| Economic Evaluation - A Taxing Exercise There are a number of programs widely available to prepare economic evaluations for proposed investments. Unfortunately, these programs often ignore the impact of income taxes. Just how significant is this problem? More... |
The Island Writers' Network of
Hilton Head Island, SC, plans to
present its anthology, Hilton
Head Island: Unpacked and
Staying, at the Heritage Festival,
a benefit for the Heritage Library
Foundation. The Festival
celebrates the tenth anniversary
of the Foundation. For more
information, call 843-686-6560.
Hilton Head Island, SC, plans to
present its anthology, Hilton
Head Island: Unpacked and
Staying, at the Heritage Festival,
a benefit for the Heritage Library
Foundation. The Festival
celebrates the tenth anniversary
of the Foundation. For more
information, call 843-686-6560.
P. O. Box 2511
Bluffton, SC 29910
E-Mail: jane@jane-hill.com
Bluffton, SC 29910
E-Mail: jane@jane-hill.com
| Energy News & Events |
Jane Price Hill, PE, MBA
For more than 35 years, Jane Hill has been involved in developing computer models for a wide range of
applications: predicting vehicular traffic patterns and volumes, forecasting economic impacts of
transportation facilities, estimating commuter choice among various forms of transportation, evaluating the
expected impacts of demand side options for electric utilities, and predicting the technical operation and
resulting economics of distributed electric generation.
In recent years, her work has been concentrated in energy applications, specifically determining the
expected impact of on-site generation and demand side options. To facilitate this work, she has
developed detailed analysis models which permit extensive manipulation and evaluation of hourly interval
data.
Much of her experience has been in the industrial sector. However, she has also worked with universities
and state and local governments to evaluate energy options and to develop reporting tools to document
the results of energy efficiency programs.
She has published a number of papers in the United States, Canada, and Europe. These papers address
cogeneration, peak shaving, waste-to-energy, and economic implications of electric generation options.
She currently serves on the board of the Southeastern Energy Society and is a past board member of the
South Carolina Chapter of the U. S. Green Building Council. A registered professional engineer in Georgia
and South Carolina, she is also a Certified Energy Manager and a Certified Cogeneration Professional. She
is an associate at Energy Ace, Inc. and James J. Hirsch and Associates. Resume.
applications: predicting vehicular traffic patterns and volumes, forecasting economic impacts of
transportation facilities, estimating commuter choice among various forms of transportation, evaluating the
expected impacts of demand side options for electric utilities, and predicting the technical operation and
resulting economics of distributed electric generation.
In recent years, her work has been concentrated in energy applications, specifically determining the
expected impact of on-site generation and demand side options. To facilitate this work, she has
developed detailed analysis models which permit extensive manipulation and evaluation of hourly interval
data.
Much of her experience has been in the industrial sector. However, she has also worked with universities
and state and local governments to evaluate energy options and to develop reporting tools to document
the results of energy efficiency programs.
She has published a number of papers in the United States, Canada, and Europe. These papers address
cogeneration, peak shaving, waste-to-energy, and economic implications of electric generation options.
She currently serves on the board of the Southeastern Energy Society and is a past board member of the
South Carolina Chapter of the U. S. Green Building Council. A registered professional engineer in Georgia
and South Carolina, she is also a Certified Energy Manager and a Certified Cogeneration Professional. She
is an associate at Energy Ace, Inc. and James J. Hirsch and Associates. Resume.
Having numerous publications relating to energy issues, Jane Hill has now published two works of fiction. Clarendon Island is an historical fiction about the Lowcountry of South Carolina. This middle grade fiction tells the history of the Lowcountry from the Huguenot immigration of the late 1600s through the Charleston earthquake of 1886. Colorful characters include pirates, ghosts, moonshiners, and most unusual neighbors. In Only a Ghost of a Chance, the feisty ladies of Clarendon Island are faced with a new challenge: to save an innocent man from a murder conviction. Both books are available from Salt Marsh Cottage Books and Amazon.com. For readers with eReaders, both books can be downloaded for Kindle or Nook. Jane was a featured speaker at BRAVO, Beaufort County's month-long celebration of the arts. She recently won third place for her short story "No Time like the Present" in a national literary contest. She was also the editor for the German version of Gulag, by Peter Schwarzlose, and she did the interior layout and cover design for Hilton Head Island: Living the Dream and Soldiers, Cookies & the Crumbs. |
| Southface's monthly Sustainable Atlanta Roundtables are held on the first Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at All Saints Church-Ellis Hall, 634 West Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308. To RSVP for roundtables, call 404/872-3549 or register on-line. To learn about training opportunities at Southface, click here. |
| Southface Sustainable Atlanta Roundtables |
Southeastern Energy Society Fall, 2012, Programs
| Innovations in Energy |
Green Houseboats
While more popular in Europe and Asia, house boats may provide an interesting
alternative in the U.S.for homes as well as recreation. These zero-emission house
boats provide much the same facilities as loft-style homes.
alternative in the U.S.for homes as well as recreation. These zero-emission house
boats provide much the same facilities as loft-style homes.
The Silberfisch houseboat is a floating home by Bernhard Urich and design firm
Confused-Direction architects Flo Florian and Sascha Akkermann. This eco-friendly
project represents a balanced mix of design and maritime romance. Two of the
primary “green” methods used in the house’s construction are a green roof planted
with vegetation and the use of reclaimed wood wherever possible.
Confused-Direction architects Flo Florian and Sascha Akkermann. This eco-friendly
project represents a balanced mix of design and maritime romance. Two of the
primary “green” methods used in the house’s construction are a green roof planted
with vegetation and the use of reclaimed wood wherever possible.
Can we expect to see these innovative houseboats at Harbour Town in Hilton Head?
| Have your heard about solar coffee roasting? |
Dave and Mike Hartkop invented their first solar coffee roaster in the summer of 2004. They built it in their
parents' backyard using mirrors, a broccoli steamer, and an old satellite dish. Today, they use their newest
custom-built machine, which roasts at temperatures between 450 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This may well be
the only carbon neutral coffee roasting facility in the world.
While photovoltaics are no where near economically viable in most applications, passive solar applications, such as
developed by the Hartkok brothers, may offer a wide range of economic, environmentally friendly options.
parents' backyard using mirrors, a broccoli steamer, and an old satellite dish. Today, they use their newest
custom-built machine, which roasts at temperatures between 450 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This may well be
the only carbon neutral coffee roasting facility in the world.
While photovoltaics are no where near economically viable in most applications, passive solar applications, such as
developed by the Hartkok brothers, may offer a wide range of economic, environmentally friendly options.
| Energy Webcasts |
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| Publishing News |
The US has large deposits of natural gas.
A process called "fracking" (hydraulic
fracturing) may enhance the ability to
capture this gas, but is this process safe?
Read Ken Silverstein's overview:
"Fracking: Get the Science Out."
A process called "fracking" (hydraulic
fracturing) may enhance the ability to
capture this gas, but is this process safe?
Read Ken Silverstein's overview:
"Fracking: Get the Science Out."
As a state that imports nearly all of the energy used there,
South Carolina continues to explore the opportunities for
"home grown" renewable resources. The third annual
South Carolina Clean Energy Summit was held on July 18th
in Columbia.
South Carolina continues to explore the opportunities for
"home grown" renewable resources. The third annual
South Carolina Clean Energy Summit was held on July 18th
in Columbia.
The all-day event concentrated on potential for renewable energy development in the state of South Carolina,
as well as job creation and how to keep both energy dollars and talent in the state. The keynote speaker was
Former Congressman Bob Inglis. Other speakers included representatives from in-state electric utilities and
government agencies, political experts, and researchers who shared their vision and expertise on how South
Carolina can play a role in this growing sector. Their presentations can be found on the South Carolina Clean
Energy Business Alliance's website. (Please scroll down to find links to the presentations). Presentations from
the 2011forum are available on the SC Biomass Council's website.
as well as job creation and how to keep both energy dollars and talent in the state. The keynote speaker was
Former Congressman Bob Inglis. Other speakers included representatives from in-state electric utilities and
government agencies, political experts, and researchers who shared their vision and expertise on how South
Carolina can play a role in this growing sector. Their presentations can be found on the South Carolina Clean
Energy Business Alliance's website. (Please scroll down to find links to the presentations). Presentations from
the 2011forum are available on the SC Biomass Council's website.
******
******
Science of the Summer Olympics: South
African sprinter Oscar Pistorius is the first
double-amputee athlete to compete at
the Olympics. At the 2012 Summer
Olympics, Pistorius raced using a pair of
carbon fiber prosthetic legs engineered
to store and release energy from the
impact of his strides.
African sprinter Oscar Pistorius is the first
double-amputee athlete to compete at
the Olympics. At the 2012 Summer
Olympics, Pistorius raced using a pair of
carbon fiber prosthetic legs engineered
to store and release energy from the
impact of his strides.
Wind power currently provides nearly
ten percent of Germany's demand for
electricity. The German news agency,
Deutsche Welle, takes an in-depth look
at wind energy, both existing and the
potential for further development of
wind energy worldwide.
ten percent of Germany's demand for
electricity. The German news agency,
Deutsche Welle, takes an in-depth look
at wind energy, both existing and the
potential for further development of
wind energy worldwide.
******
Pipeline Problems Cloud Future of Gas
Power
Power, August 21, 2012
Electric generation using natural gas in
the US has now reached parity with
coal. Will pipeline capacity limit this
growing trend of gas-fired generation?
Power
Power, August 21, 2012
Electric generation using natural gas in
the US has now reached parity with
coal. Will pipeline capacity limit this
growing trend of gas-fired generation?
November 19th -- Steven M. Jackson, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, MEAG Power
provided an update on the Plant Vogtle project.
October 15th – Hank Linginfelter, Executive Vice President, Distribution Operations, AGL Resources provided
an update on the future directions that the natural gas industry is taking.
September 17th – Doug Moore, Principal Engineer, Energy Services, Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG), provided
an update re the GE SMART grid project for the City of Norcross. The utility’s 4,200 customers will get lower
meter management costs, quicker outage management response and quicker restoration times. It also sets
them up for advanced energy management, like demand response capabilities, electric vehicle integration,
and advanced distribution requirements.
provided an update on the Plant Vogtle project.
October 15th – Hank Linginfelter, Executive Vice President, Distribution Operations, AGL Resources provided
an update on the future directions that the natural gas industry is taking.
September 17th – Doug Moore, Principal Engineer, Energy Services, Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG), provided
an update re the GE SMART grid project for the City of Norcross. The utility’s 4,200 customers will get lower
meter management costs, quicker outage management response and quicker restoration times. It also sets
them up for advanced energy management, like demand response capabilities, electric vehicle integration,
and advanced distribution requirements.
On March 18 Peter K. Floyd, Esq., Partner, Alston and Bird LLP will present: "Solar programs in GA and
Proposed Amendments to the GA Cogeneration and Distributed Generation Act and Electric Territorial Act."
At the April 15 SEES meeting, Ciannat M. Howett, Director of Sustainability Initiative at Emory University will
discuss "Emory University’s Energy Efficiency Programs.
On May 20, Tony Tramonte, Plant Manager of Georgia Power's Plant McDonough/ Atkinson, will give an update
on the conversion of Plant McDonough's conversion from coal to new gas fired combined cycle units.
Proposed Amendments to the GA Cogeneration and Distributed Generation Act and Electric Territorial Act."
At the April 15 SEES meeting, Ciannat M. Howett, Director of Sustainability Initiative at Emory University will
discuss "Emory University’s Energy Efficiency Programs.
On May 20, Tony Tramonte, Plant Manager of Georgia Power's Plant McDonough/ Atkinson, will give an update
on the conversion of Plant McDonough's conversion from coal to new gas fired combined cycle units.
Southeastern Energy Society 2013 Programs
The 16th annual Greenprints conference was held March 13th
and 14th at the Georgia Tech Research Institute in Midtown
Atlanta. This year's speakers included Rob Watson, the
"Founding Father of LEED;" Bill Reed, AIA, LEED,
and 14th at the Georgia Tech Research Institute in Midtown
Atlanta. This year's speakers included Rob Watson, the
"Founding Father of LEED;" Bill Reed, AIA, LEED,
former board member of the US Green Building Council; Dr. Arthur C. Nelson, FAICP, Director of the
Metropolitan Research Center at the University of Utah; and other leaders in the field of sustainability.
Metropolitan Research Center at the University of Utah; and other leaders in the field of sustainability.
The 2013 IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies (ISGT) Conference was
held February 24-27, 2013, in Washington, DC. The conference featured plenary
sessions, panels, technical papers, and tutorials by international experts on real
world smart grid applications.
held February 24-27, 2013, in Washington, DC. The conference featured plenary
sessions, panels, technical papers, and tutorials by international experts on real
world smart grid applications.
Converting a Class 7 or 8 diesel truck to run on a combination of natural gas and diesel is now a feasible
alternative for companies trying to reduce fuel costs and “green” their fleet. Several companies have achieved
EPA approval to convert certain engines to “Dual-fuel” by adding natural gas tanks and engine technology to
displace a major % of diesel with natural gas. To learn more, plan to attend this event at AGL Resources, 10
Peachtree Place Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30309. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.
alternative for companies trying to reduce fuel costs and “green” their fleet. Several companies have achieved
EPA approval to convert certain engines to “Dual-fuel” by adding natural gas tanks and engine technology to
displace a major % of diesel with natural gas. To learn more, plan to attend this event at AGL Resources, 10
Peachtree Place Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30309. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.
Accoring to an article in cnet, the Epiphany One Puck may well be the world's
most awesome coaster. It may also be the most useful. The One Puck
doesn't just protect your coffee table from drink sweat, it also charges up
your smartphone.
You don't have to plug the Puck into an outlet. It uses a small Stirling engine
to provide the power. The device has two sides, one red and one blue. Place
a hot drink on the red side, or a cold drink on the blue side.
most awesome coaster. It may also be the most useful. The One Puck
doesn't just protect your coffee table from drink sweat, it also charges up
your smartphone.
You don't have to plug the Puck into an outlet. It uses a small Stirling engine
to provide the power. The device has two sides, one red and one blue. Place
a hot drink on the red side, or a cold drink on the blue side.
An Innovative Smartphone Charger
Thursday, April 25, 2013, 12:00 PM EDT:
Heat Rate Awareness: Minimizing
Controllable Losses Through Effective
Feedwater Heater Level Control
Heat Rate Awareness: Minimizing
Controllable Losses Through Effective
Feedwater Heater Level Control