BIOS, ABSTRACTS, PHOTOS – SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

NICK FIGONE – ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT, INC.

BIO: Mr. Nick Figone is the solar energy sector lead for Ecology & Environment Inc., a full service environmental consulting firm celebrating 40 years of green solutions. Nick specializes in environmental permitting for utility scale solar energy projects in the desert southwest. E & E is working on over 800 MW of solar projects in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon for both independent power producers and agencies including the BLM.

DAVE WAGNER – GEOTECHNICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.

BIO: Mr. Wagner is the Program Development Manager for Ground Source Heat Exchange (GSHE) for Geotechnical & Environmental Services, Inc. (GES).

Mr. Wagner is responsible for implementing the GSHE development plan by providing strategic direction and research in the development of market segments, products and services. He identifies opportunities, proposes benefit scenarios and oversees the execution of each GSHE project.

Mr. Wagner has over 15 years of experience coordinating the design, construction, operation and maintenance of GSHE systems across the country.

Because of GES’ strong belief in tapping into the natural resources of the earth and improving energy efficiency, Eagle Drilling & GES have invested in the purchase of a Sonic Drill Rig and Thermal Conductivity technology, both used for design and/or installation of GSHE systems.  Eagle is the only firm in southern Nevada with a locally based Sonic Drill rig and GSHE installation capabilities.

Education

·   BS in Engineering from Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA, 1990

Affiliations/Memberships

·   US Green Building Council (USGBC)

·   Education Committee (USGBC)

·   Sustainable Communities Committee (USGBC)

AMSE Advisory Board – Cashman Middle School

ABSTRACT: Ground Source Heat Exchange

A Ground Source Heat Exchange (GSHE) system is a heating and/or air-cooling system that uses the Earth's ability to store heat in the ground and water thermal masses.  This system operates based on the stability of underground temperatures: the ground a few feet below surface has a very stable temperature throughout the year.  The earth temperature will vary depending upon location's annual climate.  In Clark County, this temperature is about 70ْ F.  A GSHE heat pump uses that available heat in the winter and puts heat back into the ground in the summer.  A GSHE system differs from a conventional furnace or boiler by its ability to transfer heat versus the standard method of producing heat.  As energy costs continue to rise and pollution concerns continue to be a hot topic, GSHE systems may hold a solution to both concerns.

 

The presentation will discuss:

·         The different types of GSHE as well as the pros and cons. 

·         The benefits of GSHE.

·         Payback.

·         Determining if GSHE is right for a project.

·         Local (southern Nevada) projects in which GSHE was installed.

·         What the stimulus package has set aside for GSHE as well as tax credits and incentives.

GERALD SHEBLE – QUANTA TECHNOLOGY

BIO: Gerald B Sheblé, Ph.D., MBA, Executive Advisor and Senior Director US Research and Development has more than 38 years of experience as a consultant, professor, and software engineer.  During the course of these years, Dr. Sheblé has had experience with Bulk Power Operations Management, Generation and Transmission Planning, Operator Training, Energy Trading & Risk Management, Distribution Operations, Smart Grid Applications, Energy Management Systems (over 50 centers), Distribution Operations Management, Auction Modeling, Contract Analysis, Negotiations, and Portfolio Decision Analysis.  Dr. Sheblé has provided testimony to FERC, State Public Utility Commissions, and as part of expert witness work in court cases.    Dr. Sheblé is an IEEE Fellow based on his contributions to the modeling of auction methods for energy commodities.  Dr. Sheblé has received international recognition as an Erskine Fellow at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand and Fellow at INESC, the research foundation associated with the University of Porto.  Dr. Sheblé has lectured in 24 countries outside the United States.  Dr. Sheblé has published over 70 journal papers, 80 conference papers, six chapters in reference books, two chapters in conference monographs, and a monograph on Auction Methods.  Dr. Sheblé has an MBA from The University of Iowa, Henry B. Tippie College of Business, a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech, a MSEE and a BSEE from Purdue University.