Teach Beag Gréine

 

Solar Shed with Diffuse Solar Energy Generation

Teach Beag Gréine or Solar Shed is a project for schools involving the dual approach of construction and instruction. The solar shed is project for active energy generation using solar and wind energy. Students are involved in as many aspects of the project as possible from the early phases of shed construction to selection of products and monitoring the performance of the panels and turbine.

Shed Interior with Educational Posters and Operational Data

The project is adaptable to virtually any curricula from primary school to university. It is also appropriate as a transition year project involving the interdisciplinary subjects of science, civics and construction. Conceptually, the program consists of three groups working towards the purpose of monitoring the school's electricity and energy usage and generating clean, renewable energy on-site using a Teach Beag Gréine that the students themselves plan, build, operate and evaluate.

Shed Flat Panel Components and Dimensions

The program consists of two curricula phases, first a construction phase and then a science phase. The three teams in the construction phase are planning, construction and evaluation. In the science phase, the teams are planning, maintenance and evaluation. Students rotate every month from one team to the next to experience each of the project phases.

Shed Cross-Section with Dimensions

The students begin with an energy assessment of the school including the basic aspects of heating the buildings, lighting and electricity. Students monitor and assess the electricity sources that are the best candidates for retrofitting with on-site green energy generation.

Energy Tracker with Weather, Environmental and Energy Generation Data

The students then monitor the performance of their own energy station. An Energy Tracker can be used that displays the environmental benefits of green energy production at their school in terms of equivalent coal offset and homes powered along with a summary of weather data including irradiance and wind speed. 

The energy production from solar capture is considerable. The roof of the Teach Beag Gréine is 3.3 x 4m and has a total roof area is approximately 13 square meters. This areal for photovoltaics will provide circa 13,000 KWH of electricity.