Photovoltaics: Solar Power for Today's Buildings

A Conversation with José Rivera, P.E., LEED AP

 

Photovoltaics, or PV, is one of the most practical renewable  energy technologies for building applications. PV technology harvests energy directly from sunlight, which is plentiful in many locations. 

 

José Rivera, Vice President and Lead Electrical Engineer in Henneman’s Dallas office, specializes in this growing field.  He has been very interested in this technology and enjoys reading  and attending trade shows to keep abreast of the latest news and advances in the industry.  Today he provides PV strategic intelligence to a mix of clients.

 

“The demand for cleaner sources of energy will only continue to grow and shape the A/E industry. It has been my objective to position Henneman to better serve our current and potential clients,” José said.

 

PV had its origins in the early days of the space age. It was first used to power the electronics of earth orbiting satellites. Today its earthly applications to power buildings and homes are thoroughly proven.

 

José explains that a typical “stand alone” PV installation consists of a group of photovoltaic modules wired together (PV array) and connected to a battery bank.  When exposed to the sun the modules produce direct current (DC). The DC current charges the batteries. To be able to power a home or a building with the stored energy in the DC battery system, it must be inverted to alternate (AC) current.  The standard for the majority of the home and building appliances. Therefore, the two crucial pieces of the installation are the PV modules and the PV inverter.

 

The most practical PV system for homes and buildings is a twist of the above called “grid-tied” connected. It injects the energy that is produced into the utility company grid that serves the building. Ideally the building will get a net meter installed that will account for the net energy consumed by the building. So, the customer will only pay for the difference between the energy consume by the building and the energy produced from the PV building system. Theoretically the utility company may have to pay the building owner for any excess production from the PV system during an agreed period of time. 

 

José believes that the most interesting and promising A/E application is BIPV or Building Integrated Photovoltaic. The engineer works closely with the project architect to integrate PV capability into the building aesthetic components or its structure. The possibilities for integration are as ingenious as the budget allows. PV shingles could cover a south facing roof section. A PV laminate could be placed over the top of a shading shelf or PV strips could shade a south facing building glass façade. A PV module can be placed on a building or a car port. This application would possibly charge electric vehicles.

 

“BIPV may bring some construction cost savings derived from material savings, i.e. roofing material or window shades,” he explains. A branded PV shaded building can be a prominent “showcase” of green commitment for any company,” José said.   

 

Due to the high initial costs, PV energy generation still has a relatively small share of the US energy generation mix.   

 

“Regretfully the lack of aggressive government incentives in most US regions has dampened wider PV adoption,” José said.  “We are hopeful that in the short-term more and better opportunities will arise as the Obama administration increases spending and stimulates the renewable energy sector.  We are keeping an eye on the current developments inside the renewable energy market.”

 

José currently advises a variety of clients considering PV options. “Our clients range from the developer who wants to know if they can get a dollar return on the technology, to the college who would like to build a PV educational display.  As consultants, we provide them with a good sense of the technical details and economic feasibility,” he said.

 

José adds that the team at Henneman brings immense resources of electrical and power engineering know-how for all types of systems.

 

“Our expertise goes beyond the traditional building systems. We also have experience in power generation and delivery. Being a full-service engineering house, we provide all the ancillary services a PV installation may require like the structural and mechanical design.  We bring a long history of successful team work. Our ability to assertively interact with owners and design teams will be a major asset as PV and other green technologies become main stream in the A/E industry.”

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Scot Whitney, P.E., LEED AP

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Scot Whitney is a mechanical engineer with 21 years of experience.  He is a LEED Accredited Professional and registered mechanical engineer in 14 states.  He joined Henneman’s Madison, Wisconsin office in 2007 as a Senior Project Manager and is involved in many rewarding and challenging projects. 

 

Scot’s experience spans a wide variety of projects from higher education and justice to medical facilities, but it is his experience with university facilities that he finds so interesting.  University facilities have the most diverse needs of any client.  These owners needs include residence halls, sporting facilities, academic buildings, performance spaces, laboratories, utility plants, medical facilities and student spaces.

 

At Henneman, his current project for the Wisconsin Capitol Heat & Power Plant is one of the largest and most interesting.  Scot serves as the project manager with approximately 40 Henneman engineers involved.

 

“It is very rewarding to be part of a project that provides energy to the State Capitol,” Scot said. “The project includes a thermal energy storage tank—a two million gallon chilled water tank.  I believe it will be the first one constructed by the State of Wisconsin, so it’s very exciting to be involved in this kind of a large-scale project.”

 

Scot and his team are also at work providing HVAC design services for a new eight-story patient tower for the Appleton Medical Center, as well as another project for The University of Wisconsin Madison – School of Medicine and Public Health, Centennial Building.

 

Always mechanically inclined, Scot knew out of high school that a career in engineering was for him. 

 

“I have never regretted becoming a mechanical engineer,” Scot explains. “I love what I do because no two projects are alike.  We might do two power plants or two laboratory buildings, but the needs and priorities of the owners and projects are always different.  We are able to be a part of a process as it goes from an idea to design to construction.  That’s always interesting and rewarding.” 

 

An avid outdoorsman, Scot enjoys downhill skiing, water skiing, boating, camping and fishing.  He spent several weeks in Germany visiting family a few years ago, and hopes to visit again soon.  Scot enjoys reading any book by John Grisham.

 

Scot has received several awards in his career including one from the State of Wisconsin, Division of State Facilities "Engineering Excellence Award" for the Jackson Correctional Institution.

 

Scot adds that he enjoys helping and mentoring young engineers at Henneman.  “If there is any way I can help anyone, I am happy to do it so that others can learn from my experiences, regardless of whether it is a business or technical issue.”

 

Throughout his career, Scot’s mission has always been to make a difference.  His approach to business includes really understanding what the client wants.  “The number one thing I try to do is listen to the client.  It has become a lost art, but is so critical.  Instead of coming in with any preconceived ideas, I try to listen first and then come up with creative solutions that meet their needs.”
 
Scot continued, “I strongly believe in integrated design where the owner, architect and engineers work closely together from the very beginning to come up with a solution. When everyone works as a team, a project gets done more efficiently and effectively, and the owner will cherish the building.”