Geothermal Energy

AP ES students listen to Dennis Rice explain how the geothermal HVAC system works at the recently renovated Whitin Mill complex. 100% of HVAC demand comes from 5 geothermal wells dug down 1500 feet to 52 degree F water, saving $60,000/year in heating/cooling costs.

Whitin Mill – Greening of the Blackstone

Plaza

Dennis Rice

Pagoda

Tulip wood Soundboards

Old water turbine

Mumford River

Art Gallery

Whitin Mill

The Whitin Mill (built in 1826) rising up along the Mumford river- tributary to the 45 mile long Blackstone River-has recently been transformed, along with three adjacent buildings including an old forge with an intact foundation from 1772, through a five year sustainable renovation project led by Alternatives. True to the spirit of innovation that drove the Whitin Mill to become the worlds leader in textile machinery manufacturing (cotton spinning rings produced through the 1970’s) Alternatives has delievered a green, “social capital” rich complex comprised of a theater, offices, art studio space, apartments, and a restaurant. 100% of HVAC demand will come from 5 geothermal wells dug down 1500 feet to 52 degree F water, saving $60,000/year in heating/cooling costs. Power for the buildings will be provided by solar and hydro power. 5% of the property’s 240,000 kW-hr annual demand will come from 32 solar panels (12,000 kW-hrs a year) while the remaining 80% will come from a soon to be completed 37 kW hydro turbine (320 kW-hrs/year) which will sell power at night back to the power company translating in savings of over $30,000 from unpaid utility bills and an additional $12,000+ from selling back to the grid.

95 % of the materials from the site were recycled, including the use of a diseased tulip tree that was cut and boarded for use as sound control panels in the theater. Built wood parts were routinely reused for flooring and the deck of the plaza is made from recycled plastic-wood composite. Take a tour yourself, it is an inspired work for an inspiring future, especially for the slumbering Blackstone Valley.

For more information go to http://www.telegram.com/article/20080422/NEWS/804220498

and http://www.alternativesnet.org/whitin_mill_restoration.asp