Gray Water Recycling Techniques - Essay Example

Water 1 Recycling Gray Water for Home Gardens Gray water is water manufactured by a home, excluding wastewater from toilets. This water specifically includes water from laundry and dishwashing machines, as well as sinks and showers. This water can be recycled and implemented for garden irrigation. In these regards, the water must first be filtered to extract various particles, as well as hair and grease that becomes embedded within the water during household use. Utilizing gray water is a positive practice to engage, especially considering the Kuwaiti government’s promotion of green agricultural practices. Its utilization enables individuals to preserve ground water, which is currently estimated to be consumed at 6.2 liters a week per square meter of land. 1-3 How to get Gray Water from the House to the Garden? • One method of transporting the water is to utilize buckets to transport the water from the sink or the shower to the garden area. The downside of this method is the physical demands of the water transportation. • Another method is through utilizing pressure transfer from the bathtub or water source using a hose to the garden. This method does not function with larger homes. • Perhaps the most effective and efficient water transfer method is through a pump system that transports from an irrigation system. The connections must be sanitary and can be structured when the home is constructed. 2- Solar Home Power System 2-1 Advantages and Comparison In Kuwait solar energy constitutes one of the greatest sources of energy. Solar energy produces minimal pollution compared to more traditional power sources and is also dramatically more cost effective. Figure (2-1-1) investigates Kuwait potentials for solar power. While utilizing solar energy requires solar panels, chart no 2-1-1 demonstrates that the prices for these panels are cost effective and function as a viable source of alternative energy. In further evaluating elements related to implementing solar power Table No. (2-1-1) breaks down energy per home averages. 2-2 Solar Cells ( Photovoltic Cell ) 2-2-1 Definition Solar cells are referred to as photovoltaic (PV) cells. This name refers to the cells function converting sun energy into electric power. A solar panel consists of groupings of photovoltaic cells that are electrically connected. These panels are demonstrated in Figure (2-2-1-2). 2-2-2 Theorem In terms of composition, photovoltaic cells are made with semiconductors. Silicon is one such semiconductor. These semiconductors function by absorbing sunlight and converting it into energy. The electrons within this system then flow through a metal link current into usable devices. 2-2-3 How much Solar Panels create Electericity 7-10 m2 of solar panels produce 1000 watts of electricity. This amount of electricity is generally sufficient for a household. In terms of the specific house being examined there is a section on the roof to support the solar panel. 3- Save Energy 3-1 Electricity Use • Furniture within the house should be oriented according to air conditioning needs. Altering object placement can have a significant impact on cooling. This alters overall energy expenditures. • Fig (3-1-1) illustrates the importance of implementing occupancy sensors that monitor household heat, air, and lighting. These mechanisms will further reduce energy expenditures. • Use light colored paint on the homes exteriors for maximum light efficiency. 3-1-2 LED Lights Fig. (3-1-2-1) demonstrates the use of LED lights. It’s shown that these lights as much as 90% less electric power than traditional lights. LED lights also produce less heat, aiding cooling of the home. These lights also last significantly longer than traditional light sources. It follows that implementing LED lights rather than traditional lighting sources within the household can reduce energy from approximately 40% to 30 3-2 HVAC System • Fig (3-2-1) demonstrates that this system will improve insulation and subsequently limit wasted heat. • It may be more effective to include multiple HVAC units instead of one large unit. • Oversized ducts will be implemented to reduce air speed, ultimately reducing electric expenditure • In implementing specific panels, including insulated concrete form foundation system (ICF) or structural insulated panels (SIP), the home will attain as much as 60% in air energy savings. 4-1 Definition Another effective alternative source for energy is windmills. Windmills are both cost effective and generally easy to find. They have the dual function of producing electric power and pumping water. The windmill functions by harnessing wind power through large blades. The blades rotate, transferring the wind energy into different forms of environmentally friendly electric power. 4-4 How Much Electricity Can One Wind Turbine Generate? With an adequate wind supply the windmill is able to transfer the kinetic energy for household electricity. These devices are generally situated on the household roof as it is most effective in this position. Fig (4-4-1) demonstrates the relation between turbine energy production, wind speed, and rotator size. Specifically, a 10-kW wind turbine can produce approximately 10,000 kWh a year with a twelve mile per house wind speed; this is enough for an entire household. On a large scale, 5-MW turbine can manufacture enough energy to power more than 1,400 homes. 5- Pollution 5-1 Reduction of Night Time Light Pollution 5-1-1 Purpose : This process allows for outside light to be centered in the proper areas, reducing upward light. This process is effective for reducing light pollution and overall energy expenditure. 5-1-2 Explanation • Fig (5-1-2-1) demonstrates that external lighting can controlled through a timer mechanism. • This system is in-line with recommendations for lower lighting levels. 5-2 Preventing Acoustic Pollution 5-2-1 Purpose : Preventing acoustic pollution prevents possible auditory damage. As well as auditory problems, noise pollution has been demonstrated to cause a wide variety of health concerns, including increased stress that affects cardiac issues. 5-2-2 Explanation : Acoustic foam that is attached to walls can function to absorb sounds, thus preventing loud and potentially harmful sound reverberations bouncing off the walls. This acoustic foam is available in a variety of forms and sizes. Fig (5-2-2-1) demonstrates that there are even custom made types of foam that can be purchased. As most types of acoustic foam come with an adhesive material on the back, it is easily attached to walls. 6- Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) 6-1 Purpose: ICFs constitute environmentally friendly building material that can be implemented as walls and foundations for a variety of buildings. Demonstrated in Fig (6-1-1) ICFs are a cast-in-place forming system that integrates insulation, fastening strips, sound attenuation, air barrier and a vapor barrier. The ICF composition includes a block system with two panels of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam that is bonded together. The block system comes together to form the wall structure. Rebar and concrete are also included to solidify the structure. When implemented these structures use 44% less energy to heat and 32% less energy to cool than traditional homes. 6-2 The Benefits of using ICFs: • Reduce spending • Minimize energy consumption • ICFs can withstand up to 200 mph wind storms • ICF structures can withstand the highest seismic zones. • Lower heating costs by 40% • Lower air conditioning costs by 30% • Since the forms are integrated into the walls ICFs cause less waste • ICFs are recyclable • ICF walls are virtually sound resistant • ICF walls can withstand fire for as long as four hours 6-3 Cost: The material costs are KD 0.500 per square foot to about KD 1.000 per square foot. This does not include the cost of labor and bracing reinforcement. 7- Additional Ideas (Non-Applied Ideas) 7-1 Shelterbelts Planting 7-1-1 Definition Shelterbelts are plantings that utilize trees and various plants to change the wind flow to make the designated area more amenable for individuals to congregate. They are demonstrated in Fig (7-1-1). There are a variety of names for shelterbelts, including hedgerows, dustbreaks, or conservation buffers. These linear plantings are generally constructed in two parallel rows to maximize efficiency. 7-1-2 Benefits Shield wind Overall health Provide shade Regreen the environment 7-2 Shade for the Home 7-2-1 Type of Shade There are various means of constructing shade. Some of the most popular include verandas or natural methods, such as trees and miscellaneous greenery. The important factor in this regard is that the shade blocks UV radiation. It’s generally recommended to combine natural and built shade structures for greatest efficiency and eye appeal. 7-2-2 Importance of Shade at Home • Limit exposure to harmful UV rays. The long-term harmful effects of UV exposure have been well-documented, including potential skin cancer. • Allow for inhabitants to safely enjoy more time outdoors • Improves overall comfortableness of the home. • Limits sunshine during critical danger periods 7-2-5 Natural shade It’s important that natural shade is made a central aspect of a home’s outdoor environment. Some of the most effective measures of natural shade are large trees with expansive shrubbery that cast shade over large outdoor spaces. As a general rule trees that best suit the region should be chosen. 7-3 Triangular or Pyramid roof The structure of the roof should be shaped in a triangular or pyramid form to maximize exposure to sunlight. The roof itself will be constructed with a blind glass material. This material allows natural lighting within the home. However, this structure is problematic in Kuwait for the following reasons: • The high temperatures in Kuwait make such a roof impractical. • It does not function well with the installed HVAC. • It is not cost effective 7-4 Core in the Building The core in the household is a highly important structural element. It’s important that the core be built from the ground to the roof in the middle of the household. Within this core at the ground level a fountain with a green area should be installed as it allows for: • Natural air circulation • Increased natural lighting • Scenic view • Overall health However, this structure is generally rejected in Kuwait for some of the following reasons: • Limits room size • Is not conducive with Kuwaiti climate • Not cost effective 7-5 Blind Glass Wall The blind glass wall functions as a dividing wall, instead of blocks, for various rooms in the household. The glass wall gives the inhabitants the psychological feel of expansive floor space. It also allows for an increased level of light circulation, promoting electric conservation. Generally glass walls are more utilized in business environments than in households as: • They are cost prohibitive. • Reduced privacy levels. • Alters the heating and cooling systems. • They are not sound absorbent. Read More