Channel Islands National Park of
the coast of southern California is a place far ahead of its time. The park
personnel have dedicated themselves to energy conservation, recycling, and using
alternative fuels. Kent Bullard of the National Park Service (NPS) reports that
Channel Island has 63 renewable energy applications. With abundant solar and wind
resources, the most common forms of renewable energy are photovoltaics (PV).
One of these energy systems is composed of the
following:
Two 10-kW wind turbines and a 12.6-kW PV array
One 30-kW inverter to control battery charging and
provide continuous 208/120 AC electricity
A system controller to regulate power generation and
activate backup generators as needed
A 300-kW capacity battery bank
This system will replace a 35-kW diesel generator that uses 17,500 gallons
of diesel fuel and 120 gallons of motor oil each year. This generator will now be
used as the backup source.
The park also boast many other renewable energy features that
are both innovative and nearly necessary:
Solar water preheater
Rainwater collection for toilet flushing
Several PV powered systems throughout the park
In total, Channel Island National Park will displace 36,000
gallons of diesel fuel each year. Even more staggering is that none of the following
will be produced because of these changes:
This system will replace a 35-kW diesel generator that uses 17,500 gallons
of diesel fuel and 120 gallons of motor oil each year. This generator will now be
used as the backup source.