVRTKE SCHOMBURG GmbH: brtvljenje građevina / sanacije, postavljanje pločica i prirodnog kamena, izrada glazura/industrijski podovi, vrtovi i okućnice/ostali materijali...
www.schomburg.hr

Semmelrock Stein + Design d.o.o.

Proizvodnja i prodaja: betonski opločnici i ploče za garažne prilaze, vrtne staze, terase, pločnike, parkirališta, šetališta, trgove itd.; Cestovni i parkovni rubnjaci, kanalice, travne rešetke, vrtne ploče, betonski cvjetnjaci; Sredstva za čišćenje, održavanje...
www.semmelrock.hr

Spačva d.d.

Proizvodnja građevinske stolarije i elemenata. Prerada drveta, proizvodnja: parketi, ulazna i sobna vrata, rezani furnir, spajani furnir, drvni elementi, piljena građa, vrtne garniture i ljepljene ploče.
www.spacva.hr

Tapo d.o.o.

Proizvodnja: ergonomske stolice. Zastupanje najvećih svjetskih proizvođača ergonomskog namještaja, korporacije Okamura iz Japana i nizozemskog Ahrenda i američke multinacionalne kompanije Herman Miller.
www.tapo.hr

Teknoxgroup d.o.o.

Teknoxgroup je ovlašteni zastupnik proizvoda tvrtke Caterpillar, također, tvrtka je i ovlašteni zastupnik za rudarske lopate Terex, dizalice Locatelli te građevinske i industrijske gume tvrtke Michelin.
www.teknoxgroup.com

Tepih Centar d.o.o.

Maloprodaja i veleprodaja: tepisi, tepisoni, staze, PVC obloge, laminati i ostale podne obloge i pribor.
www.tepih-centar.hr

Termosan d.o.o.

Grijanje, klimatizacija, sanitarije - prodaja, savjeti, izvedba, održavanje. GRIJANJE: aluminijski radijatori, gusnati radijatori, plinski bojleri, plinski kotlovi, uljni kotlovi... SANITARIJE: kade, akrilne kade, gusnate kade, tuš-kade, tuš kabine i niše...
www.termosan.hr

Tondach d.d.

Proizvodnja i prodaja: glineni crijep i pripadajuća oprema za krov.
www.tondach.hr

Trimo građenje d.o.o.

Visokogradnja, građenje objekata, čelične konstrukcije, čelične hale, kontejneri, krovne konstrukcije, krovni paneli, fasadni paneli, trapezni limovi, pokrovi za privatne objekte.
www.trimo.hr

Ursa Zagreb d.o.o.

Prodaja toplinske i zvučne izolacije od mineralne - staklene vune i ekstrudiranog polistirena.
www.ursa.com.hr

VAILLANT GmbH, Predstavništvo u RH

Proizvođač zidnih i samostojećih uređaja za centralno grijanje i pripremu potrošne tople vode (bojleri i kotlovi) na sve vrste energenata - plin, struja, ulje, solar, obnovljivi izvori energije. Proizvođač pripadajuće regulatorne tehnologije kao i klima uređaja.
www.vaillant.hr

Werkos d.o.o.

Inženjering, projektiranje i izvođenje specijalnih radova u graditeljstvu. Proizvodnja i distribucija svih vrsta geosintetičkih materijala i rješenja u niskogradnji te sanacija prometnica...
www.werkos.com

Wienerberger Ilovac d.d.

Opeka i opekarski proizvodi. Proizvodnja: POROTHERM pregradni zidovi, POROTHERM opečni nadvoji, stropni sustav POROTHERM, elementi za vertikalni serklaž.
www.wienerberger.hr

Xella porobeton HR d.o.o.

YTONG građevinski elementi za energetski učinkovitu gradnju.
www.xella.hr

Hrvatski Centar Obnovljivih Izvora Energije


Željko Serdar
Voditelj poslovnog udruželja
solarserdar@gmail.com

SOLAR SERDAR - RENEWABLE ENERGY POTENTIAL

SOLAR SERDAR projects

Alaska Renewable Energy
Alaska has significant potential to develop all forms of renewable energy.
With high energy prices afflicting many rural areas, Alaska also has the incentive to become a leader in the development of renewable energy resources and expertise. According to the Electric Power Research Institute, the state has over 50 percent of the nation’s wave energy resources and over 90 percent of the counry’s river current and tidal energy resources.

Additionally, Alaska has some of the best wind resources in the United States, a large number of volcanoes and hot springs, numerous opportunities for the production of fuel and heat energy from biomass, and receives more sunlight during the summer than the equator.More info at solarserdar.blogspot.com.

Because many types of renewable energy resources are developed and utilized locally, Alaska’s lack of energy infrastructure makes renewable energy an ideal means by which communities can generate cheap, stable, environmentally responsible energy.More info at solarserdar@gmail.com.

There are six major forms of renewable energy resources, all of which are abundant in Alaska:

• Biomass – fuel derived from living or recently deceased plants and animals

• Geothermal – the use of hot water or steam from the earth to generate electricity or heat

• Hydroelectric – power derived mechanically from the force of moving water

• Ocean energy – the use of the mechanical movement of waves or tides to produce electricity

• Solar energy – radiant light and heat harnessed for use by humans

• Wind energy – conversion of wind energy into a useful form by wind turbines

Lack of energy infrastructure is he tsingle greatest challenge facing Alaska in the development of our renewable resources. Though abundant, many of the best resources are in remote locations that are difficult to access and develop. As a result, many of the renewable energy projects in Alaska are cutting edge, using technologies that have been proven at a large scale and applying them to small scale, economical uses.More info at solarserdar@gmail.com.

Thirty-one states, including Alaska, have renewable energy funds (sometimes called clean energy funds), most of which are supported by small, mill-rated surcharges on energy sold to consumers. These surcharges are sometimes referred to as system benefit charges. Renewable energy funds provide support for the development of renewable energy by helping to remove market barriers, lowering financing costs, developing infrastructure, and educating the public. For example, the system benefit charges in Oregon are deposited into an independent trust that funds eligible wind, solar electric, biomass, small-scale hydro, tidal, geothermal, and fuel cell projects. These projects are supported by grants, loans, rebates, equity investments, and other financing mechanisms used by the fund.More info at solarserdar.wordpress.com.

Terms of the various funds vary from state to state. Some states have scheduled funds to last only five years. Other states have open-ended funds. Longer-term funds provide greater stability for renewable energy developers. It is estimated that over the next 10 years the combined renewable energy funds of the 31 states will invest about $3.5 billion in renewable energy generation.

In Alaska, the Renewable Energy Grant Program was created in 2008 and is administered by the Alaska Energy Authority. In the first two yearsof this fund, the Legislature has already appropriated $125 million for grants for qualifying projects.

In the states that have both an RPS and a renewable energy fund, the two policies work together to stimulate the renewable energy market. RPS standards “pull” renewable energy technologies into a state by creating a long-term market that reduces investment risk and provides a level playing field for developers. On the other hand, renewable energy funds “push” clean energy technologies by lowering market barriers through direct investment incentives and supporting the infrastructure needed to develop renewable energy. For example, in California, the fund is used to buy down the above-market costs of renewable energy. The development that takes place as a result of renewable energy funds helps states meet their RPS requirements.

Croatian Renewable Energy Center
SOLAR SERDAR
solarserdar@gmail.com

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY EUROPE CAMPAIGN - SOLAR SERDAR

The Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign showcases activities dedicated to energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. We think it's time to form a bigger picture out of our isolated efforts to inspire change. Concretely the focus is on spreading best practice in sustainable energy technology, build alliances and inspire new energy ideas and actions.

Any activity – be it a project or event – which you carry out to encourage the use of renewables or energy efficiency is welcome. There are no limits except that your action must support the overall goal: to spread inspiring stories and be coordinated from Europe. More than 250 new projects join each year and the Campaign promotes around 450 events.
More info at Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources,
solarserdar@gmail.com.

European Chambers of Commerce and Industry launch Intelligent Energy Contact Points to help SMEs optimise their energy use
SMEs are not best placed to become energy-efficient. According to a survey on SMEs and energy by Eurochambres, the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry, « the smaller it is, the less time, personnel and funds are allocated to energy topics ». The survey clearly suggests that better information and advice, as well as funding schemes and financial incentives, would deliver considerable improvements in energy efficiency among Europe's 20 million SMEs. Thanks to their close daily contacts with the business community, Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCIs) can support SMEs to take better account of rational energy use.

This is why Eurochambres has launched, with the financial support of the European Commission's Intelligent Energy Europe Programme, a project called CHANGE, whereby CCIs will act as first ports of call for SMEs on energy efficiency matters. Within the 60 participating CCIs, specially trained advisers will facilitate SMEs' access to information. They will organise workshops and information events, and encourage SMEs to carry out energy efficiency audits. Eurochambres aims to reach some 12,000 SMEs with information on intelligent energy issues.
More info at Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources, solarserdar@gmail.com.

If energy efficiency and renewable energy matter to you, then you are a potential Energy Day organiser, whether you are:

A local or regional authority
A company, business organisation or chamber of commerce, university
A consumer association, citizen group or NGO, a university or research, think tank
What is an Energy Day?

Energy days can be any event or happening to promote energy efficiency or renewable energy – from exhibitions, conferences, online events, performances to guided tours, open door days, workshops, media campaigns, concerts and much more…

Here are a few ideas:

Guided visits and tours for the general public to companies, public administrations, private homes or other organisations that use renewable energy sources or implement energy efficient technologies
Educational activities and programmes assisting children to discover and learn about energy efficiency techniques and renewable energy
Open door days, during which the general public visits organisations to learn more about energy efficient and renewable energy measures on the premises
Exhibitions and fairs, where public and private organisations demonstrate and explain their energy technologies to the wider public
Opening ceremonies, inaugurations, exhibitions and shows aimed at the wider public and showcasing innovative renewable energy technologies, energy efficient methods or alternative methods of transport.

Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources
&
SOLAR SERDAR
solarserdar@gmail.com.

RENEWABLE ENERGY - SOLAR SERDAR

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Renewable energy sources are energy sources that are continually replenished. These include energy from water, wind, the sun, geothermal sources, and biomass sources such as energy crops. In contrast, fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are non-renewable. Once a deposit of these fuels is depleted it cannot be replenished – a replacement deposit must be found instead. Both renewable and non-renewable energy sources are used to generate electricity, power vehicles, and provide heating, cooling, and light.

Renewable sources of energy vary widely in their cost-effectiveness and in their availability across the United States. Although water, wind, and other renewables may appear free, their cost comes in collecting, harnessing, and transporting the energy so that it can do useful work. For example, to utilize energy from water, a dam must be built along with electric generators and transmission lines.

Renewables themselves are non-polluting, while the structures built to harness them can have positive or negative environmental impacts. For example, dams may affect fish migration but may also create wildlife habitat.
More info at solarserdar@gmail.com.

HYDRO POWER
Hydropower refers to using water to generate electricity. Water is the most common renewable source of energy in the United States today.

Many hydroelectric power plants use a dam on a river to store water. Water released from behind the dam flows through a turbine, spinning it, which then turns a generator to produce electricity. Electricity generated this way is known as hydroelectricity, and it accounts for about 7% of the electricity used by the nation. Hydroelectric power doesn't necessarily require a large dam – some hydroelectric power plants just use a small canal to channel the river water through a turbine. A small or micro-hydroelectric power system can produce enough electricity for a home, farm, or ranch.

The Tazimina project in Alaska is an example of a diversion hydropower plant. No dam was required.Dam sites for hydropower plants are limited both by available rivers and by competing uses for those rivers, such as recreation, tourism, industry, and human settlements. Because of such limitations, water power could never generate all the electricity used in the United States. In addition, environmental impacts are considered when locating dams.

While all hydroelectric dams have some environmental impact, the impacts vary widely, and current regulations and policies attempt to address environmental concerns. A dam may either create a reservoir or may be a run-of-river project that does not store large amounts of water but simply takes advantage of a river's natural flow. A dam that
Fish ladder.creates a reservoir may flood a large area upstream, and can change flow patterns and impact flooding downstream with resulting environmental consequences, either positive or negative. Fish migration, which has long been a concern associated with dams, is often addressed with fish ladders and other structures to ensure the successful movement of fish both upstream and downstream.

In addition to power, dams often provide other benefits such as recreation opportunities on upstream reservoirs, habitat for a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial species, diversion of water for irrigation, and control of destructive flooding and environmental damage downstream.

Hydropower is one of the least expensive sources of electricity and areas with good sources of hydropower tend to attract industries with large needs for electricity. Major hydroelectric dams in the United States are found in the Northwest, the Tennessee Valley, and on the Colorado River.
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WIND POWER
For hundreds of years, humans have used wind to pump water or grind grain, usually with small windmills. Large, modern wind turbines are used to generate electricity, either for individual use or for contribution to a utility power grid. Wind turbines usually have two or three blades and, because winds above the ground tend to be faster and less turbulent than those near the surface, the turbines are mounted on tall towers to capture the most energy. As the blades turn, the central shaft spins a generator to make electricity.

In recent years, wind has become an increasingly attractive source of renewable energy – wind energy is the world's fastest-growing energy technology. Wind turbines placed at sites with strong, steady winds can economically generate electricity without producing pollutants. The power in wind increases rapidly with its speed, which means that locating windmills in areas of strong winds is critical. The strongest winds in the United States tend to be in Alaska, the western United States, and the Appalachians. Wind power currently supplies about 1% of United States electricity needs, but capacity is expanding rapidly. Although wind will contribute more to the United States electric supply in the future, like hydropower it cannot be expected to supply all of our electric needs.

United States wind resource map.While wind power helps the environment by producing electricity without producing pollution, there can be negative environmental impacts of wind power generation, including wildlife deaths. However, recent studies suggest that the number of birds and bats killed by collision with wind turbines is far lower than the number killed by collisions with other tall structures such as buildings. Appropriate siting of wind farms and individual turbines can reduce the impact on wildlife. Noise, which was a problem with older turbine designs, has mostly been eliminated through improved engineering.
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SOLAR POWER
Solar technologies use the sun's energy to provide heat, light, hot water, electricity, and even cooling, for homes, businesses, and industry. Despite sunlight's significant potential for supplying energy, solar power provides less than 1% of U.S. energy needs. This percentage is expected to increase with the development of new and more efficient solar technologies.

Different types of solar collectors are used to meet different energy needs. Passive solar building designs capture the sun's heat to provide space heating and light. Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly to electricity. Concentrating solar power systems focus sunlight with mirrors to create a high-intensity heat source, which then produces steam or mechanical power to run a generator that creates electricity. Flat-plate collectors absorb the sun's heat directly into water or other fluids to provide hot water or space heating. And solar process heating and cooling systems use specialized solar collectors and chemical processes to meet large-scale hot water and heating and cooling needs.

Solar technologies produce few negative environmental impacts during collector operation. However, there are environmental concerns associated with the production of collectors and storage devices. In addition, cost is a great drawback to solar power. Although sunlight is free, solar cells and the equipment needed to convert their direct-current output to alternating current for use in a house is expensive. Electricity generated by solar cells is still more than twice as expensive as electricity from fossil fuels. Part of the problem with cost is that solar cells can
The parabolic troughs that make up this concentrating solar power system generate power from the sun on a large scale in California.only operate during daylight hours. In contrast, a coal or natural gas plant can run around the clock, which means the cost for building the plant can be spread over many more hours of use.

Around the United States, available sunlight varies considerably as a result of differences in cloud cover and latitude, and also varies with the seasons. In the summer, longer daylight hours and a higher sun angle provide more solar power, compared to the winter when the sun is up for fewer hours and at a lower position in the sky. These variations must be taken into consideration when planning solar collection facilities.
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GEOTERMAL POWER
Geothermal power uses the natural sources of heat inside the Earth to produce heat or electricity. Currently, most geothermal power is generated using steam or hot water from underground. Geothermal power generation produces few emissions and the power source is continuously available.

There are three geothermal technologies currently in use in the United States: direct-use systems, use of deep reservoirs to generate electricity, and geothermal heat pumps.

In direct-use geothermal systems, a well is drilled into a geothermal reservoir to provide a steady stream of hot water. The water is brought up through the well, and a mechanical system—piping, a heat exchanger, and controls—delivers the heat directly for its intended use. A disposal system then either injects the cooled water underground or disposes of it in a surface storage pond. Geothermal hot water is used for heating buildings, raising plants in greenhouses, drying crops, heating water for fish farms, or for industrial processes, at hundreds of sites around the country. Geothermal reservoirs appropriate for direct-use systems are widespread throughout the western United States.

Geothermal power plants convert hydrothermal fluids (hot water or steam) to electricity. The oldest type of geothermal power plant uses steam, accessed through deep wells, to directly drive a turbine to produce electricity. Flash steam plants are the most common type of geothermal power plants in operation today. They use extremely hot water (above 300 degrees F (149 degrees C)), which is pumped under high pressure to the generation equipment at the surface. The hot
Estimated subterranean temperatures at a depth of 6 kilometers.water is vaporized and the vapor in turn drives turbines to generate electricity. Binary-cycle geothermal power plants use moderate-temperature water (100-300 degrees F (38-149 degrees C)). The water is used to vaporize a second fluid that has a much lower boiling point than water. The vapor from this second fluid is then used to drive the turbines to produce electricity. California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah currently have operating geothermal power plants.

Geothermal heat pumps are used for space heating and cooling as well as water heating, for residential and commercial applications. The technology relies on the fact that beneath the surface, the Earth remains at a relatively constant temperature throughout the year, warmer than the air above it during the winter and cooler in the summer. A geothermal heat pump takes advantage of this by transferring heat, stored in the ground, into a building during the winter, and transferring it out of the building and back into the ground during the summer. The heat pump consists of a series of pipes, buried in the ground near a building to be conditioned or where water is to be heated. Fluid is circulated through the pipes to either absorb heat from the ground or distribute heat to the ground. Geothermal heat pumps can be used in most areas of the United States.

While geothermal energy use is efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly, it currently meets less than 1% of U.S. power needs.
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BIOMASS POWER
Biomass power is power obtained from the energy in plants and plant-derived materials, such as food crops, grassy and woody plants, residues from agriculture or forestry, and the organic component of municipal and industrial wastes. Biomass power provides two valuable services: it is the second most important source of renewable energy in the United States and it is an important part of our waste management infrastructure. In the future, farms cultivating high-yielding energy crops (such as trees and grasses) will significantly expand our supply of biomass. These energy crops, coupled with high-efficiency conversion technologies, can supplement our consumption of fossil fuels and help us respond to global climate change concerns.

Wood has been used for energy longer than any other biomass source and today is still the largest biomass energy resource. The largest source of energy from wood is pulping liquor or "black liquor," a waste product from processes of the pulp, paper, and paperboard industry. Biomass energy can also be derived from waste and from alcohol fuels. Waste energy is the second-largest source of biomass energy. The main contributors of waste energy are municipal solid waste, manufacturing waste, and landfill gas.

Biomass can be used for direct heating (such as burning wood in a fireplace or wood stove), for generating electricity, or can be converted directly into liquid fuels to meet transportation energy needs.

Truck unloading wood chips that will fuel the Tracy Biomas Plant, Tracy, California.Electricity generated from biomass is also called biopower. Biopower facilities use many different technologies; the most common is burning of wood or other biomass feedstocks to produce steam which then is used to drive turbines and produce electricity. Some generators use a mix of biomass and fossil fuels to generate electricity, while others burn methane, a product of the natural decay of organic materials. In the United States, the pulp and paper industries are major producers of biopower, using residues from paper production to produce electricity for industrial plant use.

Biomass power is close to a carbon-neutral electric power generation option — biomass absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during its growth and then emits an equal amount of carbon dioxide when it is processed to generate electricity. Thus, biomass fuels "recycle" atmospheric carbon, and may reduce global warming impacts. Biopower facilities produce fewer other pollutants than equivalent fossil fuel power facilities.

Biofuels are liquid fuels produced from plants. The two most common types of biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel. Ethanol is an alcohol, the same as in beer and wine. It is made by fermenting any biomass high in carbohydrates through a process similar to beer brewing. The majority of ethanol produced in the United States is made from corn. Current research is exploring ways to efficiently convert cellulose (agricultural waste, forest residue, municipal solid waste, and energy crops) to ethanol. Ethanol is mostly used as a fuel additive for vehicles to increase octane and cut down carbon monoxide and other smog-causing emissions. Biodiesel is made by processing vegetable oil, animal fat, or recycled cooking grease with alcohol or other chemicals. It can be used as an additive (typically 20%) to reduce vehicle emissions or in its pure form as a renewable alternative fuel for diesel engines.
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Zeljko Serdar
Head of Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources

SOLAR SERDAR - ELECTRICITY FROM THE SUN

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES



ELECTRICITY FROM THE SUN
Solar water heating can be used for heating hot water or swimming pools at home. One needs about four square meters of direct sunlight on the roof (southeast to south west) for the main part of the day for a domestic home system. Additional space will be required for a water cylinder system.

Choosing a system requires looking into a few factors- where the direct sunlight falls on the roof, the existing hot water system at home and your budget. If one lives in the colder part of North Carolina, there is also an indirect method where a non-toxic anti-freeze liquid is used. The sun warms this liquid which transfer the heat to water that is held in the tank. The heated liquid is brought from the solar collector to the water tank, where the pipes loop around the water heater to transfer their heat to the tank.

Movement of the liquid through either type of system can be either active or passive. An active system uses a pump. A passive system is based on the thermosiphon principle that water rises as it heats. As the solar thermal collector pipes heat up, they draw new liquid into the system. The pipes are laid at such an angle that if there is not enough heat to draw the liquid up, then it drains back down into the house. This prevents liquid from being in the pipes if they freeze.More info at solarserdar@gmail.com

During winter one will want to keep the propane heating system as a backup during mornings, evenings, and the coldest parts of winter. A two- tank system or a one-tank system can be used. In a two-tank system, the solar-heated water is first sent to the solar tank, then sent through the conventional water heater. In a one-tank system, the solar storage and backup heater are combined in one tank. Also, the propane heater should be adjusted so that it heats water only to up to the maximum degree it is required.

Locating A System - Some Tips
If a system is in the shade it will not work effectively, so first and foremost make sure that you have your system in the direct sunlight. This means throughout the day, some systems get great sun in the mid-day and are shaded all afternoon (try to avoid this). Secondly, make sure that your system is facing in the Southern direction for maximum efficiency.
Solar water heating systems usually cost more to purchase and install than conventional water heating systems. However, a solar water heater can usually save you money in the long run, and when installed in a new home can be cash flow positive from day one.More info at solarserdar@gmail.com

How much money you save depends on the following:

The amount of hot water you use
Your system's performance
Your geographic location and solar resource
Available financing and incentives
The cost of conventional fuels (natural gas, oil, and electricity)
The cost of the fuel you use for your backup water heating system, if you have one.
On average, if you install a solar water heater, your water heating bills should drop 50%–80%. Also, because the sun is free, you're protected from future fuel shortages and price hikes.More info at solarserdar@gmail.com

If you're building a new home or refinancing, the economics are even more attractive. Including the price of a solar water heater in a new 30-year mortgage usually amounts to between $13 and $20 per month. The federal income tax deduction for mortgage interest attributable to the solar system reduces that by about $3–$5 per month. So if your fuel savings are more than $15 per month, the solar investment is profitable immediately. On a monthly basis, you're saving more than you're paying.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using solar thermal technology will drop your water-heating bill an average of 50 to 80 percent. Additional benefits include protection from fuel shortages and price hikes and the benefit of contributing to the overall environment. In your neighborhood alone, switching to solar water heating will drastically reduce emissions caused by conventional systems.
Solar water heating operates at 80 percent efficiency. What’s more, solar water heating is simple, usually consisting of two or three rooftop collectors that direct sun-heated water to holding tanks that contain anywhere from 66 to 120 gallons of water.

Solar hot water heaters stand out as a reliable and cost effective renewable energy technology with significant near-term potential to meet energy needs in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

A typical solar hot water (or solar thermal) system in North Carolina can supply 50-80 percent of a household’s water heating needs using free, radiant energy from the sun. Such systems lead to significant cost savings over time, since homeowners spend on average $300 – or up to 25 percent of their energy bill – every year heating water.

Solar thermal costs more than conventional electric or natural gas-fueled water heaters – around $6,500 depending on whether it is installed in a new or existing home. However, North Carolina’s solar energy tax credits, which are among the most generous of any state in the county, can be used in combination with a federal tax credit to make solar thermal systems much more cost-competitive.More info at solarserdar@gmail.com

In today’s market, up-front costs for solar thermal systems are typically recovered through energy cost savings in about 10 years, a fraction of the system’s 20 to 30-year lifespan. If you include its cost in a 30-year mortgage for a new home, a solar thermal system can be purchased for around $16 per month, an expense that would be offset by the energy savings that the system provides. In addition, the energy savings provide a hedge against future uncertainty of energy prices.

The economics of solar thermal for commercial and institutional buildings is quite positive. A solar water heating system with 30 collectors would cost about $110,000. With federal tax credits, state tax credits, and depreciation, the net cost would only be about $18,500. The annual energy savings would be about $3,600. The energy savings would provide about a 19% annual return on investment.

The aggregate impact of widespread solar thermal adoption can be significant. If North Carolina’s solar thermal companies installed 35,000 residential systems and 500 commercial systems each year, the energy savings generated would be about 130 million kWh -- $11 million of savings annually. Assuming this level of installation could continue for 10 years, the energy savings would be approximately $110 million each year, a savings that would escalate over time as energy prices rise. The savings would be equivalent to avoiding combustion of 550,000 tons of coal each year.
Photovoltaic comes from the words photo meaning light and volt, a measurement of electricity. First used in about 1890, the word has two parts: photo, a stem derived from the Greek phos, which means light, and volt, a measurement unit named for Alessandro Volta (1745-1827), a pioneer in the study of electricity. Therefore, photovoltaic could literally be translated as light-electricity. That is exactly what photovoltaic materials and devices do; they convert light energy to electricity, as Edmond Becquerel and others discovered in the 18th Century.

Photovoltaic (PV), is a technology that converts light directly into electricity. Photovoltaic is the technology that uses light to convert it into electricity. A photovoltaic cell converts solar energy into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. More info at solarserdar@gmail.com

How can we get electricity from the sun?
A: When certain semiconducting materials, such as certain kinds of silicon, are exposed to sunlight, they release small amounts of electricity. This process is known as the photoelectric effect. The photoelectric effect refers to the emission, or ejection, of electrons from the surface of a metal in response to light. It is the basic physical process in which a solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) cell converts sunlight to electricity.

Sunlight is made up of photons, or particles of solar energy. Photons contain various amounts of energy, corresponding to the different wavelengths of the solar spectrum. When photons strike a PV cell, they may be reflected or absorbed, or they may pass right through. Only the absorbed photons generate electricity. When this happens, the energy of the photon is transferred to an electron in an atom of the PV cell (which is actually a semiconductor).

With its newfound energy, the electron escapes from its normal position in an atom of the semiconductor material and becomes part of the current in an electrical circuit. By leaving its position, the electron causes a hole to form. Special electrical properties of the PV cell—a built-in electric field—provide the voltage needed to drive the current through an external load (such as a light bulb).More info at solarserda@gmail.com

How long do photovoltaic (PV) systems last?
A: A PV system that is designed, installed, and maintained well will operate for more than 20 years. The basic PV module (interconnected, enclosed panel of PV cells) has no moving parts and can last more than 30 years. The best way to ensure and extend the life and effectiveness of your PV system is by having it installed and maintained properly.

Experience has shown that most problems occur because of poor or sloppy system installation. Failed connections, insufficient wire size, components not rated for dc application, and so on, are the main culprits. The next most common cause of problems is the failure of the electronic parts in the balance of systems (BOS): the controller, inverter, and protection components. Batteries fail quickly if they're used outside their operating specification. For most applications (uses), batteries should be fully recharged shortly after use. In many PV systems, batteries are discharged AND recharged slowly, perhaps over a period of days or weeks. Some batteries quickly fail under these conditions. Be sure the batteries specified for your system are appropriate for the application.More info at solarserdar@gmail.com

How much electricity does a photovoltaic (PV) system generate?
A: A 10% efficient PV system in most areas of the United States will generate about 180 kilowatt-hours per square meter. A PV system rated at 1 kilowatt will produce about 1800 kilowatt-hours a year. Most PV panels are warranted to last 20 years or more (perhaps as many as 30 years) and to degrade (lose efficiency) at a rate of less than 1% per year. Under these conditions, a PV system could generate close to 36,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity over 20 years and close to 54,000 kilowatt-hours over 30 years. This means that a PV system generates more than $10,000 worth of electricity over 30 years.
( Source: US department of energy: http://www.eere.energy.gov/solar/cfm/faqs/)

Indirect-circulation systems
As sun’s waves hit a photovoltaic cell it hits the electrons within layers of the cell. The electrons jump back and forth, creating electricity. This electricity is captured by wires running through the PV cells and sends out electricity. The electric current generated by PV cells is direct current (DC), and is the same current used in batteries. Most of the appliances in the United States run off of alternating current (AC), or the type of current that comes over power lines.More info at solarserdar@gmail.com

Why use a Photovoltaic system?
A residential PV power system enables a homeowner to generate some or all of their daily electrical energy demand on their own roof, exchanging daytime excess power for future energy needs (i.e. nighttime usage). The house remains connected to the electric utility at all times, so any power needed above what the solar system can produce is simply drawn from the utility.
A PV system reduces, or can completely eliminate, the amount of electricity you have to purchase from your utility or electric service provider. A PV system can save you money on your electricity bill and act as a hedge against future price increases. The electricity generated by your PV system is clean, renewable and reliable. You help your community by reducing the electricity demand and provide additional electricity for the grid when you generate more than you use during the day, when this demand is highest.
Solar heating is an affordable and cost-effective alternative for heating or cooling water or space in commercial and industrial buildings. More info at solarserdar@gmail.com

General Solar Heating Information
Solar process-heating systems are designed to meet the need for large quantities of hot water or space heating at commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. A typical system consists of several thousand square feet of ground-mounted collectors, combined with pumps, heat exchangers, controls, and one or more large-volume storage tanks. Solar process-heating systems have successfully developed niche markets in federal and state governments. Such facilities might include schools, military bases, office buildings, and prisons that provide hot water for bathing, cooking, laundry, and space heating.More info at solarserdar@gmail.com

What does solar water heating look like?
The roof collectors look like skylights that integrate well with rooflines. Flat plate collectors are most common, available in sleek black colors.


Solar Water Heating
One of the most cost-effective ways to include renewable technologies into a building is by incorporating solar hot water. The Housing and Urban Development’s Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing Program named solar water heating one of the top 10 technologies for 2007!

A typical residential solar water-heating system reduces the need for conventional water heating by about two-thirds. It minimizes the expense of electricity or fossil fuel to heat the water and reduces the associated environmental impacts.


Solar Water Heating for Buildings
Most solar water-heating systems for buildings have two main parts: (1) a solar collector and (2) a storage tank. The most common collector used in solar hot water systems is the flat-plate collector.
Solar water heaters use the sun to heat either water or a heat-transfer fluid in the collector. Heated water is then held in the storage tank ready for use, with a conventional system providing additional heating as necessary. The tank can be a modified standard water heater, but it is usually larger and very well insulated. Solar water heating systems can be either active or passive, but the most common are active systems.

Active solar water heaters
Active solar water heaters rely on electric pumps, and controllers to circulate water, or other heat-transfer fluids through the collectors. These are the three types of active solar water-heating systems:
Direct-circulation systems use pumps to circulate pressurized potable water directly through the collectors. These systems are appropriate in areas that do not freeze for long periods and do not have hard or acidic water. These systems are not approved by the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (SRCC) if they use recirculation freeze protection (circulating warm tank water during freeze conditions) because that requires electrical power for the protection to be effective.


Indirect-circulation Systems
Indirect-circulation systems pump heat-transfer fluids through collectors. Heat exchangers transfer the heat from the fluid to the potable water. Some indirect systems have "overheat protection," which is a means to protect the collector and the glycol fluid from becoming super-heated when the load is low and the intensity of incoming solar radiation is high. The two most common indirect systems are:
Antifreeze. The heat transfer fluid is usually a glycol-water mixture with the glycol concentration depending on the expected minimum temperature. The glycol is usually food-grade propylene glycol because it is non-toxic.


Drainback Systems
Drainback systems are a type of indirect system that uses pumps to circulate water through the collectors. The water in the collector loop drains into a reservoir tank when the pumps stop. This makes drainback systems a good choice in colder climates. Drainback systems must be carefully installed to assure that the piping always slopes downward, so that the water will completely drain from the piping. This can be difficult to achieve in some circumstances.

Passive solar water heaters
Passive solar water heaters rely on gravity and the tendency for water to naturally circulate as it is heated. Because they contain no electrical components, passive systems are generally more reliable, easier to maintain, and possibly have a longer work life than active systems. The two most popular types of passive systems are:
Integral-collector storage systems consist of one or more storage tanks placed in an insulated box with a glazed side facing the sun. These solar collectors are suited for areas where temperatures rarely go below freezing. They are also good in households with significant daytime and evening hot-water needs; but they do not work well in households with predominantly morning draws because they lose most of the collected energy overnight.

Thermosyphon Systems
Thermosyphon systems are an economical and reliable choice, especially in new homes. These systems rely on the natural convection of warm water rising to circulate water through the collectors and to the tank (located above the collector). As water in the solar collector heats, it becomes lighter and rises naturally into the tank above. Meanwhile, the cooler water flows down the pipes to the bottom of the collector, enhancing the circulation. Some manufacturers place the storage tank in the house's attic, concealing it from view. Indirect thermosyphons (that use a glycol fluid in the collector loop) can be installed in freeze-prone climates if the piping in the unconditioned space is adequately protected.
CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES ( CCRES )