Concordia University has announced the opening of its new Solar Simulator - Environmental Chamber and the launch of the NSERC Smart Net-Zero Energy Buildings Strategic Network, in December, 2011.
The Solar Simulator and Environmental Chamber
The Solar Simulator - Environmental Chamber is a novel laboratory for solar energy applications and building standards. Quebec's Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade and Industry Canada have invested $4.6 million in the project under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program in an endeavor to advance research at Concordia University. This facility will bolster the university’s expertise and solar energy application leadership.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has provided funding for the Smart Net-Zero Energy Buildings Strategic Network at the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at the university. Smart net-zero energy buildings are designed to produce the amount of energy they use. In an effort to set up research initiatives for increasing usage of net-zero energy buildings, the network will be provided funding of $5 million over five years. The initiatives will aid in developing effective methods for attaining zero average annual energy consumption at the neighborhood and building levels.
The Solar Simulator - Environmental Chamber is a photovoltaic/thermal energy generating system that harnesses solar energy for the production of electric power and for heating of fresh air for ventilation. The Department of Natural Resources Canada has provided funding for the installation through the Technology Early Actions Measures demonstration program.
The launch of the Solar Simulator-Environmental Chamber is to occur at 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W, in the Hall Building’s D. B. Clarke amphitheater.
Source: http://www.concordia.ca/now/