“Unlike a typical photovoltaic system, which converts sunlight to electricity, a solar thermal roof uses solar energy to heat air,” said Steve Rebetsky, ALC Directorate of Public Works mechanical engineer, who is managing the construction project. The construction of the roof relies on standard methods with a few modifications.

 

A dark-colored standing-seam metal roof is constructed over the existing roof, but a flexible radiant barrier is installed under the support structure, creating a gap where the air is heated by the sun to approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit above the ambient air temperatures.

 

A control system and circulating fans then pump the air to the various mechanical systems and interior spaces of the building. The heated air is then used within the building to reduce the required heating load.

 

Solar heated air to be used to heat water for domestic use and for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems

 

During the winter, the system will pre-heat fresh outside air that is used to maintain proper building ventilation. The solar heated air will be used to heat water for domestic use and for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

 

It will also directly heat the main mechanical room and boiler combustion air, resulting in increased boiler efficiency. During the summer, when the sun is most intense, the radiant barrier will prevent more than 90 percent of the heat from entering the building and at the same time, since heating requirements are at their lowest, exhaust any excess heated air to the atmosphere.

 

The 601 roof is one of the first such solar thermal roof projects to be constructed for an office building in the United States, according to the project manager with American Solar Inc., the company installing the system.

 

“With the successful completion of this project we hope to further the Garrison’s use of renewable resources and, in addition to solar thermal roofs, expand to other renewable energy projects utilizing photovoltaic, solar water heating and solar lighting,” said Ken Noppenberger, ALC director of public works. “This will help us continue to not only meet DoD energy goals, but also conserve electricity, natural gas, oil, etc.”