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Sustainable Energy Research Facility (SERF)
The SERF building is currently being constructed at FSU, thanks to two federal fundings received with assistance of Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R - 6th district of Maryland) in 2008 and 2009. The building will be completely off-grid and will generate its own electricity from wind and sun light. Solar thermal and geothermal energy will be used for heating and cooling. The buildingwill belocated in the Frostburg Research Center.
Congressman Roscoe Bartlett Honored the SERF Construction on March 16, 2012.
Photo gallery
Please click to see the construction photos
Purpose
- Conduct research, education, and outreach activities on renewable and clean energy applications
- A demonstration example of self-sufficient, off-grid building for individuals such as homeowners, farmers, or entrepreneurs who seek energy security in Western Maryland or similar geographic locations
- Test center and showcase for renewable energy products
Design Features
- Approximately 6,300 square feet usable area
- Energy efficient, LEED certified green building
- independent from the electric utility (100% off-grid);
- Supplied completely by wind and solar energy
- Passive solar heating and lighting
- Solar thermal system for water and space heating
- Geothermal heating and cooling
- Short-term energy storage in a battery banks
- Long-term energy stored in hydrogen tanks and backed up by PEM fuel cells
- Thermal energy stored in hot water tanks, radiant floor, and air tight walls
- Energy Recovery System to pre-condition incoming air for energy saving
- Computer controlled energy management system for supply and usage
Estimated project cost: $2.4 M (funded by US Department of Energy and FSU
Location
Please hover on the picture to see an aerial view from Google