Small scale-Off the Grid Solution
- 1. Canadian Victory GardenOverview of the Off the Grid Solutions created by the Foundation for Building Sustainable Communities Glenn McKnight
- 2. Overview Part One: Background on Canadian Victory Garden Part Two: Brainstorming Session-April 2015 Part Three: Recommendations Part Four: Implementation-July/Aug 2016 Part Five: Final Specifications
- 3. Overview Part One: Background on Canadian Victory Garden
- 4. Overview The inspiration of the Canadian Victory Garden comes from the combination of hands on community garden experience with the knowledge of the world war experiences of creating family garden plots
- 5. Canadian Victory Garden (CVG) • An Off-the-Grid six acre urban farm in Oshawa • Large two season greenhouse- 17.5 by 72 foot • Thousands of pounds of pesticide free, non-gmo heritage vegetables donated to food bank • Community based garden serving the local needs supported by volunteers
- 7. The Canadian Victory Garden a project of the Foundation for Building Sustainable Community in Oshawa Ontario, operating a six acre demonstration project which is off-the-grid providing hundreds of pounds of food to the local food bank The project will install a Shed with Solar panels, underground piping, irrigation system, lighting and more for the greenhouse and connected to the water storage tanks. The next phase is to create a MESH Network at the location in collaboration with the local HAM Radio Club
- 8. Deliverables ● More public awareness of the good work of IEEE SIGHT ● Increased in community partnerships ● Site location for school trips ● More food donations to the food bank ● Increased awareness of the public of off-the-grid solutions ● Inspire students to volunteer ● Inspire some students on career opportunities
- 9. Problem Challenge is to come up with cost effective solutions to improve the productivity of the Urban Farm, while increasing community involvement
- 11. Methodology Organize a learning opportunity for Energy systems students from UOIT students and IEEE Toronto members • Facilitated session prior to brainstorming to level set group knowledge • Assess current energy needs of the Urban farm with the end user input
- 12. Glenn McKnight, Project Coordinator Director with the Foundation for Building Sustainable Communities Technical Coordinator for CVG Active in IEEE HTC since 2009, IEEE Toronto Sight Chairman
- 13. Joan Kerr,
- 14. Miral Chachan Graduate of UOIT Engineering Coordinator with UOIT Engineering student volunteers for the Brainstorming session
- 15. Butch Shadwell, Technical Advisor IEEE Senior Member IEEE Independent electronics engineer Shadwell Technicial
- 19. Overview ● Facilitated session by Butch Shadwell to provide relevant background before site investigation ● Field trip, analysis, measurements, client interviews ● Decision to adapt conceptual off grid power source ● Division of group into small working teams allocated to specific task
- 20. Overview gr Issues to be addressed ●Climate control ●Lighting ●Water / Irrigation ●Community engagement
- 21. Additional Requirements -Energy Load calculations -Battery losses -Daylight hours -Water requirements -Aethestics and security -Community involvement
- 22. Breakdown Each group presented their findings: Fan and exhausts Flood light and LED lighting Pumps and allocated loads
- 24. Solar Shed Conceptual Design300 watt panels Sitting area with box for batteries, controller, inverter etc
- 25. Earth Energy Conceptual Design 4, 5 inch diameter x 35 foot earth energy tubes buried to 10 feet
- 26. Expected Outcome • Four season green-house • Positive impact on food donations • Document off-grid renewable energy source • Solve existing needs- water, temperature and lights
- 27. Expected Outcome (Cont.) • Shared results including system monitoring • Model for replication • Integrated learning experience • Students real-life problem solving experience • Mentor/facilitator inspired and motivated by students • Planned future additional greenhouses on site
- 28. Part Four Implementation Phase July -August 2016
- 30. Assessing the Energy Needs Irrigation : Pump water 117 feet from 5-1000 liter tanks Lighting: LED lighting in Greenhouse Cooling and Heating: Operate muffin fans in greenhouse Security: Deer-cam to send images by email and to cellphone Mesh Network: Mesh provides Wifi to members and telemetry information on humidity and temperature of greenhouse
- 31. Energy Load Calculations Irrigation : Water Pump Lighting: LED lighting Cooling and Heating: Fans Inverter: 24 Volt 400 Watts Cell phone charging Security: Deer-cam Mesh Network: TP Link Modem
- 32. SOLAR SYSTEM Components and Quantity
- 33. A solar or photovoltaic system incorporates all of these components. The solar panels generate power , the controller/regulator ensures the most efficient operation of the panels and prevents damage to the batteries. The battery stores collected energy . Inverters adapt the stored energy from DC to AC
- 36. Solar System
- 37. Solar Panels We decided to go with eight solar panels @ 60 watts each Source http://tinyurl.com/htdf45x Cell Type: Polycrystaline (A Class) 2) Voltage: 12 VDC 3) Dimension: 50*28*1 in 4) Rated power (Pmax): 100W (+/- 3%) 5) Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 22.54V 6) Short Circuit Current (Isc): 5.64A 7) Max Power Voltage (Vmp): 18.72V 8) Max Power Current (Imp): 5.35A 9) Solar Panel Grade: A 10) Nominal Operating Cett Temperature: -40 to +85C 11) Maximum System Voltage: 750VDC 12)
- 38. Solar System walk though
- 39. Panel Connectors Sun YOBA 1 Pair Y Type PV Solar Panel Cable Connectors MC4 Male Female M/F Wire Branch Connectors You need connectors to attach to your 12 AWG wire which connect to each of the panels. Alternatively you can use electrical wire connectors instead Alternatively you can save money and make the wire connections with Butt Splice Crimp Connector, crimped together and coated with rubber sealant $19 a pair Source https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00BGJEQ6S/ref=pe_386430_2 01149710_TE_3p_dp_1
- 40. Batteries 8 Volt Batteries 160 Amp Hours BATTERY: Flooded/wet lead-acid battery COLOR: Black (case/cover) MATERIAL: Polypropylene Source http://tinyurl.com/z4whn3z
- 41. Controller Intelligent 12V/24V 20A MPPT Solar Charge Controller Regulator With LCD Display For Solar Panel Power System 15%-20% Higher Efficiency Than PWM Solar Charge Controller Peak Conversation efficiency up to 97%, high tracking efficiency of 99% Maximum Power Point Track technology, 15%-20% higher than PWM model Four stage charging models:MPPT equalizing,charge boost, voltage charge,floating charge Various load control methods to improve the system's flexibility With Temperature compensation function to adjust charge and discharge parameters automatically, which could improve the life of battery Source $95 US http://tinyurl.com/jutagte
- 42. Schottky Diodes and Connecting Strips Source Digikey http://tinyurl.com/z252fnz
- 43. Inverter An inverter is connected to the batteries and permits conversion of DC to AC power This unit is 300 Watts and it allows for people to charge their cell phones and other devices $59 US Source http://www.dcacpowerinverters.com/
- 44. Wiring Low Voltage Copper Landscape Electrical Cable –12/2 Black 150m Manufactured with two annealed, flexible, stranded copper conductors and premium-grade PVC insulation. Suitable for use at temperatures not exceeding minimum -20°C or maximum 60°C. Maximum voltage rating for all intended applications is 150 volts. Consult the most recent Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) or a licensed electrician for further information related to applications. Source http://tinyurl.com/gv8booy
- 45. Grounding Plate To terminate bare copper ground wire into the earth Galvanized steel 10" x 16" x 1/4" Connected to single strand of 12 AWG to the electrical panels Source http://tinyurl.com/zbazdpk
- 48. Earth Energy We have 10- .5 amp Muffin fans which will push hot air out of the greenhouse through the Closed loop Earth Energy manifold. In the winter month it pushes the warm air ( earth is at 15C at 10 feet depth) Also extra fans are to be mounted at each end of the greenhouse 10 fans=$240CDN http://tinyurl.com/zgr8ymn LOAD ????
- 50. Water Pump ZJchao Solar DC 12V 24V Hot Water Circulation Pump Brushless Motor Water Submersible installation and entirely waterproof. DC 12V Hot/Cooling Water Circulation pump Inlet/Outlet: 1/2" male thead Voltage: 12V DCMaximum Rated Current: 500MA Max Flow Rate: 6.5 L/Min Max Water Head: 3 metre Max system pressure: 10Bar Max circulating water temperature: 100°C Low noise: 30db at 1 metre DC 24V Hot/Cooling Water Circulation pump Inlet/Outlet: 1/2" male thead Voltage: 24V DC Maximum Rated Current: 800MA Max Flow Rate: 10L/Min Max Water Head: 5 metre Max system pressure: 10Bar Max circulating water temperature: 100°C Low noise: 30db at 1 metre Package Content： 1 x 12V or 24V Hot/Cooling Water Circulation pump Source $78 for two http://tinyurl.com/jzhzzpw
- 51. Water Pump Demands Expected to run 30 mins a day ● Connection will be provided outside the greenhouse ● Approximate flow rate of 8 liters a minute 2.11 gallons per minute ● DC motor with 24 V supply ● Water requirements 30-35 gallons per day only to greenhouse
- 52. Lights LED Strip lights Waterproof, 6W, DC 12V 10m length Cost:
- 53. Deer Cam Security System Series Wireless Cameras Wireless Transmission Two mile distance Send message by phone or email Optional Solar Power http://tinyurl.com/hp6toht
- 54. Load Calculations Summary Pump Lights Fans TP-LINK CPE510 11 watts Cell phone charges etc Total
- 55. Solar System Step by Step Process
- 56. Pre Build Obtain funding for project Source all materials for project Organize volunteers
- 57. Solar Shed Structure 1. Orient structure- north-south (it’s a fixed position) no sun tracking system 2. Drill four post holes, install sono tubes and concrete 3. Install post saddles 4. Erect 4 foot by 8 foot structure 5. Install cross braces for 43 degree angle for the placement of the
- 58. Solar System 1. Add to each panel two wires- one short-15 inch and one 40 inches long 2. Connect the top and bottom panels 3. Wire each of the panels together then connect the wiring to the diodes 4. Diodes tied together then connected to battery 5. Three 8 volt batteries connected together
- 59. Wiring 1. Trenching for wiring to DC water pump 120 feet to water tanks, buried enclosed in pipe and each connection sealed 2. Trenching to greenhouse 20 feet for power switch for lighting and fans 3. Wire to each of the 10 - .5 amp fans 4. Wire all the interior LED lighting in the Greenhouse
- 60. Extra Stuff 1. Install a large metal grounding plate and wired to panels plates All the metal screw heads sealed with liquid nails to prevent theft of the panels Ventilation holes cut into the box with the batteries Check water levels on batteries and added distilled water Install security camera 2. Learn more about solar installations visit http://wndw.net/pdf/wndw3- en/ch14-off-grid-power.pdf
- 61. MESH Technology
- 62. Challenge ● Community WIFI System to provide Internet access to the local gardeners ● Collect telemetry data to transmit humidity and temperature of greenhouse
- 63. Distance to repeater at direct line of sight is 8 km
- 65. Point to Point Network TP LINK CPE510 5GHz 300Mbps 13dBi Outdoor CPE, the CPE510 is dedicated to cost effective solutions for outdoor wireless networking applications. LOAD- 11 watts Instructions to configure https://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=ISUSlTcgWks
- 66. Step by Step MESH TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION
- 67. TP Link Installations 1. Installation of 20 foot mast at garden 2. Connect CPE 510 to mast with RJ 45 3. Connect RJ 45 to power supply then plug into inverter 4. Do the same at repeater site 5. Configure system( see youtube video) 6. Test for connectivity
- 69. Cost Benefit Cost -Two 20 foot masts- $40 -Two 30 foot RJ 45 cables-donated -Two TP Link -$215 -Internet service-donated from Amateur Radio Club Repeater Total cost $260 Benefit -Local community wifi -Transmit telemetry information about greenhouse -Low cost communication solution
- 71. Goal The climatic conditions of the off the grid greenhouse produces swing temperatures. Too cold in the winter months and too hot in the summer The goal is reduce the heat in months from May to Sept and increase the heat from Oct to April
- 72. Dimensions of Earth Energy Manifold Two trenches - 4 feet wide - 25 feet long - 10 feet deep Manifold made of 4 inch PVC and 1 inch Poly pipe connected together and with a U pipe connected to the greenhouse on both the intake & outflow. Intake is switchable inside/outside
- 73. Performance of Earth Energy System Two complete energy energy manifolds each at 25 feet each with a 4 inch PVC pipe connected with 20- 1 inch POLY pipes set at a depth of 10ft This depth is necessary to cool the incoming air oC when the ambient air temperature is 30 to 27 f Multiple pipes will offer increased surface area to provide increased convection. Four, 5” muffin fans will be located in the greenhouse to pull air through the pipes. The total airflow into the greenhouse will be 228 cfm. This will allow for the changing of the entire volume of air in the greenhouse in approximately 28 minutes. Energy Demands Four muffin fans operating at 200 millamps-.02 amps 4 fans draws 24 watts 28.8 amp/hours Duration Day time hours 7.2 hours Night Time hours 16.8
- 74. Cost Analysis PVC Pipe- 4 inch $14.99 each- 10 feet x 4 http://tinyurl.com/hol7ugw Pipe-1 inch IPEX Poly white stripe Landscape pipe $114-300 feet x 2 http://tinyurl.com/hx6l4gj Connectors 40 connectors x .81 cents each Total Cost $368 Fans 4- 5 inch muffin fans x $24 each Screening Hose Clamps 40 clamps for $40
- 75. 1. Remove debris from south side of 75 foot greenhouse 2. Excavate for two - 6 feet wide, 10 feet deep x 25 feet long manifolds 3. Assemble the manifolds drill and tap 20 1 inch connectors and connected to 1 inch Poly pipes to 4 inch PVC pipes 4. Install U- pipes into the greenhouse and install muffins fans and wire to switch 5. Total volume of the greenhouse is 17 by 75 by 10 feet=12,750 cubic feet of air 6. Tidal air change in 28 minutes
- 76. Cost Benefit Analysis Item Solar System Earth Energy Mesh Network Feature Providing lighting, charging station, pumping water to greenhouse, water spigot and modem Lower summer temperature in Greenhouse and increase ambient temperature in Winter Provide data transfer of greenhouse temperature and humidity, Community WIFI Internet
- 77. Contact Glenn McKnight Technical Lead glenn.mcknight@ieee.org Foundation for Building Sustainable Communities (FBSC) Joan Kerr joankerr@fbsc.org