"Carbon Nanotubes, and the Future of Solar Energy Collection"

Boy, doesn't that sound fun?  I bet you were just sitting there thinking "Boy, I'd like to read up on an interesting topic, so why not carbon nanotubes".  So, I think you should be aware of this topic that many say will be commercially available within 5 years, and at the cost of regular house paint.  Now that's the solar collection we've been looking for.  Please read the following article which I hope brings this topic into focus for you.

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), graphene and their compounds exhibit extraordinary electrical properties for organic materials, and have a huge potential in electrical and electronic applications such as photovoltaics, sensors, semiconductor devices, displays, conductors, smart textiles and energy conversion devices (e.g., fuel cells, harvesters and batteries). This updated report brings all of this together, covering the latest work from 100 organizations around the world to details of the latest progress applying the technologies. New developments, challenges and opportunities regarding material production and applications are given.

 

Applications of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene for electronics applications

Depending on their chemical structure, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be used as an alternative to organic or inorganic semiconductors as well as conductors, but the cost is currently the greatest restraint. However, that has the ability to rapidly fall as new, cheaper mass production processes are established, which we cover in this report. In electronics, other than electromagnetic shielding, one of the first large applications for CNTs will be conductors. In addition to their high conductance, they can be transparent, flexible and even stretchable. Here, applications are for displays, replacing ITO; touch screens, photovoltaics and display bus bars and beyond.

 

In addition, interest is high as CNTs have demonstrated mobilities which are magnitudes higher than silicon, meaning that fast switching transistors can be fabricated. In addition, CNTs can be solution processed, i.e. printed. In other words, CNTs will be able to provide high performing devices which can ultimately be made in low cost manufacturing processes such as printing, over large areas. They have application to supercapacitors, which bridge the gap between batteries and capacitors, leveraging the energy density of batteries with the power density of capacitors and transistors.

 

Challenges are material purity, device fabrication, and the need for other device materials such as suitable dielectrics. However, the opportunity is large, given the high performance, flexibility, transparency and printability. Companies that IDTechEx surveyed report growth rates as high as 300% over the next five years. New developments regarding the production of pure CNTs and the separation of conducting and semiconducting carbon nanotubes are given in this updated report.

 

Graphene, a cheap organic material, is being enhanced by companies that are increasing its conductivity, to be used in some applications as a significantly cheaper printed conductor compared to silver ink. Graphene and its compounds are increasingly used to make transistors that show extremely good performance - a progress that comes with new cheaper production processes for the raw material.

 

Courtesy: ID TechEx

 

Carbon nanotubes may be used in medical applications, roofing, computers, improving materials, etc.  The uses seem limited only by the human imagination, and I truly believe this is the future of solar collection.

 

You may wish to stop for a moment and think about the hundreds of millions who do not have access to energy for even the most basic of needs.  This is the way that will allow them the bare necessities we so casually take for granted each day.

 

Thank you so much to my visitors from around the globe.  Here we discuss roofing topics, sciences associated with it, and make an attempt to show the importance of honor, integrity, and self respect in all phases of this life.  I am humbled you care what I have to say here.

 

I will encourage you to reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

 

Respect,

 

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

CCC1325620

RobertRSolomon@aol.com

"FREE Home Energy Audit"

Today, we will take a departure from a lot of the commercial roofing topics I normally discuss, to focus on your residence.

Believe it or not, but I actually live in a home (insert joke here), and here in Florida, the temperature today is 95 degrees F.   In Florida, it is a very rare occasion to experience heating days, but regardless of where you live, you want to have an efficient, insulated home.  Gee Ron, No Kidding!

I decided to take advantage of a "Free Home Energy Audit" by my energy provider (TECO), and will describe my experience, so you may consider the same.  I called TECO on Friday to inquire about the program, and they had a man here 10:00 am on Monday.  They didn't send a "subcontractor" by the way, but a first class representative, who'd been with them for 37 YEARS!!  Right here is where I give "Big Ups" to My Man Rick.  I could go on about him, but it would get mushy, and turn into the "Rick Show".

He conducted any number of tests, and inspections, in about 1 hour.  I received a printout on the exact energy coefficients of my home, and then sat down for solutions.  Other than some minor sealing (gasket around front entry), we focused on duct sealing, and additional attic insulation.

Please note that I was already instructed by Mrs. Solomon to purchase unfaced batt insulation that week, or I could find myself an even hotter residence somewhere else.  Don't quite know how serious she was about that, didn't want to find out, and I am trained by now to know better.  Take notes on this you younger guys.  The cost of the insulation alone was around $1,000.00 at Home Depot and then the install costs would be in addition.

Instead, the energy auditor (Super Rick) told me I could have all ductwork sealed for $50.00, and additional R-11 fiberglass blown into my attic for $100.00.  $150.00 TOTAL!!  So, my immediate thought was to get on Craigslist and buy some stereo equipment as any man would, but was quickly snatched back into reality.

All the procrastinating I'd done, cost me a rather large sum of money in energy costs, and I could have kicked myself.

The day after the ductwork was sealed, my inside temperature went down by 5 degrees F.!  The insulation is being blown in next week, and I'll report back on that improvement as well.  While we're on the subject, my energy provider allowed me to choose between blown in cellulose (newspaper), or fiberglass.

I've written a seperate post in here about fiberglass, so I took my own advice for once, and chose that thermal medium.  Do you remember why?  Because fiberglass is non-flammable, condensation does not allow it to collapse, and it is a very bad nesting environment for vermin.

The purpose of today's message is to encourage you to stop putting it off, because it is very painless, and an incredible value.  Your energy provider really does want to help you, so let them.

Also, you commercial roofing guys might like to know that (with my energy provider anyway) that if you install a white, reflective, roof system like TPO, you may qualify your client for up to $15,000.00 (.60 sq. ft.), in "cool roofing" rebate.  I should think that's quite a plus for you, if your competitor is not very savvy when it comes to energy.  This is directly from TECO's website:

Cool Roof Program

What is it?

You can earn a rebate up to $0.60 per square foot up to $15,000 for installing a cool roof system above conditioned spaces. This program is designed to decrease heat transfer through reflectance, improve comfort and reduce commercial heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) load.

How does it work?

Available to commercial/industrial customers with a roof area that includes a dedicated electric HVAC system. The cool roof system must reflect at least 70 percent of the solar radiation, have a thermal emittance greater than 0.75 and be installed by a licensed contractor. In addition, the systems must have an Energy Star labeled roof product based on ASTE E-903 or ASTM C-1549 testing.

How do I participate?

To participate, please follow these steps:

1. Mail or e-mail your project proposal to Tampa Electric. Once your proposal is received, a Tampa Electric representative may schedule an on-site visit for pre-inspection.
2. After the pre-inspection is complete or Tampa Electric approves your proposal, download and submit the Cool Roof program application to Tampa Electric. Once your application is received, a Tampa Electric representative may schedule an on-site post-inspection.
3. Tampa Electric will process the rebate check after the program guidelines are met. Please allow 4 weeks to process your rebate check.

Please mail all documentation to:
Commercial Energy Management Services
Tampa Electric
P.O. Box 111
Tampa, FL 33601

I mean, it was a piece of cake, and I am thankful for such outstanding customer service.  TECO is a very fine company and is always involved in community events, while helping their consumers on a very personal basis.

Thanks TECO.

I hope everyone and their families are well on this Independence Day weekend, that you stay safe, and happy in your endeavors.

"In this world everything changes except good deeds and bad deeds; they follow you as the shadow follows the body" (unknown)

I am very thankful for the time you spend with me here, and remember to always keep looking "UP".

Much respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620

"White Roofs All Around You"

I know I discuss "Radiant Absorption" of  petroleum roof systems quite a bit here , and I also sing the praises of white, synthetic, reflective roof systems, as the answer to great energy savings, and overall value.

If I can't get through with SRI indexes, perhaps some more common uses will assist you.

Okay, this is a fleet of school buses you see every day, and everywhere.  Why would you imagine virtually all school buses have white tops?  The school buses have white tops, but the schools are asphalt convection ovens.  Where is the logic in that?

So, we covered the white roofs on virtually every school bus on earth.  Now I will illustrate yet another fleet applicatiion, Police Cars.  Certainly the roof helps identify the vehicle number, but I don't think it's a simple coincidence.

Okay, now we can see a taxi in Portland.  It is pretty typical of taxis you might find anywhere, but again, why the white roof? (we know all these answers already, so ignore my questions)



And now we will translate the same principle of reflectivity used in buses, police cars, and taxis, into a large white monolithic roof system.

Perhaps this will bring my campaign to educate government, a bit more in focus.  You don't put a petroleum roof system on any of the vehicles I've illustrated, any more than you would install it on a building.  It's because IT WORKS!  COSTS LESS MONEY! And therefor saves taxpayer dollars (20% on average).

Thank you to everyone  who visits with me here.  I've received a great number of encouraging letters from my colleagues in the roofing discipline, and  I am humbled that anyone cares what I have to say.

Please reject negativity in all forms, be good, and keep looking "UP"

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

CCC1325620

"Are you smarter than Wal Mart"?

Hello everyone, and thank you for visiting with me today.

The "Are you smarter than Wal Mart"? question should have gotten your attention.

Okay, Ron, what do you mean by that?  What I mean is that Wal Mart is the most "Sustainability Conscious" corporation in the United States.  The statement is documented, and I have witnessed them in action many times.

You may be used to the daily news about some group suing Wal Mart every day in your newspaper, but that information will be next to the McDonald's, and Coca-Cola lawsuits.  Suits are not claimed against people without money obviously, as a judgement for 10 million dollars against someone who is without resources is  worth exactly $0.00.  "Easy Money" chasers don't have any complaints against you or I for that reason alone.  So, I just wanted to say thank you for the good they do, and show them in a more positive way.

1.)  Wal Mart is the largest private consumer of electricity in the United States.
2.)  Wal-Mart contributes $250,000,000.00 dollers each year for education and sustainability advancement.

I'd like you to actually be on top of a Wal Mart, like the one above.  The surface is vast at 250,000 sq. ft. , and reflects approximately 80% or more of the sun's radiant energy AWAY from the structure.  Average heat gain on this roof (TPO, or Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is only 10 degrees F., where a petroleum based white granular surfaced modified bitumen can easily have a heat gain of over 100 degrees F.

That's a no brainer right?  Well, yes it is, and Physicist, Nobel Laureate, and U.S. Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu, is in complete agreement.  Please take two minutes to view Dr. Chu's video on the topic.

http://blog.energy.gov/blog/2010/12/14/cool-roofs-easy-upgrade

Pretty simple, right?  Well the problem is that only a miniscule number of government agencies care one bit about this.  Roofing is probably the most boring topic on earth, and I know it.  But, for goodness sakes, let's use a small measure of common sense here.

I can only imagine the amount of money Wal Mart spends on energy each year, but the decision on synthetic white reflective roof saves an average of 20% in energy costs.  The only difference between Wal Mart, and your government, is that Wal Mart has to pay this money out of their own pocket, and government does not.

All I hear is "we need to save energy" 24 hours a day, yet the government will not participate.  Let us try an example:  I had an energy model done (Courtesy: Carlisle Syntec) on a 200,000 sq. ft. school, which is an average sized high school.

The purpose of the energy model was to compare "side by side" white granular modified bitumen roofing to TPO synthetic.  Both roofs were over R=19 insulation, and the warranty term was 30 years.

Amazingly, the white TPO roof:

Saved $455,000.00 in energy costs over the term of the warranty.

Saved 77,000 lbs. carbon.

My friends, that's ONE school.  Soon, I will actually do an up front installed cost comparison, but I know for sure the petroleum system will be far more expensive.  So, you've got a petroleum roof, costs more to install, and creates 20% more energy demand.  I have not met one person to date who can defend this position.

So far, I've only used schools as an example, but when you get into all government portfolios, the numbers easily climb into the billions of dollars.  AND, YOU'RE PAYING MORE FOR A PETROLEUM ROOF!!  I find this almost staggering, and you will not believe the great difficulty I have convincing government this is "Low Hanging Fruit".

I had a three hour discussion with a Professor of Advanced Electrical Engineering, at a major university.  The blinds were open, and the view was over a white petroleum modified bitumen roof.  He said, "well, we don't have that problem because our roofs are white".  First of all, the Dr. was very kind to spend so much time with me, and the visit was very informative, and to me, rewarding.

But, my point is that people of very advanced education, do not consider simpl;e physics, and most importantly "Radiant Absorption".  The roof remains hot well into the evening, and creates "Heat Islands", of which there is no excuse.  You LEED AP's can read page 95 V2.2, and understand the importance, and simplicity.

Wal Mart is passing on the savings to you, where the government is in your other pocket spending it.  The DOE has spent over 400 Billion taxpayer dollars, and you would think we'd have this very simple topic as common knowledge.  It's not me folks, it's the Secretary of Energy telling you the same thing.

The three images above are from Tampa Museum of Art.  This was my last project prior to retirement, but it's a beauty.  Sitting downtown, directly on the Hillsborough River, and across the river from the University of Tampa.  The roof was toured by every governmental leader imaginable, and I open my newspaper to read that nothing about it is "Green".  I immediately made an appointment with the City Council member who said it, and we got that cleared up.  If not for the vicious fight to switch from a petroleum roof to the white synthetic, she may have been right.  At any rate, I am proud to know the energy consumption was greatly reduced by this roof system.  It's the "little victories" right?

I know how tough times are, but if you have a spare nickle I know will be well spent, please click on the "Sustainable Florida" logo at the upper left, and share if you can.  I've been associated with them for four years now, and can attest to their frugality, and purpose.  Mr. Tim Center will be your contact person there.

The next few months will bring great adventure to me in the form of intriguing challenges.  I welcome them with great enthusiasm, and will try to share the details with you here.

It is with great humility I accept your time with me here, and I am so very thankful.  Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

CCC1325620



"Getting it Straight "Up Front"

First:  The answer to the poll qauestion was 1,000 lbs.  OSHA requires a ladder's rating to be 400% more than the actual rating.

"Getting it Straight "Up Front" :

I cannot tell you how many times I see two entities preparing to do business with each other, and simply "assume" the project will be smooth as silk.  Nothing can be more erroneous, or in my mind, foolish than not addressing every phase of the project "BEFORE" you accept the contract, and certainly "BEFORE" you start.

Why is that Ron?  Well, it's "Perceived Fear", lack of confidence, and negotiating from weakness.  You WANT to tell them that tearing off their roof, and replacing it with a new one will be just like a trip to Disney.  But, that is not going to actually happen.  From experience, I can tell you that describing this very invasive process is appreciated by the owner.  They don't need to hear a "Shuck and Jive" show, but to be told exactly what to expect.

I've shown you how to write a roofing proposal, with date, scope of work, and terms.  Now the client accepts your very nice proposal, and wants to enter into a contract.  Great, everyone's happy so far.  You may have heard me discuss that "Disqualifying" a client, is just as important as "Qualifying" a client.  Shockingly, contractors get so lightheaded from simply getting a job, that no effort is placed into vetting the firm that will owe you a lot of money. 

Please believe that if you enter into a contract with me, I will know everything there is to know about you, your company, your license, insurance, and reputation.  I owe you a properly installed roof system, and you owe me money.  It would be nice if you like me, and vice versa, but we're not really in the "Friendship Ring" business are we?

It is VERY IMPORTANT you get the truth right out in the open, so when the roof leaks (and it will), or someone runs over a nail, and gets a flat tire (and they will), we're both prepared for it.  You would be amazed how people view you, when you act like you've done this before.  But invariably, I see a salesman (I rarely use that word because it's very negative) smiling, laughing, and full of joy over simply closing a "sale".

That happiness lasts approximately 3 minutes, until your estimator says he forgot 800' of coping, or half scaled it.  Or because the salesman was too afraid to share all data with everyone involved.  There are many reasons for this, and I don't want to lean on any one person, other than to say, you must do these descriptions "UP FRONT".

I watched a client sit in amusement as I told him the roofing project would not be like getting two Christmas' this year, but that it is a very invasive procedure, and I know it.  I told him that when driving over, I saw a Tire Kingdom two blocks away for the 4 flat tires I would have to fix.  A car detailing business for any cars that needed to be detailed, and I GUARANTEED him the roof would leak over his desk.

Folks, you're dealing with adults that own buildings.  Do you think they are so "sheltered" not to know mishaps (minor, or major) happen?  Their phone rings all day with problems, and we're going to do our bloody best to make that stop.  Certainly as it pertains to roofing, but you cannot ask, nor expect, perfection from your crew, or staff.

In this way, the client knows you're alert, ready, and we can proceed.

So let's stop with all the "Well, I thought you said", or "Nobody told me about that", that's what emails are for, and always ask them to acknowledge receipt of your message.  Now, you've got a record, and a time stamp.  But, that doesn't mean you have permission to proceed, until you've received an approved change order.  I will tell you in advance, that if your anxiety gets the better of you, you will not get paid.

People who work out of their left pocket fail.  Those with a program, sequence, and uniformity succeed.  So stick to your program, and get all the problems at least "addressed" before taking another step forward.  For those of you who doubt what I'm telling you, please think of me the next time you do additional work without a change order, and do not get paid.

Again, a 250 lb. rated ladder must be able to support 1,000 lbs.

Thank you to the very kind gentleman from the UK who related to the Greek lesson.  I am always happy to know that you take time to share with me, and I am thankful for the opportunity.

Interestingly enough, I will be writing a post here regarding (of all things) sharks, and how they may affect roofing materials in the near future.  Don't panic, it's about replicating a design feature of the animal that performs a very specific task.

Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620

What Greeks Have Known For Centuries"

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Sometime as I look over the many countries that visit this blogsite, I think of you, those particular nations, and today I became fascinated with my visitors from Greece, and what the Greeks have contributed to society as a whole. 

The Greek heritage and civilization is, of course legendary, and as a result, are recognized as great benefactors to humanity.  From the sciences, to the arts, their mark has been indelibly etched upon this earth and rank among the truly magnificent people, and cultures, the earth has ever known.

A city named "Tarpon Springs" about 35 miles from Tampa, Florida is home to the sponge docks, a well known tourist area, and home to a large Greek community, and many fine Greek restaurants I've visited many times.

Why am I talking about Greece on a roofing information blogsite?  Because the Greeks have known about the value of reflecting radiant energy away from their homes for many centuries, as evidenced in the photos above.  I also wanted to illustrate how my "Low Hanging Fruit" approach to roofing follows this theme, except in today's modern society, we have the very same principles available in highly reflective synthetic roof membranes.

I don't want to ruin this rather personal message to my friends in Greece by rambling on about it, but to illustrate how many times, and how many years, we've seen this principle of physics applied.  I'd like you to take a moment, and ask yourself why our "modern society" doesn't implement more of this , instead of roofing buildings in petroleum?  I think if it was a good idea, the Greeks would have thought of it first.

I am quite thankful you take time from your day, and visit with me here.  In an effort to bring information to you, I am constantly evolving, and am humbled you care what I have to say.

Have a very happy, and productive day, reject negativity in all forms, and keep looking "UP".

Respectfully,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

CCC1325620 

"Reality of "OSHA"

Okay, today I will tackle some rather touchy issues as it pertains to OSHA.  I could be infinitely technical here, but will spare you the minutia and boredom.  I will approach the topic as an observation.  Some will be in support, and some will not, but I will share actual experience, and not hypothetical.

OSHA is a very complex, and infinite set of rules.  They are in fact, designed for worker safety, and the safety of all trades.  Many projects require a "site specific" safety program based upon an approved safety model.  these "site specific" programs require thought, and time, to properly address, and solve, potential safety hazards.

In many cases, once you've written the program, you will be asked to translate it into Spanish, and this is the best free software I've found for doing that:

http://www.online-translator.com/Default.aspx/Text

Boy did that save us some time.

In "Contractor World", the last conscious thoughts you should have each night should be the safety of those in your charge, and providing the safest work environment possible.  Your goal is to see the workmen return each day safely to their families.  I firmly believe the vast majority of contractors do exactly that.

I admire the many people who do this, and it takes a lot of work, and money, to make that happen.  10 or 30 hour OSHA courses are recommended for each employee, and that person should have his or her OSHA card on them at all times.

Okay, now you've got your safety program, site specific plan, Spanish translation, and OSHA training for each employee.  Outstanding.  But now comes the rub.  It is impossible for you to comply with the very fine print of OSHA.  It is so voluminous, you cannot reasonably be required to memorize every page.

I can tell you that I could go on a jobsite, and cite every single person on that job.  Startling isn't it?  And that's just what OSHA does when they feel like it.  I've watched firms that spend countless hours, and vast sums of money training, testing, and supervising employees, only to be slapped with a huge fine by OSHA because they felt like it.  I cannot change that, but I can make you aware of it.

OSHA's funding has been cut, and I can guarantee you they are out to make up that revenue.  Why do you care?  Because the cost will be transferred to you.  Or, if you work for a firm that has been cited by OSHA, you, and many others may be out of a job.  OSHA puts far more people in the unemployment line than they help.

OSHA, as any other government agency is a complex maze of pure confusion.  I am trying desperately to make you aware that you not only have to deal with OSHA, but you will have to deal with the temperament of the OSHA inspector.  You are at the mercy of how they feel that particular day, and I don't think anyone in construction will dispute what I just said.

Example:  I had a 100,000 sq. ft. project with non-friable asbestos encapsulated in the base flashing, and nowhere else on the roof.  My men were made to wear HEPA masks, and full Tyvek suits in 96 degree Florida sun.  Certainly, I was more concerned with them having heat stroke than breathing asbestos, because they were not in danger to begin with.  This is yet another example of trying to out think yourself, or justifying your position at the expense of others.

Regulation, upon regulation, upon regulation is starving us of oxygen to breathe and do our work properly, and safely.

I can only suggest you keep your safety records up to date, have ongoing training (I know how boring it is), and simply do your best.  Please see the poll question based upon an OSHA regulation it took me  hours to find.

It is very exciting to me to see my many friends across the globe checking in.  You are very welcomed, as the bulk of my work is for impoverished nations, and my true joy comes from helping them.  I do not take for granted, the many blessings my God, so loving, sends to me.  I do not measure myself by the accumulation of material things, but by achievement, on behalf of others.

Today, I will also introduce you to an absolute doll Rachel Beckner, of  Go Green Roofing.  I'm playing a little bit, because she's as cute as a button, and tease her husband night and day gogreenroofing@aol.com 

I know both she, and her husband Bob very personally, and would like to give both of them my very highest seal of approval.  Particularly if you have structures that require extensive engineering and thought beyond that of , let's say "standard" roofers.  they are full service people, and very client oriented.  Lovely people whom I place the utmost trust.  They are domiciled in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, but have a rather extensive service area.  I am proud to say they are people of faith, and in this business, we need all the help we can get.  It also illustrates a principle that cannot be broken.

Thank you for visiting with me today, reject negativity in all forms, and keep looking "UP".

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620