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Northview Alternative Energy Plan

Wind power, a clean, affordable energy source for our schools electrical needs.

<u>Wind:The Higher Power</u>

<u>By: Calvin Goss</u>

<u>Summary:</u> In this report, the energy gained from harnessing the wind is promoted as the best choice of alternative energy for Northview Heights Secondary School. Wind energy is the best alternative energy source because it emits no waste when creating the energy which can then be used to power the Northview structure. When Northview does attain four, it can power it's premises to a certain degree, without wasting any natural resources, or contributing to global warming. The TDSB will save thousands of dollars on electricity every year, which can then be invest in it's students, while helping to save the environment. Along with the money, the TDSB and Northview will gain daily publicity, reputation, and fame when the construction of the 2nd wind turbine in Toronto is complete. 
<u>Statement of problem:</u>           
The topic of global warming is a broad topic which affects every living being on earth. Northview Heights Secondary School is one of the reasons for global warming; wasting electricity to power computers not being used, leaving lights on in places not visited by students or staff, and wasting energy to heat above a needed temperature, while letting that same heat escape easily out of windows and doors. As a school and a part of the global community, Northview should cut back on its wasteful habits, and reduce the annual electrical use before thinking about changing the source of energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.           
Currently, Northview consumes nearly 1 and a half million kWh of electricity annually, and uses natural gas to power its boilers which heat the school. Natural gas causes the emission of what is now known as the greenhouse gases. “CO2, NO and SO2 are released from the burning of all sources, with the exception of water. One MW h of power produced from gas burning power releases 0.056 tonnes of CO2, 0.003 kg of SO2 and 0.038 kg of NO [which then rise to cause a greenhouse like effect, with the atmosphere being the glass, and the plants being earth].” (Frost). With the use of 1 and one half million kWh of electricity used by our school, which might be sourced back to a coal or natural gas burning plant, we are using approx. 1.5 MW h of electricity, and being the cause for the emission of 0.0045 kg of SO2, 0.084 tonnes, and 0.057 kg of NO. (TDSB)           
Though there is said to be much controversy over the topic of global warming, there has not been a single scientifically evident support that proves in some way that global warming is only a theory, and not happening. As a global citizen, each person is in their own way responsible for global warming. Not turning of the light after leaving, letting your car idle while warming up in the winter, and even driving instead of riding a bike or walking all contribute in some way to global warming. (Suzuki)(EPA)           
“Glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, cloud forests are drying, and wildlife is scrambling to keep pace. It's becoming clear that humans have caused most of the past century's warming by releasing heat-trapping gases as we power our modern lives. Called greenhouse gases, their levels are higher now than in the last 650,000 years. We [Humans] call the result global warming, but it is causing a set of changes to the Earth's climate, or long-term weather patterns, that varies from place to place. As the Earth spins each day, the new heat swirls with it, picking up moisture over the oceans, rising here, settling there. It's changing the rhythms of climate that all living things have come to rely upon.” (National Geographic). Global warming has been said to be the result of the industrial revolution, when humanity  contributing to the greenhouse gas collection in the atmosphere with the burning of natural gases. Over periods of decades, the rise and fall of CO2 has been natural, but due to anthropogenic factors, the CO2 amounts in the atmosphere haven't been at the height they are now for 650,000 years. (EPA).                        
If the proper actions aren't taken, the world could experience extreme weather, water shortages, forest depletion, imperiled ecosystems, global meltdown, and major health/economic risks, which would cause a death toll estimated in the billions, and a damage toll estimated in the thousands of trillions. (Suzuki). “Rising average temperatures do not simply mean balmier winters. Some regions will experience more extreme heat, while others may cool slightly. Flooding, drought, and intense summer heat could result. Violent storms and other extreme weather events could also result from the increased energy stored in our warming atmosphere.” (Suzuki)             One of these actions is to replace the current fossil fuel and coal burning energy production facilities with non-green house gas emitting sources.  
Wind energy is the best choice for this replacement for a facility such as Northview Heights SS.           
Wind energy is harnessed by using large rotating blades, that turn with the winds motion over and under them. The kinetic energy from the wind transfers into the perpendicular motion of the rotating blades, which rotate either clockwise or counter-clockwise, which spin a shaft, that is  connected to a generator and makes electricity. This electricity, can then be used directly by the school, or sent onto the Toronto Power Grid for $0.11/kW. The higher the position of the blades and the more wind in the area determine the amount of electricity produced. With the location of the Turbine in the Toronto area, where the wind speeds are on average 5-10 km/h, it would require four small turbines to help power Northview, approx. 12.6% of the total electricity needed would be generated and powered by the four wind turbines.  (Smallwindenergy). 

Global warming is happening around the world, and the only way it can be slowed down, is if everyone helps by making their lives a bit simpler and more active. If Northview can solve the its addition to the greenhouse gas effect, by switching to wind energy, the emission of greenhouse gases are not created for the production of Northview's energy. The school would be helping preserve the world for future generations, not only by generating non-GHG (Greenhouse gas) emitting energy to power its electrical equipment, but by setting a standard for all those who do have the choice to switch to an alternative energy source. <font><font>“[It is not] utterly chimerical to think of wind superseding coal in some places for a very important part of its present duty—that of giving light.” -  Lord Kelvin</font></font>


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<u>Purpose and Significance:</u> The construction of four wind turbines within Northview Heights SS. Grounds will reduce the cost of electricity for the school and school board, and also help save the environment by using energy that has zero greenhouse gas emissions. It will also help promote saving the environment and bring fame to the TDSB. Along with doing all of these, it will allow others to follow by Northview's example and start a trend to save the environment.

<u>Objectives:</u> -   

Create plan to build four wind turbines-         Reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by the schools use of electricity-  

Lower or eliminate cost for electricity for the school-        

Educate the public about global warming and it's causes-        

Use the wind turbines to gain excess revenue for the school board and school-        

Attract attention from prospecting clients who would invest in other alternative energy constructions around the world-        

Make the TDSB and Northview Heights SS. Famous for their achievements<u> </u>

<u>Procedures:</u>

1.Feasibility Study (Estimate time needed: 2 weeks)- Ask Environment Canada for wind intensity and directions in the area- Get an engineer to help with the study and to survey the eastern field, and to give his estimate cost range and opinions

2.Put together a budget for the project (Estimate time needed: 1 month)- Base on the engineer's estimate cost- Period of return investment (How long will it take to pay itself back)- Search for eligible sponsors for the wind turbine construction and naming. Some candidates could be; Rogers Communications, Activision-Blizzard, Bell Communications, Direct Energy, along with many others. The sponsor should be able to cover the costs plus an annual donation to the TDSB to keep the name as requested, and to allow their personnel to maintain the turbines. Another source for this is the RESOP (Renewable energy standard offer program) which offers a $0.11/kW plan. This will also attach the turbines to the Toronto Power Grid.

3.Choose site location. This location is recommended to be the eastern playing field on the school property due to size and surrounding buildings. (Estimate time needed: 2 weeks) 

4.Seek approval from; (Estimate time needed: 2 months – 2 ½ months)             

- Federal, Provincial, and Municipal Governments. 

- Environment Canada

– This is to make sure the wind turbines do not cause a problem for local wildlife habitats and/or bird population 

- Permits department – This is to make sure that you can let the turbine(s) be an exception to the regular residential zoning regulations in the area. 

- Fire station/medical station and local residence – Due to the noise of the turbine, and its creation, some might oppose the turbine, and force legal action against the TDSB and the sponsor if they are not informed first.

5. While performing step 4, talk to Ontario Parks & Recreation to allow the staff and students regular use of select fields on the “Hydro Fields” to the north side of the school. This is to be done so that the students don't experience a loss of space for outdoor activities required in such courses as Physical Education.

6.Develop design, construction, and commission schedule (Estimate time needed: 1 month)- Fit to school calender so that it doesn't interfere with daily school activities while the school year is underway- Ground study to find the size of base needed to support the turbines (25m tall)7.    Order turbine creation. This can be done by contacting Windshare(<font>www.Windshare.com</font>) or any other wind turbine creation company. Give dimensions for area, and size of requested turbines (4x 25m height turbines (50 kWh)). This process usually takes ten to twelve months in time for construction in the turbine companies' facilities. (Windshare)8.Piece together the turbines. This process takes six months at minimum, and can take as long as one year for completion. During this time, The eastern field/construction site should be out-of-bounds for all students and others, with the exception of the workers working on the project. (Estimate time needed: 6 months to a year) (Windshare)

9.Trench power to school switchboard to allow control of the generated power that is being used in the school. Install power lines to do this, and make sure they are at a safe height and not a risk factor to the schools students. (Estimate time needed 1 month)

10.Barricade base area to maintain safety for public, staff, and students. This is to prevent injury and damage. (Estimate time needed: 2 weeks)

11.Operate and test the newly constructed wind turbines against the design conditions to check for operational performance. This is to check to see if the turbine can perform up to working and safety standards, and can be operated fully without worry of catastrophic failure. (Estimate time needed: 2 weeks)

12.Inform media, and publicize the construction of Toronto's second wind turbine, promoting the TDSB and Northview Heights Secondary School.  (Estimate time needed: Unlimited)Total Estimate time needed: 25 ½ Weeks to full completion under best conditions with no restrictions or problems. Estimate time under worst conditions: 47 weeks, or more. There is also a small chance the project will not work due to residential complaints or zoning restrictions. 

<u>Personnel:</u>

1.A TDSB Member to plan out and control the construction (Aka. Calvin)

2.Engineer to construct the initial feasibility survey

3.Technical Designer for opinion and design for Turbines

4.Sponsor/RESOP overseer to oversee the project's completion

5.Government workers to pass the zoning exceptions and other bills required

6.Hired company for materials used and the people needed for the actual constructions- This involves the use of 1-2 Cranes, so 1-2 crane operators included

7.Workers to manage involved neighbourhood

8.Security personnel to make sure no one enters the construction site without permission

9.Time manager, to develop design, construction, and commission schedule

10.Engineer to manage design building and planning

11.Electricians to trench the power to the school switchboard and to run power lines to the school. Must Install DC to AC inverter and transformers to allow the produced power into Northview's power system. And to install revenue grade electrical meters to monitor the production of power.

12.Government testers to test the turbines against design conditions

13.Annual maintenance staff to perform repairs when needed and to check durability of the turbines.  

<u>Budget:</u> (Approx. Due to estimation of electricity cost (estimated at $0.055/kWh))(Source: <font>http://www.smallwindenergy.ca</font>)The Ballpark estimate that these calculations predict are based on many variables being in the worst case scenario, and such have a higher then average price. During construction and upkeep, there may be unseen circumstances that cause the price to increase or decrease, but those factors have been ignored for these calculations.Current amount of electricity used: On average, Northview Heights Secondary school uses approximately 1,550,000 kWh of electricity a year. That is equivalent to 1.5 MWh used by our school annually. At the rate of $0.055 per kWh the Toronto District School Board spends approximately $85,250 a year for electricity for Northview Heights SS. Thats over $7,000 a month for electricity.Purchase Cost: Approx. $440,000Installation Approx. $100,000Labour(Personnel) Approx. $20,000Cost for installation of Turbines: Estimated Total at $660,000Annual cost to upkeep Turbines Estimated at $13,200Estimated annual amount of savings annually: $8,250Estimated payback: 80 Years <u>These calculations do not take into consideration variables such as higher wind speed to produce more energy, extra damage to turbines, and sale of energy back to the Toronto power grid.</u>

<u>Embedded Citations:</u><u>EPA-</u> Environmental Protection Agency. United States of America. <font>www.epa.gov/climatechange/</font>.  August 3rd, 2007. <u>ExPlace-</u> Exhibition Place. Mark Goss. <font>Www.Explace.on.ca</font> Dec 2007.<u>Frost-</u> Ms. Frost. Northview Heights Secondary School. Dec 1st 2007. <u>NationalGeographic-</u> National Geographic Online. <font>Www.Nationalgeographic.com</font>. July 25th 2005.<u>Scruss-</u> Scruss. Scruss.com/talks/02006/bcs/. <font>Stewart C. Russell</font>. 2003.<u>Smallwindenergy-</u> Small Wind Energy. <font>Www.smallwindenergy.ca</font>. Canada. Dec 2nd 2007.<u>Suzuki-</u> David Suzuki Foundation. <font>http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Climate_Change/Impacts/</font>. 2007<u>TDSB-</u> Toronto District School Board. <font>Www.tdsb.on.ca.</font> 2007<u>Windshare-</u> Windshare. <font>Www.windshare.ca</font>. Canada. Dec 4th 2007.

(Story converted to an Impact Story by Zazengo) 225

Created on January 10, 2008

Assigned to Real Solutions for An Inconvenient Truth

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