This project starts the journey. It will research, design and build an experimental structure on Amazing Grace Farm, located on top of Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Its purpose is to rapidly advance renewable energy and resource technologies, moving to the next generation in several areas simultaneously. The project will:
- Maximize the use of renewable energy and resources in a seamlessly integrated design. These elements include:
- Structural: Combination of age-old timber framing using local materials with next generation SIP (Structural Integrated Panels) technology.
- Electrical: Creation and introduction of intelligent “Smartpower” solar and wind energy components, networked together. Harvest, store and deliver all electrical power needs for Amazing Grace Farm.
- Architectural: Maximize the beauty of the form while optimizing function within a downsized footprint.
- Mechanical: Combine geothermal energy sources with rainwater collection to meet all environmental control requirements. Use rainwater for all water needs include potable water, greenhouse irrigation and automated fire protection.
- Environmental: Reduce carbon emissions to lowest possible levels. Use non-toxic materials throughout.
- Community: Integrate the structure with the local power grid to become an intelligent node on an experimental microgrid.
There are two competing barn designs that will be analyzed. These include the traditional the “Shed Roof Barn” and the “Gambrel Roof Barn” that are common in our area. Scale models will be produced and used to analyze energy efficiency over a wide range of solar incident angles.
The project will also compile a comprehensive list of energy and resource requirements. These include, but are not limited to:
- Environmental heating, cooling and lighting
- Workfloor, office and living space electrical power
- Electrical vehicles, including:
- All electric or hybrid car (hybrid to use Biodiesel)
- All electric or hybrid farm truck (hybrid to use Biodiesel)
- All electric or hybrid farm tractor (hybrid to use Biodiesel)
- All electric farm cultivators and harvesters
- Small bandsaw mill with solar wood kiln
Barn photo courtesy of Larkspur Buildings, 17 Commerce St.
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