Power & Energy

Geothermal & Solar

We have seen changes and evolutions in technology in the power and energy sector and have kept ourselves educated in the innovations that are shaping the industry. Some of the key elements of power and energy in commercial and residential construction are solar and geothermal, and trigeneration.

Traditional solar panels are used in commercial construction and while it may initially increase construction costs, its long-term benefits far out way the expense. The panels generate electricity and will generate enough energy to meet the building’s power needs. By opting to construct solar panels, the property owner not only decreases long term expenses, but additionally does its part to fight climate change.
The geothermal heat pump, also referred to as the ground source heat pump, is a highly efficient renewable energy technology that is quickly gaining notoriety in both residential and commercial buildings. Geothermal heat pumps are often used for space heating and cooling in addition to water cooling. In a commercial construction, an energy supply source in the ground provides heat to a series of heat pumps. The heat pump concentrates this low-grade heat, raising its temperature and then transfers it to the building’s energy distribution system via a heat exchanger. This system is usually radiant in-floor and hydronic fan coils. This process is then reversed in the warmer months.

Trigeneration, or combined cooling, heat and power, involves using some of the heat produced by a cogeneration plant to generate chilled water for air conditioning or refrigeration. It is both an economical and environmental alternative to conventional refrigeration. It has low operating and lifecycle costs.