tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23004269750058849392024-03-21T14:09:15.267-07:00Solar Compass ProjectFor more information contact Dr. Michael Mehta at mmehta@tru.caMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-84258128279577976022022-12-05T11:12:00.003-08:002022-12-05T11:12:33.095-08:00Solar Compass wins a Canada Clean 50 Top Project Award for 2023<p>In October of 2022, Thompson Rivers University and Solar Earth Technologies won a prestigious national award called the Canada Clean 50. To learn more about this award, check out the following <a href="https://clean50.com/projects/the-solar-compass/" target="_blank">link</a> from Delta Management.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-19397726313332924302022-08-31T10:18:00.005-07:002022-08-31T10:21:10.717-07:00Solar sidewalks tested at TRU could be a model for Lytton to become a net-neutral community<p>To listen to a radio show on the possibility of this technology being used in the Village of Lytton, and to hear more about the lessons learned at Thompson Rivers University, check out this CBC-Kamloops show <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-108-daybreak-kamloops/clip/15933389-solar-sidewalks-tested-tru-model-lytton-become-net-neutral">here.</a> </p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-3969160940924269952022-08-31T10:12:00.001-07:002022-08-31T10:12:24.954-07:00Solar sidewalks could power up to 60 rebuilt Lytton homes<p>The following <a href="https://infotel.ca/newsitem/solar-sidewalks-could-power-up-to-60-rebuilt-lytton-homes/it93683" target="_blank">article </a>explores how the Village of Lytton is considering using the Solar Earth technology to create more robust and resilient electrical infrastructure.</p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-11702236864602381982019-11-29T10:05:00.003-08:002019-11-29T10:06:43.039-08:00Surface treatment provides excellent traction - Even with snowThe new modules making up the Solar Compass and Solar Sidewalk system at Thompson Rivers University are being put to the test today with a taste of Winter.<br />
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Our previous iterations were slippery when wet and snow-covered. The new version is substantially better and is less slippery than the existing concrete that surrounds them.<br />
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This represents a significant step forward for the technology and its deployment in more environments. Safety is paramount and our first consideration when using new technologies like this.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-86747242255549421732019-09-05T11:35:00.001-07:002019-09-05T11:35:23.335-07:00The Solar Sidewalk at Thompson Rivers University get a faceliftOur team has given the Solar Sidewalk a facelift. It now has 16 new modules.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLyO48UFQ5oZHixYDgwOyRdIh7c-NqXOxUWUuCxnhZ-RzDqhqibu2c9OFtcpz5d89UBfoIE8sybgt-WP62-g68tytNqqBP2jzWSurl50en355DO8DCbwXD9MywVX9y3ZPryKjcs_kiBw/s1600/14.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLyO48UFQ5oZHixYDgwOyRdIh7c-NqXOxUWUuCxnhZ-RzDqhqibu2c9OFtcpz5d89UBfoIE8sybgt-WP62-g68tytNqqBP2jzWSurl50en355DO8DCbwXD9MywVX9y3ZPryKjcs_kiBw/s320/14.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-1725463018725160872019-09-01T12:44:00.002-07:002019-09-01T12:44:28.889-07:00The Solar Compass gets a module upgradeOver the last week of August 2019, a team from Solar Earth Technologies Inc. worked with local tradespeople from Kamloops to upgrade all 62 modules on the Solar Compass.<br />
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To reduce the risk of cracking the modules, the raceway underneath was narrowed. We also used larger and more robust concrete screws to hold down the array. Below are some pictures of steps and the final product.<br />
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-30497104409014162822018-09-23T18:32:00.002-07:002018-09-24T12:57:06.369-07:00Re-finishing the surface of the Solar CompassToday the Solar Earth Technologies Inc. team were on campus to re-finish the surface on the modules composing the initial installation of the Solar Compass. An anti-slip material was added made from very small pieces of glass layered on top of an enamel coating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ul-twEOApVGzqNdeAjxSi4TVcz9AhcfGlB-DbfWZBJw6BhC3EWLh6me3FnpCqgkTTMySv_9eL-u5HI1ZfMUDBWBvpj9ZllP3B4Xj2nsWex_LZKMJrVE7XiNTfifSpfQ95HkbwUV35TM/s1600/IMG_3243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ul-twEOApVGzqNdeAjxSi4TVcz9AhcfGlB-DbfWZBJw6BhC3EWLh6me3FnpCqgkTTMySv_9eL-u5HI1ZfMUDBWBvpj9ZllP3B4Xj2nsWex_LZKMJrVE7XiNTfifSpfQ95HkbwUV35TM/s640/IMG_3243.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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They will be replacing the modules eventually with a new generation product and began the process of framing each arm of the compass with a continuous band of aluminum. This will provide better holding power and winter performance to withstand shovelling and other destructive forces. The importance of protecting the edges has been highlighted from our first year of operation.<br />
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Here's the finished product.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3nvENErJrWgA3j8iyuWBOZqrySEsnUxV3E0bNkS251l2-494hZFxCEpl-_nN06WprnQwiNjbRULsl16zaRmExPTQbysYA4oXIXl5C1mYkYj2k1uBYslR1I-BCTv2FxfnztdDbZ9o4VA/s1600/Solar+Compass+upgraded_24Sept2018.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3nvENErJrWgA3j8iyuWBOZqrySEsnUxV3E0bNkS251l2-494hZFxCEpl-_nN06WprnQwiNjbRULsl16zaRmExPTQbysYA4oXIXl5C1mYkYj2k1uBYslR1I-BCTv2FxfnztdDbZ9o4VA/s640/Solar+Compass+upgraded_24Sept2018.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-75990013299304490442018-07-13T16:32:00.001-07:002018-07-13T19:43:22.545-07:00How much energy is the Solar Compass generating?<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Solar Compass</b></span></span></div>
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The Solar Compass is composed of 62 modules in 16 strings with 15 strings connected to 4 modules in series, and a smaller set connecting together only 2 modules. We had to work around an existing drain on-site.</div>
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This project had many more challenges then the Solar Sidewalk having to do with installation methodology, working with three-phase electricity, and communications issues between our monitoring system and the cloud server. We managed to get a short window of data captured in the late Fall just before major snowstorms hit the region. The networking issues were resolved earlier this week, so data is limited by necessity. </div>
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We generated a 3D model of the site to calculate the impact of shading and an irradiance model was also generated to estimate annual power production.</div>
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We estimate that the Solar Compass should generate 3899 kWh/year. Here's how it breaks down by month.</div>
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For the month of July the Solar Compass should generate 508 kWh or 16.38 kWh/day or 1.048 kWh/module/day. Below is the energy production for July 12, 2018.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZndBBQtYT9J3DMV0ZxFOKFIqtnl1JETigNS3FQLCcVbXH5xlEY8gvgCunpGcIrbWSZs2X6TlesRZJE91-OVuLgyZuiPsDRmU3zaeeouyHcoinOGju9tPEcSY88rycPFpt5UW6NWkZlwU/s1600/Solar+Compass+energy+production+for+12July2018.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="992" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZndBBQtYT9J3DMV0ZxFOKFIqtnl1JETigNS3FQLCcVbXH5xlEY8gvgCunpGcIrbWSZs2X6TlesRZJE91-OVuLgyZuiPsDRmU3zaeeouyHcoinOGju9tPEcSY88rycPFpt5UW6NWkZlwU/s400/Solar+Compass+energy+production+for+12July2018.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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In June we replaced one of the arms of the Solar Compass with new modules. To read about our lessons learned on this project to-date, click <a href="https://solarcompass.blogspot.com/2018/07/lessons-learned-after-very-harsh-winter.html" target="_blank">here.</a> These are represented by the two inverters located at the top on the far lefthand side of the array.</div>
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Our new modules were right on target and our cracked modules were down substantially in line with the decline in performance seen in the cracked series on the Solar Sidewalk.</div>
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Although not based on a year of performance, we can assume that the same issues of snow removal and module cleaning will play a significant factor in the winter months. Otherwise, the new modules are performing as expected and they are substantially similar to the fully functioning ones on the <a href="https://solarcompass.blogspot.com/2018/07/observations-on-performance-of-solar.html" target="_blank">Solar Sidewalk.</a></div>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-76820350562677019942018-07-13T16:16:00.002-07:002018-07-13T16:16:49.058-07:00Observations on the performance of the Solar Sidewalk<div style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Solar Sidewalk</b></div>
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We have modelled the Solar Sidewalk and included in the 3D model the impact of local obstructions like buildings and trees to get an accurate prediction of what we could expect from this small array. Ater a shading analysis/irradiance model was generated, we estimate 922 kWh/year of energy production - assuming timely snow removal and clean modules. </div>
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Here's what this model looks like.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QhSj1591MJe7wnZuZ1ECqIGGgY18h1dSgosLyEvTNmcg_v0epd8hYtlEkw3i7bZ1ENsDoZqMDOsfEiJMmI-BiCsy1MHZ9X7Fva4Ab0fsZwCVbq5lsScylrgSExeXaCPn-eVKanhVwSU/s1600/Solar+Sidewalk+3D+array+design+with+obstructions.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="1369" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QhSj1591MJe7wnZuZ1ECqIGGgY18h1dSgosLyEvTNmcg_v0epd8hYtlEkw3i7bZ1ENsDoZqMDOsfEiJMmI-BiCsy1MHZ9X7Fva4Ab0fsZwCVbq5lsScylrgSExeXaCPn-eVKanhVwSU/s400/Solar+Sidewalk+3D+array+design+with+obstructions.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's what the performance would be monthly in an average year based on this model.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDGmW8Wp3ZjkivJuoEHpXNMoK7Hz4y64tb5ZDZhEOAYxGZYGiDA8RtrDDxh4hXXyHWAORTUNfz-wQTmZQUv1l622lcEiS_WOedrq3bH2DZbfZrtPKOqx8ybsIbNYj8I2-nxKGXhvrPJ0/s1600/Solar+Sidewalk+annual+energy+model.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="953" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDGmW8Wp3ZjkivJuoEHpXNMoK7Hz4y64tb5ZDZhEOAYxGZYGiDA8RtrDDxh4hXXyHWAORTUNfz-wQTmZQUv1l622lcEiS_WOedrq3bH2DZbfZrtPKOqx8ybsIbNYj8I2-nxKGXhvrPJ0/s400/Solar+Sidewalk+annual+energy+model.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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On July 12, 2018, the Solar Sidewalk generated 3.93 kWh of electricity. You'll note that Series #2 (from the left) is not performing as well. The Solar Sidewalk is composed of 16 modules but we have them connected in a series of four modules into each micro-inverter. This is where the cracks are in some of the modules.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj88vmlW1Ekji1sCsG3kBnR4mHEa6XIjrU8mQrh4aJTT4HAKOJBqVUGwv5am6j3eKqd813oFo3TEWRzQwK6edjA-WIW6J1pANsnkBwgLZ2VrnePBJADD4DGnQlujo_6MA_XMv3LuW_ZQ/s1600/Solar+Sidewalk+performance.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1292" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj88vmlW1Ekji1sCsG3kBnR4mHEa6XIjrU8mQrh4aJTT4HAKOJBqVUGwv5am6j3eKqd813oFo3TEWRzQwK6edjA-WIW6J1pANsnkBwgLZ2VrnePBJADD4DGnQlujo_6MA_XMv3LuW_ZQ/s400/Solar+Sidewalk+performance.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">By the end of August 2018 we will have a full year of data for the Solar Sidewalk. You'll note that b</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">etween December and April performance was flat likely due in large part to snow cover and salt/dirt encrusting the surface of the modules. As mentioned above, our model predicts 922 kWh/year and we expect us to see between 610-620 kWh of energy this year by the end of August. Part of this is due to the cracked string impacting production on one of the four micro-inverters.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5Rj_XwGU3HXJxywKbyCIx2UCes2LrPvIe2II2XIoBn-xZuJ9r9nrrpSbdjNCTK8GN5TnDrfv-p5XOFhLWRtqPevm6Nz1CMhwkCNF17MDqb208a4VHTZBxO-scqK7YGFb3kyEjKjnzVg/s1600/Solar+Sidewalk+year+to+date+energy+production.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="996" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5Rj_XwGU3HXJxywKbyCIx2UCes2LrPvIe2II2XIoBn-xZuJ9r9nrrpSbdjNCTK8GN5TnDrfv-p5XOFhLWRtqPevm6Nz1CMhwkCNF17MDqb208a4VHTZBxO-scqK7YGFb3kyEjKjnzVg/s400/Solar+Sidewalk+year+to+date+energy+production.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For the month of July we would expect based on modelling to generate 123 kWh or 3.96 kWh/day. Our modules are right on track with this expectation. </span></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-71532204697308324622018-07-13T11:29:00.002-07:002018-07-13T11:35:19.834-07:00Lessons Learned After A Very Harsh WinterThe Winter of 2017/2018 was not very kind to the Solar Compass array on campus at Thompson Rivers University. With a winter snow storm hitting the area in early November 2017, and significantly more snow days (and snow clearing) then in recent years, the modules on this array took a beating. They are still operating and generating energy but they are showing stress fractures on the surface over the raceway, and the once shiny top coat is looking dull and scratched.<br />
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By contrast the modules on the Solar Sidewalk are holding up well with only a few stress cracks.<br />
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Here's what we've learned and how the next steps of the project are unfolding. Remember, this is research and no one gets things done perfectly the first time especially with so many variables.<br />
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It's worth noting right up front that the replacement work that has begun is not costing the university or taxpayers a penny. The replacment is being done by the developer of the technology - Solar Earth Technologies Inc.<br />
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The modules on the Solar Compass array were originally supported with aluminum clips spaced around them like this. By contrast, the Solar Sidewalk has a continuous stainless steel strip around the entire perimeter of the array and between modules. This provides more uniform holding power and protects the edges of the modules which are more vulnerable to lift and abrade from snow removal and even normal foot traffic. We are replacing all of the modules on the Solar Compass with newer, stronger and a differently formulated encapsulation product, and it will be fastened down around the perimeter with a continuous frame of aluminum.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPkDEya8B7julk3G3WU1tqa0qjI53YihRKiaomcbgSwIHORh3AK72fG8-3Gjhm7AitWne4qklrwj5dBRfLuGfeCJXJ_SysTdqqiY12PwonWg-9rVEzybCe8JFnmJwGVoIF2N9ew0sGFU/s1600/IMG_1491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPkDEya8B7julk3G3WU1tqa0qjI53YihRKiaomcbgSwIHORh3AK72fG8-3Gjhm7AitWne4qklrwj5dBRfLuGfeCJXJ_SysTdqqiY12PwonWg-9rVEzybCe8JFnmJwGVoIF2N9ew0sGFU/s640/IMG_1491.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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We also learned that the 7" raceway in the middle of these modules was too large of an unsupported span. The replacement modules of the Solar Compass are being installed over a significantly narrowed and supported raceway.<br />
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One of the arms of the Solar Compass has already been replaced using this new approach and technology, and the remaining 7 are slated for completion during the month of August.<br />
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Here's what it will look like.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk7GO_dUNtoGS_JtiwJGOtkqGpbY9hDCuCpj5DOLAGD7Y_EMTpDnV5qxW7NrQG93Vpd5bdSJOX0D6UsTINqt4HFQPvff1Av6vFdpzLCkoyPR1By5HeU9W4tIfb37pXhpAKRnkrfjMZGY/s1600/IMG_2702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk7GO_dUNtoGS_JtiwJGOtkqGpbY9hDCuCpj5DOLAGD7Y_EMTpDnV5qxW7NrQG93Vpd5bdSJOX0D6UsTINqt4HFQPvff1Av6vFdpzLCkoyPR1By5HeU9W4tIfb37pXhpAKRnkrfjMZGY/s400/IMG_2702.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-14127590430782344612017-11-27T14:52:00.003-08:002017-11-28T10:33:47.031-08:00The Solar Compass Gets A New Friction CoatingTo provide an extra layer of assurance regarding the safety of this new solar array, our team has applied a new friction coating. Future iterations of the modules should come with this from the factory.<br />
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It was a fairly simple process that involved applying an outdoor Minwax urethane to the modules with a roller.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPYgmpoPZQmEKvjR74MAI23LO_18no_nlXdpUFKyll8nivv06TDCCChsCFZAC936D5nhNZvx6ugyEXzrcKa7KtxNfaF6NojpY6OKJGRHZYgUIpVpYdv8YeWduYxWbTLvgTH8JMf0wGac/s1600/IMG_1557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPYgmpoPZQmEKvjR74MAI23LO_18no_nlXdpUFKyll8nivv06TDCCChsCFZAC936D5nhNZvx6ugyEXzrcKa7KtxNfaF6NojpY6OKJGRHZYgUIpVpYdv8YeWduYxWbTLvgTH8JMf0wGac/s400/IMG_1557.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then sprinkling a light coating of extremely small pieces of ground glass onto the surface. The glass has a green colour to it which has changed slightly the overall look of the array.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaUHO4vuxBFAiwVQCOU6qIgGuYyI_bAuoK797TFntCM3CK7mcoNreDVMlsdZATMp1H7pnxhqlpU_zlsNv_HW_R9whToQ4AOfbt2_0FILpG4L3qpdSUqPz6ABA3ar_ch5eS-xKnow1_Ts/s1600/IMG_1549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaUHO4vuxBFAiwVQCOU6qIgGuYyI_bAuoK797TFntCM3CK7mcoNreDVMlsdZATMp1H7pnxhqlpU_zlsNv_HW_R9whToQ4AOfbt2_0FILpG4L3qpdSUqPz6ABA3ar_ch5eS-xKnow1_Ts/s320/IMG_1549.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The finished product looks like this and it now has a sandpaper like texture. We don't anticipate that this will decrease power output in any noticeable way. Re-application of this product may be required annually but we will evaluate this periodically.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxN7lbF54x6YvZdsY8JDWDirzwkENyiNkLoAKRlqVoSnM7uegr2zMU571cAVhklVaPh30j0AGAzhLrsat3ItWHyaTz3Sz4C1TS9SZ7TOA_q1BbzNjLzj0dpsN-ysZTr58MgzareQdBZw/s1600/IMG_1562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxN7lbF54x6YvZdsY8JDWDirzwkENyiNkLoAKRlqVoSnM7uegr2zMU571cAVhklVaPh30j0AGAzhLrsat3ItWHyaTz3Sz4C1TS9SZ7TOA_q1BbzNjLzj0dpsN-ysZTr58MgzareQdBZw/s400/IMG_1562.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The Solar Sidewalk received the same treatment and it's like walking on sand paper now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRVhdsQBfHqKdjZK_fWXZDrzhJt-peJO9r7NxpjKu2qdSs4XzOuKtbCJAHR2KFS5lRjRgSkcGzz4joIhH8dfHEOGstUpTIvdZX0X4To1YAiJnt3XAbo400nno-_uGhMq2okqGVtp3dpA/s1600/Solar+Sidewalk_28Nov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRVhdsQBfHqKdjZK_fWXZDrzhJt-peJO9r7NxpjKu2qdSs4XzOuKtbCJAHR2KFS5lRjRgSkcGzz4joIhH8dfHEOGstUpTIvdZX0X4To1YAiJnt3XAbo400nno-_uGhMq2okqGVtp3dpA/s400/Solar+Sidewalk_28Nov2017.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-37917290945971278112017-11-23T10:05:00.000-08:002017-11-23T10:05:09.205-08:00Thank You BC Sustainable Energy AssociationThe BC Sustainable Energy Association was our community partner throughout the Solar Compass/Solar Sidewalk project. They provided us with constant support, encouragement, volunteers who participated in design and installation, and of course wonderful media work including producing press releases, videos, and stories.<br />
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Most recently their story about our project stated:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Solar Compass at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) had its Grand Opening on November 2, a very snowy day in Kamloops. The Solar Compass and the nearby Solar Sidewalk are flagship projects, the first of this kind in Canada. Project lead Dr. Michael Mehta was joined by our major partners, TRU and Solar Earth Technologies (SET), along with other local partners and many of the 30-plus members of the project team.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Solar Compass shows that we can embed energy generation into everyday things, like the pavement that we walk on. For Dr. Mehta, “These arrays put solar technologies front and centre in highly visible locations where thousands of people will walk over them each year. As a result, this should help usher in a new era where solar becomes demystified and embraced as a viable and aesthetically pleasing option for generating renewable energy.” </span></span></div>
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To read the full story and to see some photos from them, click <a href="http://www.bcsea.org/bcsea-news/solar-compass-finished" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-75956921725614616132017-11-08T11:09:00.003-08:002017-11-08T11:09:56.964-08:00New Signage For the Solar Compass And Solar SidewalkA big thank you to Jim Funk from <a href="http://www.funksigns.com/" target="_blank">Funk Signs </a>in Kamloops for making the signage for the Solar Compass and the Solar Sidewalk.<br />
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Working with team member Cheryl Kabloona from the <a href="https://www.bcsea.org/chapters/kamloops" target="_blank">BC Sustainable Energy Association </a>(our community partner on this project), Jim printed the following sign on aluminum to be mounted soon near the Solar Compass.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezKsGk3_zaw2henLV1sjM0tBNfq3FvF-oDgOXtRk4-Y8Lov1IfT7N3Wzh0jzRScYc_ORTNP-Q2Tb-IIZRRMiKKMnky8IxJZ9fBBAszPoU_3hu9TZrjVr1gAQV7nHovcQKm8kyL45u5t8/s1600/Solar+Compass+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezKsGk3_zaw2henLV1sjM0tBNfq3FvF-oDgOXtRk4-Y8Lov1IfT7N3Wzh0jzRScYc_ORTNP-Q2Tb-IIZRRMiKKMnky8IxJZ9fBBAszPoU_3hu9TZrjVr1gAQV7nHovcQKm8kyL45u5t8/s400/Solar+Compass+sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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He also made this sign for the Solar Sidewalk which was installed by team member Amie Schellenberg. Both signs use QR Code technology. The bar codes on the bottom right-hand sides of the signs can be scanned with a free app on a mobile device to take the user directly to our website. To learn more about QR technology click <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_p8Smyhxlhw06H49uXFhyphenhyphent74-0NpUc57APNgki4ntQcaVLp5eCuJgil-iH-kGyMFwRsRQSoh2InAesqxXCNV2KUwoxsSaZgfOCQebJOR84migID9zGB0P4d6_Mzo1fkEKzVdQQ_k99R0/s1600/Soalr+Sidewalk+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_p8Smyhxlhw06H49uXFhyphenhyphent74-0NpUc57APNgki4ntQcaVLp5eCuJgil-iH-kGyMFwRsRQSoh2InAesqxXCNV2KUwoxsSaZgfOCQebJOR84migID9zGB0P4d6_Mzo1fkEKzVdQQ_k99R0/s400/Soalr+Sidewalk+sign.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-5595625677554981972017-11-07T10:10:00.003-08:002017-11-08T11:10:04.928-08:00New article in Kamloops This Week about our projectIn the November 6, 2017, issue of Kamloops This Week, journalist Dale Bass wrote the following about the Solar Compass.<br />
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It may look like a compass, but the solar installation at Thompson Rivers University is designed to do more.</div>
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Ultimately, said Michael Mehta, it could point the way to integrating charging strips in roadways that could charge electric vehicles as they are being driven.</div>
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For now, however, the solar compass outside the Arts and Education Building on campus has other purposes, said Mehta, a geography and environmental-studies professor at TRU</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUkDsHhzsTCUYAxUqRwdcza5X-mh3CaBWtQwf_JSVLOmS2aQqj2AB27nApctx6khBmTdUurt0P_Q85BM0hXrtOPr3wNTzoAoZ4bnMhoM_ub3QjKNxb27UJ0EApBptA6rcfo-kX63XxoM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-11-07+at+10.07.35+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="693" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUkDsHhzsTCUYAxUqRwdcza5X-mh3CaBWtQwf_JSVLOmS2aQqj2AB27nApctx6khBmTdUurt0P_Q85BM0hXrtOPr3wNTzoAoZ4bnMhoM_ub3QjKNxb27UJ0EApBptA6rcfo-kX63XxoM/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-11-07+at+10.07.35+AM.png" width="321" /></a></div>
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To read more click <a href="http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/solar-compass-points-way-renewable-energy/#comments" target="_blank">here</a>.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-49323265468948259602017-11-06T13:00:00.006-08:002017-11-06T13:00:59.120-08:00Thank You To All Our Donors, Volunteers, And ContractorsThe Solar Compass, and its little sister the Solar Sidewalk, would not have been possible without the assistance of many supporters. On behalf of Thompson Rivers University and the project team, we would like to thank the following for everything they did.<br />
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• <span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Solar Earth Technologies [Jason Wang,
Brian Johnson, and Oliver Zimmermann and their investors] for donating 64 modules for the solar
compass, and 16 modules for solar sidewalk.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-special-format: bullet;">• </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Harrison Industrial Contracting [</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Karly</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">
Marshall] for donating TECK cable, a, electrical cabinet, use of equipment, and various other
electrical supplies.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-special-format: bullet;">• </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">The Tunneling Company [Shawn Gaunt] for use of their mole and a technician to pull conduit under the existing concrete.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-special-format: bullet;">• </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Wesco Distribution [Brett </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Middlemiss</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">] for donating conduit.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-special-format: bullet;">• The w</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">ork of contractors including Matt
Cardinal and his team for installing modules, and concrete work byTrevor
Wilson of Con-Ex Civil Contractors.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-special-format: bullet;">• </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Thompson Rivers University and the
Sustainability Grant for seeding this project. Support from Jim </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Gudjonson</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"> and James Gordon from the Office of
Sustainability,</span></div>
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<span style="mso-special-format: bullet;">• </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Warren </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Asuchak</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"> and his team at facilities including the
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">groundskeeping</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">
staff.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-special-format: bullet;">• </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Countless hours of volunteer work from
TRU faculty (Amie </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Schellenberg</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">),
dozens of students and faculty from Trades and other programs on campus,
volunteer work of community members, faculty and staff at TRU (thank you to </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Gord</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Setka</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">),
and the support of our community partner BC Sustainability Energy Association
(Kamloops Chapter).</span></div>
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• <span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Our grant writing team, technical team,
and the hard work and support of engineers like Brock </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Nanson</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"> Ben </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Giudici</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">, and
James </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Gu</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">. The
drone work of John Church who captured stunning images of all stages of
construction.</span></div>
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-34044714895123281882017-11-06T12:54:00.005-08:002017-11-06T12:54:51.991-08:00News coverage about the grand opening of the Solar CompassAn <a href="https://www.kamloopsbcnow.com/watercooler/news/news/Kamloops/TRU_s_solar_compass_will_produce_enough_electricity_to_power_a_computer_lab/" target="_blank">article</a> in KamloopsBCNow states the following about our project:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.1599999964237213px;">“It's about visibility, making sustainable technologies top of mind, and it's also about moving toward what I like to call embedded infrastructure, where we can add other things into the mix including fiber optics and sensor technology. So the next step for this technology will be to place it actually on roadways to make solar roads.”</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQt_VDB1JzXn1otTpEvcLeDqW_0C41Utmf5nOFRQMyZSekYbJO5mGEvH-EeH6N0Hoiz1VsClkYsvzd05hFVkPMgSolL69yuYfb7rxIWDfHNvlSyorGhZZ2DQkNqQcIuJTL_pnOaveQapI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-11-06+at+12.50.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="796" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQt_VDB1JzXn1otTpEvcLeDqW_0C41Utmf5nOFRQMyZSekYbJO5mGEvH-EeH6N0Hoiz1VsClkYsvzd05hFVkPMgSolL69yuYfb7rxIWDfHNvlSyorGhZZ2DQkNqQcIuJTL_pnOaveQapI/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-11-06+at+12.50.04+PM.png" width="347" /></a></div>
<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-4868071918467289232017-11-02T12:10:00.001-07:002017-11-02T12:16:58.331-07:00Snow on the Solar CompassToday is our official Grand Opening celebration for the Solar Compass on campus at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia.<br />
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Not to be outdone by our project, Mother Nature decided to give us a real test with a load of snow in the region.<br />
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Here's a short video of how people navigate their way over the solar modules during such conditions.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IfqC6lvZVhQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfqC6lvZVhQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-38932299784102333222017-11-02T09:34:00.004-07:002017-11-02T09:34:54.438-07:00The Solar Compass Opens Up New Pathways For Student LearningThe Solar Compass is profiled in the following article by The University Network.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sohNTa99fUs6OxktnowNfFDm6gvlYy_0nGXaWLeOfpXfkzMCAJh8VGgCNve5rdqAHmmW3D0ufIwVMlhD9vDVrseNPaITJSvigwmXxZGaFROhKHhlj53xVbPIq6FHl-E9J7H10IHyM_M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-11-02+at+9.32.06+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1202" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sohNTa99fUs6OxktnowNfFDm6gvlYy_0nGXaWLeOfpXfkzMCAJh8VGgCNve5rdqAHmmW3D0ufIwVMlhD9vDVrseNPaITJSvigwmXxZGaFROhKHhlj53xVbPIq6FHl-E9J7H10IHyM_M/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-11-02+at+9.32.06+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"TRU students played a significant role in the project as well. Several students served on the grant committee to secure the funds for the project. More than a dozen students from the trades program at TRU worked on the installation itself, including students from electrical foundations who did the wiring and graft work. Some students even took a turn at the jackhammer. </span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“For us, it was a perfect opportunity of a project on campus that brings in students for real world learning,” said Mehta. “That almost never happens. If you look at any construction project on campus, it’s independent contractors that are brought in usually under some kind of process and they typically don’t let anyone else in the project for liability and other reasons. In our case, we actively and deliberately included students as part of their training.”</span></div>
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To read the full article click<a href="https://www.tun.com/blog/thompson-rivers-university-solar-compass-walkway/" target="_blank"> here.</a>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-80357564906789925132017-10-26T08:37:00.002-07:002017-10-26T08:47:41.487-07:00The Solar Compass From Above Vaguely reminiscent of crop circles, and a likely landing spot for future encounters with alien life forms, the Solar Compass looks stunning from all angles. Here are some drone photos taken by team member Dr. John Church.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoZq_I9ZfySxAJG_AB6nCgMhIpW57Lj-e8_LW-f7eRgujEU4vJEvF1VMtRVUjcaVo4HPu6rlTwV-_6NG47ZS8igAyAqfikjV5fsiTXt5nK4hFvR_cQglVY6oRfH6LnesGrXBzlK3lPhI/s1600/Solar+Compass+aeriel1_25Oct2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoZq_I9ZfySxAJG_AB6nCgMhIpW57Lj-e8_LW-f7eRgujEU4vJEvF1VMtRVUjcaVo4HPu6rlTwV-_6NG47ZS8igAyAqfikjV5fsiTXt5nK4hFvR_cQglVY6oRfH6LnesGrXBzlK3lPhI/s400/Solar+Compass+aeriel1_25Oct2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWTqhDoxCkZ3oVSq7Q0PNPy15fHIj0w_w-K3eahQ370aFDDppcP_yYA5mF9q3hq4nR_nNrZUzDRVCAWhQ2ExCqHi9YrkQsTaFaGGKuVw3QkpXs6hE6tu-xy4XOlNgHHdS1eyaALsWeEs/s1600/Solar+Compass+aeriel2_25Oct2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWTqhDoxCkZ3oVSq7Q0PNPy15fHIj0w_w-K3eahQ370aFDDppcP_yYA5mF9q3hq4nR_nNrZUzDRVCAWhQ2ExCqHi9YrkQsTaFaGGKuVw3QkpXs6hE6tu-xy4XOlNgHHdS1eyaALsWeEs/s400/Solar+Compass+aeriel2_25Oct2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We are thrilled by how much the Solar Compass fits into campus and never realized how much TRU's campus plan was based on the circle. Here's a photo from Google Earth that shows our architectural splendour and the importance of consistent and thoughtful design on a grand scale.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5bPqLiuQB6lQpzo44bCI2V7Uu5xCnGOAbV2A5qUpyOehLY7Tg49F1VTIxozNvY7_l2Pw2BMJCDB5ITu5x2xV89VMHWwrz9a8OCbjOn7GSS8AtnFiLEBzz7Jr50UaZU_PmNQG5lDipPw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-26+at+8.34.53+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1186" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5bPqLiuQB6lQpzo44bCI2V7Uu5xCnGOAbV2A5qUpyOehLY7Tg49F1VTIxozNvY7_l2Pw2BMJCDB5ITu5x2xV89VMHWwrz9a8OCbjOn7GSS8AtnFiLEBzz7Jr50UaZU_PmNQG5lDipPw/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-26+at+8.34.53+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-24224089641150253332017-10-24T20:33:00.002-07:002017-10-25T11:49:29.947-07:00Almost doneThanks to the hard work of Matt Cardinal and his installation team, electrician Amie Schellenberg and her team of students and colleagues, and countless other people... the Solar Compass is almost done!<br />
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Robert from Facilities at TRU gave it a pressure washing today in preparation for a coat of concrete sealant around the compass.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXESyl3wha-Av8T0qIpHh2wJqUzMK9u4WJP4DTb3pER5afSqpwOazm-1-f0z2AFnbLR1bBKhpj3KKdTi9Gbv45tf-ZtHM8t61hy2zYh6oYgBbW-Ah_gzuK3sGNKbk-TqJoHpvubTixCHo/s1600/IMG_1367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXESyl3wha-Av8T0qIpHh2wJqUzMK9u4WJP4DTb3pER5afSqpwOazm-1-f0z2AFnbLR1bBKhpj3KKdTi9Gbv45tf-ZtHM8t61hy2zYh6oYgBbW-Ah_gzuK3sGNKbk-TqJoHpvubTixCHo/s400/IMG_1367.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We passed our rough-in electrical inspection yesterday and are just ironing out some last minute wiring/metering issues before calling for the final inspection. Here's a peek inside the inverter cabinet where a lot of the magic happens.<br />
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-65370648510321506412017-10-13T09:44:00.000-07:002017-10-13T09:44:22.411-07:00Racing against old man winter to complete installation of the Solar Compass<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">As snow fell in many parts of Kamloops last night, c</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">ontractor Matt Cardinal and his team worked hard into the evening to get our Solar Compass much closer to completion. Some edges still need work, mid-clamps screwed down, and caulking and grout work for finishing. Electrician Amie Schellenberg </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">and her team are working on finishing off the electrical work inside, and if all goes well we will have our electrical inspection done next week.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-10882140567234735952017-10-11T12:38:00.004-07:002017-10-11T12:38:57.683-07:00Take A Video Tour Of How The Solar Compass Is InstalledTo see how we did the installation, check out the following video by clicking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOCnUA_sepE&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-56980059243700032492017-10-10T18:48:00.001-07:002017-10-10T18:48:18.861-07:00The Solar Compass is profiled in The OmegaThe Solar Compass was profiled in TRU''s student newspaper, The Omega. The article states:<br />
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TRU’s solar compass project is wrapping up construction and offering not only a renewable energy source, but marking a milestone for sustainability on campus. The project will use the existing compass on the sidewalk outside the Arts and Education building as a platform for the new technology.</div>
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“The inspiration initially came from using that shape, but it’s also symbolic in a way, because a compass points you in the direction that you want to go. It’s pointing us in the direction of a future based on sustainability,” said Michael Mehta, a geography and environmental studies professor at TRU.</div>
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Mehta is the project lead and faculty advisor on the solar compass project.</div>
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“There will be 62 solar modules on the compass running radially from the centre and it’ll look quite dramatic,” Mehta said.</div>
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The compass modules each produce 80 watts of power, making it approximately a 5,000-watt system.</div>
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To read the full article click <a href="http://truomega.ca/2017/10/09/trus-latest-solar-project-paving-the-way-for-a-more-sustainable-future/" target="_blank">here</a>.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-76208376227011974652017-10-10T08:58:00.005-07:002017-10-10T08:58:58.287-07:00CBC Radio-Kamloops Story About The Solar CompassThe Solar Compass project was featured on CBC-Radio Kamloops.<br />
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In this story you will hear from students involved in the project, electrician Amie Schellenberg, and project lead Michael Mehta.<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/listen/shows/daybreak-kamloops/segment/14338121" target="_blank">here </a>to listen.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300426975005884939.post-39022617658087985632017-10-07T11:54:00.003-07:002017-10-07T11:54:58.404-07:00TRU's Solar Sidewalk Featured In University AffairsAn article in Canada's preeminent academic magazine, University Affairs, profiles our solar sidewalk system at Thompson Rivers University.<br />
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To read the article, click <a href="http://www.universityaffairs.ca/news/news-article/solar-sidewalk-thompson-rivers-university-first-canada/" target="_blank">here.</a>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11737547371863131234noreply@blogger.com0