The Audubon Center at Debs Park is a Platinum LEED Showcase on how a solar energy system can deliver reliable power for critical infrastructure and emergency response missions. During the last major LADWP Blackout on September 12, 2005, the Center was in full operation. The Center has 24 kilowatts of photovoltaic power with over 400 kilowatt-hours of backup advanced battery power, enough for four days of operation. In addition, the Center has a 10 ton solar absorption cooling and heating system that uses only 1/10 of the energy of a conventional cooling system to operate. The solar cooling system could also be used for maintaining the central computer system in a larger facility. The kitchen has a refrigerator, a freezer, dishwasher, microwave oven and other appliances to provide the Center with enough modern conveniences. The hot water for the kitchen and bathrooms are provided by a solar hot water system. The wastewater is treated on site with micro filters and ultraviolet technology and can be reused for the restrooms for flushing. The building uses 70 per cent less water than comparable buildings of that size.
Energy Security & Emergency Preparedness by Clean Energy Group
Excerpts from the recent report on "Energy Security & Emergency Preparedness" by the Clean Energy Group are provided in the following section. The study provided an overview for Federal, State and Local Officials and focused on how clean energy can deliver more reliable power for critical infrastructure and emergency response missions. Although the subject focused on the experiences of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we believe the same conditions will occur during the Next Big One (earthquake) in Los Angeles. The only difference is that we will not have the luxury of knowing four days in advance when the earthquake will occur; therefore, we must prepare our community to respond to this emergency in order for them to assist the First Responders (Fire, Police, Health, etc.) in their emergency efforts. The photos of the Pakistan Earthquake are just a wake up call that this will happen in Los Angeles and we must be prepared, and not scared, to effectively react to the devastation and confusion brought on by such an event.
Pakistan Earthquake Disaster (LA Times)
Reports Excerpts
As congress and the states take up energy issues in the aftermath of the massive power failures following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, they should consider one crucial option for energy security---call for the installation of new, more reliable forms of on-site electricity generation at mission critical, public safety facilities.
Emergency preparedness and effective response depend entirely on the reliability and quality of a first responder's energy supply. If primary grid power goes down, so to can "911" and state emergency communication centers, first responder stations, hospitals, control centers, traffic signals, public transportation, as well as vital infrastructure like water pumping and filtration systems.
The effectiveness of critical facilities and their ability to carry out their mission during an emergency is dependent on the reliability of their secondary or backup power systems. Today many of our most important critical facilities feature some of the latest 21st century equipment, but rely on 19th century backup technology---namely diesel generators---with limited staying power and average power quality.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) or fuel cells can operate independently from the grid and can continue to provide electricity when the grid goes down. While these installations will not solve all future emergency power problems, these additional measures could make a life-saving difference.
Greater development of diverse, on-site clean power production is the key to assuring stable, high quality and long-term power to "harden" critical facilities. Fuel cells running on natural gas or bottle hydrogen can provide high quality "24x7" power to uninterruptible electronic and communications systems, as well as provide heat to a facility; PV arrays can supply power to keep traffic signals running and lessen the chance that first responder deployment will be hampered by severe traffic congestion.
At a minimum, states should consider requiring that critical public facilities install on-site clean energy generation to reduce the risk from power failures. As a basic public safety measure, state legislatures could expand power protection to immediately require installation of newer, more reliable and redundant forms of clean power technologies in mission critical facilities.
While the upfront costs of on-site clean energy systems are higher than most diesel generators, the human and economic costs depending solely on conventional systems for public safety are now painfully unacceptable. In the future, we cannot afford to rely on the same old energy systems that failed us when we needed them the most.
Security Applications for Clean Energy
Energy protection at critical facilities can be delivered without relying solely on the antiquated electricity grid. Many state clean energy funds are supporting on-site clean energy power projects at critical facilities to minimize dependency on centralized power in times of emergency.
There are several clean energy technologies---like solar photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal for cooling and heating, fuel cells, and advanced battery systems---that can be used to harden critical infrastructure. Some applications include:
- Building and facility backup power
Either whole building or critical circuits for telephone systems, web and wireless communications, space heating and cooling, computing, and lighting, for first responders (police, fire, health), government, and general welfare services.
- Emergency response (in field)
"Drop and Plop" fuel cell generators, on-site powering for field phones, computers, and health units.
- Low-power protection
Cameras, nuclear and biological sensors, perimeter protection including motion detectors, electric fences and lighting.
- Infrastructure area support
Backing-up critical support services at minimal working levels in anticipation of prolonged outages: water and sewage pumps, highway signals lights, critical "cold chain" (refrigeration) units for food, vaccine, laboratory testing, even radio and televisions services for the general population, and fuel pumps for transportation fuels.
- Transportation
Lighting, backup power for traffic signals and safety lights, cameras, gate, and toll access control, and communications for highway, port and tunnel, railway, waterway and airport surfaces.
Solar Safe Street Program
- Telecommunications
Backup and primary power for cellular towers and repeaters, utility SCADA systems, and remote networks, which include telephone switching, field radios and WIFI.
Recommendations for Action
Federal
- Require federal mission critical facilities to use clean energy technologies
- Direct use of on-site clean energy technologies in reconstruction of critical public buildings
- Develop public-private partnership to fund installations and facilitate procurement
State & Local
- Investigate local opportunities to use on-site clean energy technologies at emergency shelters, first responder stations and critical infrastructure
- Legislature could require installation of on-site clean energy technologies at state mission critical facilities
- Create state incentives to support use of clean energy technologies at pubic facilities
- Establish incentives for private sector to install new on-site clean energy protection at hospitals, university laboratories, and other critical private buildings.
Green Phoenix Solar Schools Recommendations
State California Public Utility Commission and Energy Commission
- As a matter of priority, establish schools, colleges, universities, and community centers as Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness Centers by providing funding for a minimum of a 10 kilowatt solar system with an advanced battery backup and/or a fuel cells system;
- Reallocate the "Million Solar Roofs" Program using the Public Benefit Funds for rebates for solar photovoltaic and solar thermal with battery or fuel cell backup for all schools, colleges, and universities as a matter of priority;
- Provide funds for an education and training program for students, teachers, and parents as part of the Green Phoenix Emergency Corps team.
- Provide incentives for solar photovoltaic street safety program;
- Develop a private-public financing partnership program.
The long-term goal is to build the foundation for a Green Economy and slowly deconstruct the Gray Economy dependent on fossil energy. The schools, colleges and universities provide a perfect framework and foundation for creating a sustainable future in the 21st century.
