Montana Renewable Energy Fair Schedule
July 21, 2012
National Center for Appropriate Technology, 3040 Continental Dr, Butte
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Workshop Schedule
Entertainment Schedule
Kids' Activity Schedule
Alternative Fuel Car Show
Learn the basics about renewable energy technologies from MREA members and professionals in your community!
9:15 - 10 am: Conservation and Efficiency
Susan Bilo, Montana State University
Classroom A
While not as exciting as solar panels and turbines, learning about energy and water efficiency and conservation measures is an important first step when considering a renewable energy technology. Reducing your “loads” can significantly reduce the size and cost of your renewable energy system.
10:15 - 11 am: Solar Hot Water
John Palm, Bozeman Green Build
Classroom A
Solar hot water systems are more affordable, efficient, and reliable than ever before. They can heat water for your home, pool, or dairy operation. Learn about flat plate and evacuated tube collectors, system options that work well in Montana’s cold climate, costs, and installation considerations.
11:15 am - 12 noon: Solar Electricity
Henry Dykema, Sundance Solar Systems
Classroom A
First used to power space satellites, photovoltaic (PV) technology has come down to Earth and now powers everything from calculators to cars. Learn how PV panels use sunlight as fuel to generate electricity for powering appliances, lights, computers, and other electric devices used in your home or business. This session will cover system options, components, site considerations, and costs.
PARALLEL SESSIONS
1:30 – 2:15 pm: Small Wind
Dave Ryan, National Center for Appropriate Technology
Classroom A
Perhaps you have seen the large turbines at Judith Gap that feed wind-generated electricity into Montana’s utility grid? Smaller turbines can generate electricity directly to your home, farm, or ranch. Learn about turbines, tower height and location considerations, and how to determine if the wind can be put to work for you.
1:30 – 2:15 pm: Solar Air Collectors
Todd Hoitsma, Liquid Solar Systems
Classroom B
Similar to solar hot water collectors that capture the sun’s energy to heat water, air collectors capture the energy for heating the air in our buildings. Learn how these collectors work, system sizing, and costs. This session will also cover transpired solar collectors – a fancy name for a perforated piece of metal that can preheat ventilation air up to 40°F or more.
PARALLEL SESSIONS
2:30 - 3:15 pm: Financial Incentives
Kathi Montgomery, Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Classroom A
Learn about current utility rebates, federal and state tax incentives, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s low interest loan program, and a website that lists other incentives related to making your renewable energy investment even more affordable.
2:30 - 3:15 pm: PV-Powered Water Pumping
Tom Bishop, Sunelco
Classroom B
We can use photovoltaic (PV) technology to generate electricity for pumping water for a variety of purposes: irrigation, keeping cattle out of riparian areas, etc. This session will also cover strategies for pumping water to homes. Learn about system types, pumps, site considerations, and costs.
PARALLEL SESSIONS
3:30 - 4:15 pm: Fuel Cells
Hugo Schmidt, Montana State University
Classroom A
Learn how fuel cells work, the different types, how they work with wind and solar electricity systems, and why they are a cleaner source of electricity than coal-fired power plants. You’ll also learn how they can run backward to turn water plus alternate energy electricity into hydrogen.
3:30 - 4:15 pm: Micro-Hydro Power
Mark Dickson, Simple Power, LLC
Classroom B
Most of us have heard of Hoover Dam – a large hydropower electric dam. Electricity can also be generated on a smaller (micro) scale using turbines on rivers and streams. Learn how these systems work, water-related considerations, and current installation barriers in Montana.
PARALLEL SESSIONS
4:30 - 5:15 pm: Biodiesel
Matt Elsaesser, SAVE Foundation
Classroom A
What’s the recipe for biodiesel? This session provides an overview of the materials used to make biodiesel and a demonstration on how it is made. You will also learn about the costs and how vehicles use the fuel.
4:30 - 5:15 pm: Ground-Source Heat Pumps
Brian Patzer, Intermountain Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.
Classroom B
At certain depths, the ground has a fairly consistent temperature that can be tapped by a ground-source heat pump to heat our buildings. This system can also transfer heat back into the ground in the summer for cooling. This session will cover how these systems work, installation considerations, and costs.
All acts will be held on the lawn under the Entertainment Tent.
9:00 - 9:15 am: Opening Address
9:15 - 10:00 am: African Drumming with Michael McDaniel
Wake up to the enlivening beats and pulse of African rhythms performed by a master drummer and local musician extraordinaire.
10:00 - 11:00 am: Sisters of Hidden Fire Belly Dance Troupe
Enjoy this wonderful troupe of ladies sharing their passion for belly dance. Who can resist their spellbinding moves, decorated with ornately colored silks and jingly bells?
11:00 am - 12:00 noon: The Red Mountain Band
Groove to this high-energy bluegrass, blues, and old-timey traditional music. Their original songs offer an eclectic mix of legend, instrumentation, and rhythm that adds new variation to conventional styles!
12:00 noon - 1:00 pm: Keynote Speaker: John Vicent, Public Service Commissioner
John spent 16 years in the Montana House, serving as Speaker of the House twice. He served on the Bozeman City Commission for four years, two as mayor. He was also a Gallatin County commissioner for six years. John is a strong advocate for clean, renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal power and he shares his thoughts, observations, and insights on small scale Renewable Energy for the home and small business.
1:00 - 2:00 pm: Platinum Street Jazz Band
Remember the cool sounds of Brubeck, Miles, Monk, Dizzy, and all the other great musicians of the '30s, '40s, and '50s? Sit back and soak up the sounds of what was and will forever be...jazz!
2:00 - 3:00 pm: River Rose
Their divine synchronized harmonies mesmerize all who hear them, and yet their enchanting voices are only part of the attraction these ladies bring to the stage. With melodies that encompass multiple genres and styles of music, they charm listeners of all ages!
3:00 - 4:00 pm: North American Indian Alliance Dancers
Feel the beat under their feet! In full regalia, these kids share their culture and spirit as they maintain the rich traditional heritage of Indian dance.
4:00 - 5:00 pm: Marko Hayden, Solo Guitarist
Marko has made a name from himself in Butte and the surrounding area with 40 years of playing history. He continues to expand his repertoire to include Classical, Nuevo Flamenco, Folk, and his own brand of Freestyle guitar. Experience the joy in what he calls his Aural Traditions and Audio Landscapes!
Children must be the specified age (see below) OR have an accompanying adult. All activities will take place on the lawn near the Bouncy Castle.
9:15 am: Sign-up for Kids' Activities Begins
All activities are first come first served, so sign up early if you can!
11:00 am: Recycled Glass Art Project
Ages: 6 and up
Make colorful coasters from recycled glass!
12:00 noon: Solar Cooking
Ages: 6 and up
Build your own solar oven and cook up some treats!
1:00 pm: Solar Car Assembly
Ages: 8 and up
Assemble your own solar racing car from kits provided by MREA - and compete in the afternoon races!
2:00 pm: Solar Car Race
3:00 pm: Solar Car Race
4:00 pm: Solar Car Race
All day activities:
Bouncy castle
Face painting
Coloring station
University of Montana Solar Car
Nissan Leaf Electric Car
'94 Dodge Ram: vegetable oil powered
'03 Volkswagen Jetta: vegetable oil powered
'96 Ford F-250 Turbo: Biodiesel
Toyota of Butte: New Hybrids
Butte GM Auto Center: New Hybrids