Tyndall turns to alternative energy, added efficiency

Published Oct. 27, 2006
By 1st Lt. Amanda Ferrell
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Tyndall has a strong reputation for being at the forefront of many Air Force training and research initiatives, and current energy systems supplying power to Tyndall facilities are upholding that standard.

"The Air Force energy plan incorporates a mixture of renewable energy sources, which supply power to facilities on bases throughout the Air Force," said Mr. Richard Fillman, Headquarters Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency utility rates management expert.
The Air Force began its energy conservation program more than 20 years ago by turning down thermostats, using energy-efficient lighting and installing better insulation. But years later, the service has turned to high-tech forms of energy to save money and protect the environment.

And the Air Force is serious about protecting the environment. It is now the largest purchaser of renewable power in the federal government, accounting for 41 percent of all green power purchases by the federal government, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

"During the 2005 fiscal year, 11 percent of the total electric energy consumed by the Air Force was supplied by renewable sources," said Mr. Fillman. "Thirty-nine percent of that proportion originated from biomass, 16 percent was from geothermal sources, 38 percent was from wind and the remainder was from other renewable energy sources."
Beginning as early as 1997, five different facilities and 75 housing units on base were provided with geothermal power heat pump units, also known as ground-source heat pumps.

"We currently have geothermal systems installed at the bowling ally, library, education center, 95th Fighter Squadron and we have a new system installed at Chapel 1," said Gil Walker, Tyndall energy and utilities manager.

According to Mr. Walker, heat pumps draw heat energy from the ground and convert it into usable electric energy. During the summer, buildings are cooled by transferring the heat from inside to the ground through a system of coils and wells, and during the winter months, heat is removed from the ground and transferred into the building.

"Because the ground temperature is relatively constant, the energy recovered is virtually endless," said Mr. Walker.

Ground-source heat pumps initially cost more than traditional systems, but are less expensive to maintain or replace.

"In a salt-corrosive environment like we have at Tyndall and the Panama City area, the coils and equipment of a normal air conditioning unit corrode quickly and replacement is required frequently, normally seven to 10 years," he said. "A geothermal system could last up to 25 years and possibly longer."

A contract signed in September with Honeywell will bring advanced solar photovoltaic systems to Air Force Research Lab facilities on Tyndall.

"We are installing a concentrated solar photovoltaic system for AFRL facilities here," said Mr. Walker. "The Honeywell Corporation claims solar efficiency on this system is between 30 and 35 percent, nearly two to three times more efficient than other photovoltaic systems on the market."

The technology will be installed in the AFRL area for evaluation and will bring power to our deployed troops in the future, he said.

Air Force Research Lab scientists here are also developing more flexible, lightweight and efficient solar power panels, another green power, to integrate into deployed shelters.

Until recently, solar power was cost prohibitive, but advancements in technology have lowered development costs.

"Nearly all of our 'traditional' energy sources are derived from a hydrocarbon such as coal, oil and natural gas," said Mr. Walker. "Alternative energy and renewable sources are biomass such as wood chips, grass, ethanol, bio-diesel and other products derived from natural plant growth. In some states, including Florida, your household garbage is considered biomass and can be used to generate energy."

While biomass is currently the largest source of renewable energy in the United States, the Air Force uses wind energy, which is generated by wind turbines, more than any other renewable energy source.

Tyndall will continue to set standards in energy technology development and search for opportunities to deliver advanced systems to workplaces here and across the Air Force.
For more information on Tyndall's renewable energy initiative, call Mr. Walker at 283-4715.

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