Energy Projects for Watanabe Hall Planning some Departmental Projects (Unusual Physics Colloquium)

by John Learned (UHM)

Thursday Mar 11, 2010, 3:30 PM → 5:00 PM Pacific/Honolulu

Rm 112 (UHM - Watanabe Hall)

Discussion Leaders: Chairman Pui Lam, Prof. John Learned

Introductory Comments: Associate Vice Chancellor David Hafner

Many in the Physics and Astronomy Department housed in Watanabe Hall have heard discussions over the last few years about energy saving initiatives on the UHM campus, and particularly some discussions about specific things which could be done in Watanabe Hall, to help with the runaway electrical costs on campus now exceeding $20 million per year (and about half of which is air conditioning). Campus facilities have initiated some projects about which we all are familiar now, which will make some changes in the air conditioning and lighting over the next few months. Also the building will be re-roofed this summer (fewer leaks, more insulation).

In discussions with AVC Hafner, he has challenged us to carry out some of the flagship projects about which we have talked, and he is offering us monetary support to make this happen. We are looking at a photovoltaic (or other if you have a better idea) system for the roof, and instrumentation for the building to monitor the power and environmental parameters. Plus we are thinking of a test bed for student projects and evaluations of new ideas. This is a time to be creative: what else can we try?

There is the possibility of student support as well in carrying out this project and perhaps for faculty some teaching relief. Certainly a few projects can be done in undergraduate electronics, computation and laboratory courses, as well as directed research (399 and 699).
This is a time to be creative. We have a chance to take a step towards energy independence, make a model system (good for Department and UH public image), give students and faculty some experience and perhaps most important of all to raise awareness of the important energy issues which will become every more important. I predict this will result in a life changing experience for some people, and one that could lead towards new career possibilities for our students.

For this Thursday we would like to present some ideas, have general discussions, and begin to engage a larger group. It would be good to get as much discussion as possible prior to that time so we can perhaps get some initial organization accomplished on Thursday. Please let John know your interests and ideas ASAP.

Folks up-campus may have Sustainable Saunders, but we can make Smart Physics!

TEACHERS: Please pass this on to your undergraduate physics classes and ask them to turn out on Thursday afternoon.