Advanced Climate Control L.L.C offers heating repair services and tune-ups for the winter season. Advanced Climate Control L.L.C. is an HVAC company in Greenville, SC. Some of their services include heating and air conditioning repair, replacement, and installation.

Advanced Climate Control L.L.C supplies the best HVAC service in Greenville, SC. Advanced Climate Control L.L.C wants to inform the residents of Greenville, SC, to go online to their website before calling for HVAC emergency service, as they have listed many tips to follow if you are unsure of what to do. This will help prevent a service call if it is not necessary, and also gives the team a better idea on how to diagnose and fix the problem quickly.

If your air conditioning unit needs repairs, ACC offers services for air conditioning in Greenville, SC and they also give you some tips:

The tips for heating issues are quite similar to the cooling tips. For instance, make sure you check the settings on your thermostat and check to make sure the temperature control selector is set above the current room temperature, and the system switch is on heat or auto.

Also, try to get the heat to turn on by raising the thermostat to its highest temperature setting, and check the air filter, as a dirty air filter can inhibit airflow.

The technicians are experts at repairing any heating and air conditioning equipment. If your central air conditioning unit, furnace, heat pump, or any other HVAC component needs repair, call today to schedule an appointment. They are licensed contractors and specialists in the field of heating and air-conditioning, and they have the tools, equipment, and the experience to keep your HVAC system running smoothly all year long.

Advanced Climate Control LLC provides both residential and commercial heating repair, replacement, and installation. The staff at ACC are trained and experienced technicians who can fix any problems with your existing heating unit, replace your outdated system, or fully install an HVAC system for your new home or business. If you are not sure what solution is right for you, call ACC today to schedule a free consultation.

If your heating system is broken or not working correctly, call Advanced Climate Control today. They will provide you with a free in-home consultation to diagnose the issue and implement the correct solution. They acknowledge how uncomfortable and even dangerous it can be to have a broken heater. It is crucial to get the heat up and running as soon as possible, for both your comfort and your health.

Fortunately, at ACC, the team is proud of their fast service and competent workmanship.

For ac repair in Greenville, SC, or heating and cooling Greenville, SC, contact Advanced Climate Control L.L.C. today as they offer excellent heating repair services and tune-ups for the winter. They recommend going online to their website at https://www.accupstate.com/ and reading through some of their tips about heating and cooling before you contact so the team can diagnose the problem quickly. You can ring the team today at (864) 501-0551 if you need to schedule a heating and air repair in Greenville, SC.

Source:https://thenewsfront.com/advanced-climate-control-l-l-c-offer-heating-repair-services-and-tune-ups-for-the-winter/

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Advanced Climate Control LLC Offer Heating Repair Services and Tune-Ups for the Winter - The News Front

For this look at commercial HVAC and plumbing prefabrication, we spoke with experts from one of the best in the business, TDIndustries of Dallas, Tex. Since 1946, TDIndustries has provided innovative engineering, construction and facilities services that optimize the performance of world-class mechanical systems which includes healthcare, hotels, schools, sports arenas, mission critical and industrial complexes.

TDIndustries has prefabrication and assembly facilities in its Texas cities, that are unrivaled by firms of equal size: Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, Richardson, San Antonio, as well as Phoenix, Ariz.

This leading mechanical systems firm provided the HVAC duct and plumbing piping systems for the Atlanta Falcons Mercedes-Benz arena, and the Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium, now in their second and 10th years, respectively. Among TDIndustries most recent projects that integrated state of the art prefabrication assemblies, is the new, 14,000 seat Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, which will host rodeo shows and hockey and NCAA basketball. For the project, TD contributed to 41 miles of plumbing, 10 miles of HVAC work, and 14 miles of air duct in the building.

Among other recent projects, TDIndustries hasbeen commissioned by the Charles Schwab investment firm, for a new campus in Westlake, Texas.The project includes plumbing and mechanical systems installation for approximately one million square feet of office space between two phases of construction.

Dan Weir, senior project manager for the Charles Schwab project, and Ken Luong, project manager at Dickies Arena, provided insight into some of the basics of prefab, as well as advanced methods practiced regularly by TDIndustries.

The ideal prefabrication projects involve any piping or ductwork assembly thats repeatable, such as throughout an office building or hospital, but its a strategy that can be scaled to the project.

Multiple floors or patient rooms that are basically identical are some of the best-case projects, as well as backflow prevention stations, pressure reducing stations, and plumbing batteries for restrooms. And for ductwork, we can prefab basically anything whether its repetitive or not. Thats what we do, Weir said.

TDIndustries has always had some form of a sheet metal prefabrication shop. In 1980, it incorporated larger prefabrication projects, like plumbing batteries and central utility piping. When the company moved to its new Dallas headquarters in 1989, the manufacturing center was expanded, and now occupies 8,000 sq.ft.

Old Shop Keeps Up With Whats NewKen Luong said prefabrication has always been a part of TDIndustries culture, and it has evolved through the years to keep in step with industry best practices.

Weve always looked for additional things to prefabricate, and for ways we can be more efficient and productive; areas where we can build off of it ahead of time in a controlled environment rather than at a hectic jobsite, with many subcontractors working around you, Luong said.

As virtual design becomes more defined, and software becomes smarter, those two innovations continue to help us in the modeling and coordinating ahead of time. As far as In addition to new prefabrication opportunities, there are vendors and manufacturers that come to us with ideas to help us do our jobs easier, Luong continued. Whether its a new type of grooved system or fitting or material, these improvements are ongoing, because everyone wants to get better and find a better, less costly product.

Helpful Design ProgramsAmong the new prefabrication innovations that have impressed Weir is ESTmep , by Autodesk, a relatively new program that is combined with a Building Information Modeling (BIM) model.

Its one model and one database, so that every piece of pipe or duct have attributes recorded within that model, that tell you how much its worth and how much labor is required to install it, Weir explains. Were right on the edge of implementing some really cool technology that enables us to take pieces of a model out and it will spit out exactly how long it should take to install a particular section of pipe or an entire area of ductwork. Weve been working on this to help with tracking and improving both project planning and productivity. And under Autodesk theres a multitude of software we utilize, including Revit in fabrication.

There have been huge advances made in BIM over the past 10 years. We can now publish the model to where project foremen and superintendents in the field can pull up the model on iPad tablets. Thats not necessarily new, but each year, BIM becomes easier to view and use, Luong said.

TDIndustries uses Iris Prospect virtual reality software and HTC Vive viewing devices.

Building Information Modeling allows us to virtually build the job in a 3D model, which greatly improves our capacity for fabrication, said Wesley Baker, vice president of TDIndustries manufacturing and prefabrication facility. The biggest key component is a clash detection component which allows us to see all the different systems fire protection/sprinkler, the large electrical conduit, ductwork, hydronic piping and plumbing systems and the structural systems all in a 3D model. If theyre bumping into each other, the system will show us that. We can then remove those clashes, which makes fabrication much more accurate and efficient.

Plug-n-Play PlumbingLuong added that plumbing batteries are probably the most common assembly that TD teams will prefabricate in the shop.

We have a lot of gang restrooms at Dickies Arena, so every single plumbing battery we created in the shop was shipped and set in place at the Arena.

The Dickies Arenas central plant is one large prefabrication. We had all of the pipe, valve and fittings welded or coupled together in our shop before shipping it to the jobsite.

TDIndustries fabricates and manufactures each and every piece of ductwork, it installs on any project, to the tune of five million pounds each year.

The technology and equipment used to build ductwork assemblies has continued to evolve, and were using much more automated equipment in the shop, including CNC (computer numerical control) computerized manufacturing-driven equipment, Baker said.

We utilize a coil line, to fabricate straight runs of rectangular ductwork. This is an automated line thats computer fed, driven by CNC. The information for the pieces of ductwork that are to be fabricated are fed directly to the machine controller, from our BIM model designs. Its a very automated process. We do the same thing on the plasma tables, where we cut the patterns to make our fittings. We have an automated table to cut the duct liners to match the fittings.

Baker said a new trend called multi-trade fabrication is gaining in popularity. The method involves building a rack framework and installing the ductwork, chilled water piping, cable trays and conduit, all in 20-foot sections. Its the next future trend, he said.

TDIndustries door is always open for visitors withlegitimate interest in advancing their own prefabrication skills. That includes manufacturers and contractors. On the day I spoke with Baker, a team from Arizona was visiting.

We believe supporting prefabrication is the right thing to do. It will help us all with our labor shortage, with safety, and with meeting the demands of the industry. And, we can learn from each other, he stated. A serious prefabrication shop requires a serious investment, one that small or mid-size contracting businesses find impossible to meet. Baker said less-capitalized firms will struggle with the investment thats required for a quality prefab shop.

Then, once you build a facility like this, you must have consistent work. We have a seven-figure inventory right now, and much more invested in equipment. It makes sense for our operational size, but it will cost you if you dont keep the lines running. I would say most companies outsource this until they become large enough. If you dont have a coil line you cant be competitive.

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HVAC, Plumbing Prefabrication at its Best - Contractor

High and low pressure zones drive flow through interior cooling channels. Image: Marcelo Cceres

Heat is the enemy of electronics. The more powerful the processor or component, the more heat is generated. Thats why your laptop likely has a fan, and why massive server farms such as Amazon Web Services or Google need colossal amounts of cooling to keep servers from overheating and shutting down.

Its no different when it comes to airborne Internet connectivity. The antenna system needs to be continuously operating generating heat for passengers to stay connected. It might seem simple to keep an antenna thats mounted on the outside of an aircrafts fuselage, above the cabin, nice and cool. Why not just cut a hole in the cover and let the airflow do the rest?

Not surprisingly, it isnt that simple. The heat of the sun on the radome adds to the thermal load, as does aerodynamic heating, whereby the passing of air at high speeds (in the case of commercial aircraft, 575 miles per hour) is converted to heat. The path for cooling airflow must be free of dirt, ice and moisture, and the outside skin of the fuselage cant be used to dissipate the heat. And its getting more complicated as new power-hungry phased-array, flat-panel antennas begin to appear. Compared to current mechanical, motor-steered dishes, a flat-panel antenna is steered electronically, with different elements of the array receiving and transmitting beams.

The patent-pending part is an isothermal transfer plate that is integrated with the adapter plate to help dissipate heat away from the [antenna] arrays. Kris Samuelson, CIT

While mechanically steered systems might consume a couple of hundred watts of power, electronically steered antennas (ESAs) can use as much as 2,000 watts. Think of a high-powered hair dryer in the antenna enclosure, and its clear that there could be a problem with heat.

Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (Carlisle IT) is working on a solution. Recognizing the opportunity for compact ARINC 781 form-factor ESA installations on regional passenger airliners and corporate aircraft, the company has created an integrated cooling design that is now moving from simulation to a hardware testing phase.

The patent-pending part is an isothermal transfer plate that is integrated with the adapter plate to help dissipate heat away from the [antenna] arrays, said Kris Samuelson, director of sales, IFEC and Interiors, Carlisle IT. Along the length of the adapter plate you have a heat-pipe-like system what we call integrated duct radiator channels. They act like vents, helping to dissipate the heat out the aft end.

Carlisle IT takes advantage of the low height of an ESA, with the complete installation only about three inches above the fuselage, compared to around 13 inches for a mechanically steered system. According to Samuelson, the new scalable solution will support a wide range of aircraft and hardware systems.

Cool Running was originally published in the 9.5 December/January issue ofAPEX Experiencemagazine.

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Cool Running: Carlisle IT's Overheating Solution for Electronically Steered Antennas - APEX Media

The metaphorical War of the Currents between AC and DC started by reigning geniuses of the 1880s, George Westinghouse Jr., Nicola Tesla, and Thomas Alva Edison. As we all know, initially three phase alternating current (AC) won and ruled the power transmission arena; however, with the increasing bulk power transmission capacity and longer transmission distances, DC technology has again started to make sense as a transmission medium. Just like other power converter-based technologies in the early 1900s, high voltage direct current (HVDC) started its journey with mercury-arc-rectifiers. After a series of experiments and small scale implementation projects in 1930s, the first commercial HVDC was installed in 1954 between the island of Gotland and the Swedish mainland by Allmnna Svenska Elektriska Aktiebolaget (ASEA, also known as General Swedish Electric Company), the Sweden based company in Vsters, now ASEA Brown Bovari or ABB,. Based in Zurich.

With advancements in voltage-source converters (VSC), HVDC is now considered a mature technology for bulk power transmission over long distances while providing flexibility for connecting asynchronous power grids. The potential benefits of HVDC over a conventional AC transmission system are highly recognized, primary among them is the controllability which increases the overall reliability of an interconnected grid. This article explores how HVDC transmission will be the key enabler of emerging single energy market.

Flexibility for integrating clean energy

For many utilities around the globe, the integration of low carbon energy sources with the transmission and distribution (T&D) grid is a critical topic. As the distribution of these renewable sources is uneven and often at long distances from electricity load centers (especially offshore wind), AC transmission systems face additional challenges in terms of losses and reactive power requirements. In extreme cases, HVDC remains the only viable option when the life cycle cost (LCC), including system losses of the transmission systems, is taken into consideration.

Several cross border HVDC links installed in Europe serve the purpose of transmitting clean renewable energy across the grids. Country-wide HVDC projects in some European countries are also installed for transport of renewable energy towards load centers. For example, Germany has several HVDC projects (in operation and planned) which connect offshore wind power with its transmission grid. A shift was observed in Chinese market as well, where previously HVDC projects were installed for long-distance bulk power transfer, which now has many HVDC projects planned and in-operation to integrate wind power with its grid. Similarly, a lack of HVDC projects in the US is expected to end with the Plains and Eastern clean line HVDC project which promises to transport renewable energy across different states.

Because of increasing maturity in the technology, HVDC presents opportunity in terms of cross-continent interconnections for renewable energy integration. For example, there are some Euro-African HVDC projects under consideration which can potentially bring the benefits of massive solar potential in North Africa to the European grid. One such study shows that roughly 5 gigawatt (GW) of carbon-free electricity can be transferred via HVDC links from the Sahara solar complex to the European grid, where reduced dependence on fossil fuel and nuclear generation is a necessity to comply with regional clean energy goals.

China, the global leader

Over the past decade, China has emerged as a global leader in the HVDC market in both installed projects and R&D efforts. From 2009, began the era of ultra high voltage direct current (UHVDC), primarily due to multi-GW HVDC transmission projects constructed by China. Roughly 60% of the HVDC projects installed in China after 2010 were of a 3GW size or more. In addition, State Grid of China (SGCC) plans to spend roughly US$90billion just in UHVDC interconnections from 2009 to 2020, and making more than 20 UHVDC transmission links operational by 2030. The recently commissioned Zhundong-Wannan 1100kV UHVDC link in China is a real breakthrough in DC transmission having a total capacity of 1GW. In addition to UHVDC, China has implemented unique HVDC topologies such as multi-terminal vehicle stability control (VSC) projects, paralleled LCC and VSC, and even a hybrid LCC and VSC project is in the pipeline. Under the Belt and Road Initiative there are currently discussions around building multiterminal HVDC connections between China and Europe, including several other Asian countries. With multiple R&D institutes and HVDC labs operating under SGCC, it can safely be predicted that China will continue to introduce new technologies in this field, maintaining its position as a global HVDC market leader for the next decade.

United States lagging in HVDC?

As described earlier, an uneven geographical distribution of renewable generation is a key driver of HVDC market, the US being a model example. A distribution of wind power in the US is depicted in the heat map below.

The generation density clearly necessitates the need for long distance DC transmission system to evacuate the wind power from the high-density mid-west to the eastern part of the country. Despite this need, there has not been a single HVDC project since 2010. If we look at the operating DC voltage (kV) and transmission capacity (GW) of existing HVDC projects, the US has yet to achieve UHVDC (>800kV DC). In terms of HVDC topologies, US has installed few VSC based HVDC projects whereas Europe and China have several VSC HVDC projects. Upcoming HVDC projects like the Plains and Eastern clean line could be a positive start to a bigger goal of a North American Supergrid (NAS or Supergrid) which proposes a 52-node HVDC connection throughout the lower 48 states. Such a DC connected paradigm would result in a resilient network and provide the necessary competitive boost to the renewable energy against currently dominant fossil fuel-fired generation in the US.

Multi-terminal HVDC - a step towards a DC grid

With the deployment of larger capacity offshore wind plants, there is a need for operational characteristics like bi-direction power flow and enhanced control. The mature conventional technology known as line commutated converters (LCCs) using thyristors is not enough to provide this flexibility due to its constant current-carrying capability. This technology only allows the control of the active power and lacks the black start capability, a unique quality of voltage source converters (VSC) using insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) as the switching elements. Though less mature, VSC based multi-terminal DC (MTDC) grid is going to be the core of future HVDC meshed networks.

The successful implementation of point-to-point HVDC suggests the concept of Supergrid is most likely to be achieved via MTDC lines, which provide the most cost effective and efficient solution of interconnecting multiple converter stations through DC network. However, there are few examples of implementation of MTDC using LCC based technology because of its high capacity carrying capability like North East Agra MTDC HVDC project that has been put into operation in 2017 (LCC based three terminal project having total capacity of six GW).

Implementation of future meshed HVDC grids is feasible only with VSCs. Like a conventional AC grid, VSC has the capability of power reversal within an MTDC grid simply by the reversal of current direction while maintaining the voltage at both ends making it an ideal choice for meshed DC grids. Zhoushan multi-terminal HVDC project commissioned in 2014 in China is the first high voltage project interconnecting five terminals using VSC HVDC. Though its capacity is only 400 megawatt (MW), much less than the conventional LCC based HVDC, but the flexibility and control outweigh this aspect.

Future HVDC grids along with numbers of benefits also require efforts in terms of its protection and control. Major HVDC market competitors like ABB, Siemens, GE and some other players are all involved to resolve these issues. Unlike the AC grids, there is no possibility of zero-crossing clearance in DC grid fault protection. The present day HVDC converters possess non-fault blocking capability and in case of fault, the short circuit current continues to build inside the DC system unless the AC side protection is operated and shut down the whole DC network, which is obviously an inefficient method. This issue can be resolved by DC circuit breakers which are way more complex and expensive compared to AC circuit breakers and require high degree of precision. With the advancements in DC breaker, new possibilities are opening towards realization of meshed DC networks.

Edisons DC + Multi-terminal VSC = Grid 2.0

It took over a century but Edisons vision for a DC grid may be closer than ever with the help of VSC technology. China has now become the technological polestar of HVDC transmission due to several ultra high capacity projects installed and planned for its grid. Europe will continue to see growth in HVDC market specially in VSC based projects. Plus, we can expect new projects in emerging markets like South America, Pakistan and Africa.

Power Technology Research is a T&D World media partner.

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HVDC: A Building Block for a Resilient, Flexible and Interconnected Grid - Transmission & Distribution World

Smart thermostats are on the shopping list for nearly 15 percent of U.S. households that have broadband connections in the next 12 months devices that not only keep your home warm, or cool, but can be controlled through a smartphone, hub or other Wi-Fi connected device like a smart speaker.

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The data about smart thermostats comes from Parks Associates, a research group that follows and tracks the adoption and usage of smart home products in U.S. broadband homes.

Smart thermostats can be controlled through other smart devices Getty Images/iStockphoto

Smart thermostats may be a popular addition to a living space, but as an added feature they can be complicated to install, far more difficult than a smart speaker that just needs to connect to your Wi-Fi and into an electrical socket. Putting in a smart thermostat requires handling electrical wiring, often breaking into walls, or at the least removing an existing thermostat a process that many people have never encountered in their lives.

Still, more than one-third of people have plans to install a smart thermostat on their own, handling the details like a C-wire, the common wire, which makes sure that power continuously flows to the smart thermostat. Knowing whether you have a C-wire among the slew of wires behind an existing thermostat can also be confusing.

Smart thermostats connect over W-Fi and not only control the hearing and cooling in a home, but can be scheduled at certain times, turned on automatically or frankly whenever you want. Being able to manage when a house is heated or cool not only adds toHn the comfort of the way someone lives but can certainly also save people money, heating and cooling at optimal times.

Smart thermostat's like those from Honeywell can help home owners save moneyGearBrain

The majority of people who are buying smart thermostats, according to Parks Associates data, still do want some professional advice, with 67 percent choosing to buy these products at a store. Further, 18 percent of those buyers will also opt-in to have the retailer install the smart thermostat as well.

However, a quarter of people will instead turn to a home security company to install a smart thermostat likely as part of a full service offering.

"Smart energy solutions deliver immediate value propositions in cost and energy savings, so smart thermostats have long been a leading device in the smart home ecosystem, although growth in adoption has stagnated recently," said Chris O'Dell, research analyst for Parks Associates, in a statement.

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People are buying smart thermostats, and installing them on their own - Gearbrain

HAMPTON With the cold weather season upon us, one local family no longer has to worry about enduring frigid temperatures at home thanks to a nationwide community program.

The Korver family, residents of Hampton, were named the 2019 winners of the Feel the Love campaign, organized locally by R. Poust Heating & Cooling. The initiative provides heat and/or air conditioning systems to individuals or families, either to support them during difficult times or to simply recognize their service in the community.

Dave and Leah Korver fall into the latter category, with both volunteering their time as members of Hampton Township Fire and Rescue and often delaying plans with each other to respond to emergency calls. Having seen the couples involvement up close, Vera Rumsey, a fellow volunteer with the organization, decided to nominate them for the campaign.

Debbie Poust Johnson, co-owner of R. Poust, was struck by the Korvers dedication to their non-paying positions, noting that both come from families who were similarly committed to the rescue squad.

They were very passionate about what they were involved in, Johnson said. It was just something that, as they grew up, they became a part of.

In addition to their volunteer work, the family stood out to Johnson because of a cracked heat exchanger in their home a concern with winter looming. A visit to the Korver house by R. Poust also revealed improper chimney work and electrical wiring, meaning the appliances were not only ineffective but potentially dangerous as well.

After a series of questions over the phone as well as the home visit, the panel from R. Poust which consisted of Johnson; her father, Robert; and her brother, Ryan selected the Korvers as the local Feel the Love winners. The news came as a surprise to the family, who, true to their nature, assumed some other nominee would have been more worthy.

"It really was a shock," Leah Korver said. "We're humble people. We don't necessarily think we're the most deserving."

The nomination called for the winner to receive only a new furnace, but R. Poust decided to install a new air conditioning unit as well after seeing the state of the Korvers appliances.

They made it a point to say, You will not have to worry about this, Leah Korver said.

The installations took place on a Saturday in October, when several R. Poust employees arrived at the Korver home around 8 a.m. In addition to putting in the new heating and cooling systems, the crew spent the day learning the Korvers story and interacting with their two children, Elizabeth, 7, and Andrew, 5.

This year marked the second Feel the Love campaign organized by the Lennox Heating and Cooling company, for which R. Poust is a dealer, and the first open to New Jersey residents. The contest was available for all residents of R. Pousts service area, which includes all of Sussex and Morris counties and parts of Warren, Passaic, Essex and Union counties.

According to Lennox, 230 homeowners nationwide received new HVAC systems from the company this year, with more than 200 dealers donating their time to install the equipment.

Johnson said she and her fellow employees had a difficult time choosing from the 10 submissions they received this year and are hopeful to see an increase in nominations as more people learn about the initiative.

Leah Korver called the campaign an amazing experience for her and her family, who were helped by others for a change instead of being the ones to provide help. For that reason, Johnson was happy to be able to reward the Korvers with the new unit.

I felt really good that a family was getting it who really deserved it, Johnson said. All of us had a really good day, and we all left with smiles on our faces.

Kyle Morel can also be contacted on Twitter: @KMorelNJH, on Facebook: Facebook.com/KMorelNJH, or by phone: 973-383-1292.

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Hampton family feels the love from nationwide campaign - New Jersey Herald

Greece has published a document that lays a path for national energy and climate policy over the next decade, while outlining plans to facilitate significant PV development through 2030.

Greeces new strategy for its energy sector and the climate builds on an earlier version of the plan that was published in January by the previous government. However the authorities have tweaked the plan significantly to provide for the new governments pledge to phase out coal by 2028.

The plan now requires renewables to supply 35% of Greeces final energy consumption in 2030, up from 31% in the previous plan. Of this, renewable energy systems are set to account for a staggering 61% of Greeces electricity consumption by 2030. Renewables will also provide 43% of Greeces heating and cooling and 19% of its transportation needs by the end of the coming decade.

New target

Greeces new national energy plan mandates 7.7 GW of cumulative solar PV capacity by 2030, up from approximately 2.7 GW of installed capacity at present. Specifically, the plan calls for the nations total installed PV capacity to increase from 3 GW in 2020 to 3.9 GW in 2022, 5.3 GW in 2025, and 6.3 GW in 2027.

For Greeces other renewable energy sectors, the new plan says that the country should also have 7 GW of cumulative wind power capacity by 2030, in addition to 3.7 GW of hydropower, 300 MW of biomass and biogas, and 100 MW of geothermal capacity.

Greeces latest statistics, published in November, show that it has already installed 2.7 GW of PV, 3.4 GW of hydro, 3.2 GW of wind, and 85 MW of biomass and biogas capacity. The country does not have any offshore wind power capacity, but the new plan does not set a time line for offshore development, other than stating that 250 MW of offshore wind capacity is feasible by 2030.

Tenders, net metering

The vast majority of the new PV capacity will be large-scale, ground-mounted systems awarded via auctions and supported by premium tariffs. The government is expected to publish a review of its tender scheme next year.

Both the competitive auctions and premium tariffs are going to remain a part of Greeces energy policy. However the new energy plan states that the auctions need to take place under a strict time schedule.

Eventually, the goal is for Greeces tender exercises to produce tariffs that are similar to other European states, so it can build subsidy-free renewable power plants, according to the new national energy plan.

The biggest challenge for Greek tenders thus far is that theyve been undersubscribed, despite high interest from domestic and international investors. This is due to a lack of fully licensed projects that are eligible to participate in the tenders. Greeces energy regulator (RAE) also appears unable to process the steadily growing number of license applications in a timely manner.

The government is now seeking to simplify the licensing process, so the regulator doesnt have to deal with the cumbersome task. Thus, RAE published recently a simplified structure for Greeces licensing regime, which was also open to public consultation. The sector is now eagerly anticipating the publication of the new policy, which is imminent.

Greece will run its next tender for solar PV and wind power on Dec. 12.

Small systems are also a part of Greeces new national energy plan, which envisages 1 GW of net-metered and self-consumption distributed systems by 2030. Together, they will be capable of meeting the electricity needs of at least 330,000 households.

Storage, interconnections and islands

Greeces uptake of renewable energy to date has happened without the inclusion of any new energy storage facilities. This has to change, according to the new plan, which argues that the countrys phase-out of lignite will require a more flexible electricity system, which can be achieved with new energy storage systems and new interconnections. Therefore, the plan identifies the establishment of a policy framework for energy storage as an immediate priority for the country.

With regard to new interconnections, the plan also provides for a second grid line to Bulgaria, upgrades to an existing line to North Macedonia, and the construction of a new line to link Greece to Cyprus and Israel.

One very important point for the renewable energy sector is the plans clear mandate for island interconnections. Greek islands that are not already connected to the mainland grid should either be connected soon or they should embrace new hybrid power systems that use renewable energy and storage. Interconnections are already being built, with a new electricity link between the mainland and the Cyclades Islands now partly operational.

However, the architects of Greeces new national plan want small islands to develop hybrid systems, so the country can stop subsidizing polluting diesel generators by building storage systems, as on the island of Tilos.

Greeces new energy plan also provides for greater energy efficiency, electric mobility, and a competitive electricity market that could potentially bring the countrys energy system on par with the latest technological and market developments throughout the world.

See more here:
Greece aims to install 5 GW of PV by 2030 - pv magazine International

SALISBURY, N.B. -- When staff at the Salisbury Royal Canadian Legion realized one of their heat pumps had been stolen, they were unsure if they could afford to replace it -- but then a total stranger warmed their hearts.

The branch celebrates its 85th anniversary later this month, but just weeks before Christmas, it was the target of a real-life Grinch.

"Someone went out around the building and came back in and said 'the machine is gone' and she couldn't believe it," said legion president Susan Dryden. "So she messaged me and said 'we have a problem.'"

Six heat pumps were installed two years ago at the legion with the help of a financial grant.

Dryden says she was devastated to learn that one of the pumps had been stolen off the back of the building.

"We really try and involve ourselves in the community and for things like this to happen, it's very disheartening that they would do this to anyone but especially to someone that is there for everyone else," said Dryden.

But thanks to a kind stranger, the legion and its members weren't left out in the cold for long.

"I instantly sent Sue a message saying I'd like to help out, and then after that I called my local wholesaler that we buy LG heat pumps from and I asked them if they'd step up and donate one and they gladly did," said Rob Fillmore, who owns Fillmore Heating and Cooling. Fillmore offered to install the brand new heat pump, free of charge.

"I wanted to help out and I actually said to my girlfriend last week that I wanted to do something nice for someone for Christmas, so this just fell out of the sky, and I was more than happy to help," Fillmore said.

"I was speechless, I just didn't even know what to think, and other companies have also offered but, you go with your first angel that has arrived," Dryden said.

Fillmore, whose grandfather served in the Second World War, says the incident really hit home.

"Stuff like this, it bothers ya because who would steal from a legion?" Fillmore said. "To cause $2,000 in damage to get $20 in scrap metal? It's unnecessary."

With the installation of the new heat pump complete Monday afternoon, Dryden says she can't thank her group of "angels" enough.

"It's been a whirlwind few days, but it's good to know there's still kindness out there and people will step up and help when it's needed," said Dryden.

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Theft of heat pump from Salisbury legion has heartwarming ending - CTV News

Mormonisms iconic Salt Lake Temple, in the heart of Utahs capital, will close Dec. 29 for renovation, but the square surrounding it as well as the historic domed Tabernacle and nearby Assembly Hall will remain open during the four years of construction.

Make no mistake, though, the experience for visitors to Temple Square, one of Utahs most popular tourist draws, will change.

There still will be Christmas lights on the square in the winter and tulips adorning the churchs downtown campus in the spring, but their location and number will shift as the new landscape takes shape.

The South Visitors Center will be demolished and the North Visitors Center, while remaining open, will be used for guest services, including restrooms and overflow seating for Tabernacle events.

The giant Conference Center, across the street, will become the main venue for the Temple Square guest experience, Tanner Kay, manager for guest services, said at a Wednesday news conference.

The massive building, used mainly for the twice-yearly General Conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kay said, will be the new home of art exhibitions, temple artifacts, a cutaway model of the sacred structure and an orientation film about the temples history.

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A replica of the Christus, a marble statue of the resurrected Jesus by Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen, will remain in the North Visitors Center, Kay said, and a second one will be installed in the Conference Center.

The centers balcony and roof, he said, also will give visitors a perfect vantage place to view the ongoing renovation and seismic-retrofitting of the temple.

As to the temple interiors, Andy Kirby, director of historic temple renovations, promised that they would be enhanced and improved but remain essentially the same.

The hand-painted murals in ordinance rooms will be cleaned and repaired, leaving the colors brighter and more vivid.

The temples annex added in the 1960s will be torn down and replaced by an architecturally sympathetic addition, he said, which will be compatible with the original building materials, forms, millwork and windows.

The original baptistry, where Latter-day Saints do proxy baptisms for the dead, was much larger until it was downsized to accommodate 1960s heating and cooling elements, Kirby said. This renovation will restore the baptistry to its original spacious area.

Thats because todays mechanical needs can be accomplished in a more compact, less-intrusive way, he said. And those are among the elements that most need upgrading wiring and plumbing while adding ramps and elevators for wheelchair access.

The granite exterior will get a significant seismic upgrade to help the building withstand a large-magnitude earthquake, explained Brent Roberts, managing director of special projects.

Digging around the base will have to be done in careful stages to ensure the temples stability, Roberts said.

The finished work will look more like the 19th century, said Emily Utt, curator of the church history department.

The expense and care to renovate the Salt Lake Temple are worth it, she said. It is the symbolic center of the church and the community.

The temple was begun by Mormon pioneers in 1853 and dedicated 40 years later. It is slated to reopen in 2024 with a public open house allowing outsiders to view for the first time since 1893 what previously only faithful Latter-day Saints have ever seen followed by a rededication.

And that golden Angel Moroni, which sits atop the temple, blowing his horn? He will be taken down and spruced up but, in the end, will be back on his perch in perpetuity.

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Visitor experience about to change at Salt Lake City's Temple Square. Here's how and why. - Salt Lake Tribune

There are many ways to raise your homes value. From a small paint job to a complete remodel, homeowners have numerous options at their disposal. The value increase, however, should not only aim at potential buyers but also assist in saving money eventually, like when solar panels lower your electricity expenses.

The kitchen is the heart of your home. Its where the family loves to hang out, and the place where guests leave with a memorable impression. Its always wise to engage a professional before you embark on a remodeling project and give proper thought to the size and layout of your house.

The lists of available designs are as diverse as the different people who will be looking to buy your house. For instance, some people are into a spacious kitchen, while others naturally want a small space to fix their meals in peace.

Nowadays, energy efficiency has a tremendous push on the way homebuyers make their choices. For instance, in extremely cold environments, buyers may avoid homes that do not have measures to cut heating costs. Even if you are not planning to sell any time soon, there are many reasons why you should strive for energy efficiency. Such measures can be as little as replacing the light bulbs or as large as changing the HVAC system.

Installing ENERGY STAR rated windows can eliminate some of the waste that goes into heating and cooling. If you have a bigger budget, you can go ahead and install solar panels.

If you live in a property with an expansive garden, a little landscaping can increase its value by a large margin. Landscaping is also easy to do, and you can get started with a few basics and some level of patience. Your first step to creating an attractive garden should be to figure out a style that complements your home. For instance, what you do for a house with a traditional design should be different from that with contemporary architecture.

Many real estate agents now agree that homes with brighter rooms will sell quicker. Besides, light has a way of making a space look more spacious and attractive. When properly done, lighting can be used to highlight the best features of the house. Lighting up the garden will also be a significant boost. You can set the lights to highlight your plants and to guide visitors along the walkway. However, you do not want to spend too much on lighting fixtures, since the next homeowners may want to replace them.

Start with a fresh paint job to change the overall style and look of the house. You can also change the flooring, move the furniture, and update some of the fixtures. If you have two smaller rooms, you can break down the walls to create more space. In this case, you will need to consult a structural engineer to avoid damaging the rest of the house. You can convert the loft into an office or an extra bedroom depending on your intended buyers.

After all, the number of bedrooms is a major deciding factor for many prospective homeowners.

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5 Money-Saving Upgrades That Will Increase Your Homes Value - Pulse Headlines