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This energy gives a further and in more detailed explanation to energy efficiency

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This video has a really fun way of describing energy conservation

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This journal discusses the role of energy in society, the climate and industry

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Solar Energy Fundamentals and Modeling Techniques

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Solar irradiation is the fundamental initiator of the different renewable energy alternatives, including wind, wave, hydrogen and biomass energy sources. Solar Energy Fundamentals and Modelling Techniques presents the methods of quantitative determination of solar irradiation incident amount on a surface on the Earth.

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This web page  list some of the precautions that should be taken when working with electricity in the lab

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While electricity is in constant use by the researcher, both within and outside the laboratory, significant physical harm or death may result from its misuse.

With direct current, a person can detect a "tingling" feeling at 1 mA and the median "let-go" threshold (the current at which one cannot release the conductor) is 76 mA. For 60 Hertz alternating current, the values are 0.4 mA and 16 mA, respectively. Women are more sensitive to the effects of electrical current; approximately 2/3 of the current is needed to produce the same effect. Higher currents produce respiratory inhibition, then ventricular fibrillation, and ultimately cardiac arrest.

If an electrical hazard is suspected, the device in question should be disconnected immediately and the cause ascertained by a person competent in such matters. Work on electrical devices should be done only after the power has been shut off in such a manner that it cannot be turned on accidentally. Since malfunctioning equipment may contain shorts, merely turning off the equipment is not sufficient to prevent accidents. Equipment should be unplugged before being inspected or the circuit the equipment is wired to deactivated by putting the circuit breaker in the off position or removing the fuse. Equipment wired to a safety switch should be turned off at the safety switch. Internal energy storage devices such as capacitors must be discharged.

All electrical wiring and construction must conform to standard safety practice. The minimum safety practice must conform to the coded regulations of the City of Columbus and the State of Ohio. High voltage equipment must be labeled: Danger, High Voltage. Switches to turn off all electrical power to the equipment in case of emergency should be prominently labeled.

The following are a list of rules for working with electrical equipment:

1. Turn off the power to equipment before inspecting it. Turn off circuit breakers or unplug the equipment. To turn off a safety switch, use your left hand (wear insulating gloves made of leather or heavy cotton or rubber), turn your face away from the box, and pull the handle down. Circuits may discharge violently when being turned on or off and the cover to the junction box may be blown open.

2. Use only tools and equipment with non-conducting handles when working with electrical devices.

3. All current transmitting parts of any electrical devices must be enclosed.

4. When checking an operating circuit, keep one hand either in a pocket or behind your back to avoid making a closed circuit through the body.

5. Maintain a work space clear of extraneous material such as books, papers, and clothes.

6. Never change wiring with circuit plugged into power source.

7. Never plug leads into power source unless they are connected to an established circuit.

8. Avoid contacting circuits with wet hands or wet materials.

9. Wet cells should be placed on a piece of non-conducting material.

10. Check circuits for proper grounding with respect to the power source.

11. Do not insert another fuse of larger capacity if an instrument keeps blowing fuses - this is a symptom requiring expert repairs. If a fuse blows, find the cause of the problem before putting in another one.

12. By the Ohio Fire Code, extension cords must be connected to a power strip equipped with a fuse.

13. Do not use or store highly flammable solvents near electrical equipment.

14. Multi-strip outlets (cube taps) should not be used in place of permanently installed receptacles. If additional outlets are required have them installed by an electrician.

15. Keep access to electrical panels and disconnect switches clear and unobstructed.

Static Electricity and Spark Hazards:
Sparks may result in explosions in areas where flammable liquids are being used and therefore proper grounding of equipment and containers is necessary. Some common potential sources of sparks are:

1. The making and braking of an electrical circuit when the circuit is energized.

2. Metal tanks and containers.

3. Plastic lab aprons.

4. Metal clamps, nipples, or wire used with nonconducting hoses.

5. High pressure gas cylinders upon discharge.

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Electrical Safety in the Lab | Lab Manager

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While electricity is in constant use by the researcher, both within and outside the laboratory, significant physical harm or death may result from its misuse. With direct current, a person can detect a "tingling" feeling at 1 mA and the median "let-go" threshold (the current at which one cannot release the conductor) is 76 mA.

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This video shows a simple, at home demonstration of how to make a circuit.
this shows the students that they can do science at home and not just the lab

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Simple Circuit: a fun, at-home science experiment

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Understanding

·         Students should understand that different components (e.g. CFL’s over filament bulbs) have different %efficiencies.

·         Understand how a circuit works (must be complete).

·         Design a circuit that transforms   energy from one form to another to serve a purpose.

Skills

·         Analytical skills: this skill may be improved as the students build the circuit and analyse the energy conversions (wasteful or useful) occurring.

·         Communicational skills: the students will work in groups when building their circuit.

Values

·         Appreciate the influence that science has on society in a financial and economic standing

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·         PW6 – this learning outcome gives the knowledge needed to design, build and analyse a circuit.

·         NoS10 – From going through PW7 the students will see that science plays an integral part in society from a financial and political stance.

·         PW3 – this LO allows the students to have the skills to analyse the relationship with changes in the circuit and the efficiency of the system.

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The royal institute of the architects of Ireland
This website explains:

·         What the BER scale is and how it is used.

·         Different ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

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Flitch - Donaghy & Dimond Architects, Shortlisted, Best House Extension, Irish Architecture Awards 2010

Improving energy efficiency has become a key issue for building owners and occupiers with rising energy prices and colder winters. There are many solutions available on the market but not all are cost-effective, as many come with a long-term payback.

Working with a registered RIAI architect will help you identify the most cost-effective and beneficial solution for your home. Architects are professionally educated in building design and designing for greater energy efficiency is an essential part of their training.

Building Energy Rating (BER)

If your home does not already have a Building Energy Rating, your architect will conduct or commission a BER. This will give you an indication of the overall energy performance of your home as well as identify areas of improvement.

Retrofit Solutions

Solutions for better energy efficiency that you will discuss with your architect may include:

Upgrading of windows to improve the thermal performance and reduce heat loss, also known as U-values. For example, upgrading an existing sunroom or conservatory with triple glazing can ensure that it can be used all-year-round.

Fitting of renewable energy sources such as solar collectors for hot water, wood pellet boilers or heat pumps. As these are expensive additions, your architect will advise on the payback implications.

Domus - Donaghy & Dimond Architects, Shortlisted, Best House Extension, Irish Architecture Awards 2009

What is a BER?

By law, anyone renting or selling a property must supply a Building Energy Rating (BER). A building energy rating calculates the energy efficiency of a property on a scale from A to G, with A1 being the most energy efficient and has the lowest energy bills. A BER covers energy use for space heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting calculated on the basis of standard occupancy. A BER certificate is accompanied by an advisory report, which will identify how you might improve the energy performance of your home. There are exemptions for certain categories of homes, for example, protected structures and certain temporary homes.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has a wide range of information and publications aimed at the homeowner on improving energy efficiency. SEAI also have grants available to retrofit homes for greater energy efficiency. Your RIAI architect will advise you on these grants and the options for improving the energy efficiency of your property.

Top Tips on Energy Efficiency

Everyone who sets out to improve the energy performance of their home wants to find the best and most cost effective improvements that are appropriate to their needs and their budget. With a wide range of energy efficiency measures to choose from, how can we make the right choices and avoid making expensive 'eco-bling' mistakes?

According to RIAI architect and energy expert, William Scott, common mistakes in the refurbishment of Irish homes include:

Replacing old windows and doors with modern, well-sealed units and blocking up of fireplaces without providing alternative ventilation. "A lack of adequate ventilation in home will lead to a build up of humidity, condensation and mould growth and a consequent risk to occupants' health", warns William Scott.

On the other hand, making a big investment in wall and roof insulation or a high efficiency boiler will be largely wasted if sufficient attention is not given to preventing unwanted draughts, which will draw a lot of heat energy out of the house.

High tech 'green solutions' - such as heat pumps - can be costly and often unnecessary, rather than focusing on the prevention of draughts and efficient and well-controlled hot water systems.

Top Tips for a Successful Energy Refurbishment from William Scott

The best strategy is to identify the issues that are relevant to the particular home and develop an overall energy efficiency plan for the short term as well as for the longer term - to suit your budget. Your RIAI Architect will be able to advise on this.

There are many immediate and inexpensive measures that can be undertaken in the home, such as using energy efficient light bulbs.

Good long-term measures include the replacement of windows and the installation of wall insulation, however, these measures should be considered holistically and with the advice of an architect.

Get expert advice when planning your energy refurbishment to save in the long-term.

Piecemeal refurbishment without an overall consideration of your home can lead to unforeseen and unwanted consequences as well as unnecessary expenditure.

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Flitch - Donaghy & Dimond Architects, Shortlisted, Best House Extension, Irish Architecture Awards 2010 Improving energy efficiency has become a key issue for building owners and occupiers with rising energy prices and colder winters. There are many solutions available on the market but not all are cost-effective, as many come with a long-term payback.