Solar project

Press, 30 August 1979, Page 10

Solar project

A big energy conservation drive is planned for Lincoln College. ' "le college council yesterday approved the spending of $170,000 on measures to cut electricity and coal consumption and introduce sc’.tr heat, subject to a grant of $140,000 to be sought from the University Grants Committee.

A report from the deputy registrar of the college (Mr H. N. M. Harvey) estimated energy savings of about onesixth of the total cost of the new measures.

“Bearing in mind that energy costs are not likely to remain at present levels, an investment now of $170,000 appears well worth while,” said Mr Harvey. Coal and electricity would be saved by modifying the system for regulating the heat in the main buildings and by changes to the existing heating and ventilation system in ’the Hilgendorf Wing. The report also proposed an integrated solar energysteam heating system for domestic hot water in Colombo, Lowrie, Stevens and Centennial halls. Insulation in main teaching buildings would be im-

proved, heat loss from steam reticulation would be reduced and more meters would be installed about the college to record electricity consumption. Mr Harvey said that modifying the existing heat regulation system and extending it to all main buildings, at a cost of $19,500, would save at least 10 per cent of coal used.

If the cost of providing an integrated system using solar energy, steam and electricity for hot water in four halls of residence was not more than $30,000, it would be “very worth while,” he said. Insulation in main buildings and reduced loss from steam pipes were obvious measures and would cost about $26,000, the report said.

Mr Harvey predicted that the cost of electricity to the college would rise to $165,000 this year, at the present level of consumption. The cost of coal last year was $130,335, and its price had since risen 22 per cent. Much of the work proposed could be done by the college’s own staff, said Mr Harvey.