Novelis Invests in Solar Heating and Cooling | Renewable Energy News Article

Quebec, Canada [RenewableEnergyWorld.com] Novelis and Queen's University have announced a joint investment in an experimental solar thermal installation on the site of the Novelis Global Technology Centre (NGTC). The new facility will be a unique configuration providing preheated water for various applications during the winter months and cooling, via a solar compatible chiller unit, during the summer months.

The first phase of installation of a commercial array of solar absorbers will be completed by EnerWorks Inc. in July. The cooling unit will employ experimental systems designed by the Queen’s Solar Calorimetry Laboratory and will be operational in early summer 2009.

“In addition to providing a significant benefit to the NGTC site, the new system will provide a high profile example of the versatility and cost effectiveness of solar thermal technology and a symbolic representation of the growing collaboration between Queen’s and Novelis in areas of sustainable and environmental technologies,” said Mike Thomas, director of global technology research and development for Novelis.