Join ENBIX and SSRIA for a deep dive into the latest advancements in solar thermal heating technology. Three presentations will explore :
- The state of solar thermal heating in Canada
- The latest in commercial solar thermal air heating
- A real example of advanced solar PVT – thermal hybrid systems operating in Alberta including the integration of thermal storage in a residential setting.
Solar thermal heating is often associated only with pool heaters, considered an ‘old’ technology but there has been ongoing advancements both globally and in Canada. While not typically associated with cold climates, new approaches such as solar thermal air heating and hybrid PV-thermal collectors are being used. Solar thermal is no longer just about heating hot water and Canada has emerged as a global leader in solar thermal air heating. Alberta has remarkable solar resources, this has been reflected in an explosion of solar for electricity but solar thermal remains a niche, even though building heat accounts for the majority of our energy use. The technology is a significant new frontier in reducing building emissions.
This expert panel, with nearly 100 years of collective experience on renewable energy systems, will give context on the state of solar thermal applications across Canada, examples of Canadian leadership, and new approaches for heat and electricity. The topics covered will be applicable to commercial, residential, and institutional buildings.
Each panelist will give a short presentation, there will be an audience Q&A session.
Panelists
Dr. Lucio Mesquita is a Senior Research Engineer at CanmetENERGY-Ottawa, the chair of International Energy Agency Solar Heating and Cooling Technical Collaboration Programme. He has over 30 years of experience in the research, design, and testing of solar thermal and thermal storage products and systems for heating and cooling applications in several countries including Canada, Brazil, China, and the United States. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University (Canada) and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil)
Lowy Gunnewik is a professional engineer whose career has exposed him to a wide variety of industries and markets while working in roles from process engineering to leading companies and boards. In his work, Lowy has continually focused on how we can decarbonize our energy systems and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of how we use energy. Lowy’s experience with SolarWall Systems began about 35 years ago while completing his research thesis investigating the performance of transpired-plate solar collectors operating in real world conditions, ultimately supporting the commercialization of the technology. Today, Lowy works with building owners and managers as they search for ways to reduce heating costs and improve environmental conditions with improved ventilation by incorporating SolarWall Systems into their buildings.
James Bereton – is a professional engineer in Alberta. With 10 years of experience in control systems, James has spent the last 28 years working on renewable energy and leading edge low carbon energy systems. This energy modeling for complex systems including solar, geothermal, and thermal storage. As founder and CEO of Eta Energy Solutions they are focused on renewable and energy efficiency solutions that deliver economically viable low carbon solutions for tomorrow’s zero carbon future.