ENVIRONMENT MATTERS

Towards a healthy & sustainable community Christian Medical College, Vellore

An initiative of the Environmental Engineering Department, CMC A monthly bulletin addressing matters of sustainability and the environment in the community A forum for those interested in discussing, promoting and acting on these issues

VOLUME I, ISSUE 1 AUGUST 2013

SOLAR POWER FOR HOSPITAL AND HOME

With so much sunshine in Vellore, it seems obvious that we should do more to harness this free and unlimited source of power. However solar power is underutilised because the overall cost of capturing solar power remains high. Although costs are coming down the economics are still dubious, especially for smaller installations. Although solar panels have a long lifespan, batteries charged from them have a limited life and are costly to replace. Furthermore there is also wastage, in the form of heat, when power stored in a battery is converted by inverter to electricity for use in the home. Were pleased to announce that CMC is installing a grid connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system with a 50KW power capacity on top of the OPD building of the hospital campus. This is a pilot project, expected to generate 78,000 kWh per annum supplying 10-15% of the peak load of the OPD building. The estimated cost of the project is Rs.55 lakhs, of which the government will provide 30% of the project cost as capital subsidy. The highlight is that this project avoids the use of batteries. It will help reduce our carbon footprint, and lower the top floor temperature. The plant is expected to be completed and commissioned by August. One low-cost way you can benefit from solar power in the home is rechargeable solar lamps. An example, with good approval ratings, is the Greenlight range (see Flipkart). They have efficient LED bulbs and come with a separate solar panel connected by a 5m detachable cord, and a handy stand. On dim setting the light should last at least overnight. In torch mode you get a good bright narrow beam. High-power mode is not as bright as a normal bulb, but on a table it is fine for reading, computer work etc. On high power mode the light will last 2-3 hours, depending on how brightly the sun shines during the day. Ideas for solar lamps: Outside light Passageway or hall Night light for childs room While watching TV Great gift for servants & anyone suffering outages

ENERGY SAVING TIPS

Conserving Energy It is estimated that 20% of electrical energy used in CMC can be saved by a few simple measures if implemented by all staff. Water Use sparingly. This reduces pumping and saves electricity. Water is precious here: using less conserves it and reduces recycling costs. Lights & Fans Switch off when not needed. Ensure the last person to leave the department turns off all lights, fans and other equipment. Replace conventional bulbs with LED or CFL. Computers Turn off monitors and printers when not needed, since they consume energy even when not in use. Air Conditioning Turn off ACs when not required. Keep the AC temperature between 24C and 26C except where lower settings are mandatory. A 1C increase in the thermostat setting will save about 1.5% of electricity consumed by the unit. Poster Print the poster on page 2 and display in your office!

Greenlight Planet Sun King Solo LED Lamp Rs. 537, Rs. 750 or Rs. 1553

Environment Matters
Editor: Alexander Rohan John. Contributors: Mr. S. Sukumar Solomon Mr. Hugh Skeil. Please send in your ideas, suggestions, questions, and contributions to: Environmental Engineering C/o GS Office. Email: swm@cmcvellore.ac.in

Special Event: Renewable Energy and Rural Developmentby Dr David Fulford CEnv MEI. Dr. David Fulford is an expert in biogas and other forms of renewable energy from the UK. He will be speaking twice on Thursday 8th of August: at 7.45am in CHTC auditorium and at 4pm in the MS Conference room (main hospital near Chaplaincy). Everyone welcome.