Project Locations and Highlighted UNPEPP Projects
The stars on the map show locations of all previous UNPEPP projects. To view more information on any of the eight highlighted projects, click on the project title.
UNPEPP Projects by Year
1999 Participants James Madison University and National Capital Region
Contacts:
National Capital Region Energy Coordinator: Mike Doherty, mike_doherty@nps.gov, (202) 619-7000
JMU Program Manager: David Narum, narumdr@jmu.edu, (540) 568-6540 JMU
Students: Amy Brewer and Kevin Schulte, JMU Integrated Science and Technology Program
Activities:
James Madison University (JMU) and the National Capital Region developed a partnership to investigate the feasibility of photovoltaics (PV) at parks around the National Capital Region. In addition, JMU students conducted lighting audits at the Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center.
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM STUDIES. The two-student project team from JMU conducted feasibility studies for seven PV systems at three different parks in the National Capital Region. At Antietam National Battlefield, the students designed a PV-powered lighting system for the Visitor Center parking lot and a system for flagpole lighting at the Battlefield Cemetery. For the parking lot, the students first established power and lighting requirements, and then designed a system that employs five pole-mounted PV-powered lights. The total project (uninstalled) would cost about $12,500.
The students also assessed the feasibility of using a PV system to power lights on the Arizona Avenue Bridge at C&O Canal. While a technically feasible system proved possible, the students expressed concerns about the placement of PV panels in the heavily wooded area and about the system's impact on the historic nature of the bridge. "Technical feasibility does not guarantee practical or cost-wise feasibility," they noted.
Lastly, the students examined four options for using PV at the Fort Washington National Park fee demo booth. These options included: 1) powering the total electrical system; 2) powering the HVAC system; 3) powering the lights; and 4) using rooftop PV shingles. Again, while most of the designs were technically feasible, their practical usefulness was in question. At Fort Washington, high cost was the biggest drawback.
LIGHTING AUDIT. Based on data gathered during a day-long site visit to the Antietam National Park Visitor Center, the students developed recommendations for both behavioral and technological changes to the Center's lighting usage. Their analysis predicted savings of approximately 37 percent of the facility's $3,000 annual lighting energy costs. Recommendations included using fewer lights where daylighting is adequate, using occupancy sensors, and using more efficient bulbs.