Entries By mike uchal
Posted by: Brent Okita, Mike Uchal, Christina Dale, Seth Waterfall, Mike King, Robby Young
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Posted by: Mike Uchal
Categories: Mount Rainier Responsible Climbing
Every summer, RMI climbing teams consume over 7,000 gallons of drinking water at Camp Muir, the primary camp on Mt. Rainier's Disappointment Cleaver Route. For many years, melting snow in a large barrel heated by propane created drinking water for Camp Muir. We knew that there was a better way to provide drinking water to our teams and it just required a little bit of creativity, brainstorming, and initiative. Over the course of the 2012 and 2013 climbing seasons, a new solar thermal system was installed at Camp Muir. This system, designed to use environmentally benign and free solar energy to efficiently melt snow, provides drinking and cooking water for RMI climbers and guides at an elevation of 10,060'. The system was designed and built by RMI Guide and alternative energy professor Mike Uchal and his colleague Dr. Brian Raichle, who is a professor of solar energy technology at Appalachian State University. RMI Guide Cody Doolan also contributed with the design, installation, and maintenance. RMI's Solar Snow Melt System, part of our commitment to Responsible Climbing, reduces our environmental footprint on Mt. Rainier by minimizing the need to burn liquid propane gas in order to melt snow, cuts our operating costs, and reduces the environmental footprint of the helicopter used to transport propane to Camp Muir.
How it works:
A small electric pump powered by photovoltaic panels pulls water from the burn barrel, a large barrel used to melt snow, uphill to a solar thermal collector. The collector, a conventional flat plate solar thermal collector is the kind that is typically used in residential and commercial domestic hot water systems. The water is pulled by gravity through the copper pipes in the collector and is heated by solar radiation before returning to the melt barrel. RMI guides keep the barrel fed with clean snow from the snowfields above Camp Muir and this snow mixes with the warm water and melts into liquid form. A controller turns on the pump in the morning and off at the end of the day when the sun goes down. Because the collector is uphill of the barrel, gravity drains water from the collector at night to prevent damage from freezing water. This system design eliminates any problems associated with overheating during late season conditions when solar energy can be plentiful and strong.
How it performs:
On warm, sunny days at Camp Muir, typical in the late summer, the solar snow melting system heated the 30+ gallons of water in the burn barrel to above 100°F. That is nearly spa temperature! On cold, sunny days, often found early in the season, the system heated water to temperatures above 40°F - enough to effectively melt snow. Propane is still used during storms that last several days, when solar radiation isn’t strong enough to heat the collector, but the solar snow melting system dramatically reduced the amount of propane burned during the 2013 summer climbing season.
Anecdotally, before the 2013 climbing season the propane burner was running for around 3.5 hours per day to melt enough snow to provide drinking water for the RMI teams. During the 2013 climbing season, guides estimate that the burner was needed on average around 15 minutes per day. During the summer climbing season of 2013, we estimate the solar system saved approximately 250 pounds of propane, the associated cost of transport that propane, and 0.33 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
This project is part of RMI’s commitment to the outdoor community and environment as we work to reduce the environmental footprint of our climbs in order to ensure that many future generations are able to enjoy the same mountain environment that we enjoy. The RMI Solar Snow Melt System is a great example of practices that can reduce a business' environmental footprint and provide cost savings at the same time. By the end of its first full year at Camp Muir, the system paid for itself with savings in fuel and helicopter transport costs. The next time you make it to Camp Muir, swing by the guide shack and check it out! The guides would love to show you the system in person.
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Mike Uchal is a Professor of Alternative Energy at Appalachian State University and guides trips on Mt. Rainier and Mt. McKinley for RMI Expeditions. Mike lives the mountain life, rock climbing, paddling whitewater, mountain biking, trail running, and skiing whenever he has spare time.
Thanks for sharing such an amazing informations.
Very helpful.
Rachel
Posted by: Rachel on 1/16/2019 at 5:46 pm
http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2014/06/05/mt._rainier_expedition_skills_seminar_muir_reaches_summit
Hello folks looking for the skills seminar this week. There was a posting yesterday but not under Rainier. The above link will take you to a great picture!
Posted by: Doug on 6/6/2014 at 4:13 pm
That mountain looks soooo big from my easy chair on the patio where I lounge thinking about all of you, up on top. I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment. You guys are amazing! Welcome back, and can’t wait to hear stories.
Posted by: maryann on 7/21/2013 at 8:17 pm
I am so excited that you all made it! Each of you has been constantly on my mind the last several days! I am envious, but so proud of what you all have accomplished! Welcome home when you get there! Your admirer, Mr. T
Posted by: Thom D. on 7/21/2013 at 4:03 pm
On The Map
Thank you RMI, Mike and team for keeping everyone safe and heading in the right direction! Congratulations to all! Have safe journeys home. Steve, I can’t wait to see you!
Posted by: Tania on 7/6/2013 at 3:53 pm
I spoke to Quinn early this morning when you made it down and he called again today. Thank you Mike and the team for taking great care of our loved ones. Have a great rest of the climbing season and God speed.
Posted by: George Landers on 7/6/2013 at 1:37 pm
On The Map
Hopeful for your getaway very soon! Keep us posted. Love, Mom and Dad Haugen
Posted by: Cindy Haugen on 7/6/2013 at 6:15 am
Missing you more every day. Good to hear your spirits are ok. Can’t wait to hear that planes can make it in. Got 3 holes in one today. Hug, mom and the guys. Ps did you put smiley faces on the pancakes?
Posted by: KAC on 7/5/2013 at 9:17 pm
On The Map
Happy 4th of July To Cindee and her team! Wishing you all a safe and restful return, beers and tacos waiting for you when you get back to SF:)
Posted by: Jennifer on 7/4/2013 at 10:55 pm
The other night I had a warm peanut butter pop tart with a scoop of ice cream and some chocolate syrup. I feel sure that had pop tarts been included on this expedition, you guys would not still be snowed in.
Posted by: Lisa Mackey on 7/4/2013 at 7:01 pm
On The Map
There is an insane amount of cold diet coke in the fridge. Just saying. Jack and I loveyou, Quinn!!!
Posted by: Liz & Jack on 7/3/2013 at 7:27 pm
Steve and Grasshopper,
Congratulations on achieving the summit! So happy you were able to persevere through. Thinking of you this holiday, stay safe. Working on sending clear weather your way:)
Robin(pinky)
Posted by: Robin Biedrzycki on 7/3/2013 at 6:51 pm
On The Map
Congratulations everyone especially Grasshopper!! So amazing to realise your dream! xxx
Posted by: Kate on 7/1/2013 at 9:03 pm
cannot wait to see lance either!!!!fridge is full. Brits are doing great at Tour de France.Come back quick to watch!xxxxxx
Posted by: elisabeth on 7/1/2013 at 7:12 pm
Posted by: Mike Haugen, Mike Uchal
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,200'
On The Map
big concern from little calgarians: is there any chocolate left??
Posted by: elisabeth on 6/30/2013 at 4:35 pm
Posted by: Mike Haugen, Mike Uchal
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 20,320'
RMI Guide Mike Haugen calls from the Mount McKinley summit.
On The Map
Congratulations, Quinn, and the rest of the team!!! We’re so proud of you, what an amazing achievement! Have a happy and safe descent, you’re in our thoughts!
Posted by: Lauren & Adam on 6/30/2013 at 8:45 pm
Awesome job by everyone. Quinn, we knew you would summit no matter what it took. Have a safe 2nd half and look foreword to seeing you home soon. Love from Mom & Dad.
Posted by: George on 6/30/2013 at 12:34 pm
Good job NS fellas! Hope you have some good snaps to show us - looking forward to you coming home :)
Posted by: Megan on 6/24/2014 at 6:53 pm
Well done Andrew and crew. Suggest you take the elevator on the way back down. I guess you are the next guy to climb the mast.
Posted by: Herbie on 6/24/2014 at 5:48 pm
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