BR+A Consulting Engineers’ Post

Today is UNESCO #WorldEngineeringDay! An international day increasing public awareness and understanding of the industry and the role engineers play in sustainable development.   To support this day, we would like to share how Connectum's ClicFLoat #solar panels had a game-changing redesign to support #sustainable food production in greenhouses across Northern Europe. Partnering with Vectayn Limited and leveraging the Oasys LS-DYNA Environment, the project achieved:   💻 Efficient modelling with Oasys PRIMER 🌐 Visualization and joint interaction simulation with Oasys D3PLOT 💧 Fluid-Structure Interaction using LS-DYNA ✅ Workflow efficiency with FEMZIP    The results? Lower installation costs, reduced irrigation expenses, and direct environmental benefits. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eqVdq-Rj #sustainabletech #innovationsuccess #renewableenergy #lsdyna #OasysSuite #OasysLSDYNA UNESCO World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development

Check out our article on Ben Lepley of Tectonicus Constructs LLC, turning canals into power-generating solar farms from our February issue. How can irrigation districts reduce their water waste and energy costs while improving water quality? By radically rethinking their infrastructure design. Arizona-based company Tectonicus designs canal-spanning Solar River projects that make canals perform double duty as solar farms, generating power and income. Moreover, because these Solar River projects’ photovoltaic (PV) solar panels shade the water, they reduce evaporation and algae growth at the same time. Too good to be true? Ben Lepley, Tectonicus’s principal architect, sheds light on the subject in this interview with Irrigation Leader. https://bit.ly/3OS9A7f #SolarRiverProjects #TectonicusInnovation #BenLepleyInterview #DoubleDutyInfrastructure #SustainableWaterUse #PowerGeneratingCanals #InfrastructureRedesign

Could solar panels in olive groves solve two challenges at once? 🌿☀️ 🇪🇸 With #Spain relying on solar power for ~20% of its energy needs and olive groves covering 25% of its arable land, integrating solar panels into these groves could be a solution. Researchers from the University of Jaén and Sapienza Università di Roma explored this idea, finding that installing bifacial solar panels between rows of olive trees could maximize energy capture without sacrificing productivity. ⚡ This would generate #sustainable energy and enhance grove efficiency by powering irrigation systems and providing shade to retain soil moisture, particularly beneficial during hot summers and extreme weather conditions. To learn more, read the article linked in the comment section 👇 #futureoffood

Installing solar panels over irrigation canals has the potential to provide a multitude of benefits while reducing the energy footprint. #cleanelectricity #solarcanal #solarpanels

🌱 📣 “CalNEXT, a statewide initiative to identify, test, and grow electric technologies and delivery methods to support California’s decarbonized future, has selected Energy Resources Integration, LLC (ERI) to study the benefits of integrated lighting, HVAC, and irrigation control systems for greenhouses and indoor farms. The study will produce a technology roadmap for California’s electric utilities.” 💡 Read or download the full press release to learn more about this major CEA initiative 2024-2025. Discover how Microclimates will be participating with ERI and Glase to assist CalNEXT in field studies and data insights! 💡 #energysavings #smartcontrols #growers #cea #data

If you operate a California greenhouse or indoor farm, here is a fantastic opportunity to participate in a market study and field evaluation. Reach out to Gretchen Schimelpfenig, PE ([email protected]) to get started. ERI is actively interviewing and visiting sites. A total of 4 sites will be involved in this study. About the opportunity: A collaboration with Energy Resources Integration, LLC (ERI) on a groundbreaking project selected by CalNEXT to study integrated lighting, HVAC, and irrigation control systems for California's controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry. This initiative aims to revolutionize indoor agriculture by identifying energy-saving strategies and creating a technology roadmap for California's electric utilities. Microclimates is supporting monitoring, controls, & energy data for this project. Collectively we are scientifically validating the efficacy of integrated controls and energy reduction. #California #CEA #automation #verticalfarming #decarbonization #irrgation #HVAC #LED #controls https://lnkd.in/g3Gm5NFE

I have a degree in Theological Stidies and I can understand the logic of why shade over a canal prevents evaporation and the water creates a cooling effect that boosts the efficiency of of the panels. I can also very easily comprehend that the panels don’t have to be at water level to achieve this. This isn’t even the hard stuff that needs doing! If this is the level of discourse at this stage of the game then it’s clear that we needed to start 50 years ago.

World Water Day Water is not only a fundamental resource for sustaining life but also a key component in engineering processes and developments. Its versatility, thermal properties, transport capabilities, energy generation potential, and irrigation benefits make it indispensable in various engineering applications. As we continue to harness the power of water in engineering, it is crucial to prioritize sustainable practices and conservation efforts to preserve this valuable resource for future generations. #worldwaterday

Did you know that landscape design can save you money and energy? 💰 According to various studies, landscape design can help you reduce your utility bills and carbon footprint, such as: According to @Statista Lowering your heating and cooling costs by up to 25% by planting trees and shrubs around your home. According to @NALP Reducing your water consumption by up to 50% by installing rain barrels and irrigation systems. According to @ThisOldHouse Generating your own electricity by using solar lights and other renewable energy sources. How has your landscaped garden helped you save? Comment below! 👇 InSite Landscape Design- We'll Make It Happen #landscapedesign #landscaping #savemoney #saveenergy