This is an information rich section. We will eventually have multiple sub pages. Everyone at Safe Harbor is researching different elements of Climate Change. Being familiar with alternatives to Carbon emissions will become a survival skill.
We are currently installing sections on innovations in wind, solar and hydrogen, with some carbon capture/sequestration and advanced “other” research material. We can make a presentation to your group on any or all of these systems.
Discussions of sustainable energy on Cape Cod have taken an unwelcome detour with distracting conflict over a proposal to place propeller driven wind turbines on a section of Nantucket Sound.
A better discussion would focus on the issues of our current energy choices and lack of alternatives. Are we satisfied with the choices and associated costs of the systems we are using today? Cape Cod has one of the most expensive energy rates in the nation. Are we interested in learning about some innovative alternatives? Safe Harbor is advocating Vertical Axis wind Turbines (V.A.T.s) for residential use on Cape Cod.
The slide show below presents a few alternative wind systems that we believe are worth considering. The accompanying booklet provides sources. VAT naysayers point out that these systems haven’t been able to produce promised results and should be discarded. In response to that, Safe Harbor believes that sustainable energy systems should be afforded the same birthing period afforded to Carbon. Remember the three reasons why automibles would never be successful? “they are ugly, they break down and they scare the horses.”.
Click HERE to download a Safe Harbor Wind Energy seminar presentation
Click HERE to download a Safe Harbor Energy Initiative informational booklet
Future zoning on the Outer Cape may consider wind shed values as a protected natural resource. This would protect neighborhood access to wind as an energy resource. Forward looking community planning should consider energy access issues such as one neighbor’s trees or structures blocking wind or solar energy to another neighbor’s property.
A wide variety of innovative VAT systems are emerging.
The Irish blessing “may the wind be at your back and may the sun shine on your face” applies to Green buildings as well. Passive Solar is probably the most welcome form of green energy. Two critical elements for success with passive solar are siting and design. Buildings should be sited with access to sunlight and then designed to give sunlight access to the structure.
This south facing corner is glazed to accept maximum sunlight. Heat is stored by a concrete “solar mass” under a dark red carpet.
Inside the same building. The concrete floor “solar mass” absorbs solar energy. Connected living levels create a “solar chimney” for distribution of heat through circulation.
This solar chimney incorporates access for sunlight, solar storage mass floors and circulation through connecting levels.
Example of home design with overhang that avoids intense overhead summer sun while inviting in lower angle winter sun.
Thank you to Aline Architecture of Orleans, MA for designing passive green systems.
www.alinearchitecture.com
Considerations for passive solar:
- Avoid excessive fenestration on west facing walls, to prevent overheating.
- Plan and carefully calculate overhang extensions. What works in one area of the country may not be appropriate in another.
- Floors should be R-19, walls R-20 to 30 and ceilings R 45
- Windows should be placed within 20% of south.
- Approximately 15% of your floor area should be used to calculate window coverage.
A NEW LOOK AT SOME FAMILIAR GASSES
SOME OTHER IDEAS
