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The Solar Schoolhouse at the Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center (Rockville, Maryland) is described. Background and construction information is given. Drawings of the Schoolhouse's four sides are provided, as well as drawings illustrating the greenhouse effect, a solar collector, the Schoolhouse's summer cooling and winter heating systems, sun angle and tilt, and solar azimuth and radiation. Maps show mean daily solar radiation (annual) and zones of relative suitability for year-round solar energy collection. Solar collectors, the economy of the Schoolhouse's solar heating system, functioning of the winter heating and summer cooling system, other Schoolhouse features (windows, roof overhang, and insulation), orientation and tilt, and educational purpose are described. A 9-item glossary is provided. (MH)

Energy conservation measures that can be effected in the architecture and engineering of new and existing school buildings are listed. Guidelines are also offered for general school operation and maintenance. (MLF)

Much of the innovative work in the design and application of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is concentrated on improving the cost effectiveness of such systems through optimizing energy use. One approach to the problem is to reduce a building's HVAC energy demands by designing it for lower heat gains and losses in the first place. Another approach taken by designers in response to their awareness of the need to optimize HVAC energy has been to seek new systems and equipment. This booklet is a conceptual review of the state of the art of HVAC systems and components that have come out of continuing efforts toward more efficient use of energy through technology. (Author/MLF)

This pamphlet offers a preview of information services available from Solcost, a research and development project. The first section explains that Solcost calculates system and costs performance for solar heated and cooled new and retrofit constructions, such as residential buildings and single zone commercial buildings. For a typical analysis, Solcost calculates the portion of load supplied by solar, the optimum size for the collector, and the payback period for the solar system investment compared to a conventional system. An example is given of an analysis for a residence. Titles and sources of Solcost handbooks are listed. The second section introduces the operational and technical details for those familiar with solar system engineering and computer technologies. (Author/MLF)

This handbook is intended as a guide for engineers, architects, and individuals familiar with heating and ventilating applications who wish to design a solar heating system for a residential or small commercial building in the Pacific Coast Region. The climate of the region is discussed by selected cities in terms of the effect of climate on solar heating requirements. The four states covered are California, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona. Presented in detail are the design parameters and performance characteristics of liquid space heating systems of the active type using flat plate collectors, water heat storage, and forced air distribution; active air space heating systems using flat plate collectors, rock-bed storage, and forced air distribution; and domestic hot water heaters of the active type using liquid-cooled flat plate collectors. The analyses are based on hour-by-hour computer simulations using actual weather data from six selected cities. The collector area required for the three types of active systems has been determined as well as the effect of changes in all the design parameters. A simple, empirical, monthly solar-load ratio method for determining collector area is described and results are presented for 13 additional locations within the region. Swimming pool heaters are described briefly, and passive space heating systems are discussed qualitatively in terms of a number of successful designs. (Author)

Several months ago a planning session was held during which representatives of several colleges and universities shared their plans and strategies for energy conservation education. This publication contains reports from five community colleges, two universities, and one technical institute about how they have applied energy conservation and energy management techniques to their own campuses and how they have introduced energy conservation and other energy issues into the educational program. (Author/MLF)

This publication acquaints the prospective marketplace with the potential and underlying logic of the Integrated Utility System (IUS) concept. This system holds promise for educational and medical institutions seeking to reduce their energy costs. The generic IUS concept is described and how it can be incorporated into existing heating and generating equipment to obtain increased system efficiency through heat recovery and recycling is discussed. Two studies are described to illustrate the positive impact of IUS, especially over the long term. The multiplicity of subsystems available to suit the individual needs of institutions is also covered in this total energy systems document. (MR)

This manual is written for the manager or supervisor responsible for instituting an energy management program for municipal buildings. An introduction discusses the management issues facing municipal government in dealing with the need to reduce energy consumption. The guide reviews methods for central coordination of activity to ensure that resources are wisely applied, that results are communicated, and that follow-up on findings takes place. It defines the techniques of preparation of the energy budget, of organizing and evaluating a building audit, and the management principles involved in selecting among alternative conservation measures to determine the combination most likely to be effective for a particular building. It discusses the human factors involved in changing wasteful practices of building users. A technical appendix provides detailed technical information and formulated work sheets for carrying out techniques presented in the text. (RE)

This module on home heating is one of six in a series intended for use as supplements to currently available materials on solar energy and energy conservation. Together with the recommended texts and references (sources are identified), these modules provide an effective introduction to energy conservation and solar energy technologies. The module is divided into these sections: (1) set of objectives; (2) programed instructional material, consisting of short readings describing ideas and techniques one step at a time, and a question or problem on each reading; (3) review questions and answers at intervals; and (4) posttest. Objectives for this module are for the student to be able to explain how heat is lost from buildings, describe methods for reducing rate of heat loss, and do basic computations involving building heat loss and heating system design. (YLB)

The heat content of a food at a given temperature can be described by the thermodynamic property of enthalpy. Presents a method to construct a simple calorimeter for measuring the enthalpy changes of different foods during freezing. (MDH)

A resource handbook for rural Alaskan teachers covers village science, to make basic science concepts relevant to the physical environment in villages. Material is intended for use as filler for weeks that come up short on science materials, to provide stimulation for students who cannot see the relevance of science in their lives, and to help students live more productive, less frustrating lives through understanding their surroundings. The book is arranged as a series of mini-units which can be used in any order, each containing text with illustrations, one or more suggested activities, and student response sheets. A preliminary section defines basic concepts: friction, surface area, inertia, action/reaction, centrifugal force, and center of gravity. The first units cover the sciences of boats, piloting boats, outboard lower units, outboard cooling systems, spark plugs, compression in engines, and carburetors. Subsequent units discuss the sciences of chainsaw clutches, snowmachine clutches, snowmachine tracks, gas lamps, wood stoves, and vapor barriers in houses. Other units explain the sciences of nails, handtools, sharpening tools, goldpanning, cutting down trees, and cutting fish. The final units illustrate the sciences of skates and steel sled runners, dog sleds, snowshoes, airplane floats, guns, generators, speakers, cassettes and radios, and eating foods. (MH)

This report defines active and passive solar energy systems, describes home uses for solar energy, and offers guidelines for choosing and installing a system. Much of the information is specific to the state of California. Uses for solar energy which are presented include passive space heating, passive cooling, active space heating, household water heating, and swimming pool heating. The following considerations in deciding whether to invest in a system are discussed: reducing the need for a system through energy conservation, determining cost effectiveness, financing the system, and claiming federal and California tax credits. Suggestions are offered for deciding whether to do it yourself or to have a contractor do the installation, for selecting a contractor, and for choosing a system. A list of sources of further information cites six energy information centers and four California energy utilities. Information in this report is current at the time of printing, August 1982, but is subject to change. (DC)

Information intended for those concerned with the administration, planning, financing, operation, and maintenance of school facilities applies to both new and existing building. An examination of motivation and policies relating to energy conservation is followed by the methods used for quantitative assessment of energy savings relative to extra capital cost and operating personnel cost. Architectural decisions in designing new facilities that determine the basic energy-use patterns involved in operation are described. Available methods and equipment that can be used for energy conservation are identified. An assessment is made of available methods and equipment in terms of potential and usefulness in saving energy, first cost, reliablility, degree of complexity, and requirements for operating staff. (Author/MLF)

The Council of Educational Facility Planners, International (CEFP/I) has assembled an authoritative and comprehensive sourcebook for the design and management of energy efficient educational facilities. Information that bridges the gap between scientific energy theory/research/technology and the needs of the educational community is published in loose-leaf format to permit periodic updating of units. Units contain (1) CEFP/I energy policy and initial implementation procedures; (2) guidelines for developing an energy management plan for local school districts; (3) energy data collection, analysis, and monitoring systems; (4) methods for conducting a preliminary facility survey, and descriptions of three energy auditing programs; (5) a list of 20 new energy form and energy conservation items ready for use in the facility design process and an energy study report of a school that has used the items; (6) states' role, with the North Carolina Department of Education energy conservation plan; (7) conservation measures; (8) cost/benefits of conservation; (9) contracting for services; (10) public relations; and (11) case studies. (Author/MLF)

This publication provides a discussion of various energy conserving building systems and design alternatives. The information presented here covers alternative space and water heating systems, and energy conserving building designs incorporating these systems and other energy conserving techniques. Besides water, wind, solar, and bio conversion energy systems and building designs, natural cooling and ventilation, regional and site adaptation, and energy conservation considerations are also discussed. Diagrams are provided of the building designs, alternative energy systems, etc. The discussion includes: (1) calculating heat and cooling loads; (2) thermal performance of buildings; (3) division of interior space; (4) different types of water wheels and their operation; (5) components of a wind-generated power plant; (6) solar energy subsystem integration for home space heating; (7) low technology applications of solar energy; (8) anaerobic digestion for methane gas; and (9) fuel cell utilization. References are given with each chapter. This publication could serve as a reference for anyone who is interested in saving energy costs in their home, school, or other buildings. (MR)

This publication is a compilation of data concerning energy conservation measures at more than 60 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. The data are presented for the information of all who are interested in the variety of ways in which institutions of higher education are managing energy. Project descriptions are divided into two sections, "Projects in Detail" and "Projects in Brief." The sections are subdivided into such categories as "Building Envelope"; "Electrical Systems"; "Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems"; "Building Operations"; and "Utilities Production, Distribution." An "Index of Institutions" is provided for those who wish to obtain additional information about the projects. Data appearing in this publication were supplied by the institutions whose projects are presented. Readers are cautioned that correct installation is essential for proper performance of any system, machinery, or component parts. (Author/MLF)

Part of a series of home literacy readers with conversational text and sketches, this booklet depicts the subarctic Alaskan environment where cold makes extreme demands on body metabolism. Body temperature must be maintained above 80F (26.7C). A condition of too little body-heat is termed hypo- ('deficit') thermia ('heat'). Hypothermia is the number one killer of the great outdoors. Exposure to cold, wind and wetness brings on chills and shivering. Exhaustion follows, with poor coordination of hands, speech, and thought. Chilled persons can fumble, fall, and feel irresistably sleepy. If allowed to sleep, they will die. First aid for critical conditions is wakefulness and warmth. Provision of shelter from wind and cold may involve setting up camp early; getting into dry clothes; climbing into a bedroll heated with wrapped canteens or rocks; providing skin-to-skin heat transfer; eating warm food; and drinking warm non-alcoholic beverages. Body-heat maintenance entails more than active movement. It requires provision for wind- and rain-resistant clothing; a good tent; fire materials; high energy trail food (such a good tent; fire materials; trail food (such as dry fish, nuts, jerky, candy), etc. Careful maintainence of adequate body-heat obviates hypothermia. (SC)

Part of a series of home literacy readers, written in a conversational style, and widely illustrated, this booklet is directed at the Alaskan environment where the severely cold climate makes frostbite an immediate danger. Frostbite is freezing of the living body. The first symptom is frostnip. Skin becomes red, then white or gray, and it retains indentations. Flesh may tingle, be numb, or feel hot. When the flesh has frozen solid and lost sensation it is frostbitten. The extremities are subject to loss from freezing since they are most readily exposed. Noses, hands, and feet can be warmed with palms, armpits, and belly. Similarly, body-heat, breath, wraps, tepid moving water, and warm liquids (but not liquor) can be used to thaw flesh without harm. Harmful, on the other hand, are tobacco smoking, heating frozen parts with dry heat (fire), rubbing them with or without snow, or refreezing them. Walking on frozen feet will not further harm the feet, but a thawed toe or foot makes a person a litter case. Internal organs freeze from drinking (liquid) liquor below water's freezing point of +32F; it freezes below -70F. The best treatment is preventive: wearing boots, layers of clothes, and wind-breaking head covers, not running in extreme cold, not putting mouth or hands to cold metal, and going inside upon feeling cold or pain. Waiting in a warm car on the road for help, and/or getting frostbite cases to a hospital also minimize frostbite risks. (SC)