CMG observation phase

The purpose of CMG observation is to assess the presence of raw energy potential within a 3km area of the project site.  One can think of it on strictly scientific terms - like the potential energy available, but that would limit and perhaps preclude some energy forms.

Just like a community resource guide for libraries, public services, social programs, etc., a community microgrid energy resource guide needs to be established.  Observation, and identifying the raw energies available within a 3 km area, is essential to forming a CMG.


Observation process

The observation is to be free of judgment, evaluation or assessment.  It is strictly to observe and record what is present.  Empirical and scientific observation are essential.  Measurements of water flow, actual PV panel output, SHW panel HW output and temps, river flows, ground and subterranean soil temperatures, et.

Estimated volumes of various biomass and biogas potential is a bit tricky to measure.  There are accepted forestry and biomass measurement techniques, but they may prove to be a bit cumbersome for this initial phase.


One of the dilemnas with this observation phase is the limited time and resources (people on the ground, funding, instrumentation, etc) available.  AND... what if one spends 20+ hours on ... say biomass measurements, only to have the project leadership team decide not to use biomass as a community energy source.




Once the observation is completed, it can be organized into the context of an assessment.  Field observations on quantity and quality of each energy source needs to be made.  Scientific measurements and engineering know-how are essential.