http://illinois.edu/calendar/list/1643 This calendar will give the schedule for seminars and events that will be hosted by the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, One East Hazelwood Drive, Champaign. http://illinois.edu/calendar/detail/1643/28582618 conference http://illinois.edu/calendar/detail/1643/28582618 Mon, 20 May 2013 13:30:00 CDT We investigated the feasibility of heating and cooling with groundwater in two pilot study areas. One area was the American Bottoms, an urbanized area in the Mississippi River floodplain in Madison and St. Clair Counties. The other area is Mason County, a rural area in central Illinois. We characterized the hydrogeology of each area with respect to groundwater availability. Groundwater is plentiful in both areas (even overly abundant in the American Bottoms). We estimated the pumping rate needed to heat and cool a single family home based on heat pump performance, climatological data, and models of heating and cooling requirements. Based on the documented pumping rates at each studied area, we also estimated the overall heat pump heating and cooling potentials at American Bottoms (Madison and St. Clair Counties) and Mason County. The needed groundwater flow could easily be delivered by a typical well and pump system, even in the coldest and hottest parts of the year. We characterized groundwater quality with respect to heat exchanger fouling. Solubility calculations indicate calcium carbonate scale deposition is likely, so heat exchangers would need to be cleaned periodically. This webinar will be broadcast live and also archived on our website www.istc.illinois.edu for later viewing. If you cannot attend the event at ISTC, you may view the webinar live by registering at: https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/676760815. http://illinois.edu/calendar/detail/1643/27315120 conference http://illinois.edu/calendar/detail/1643/27315120 Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:00:00 CDT The Illinois Biochar Group, in conjunction with the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center at the University of Illinois and the U.S. Department of Agriculture as co-organizers, announces the first Midwest Biochar Conference which will be held on June 14, 2013, in Champaign, IL. The conference will feature presentations on the latest in biochar research, exhibit space for vendors, and plenty of opportunities for discussion with those interested in all aspects of biochar work. The event will take place at the I-Hotel Conference Center from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm CST, with a reception following from 4:30 - 6:00 pm. Abstract submission for oral presentations is closed. Conference registration, vendor registration, and poster abstract submission are open. Plan to register early as space is limited. Please visit the conference website: http://www.biochar.illinois.edu/conference/ For questions, please contact IBG coordinator Nancy Holm at naholm@illinois.edu.