bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cogeneration Case Study Using the Interactive Energy Balance Program
Authors: Lailhacar Cristián Cárdenas- , Serrano Helena
Published: April 2022

Cogeneration is a highly effective means of increasing energy ef-ficiency and reducing energy costs by utilizing the heat that wouldnormally be wasted and use some or all of it for the thermal require-ments of a facility. This effective utilization of heat generated duringelectricity production allows for an increase of fuel efficiency from35% to almost 85%. Cogeneration not only reduces energy costs andincreases energy efficiency, but is also beneficial to the environment byreducing the amount of pollutants that are emitted into the atmo-sphere.In a previous work we presented and described the new Interac-tive Energy Balance (IEB) software. The package offers an easy way toaccount for energy bills, working equipment and their energy operat-ing characteristics. Among the equipment considered are: lighting, airconditioning, refrigeration compressors, air compressors, motors, andothers. The electric energy consumed by all pieces of equipment isbalanced against the energy bills (last 12 months). The correspondingenergy costs, graphs, pie-charts, and free format reports are automati-cally generated showing paths and trends on energy consumption. A“Recommendations” section allows for a quick, but beyond a back ofthe envelop type of calculation, initial analysis of potential energy im-provement projects associated with current equipment, and/or for theinstallation of new ones.As a result of the increasing interest, we have included in IEB’s“recommendations” section a “cogeneration” option. Among its manyfeatures is a typical cogeneration environment window with fuel load, power generated, thermal load output, and efficiency, allowing for avariety of uses for the exhaust heat. Furthermore, an information veri-fication chart is displayed and a final “cogeneration savings” printablesummary chart is shown. This chart includes (among others) theworth of thermal load, worth of cogeneration, fuel cost, operatingcost, total savings, simple payback, and return on investment. In thiswork we briefly describe IEB and present a case study on a cogenera-tion recommendation. This provides insight on the versatility, fasterdata entry, balancing process, graphical display, recommendations andmany other features of the software. In addition, we further demon-strate the value of the energy balance approach, and the many optionsfor cogeneration and other energy savings projects
Case Study: Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District Reclamation Pump Station Solar Pholovoltaic Project
Authors: Harris Arno
Published: April 2022

In early 2004, Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District, which servesresidents of Northern Marin District, completed the installation of an 81-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) power system that provides electricityfor its reclamation pump station.After completing a competitive proposal process, the District con-tracted with EI Solutions (formerly Prevalent Power, Inc.), a solar powersystems integrator, to engineer, finance and install the PV system. Thesystem was designed to zero the building’s electricity bills and eliminateharmful emissions, initially saving the District around $22,000 per year.The system purchase was financed in part with funds fromCalifornia’s rebate program; construction financing was provided by EISolutions and its suppliers. Over its lifetime the system will generate$900,000 in direct energy cost savings. The system is expected to pay foritself in about 11 years, and will then provide another 20 years or so of“free” power to the District.This case study provides an inside look at the PV engineering pro-cess, presents a set of best practices in PV system design and installation,and examines the economic and environmental rationale for purchasingthe system.
Life-cycle Characteristics of Customer-sited Small-scale Residential Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Honles Thomas
Published: April 2022

In 1998, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power(LADWP) implemented a spearhead research program for the purpose ofdetermining the real world, in-situ, life-cycle performance of small scalephotovoltaic (PV) systems. These systems were to be owned and oper-ated by the municipal utility, installed on residential structures, andwould introduce the use of photovoltaics into the LADWP’s electricgeneration portfolio.The early results obtained from the program provided the neces-sary background electrical performance and installation feasibility expe-rience that was necessary to develop the utility’s larger $150 million, 10-year, solar power customer incentive “buydown program,” initially of-fered to its residential and commercial customers beginning in Septem-ber 2000. The buydown program continues to be offered to LADWPcustomers through June 30, 2011.In the 1998 program, the utility provided 2.5 kilowatt roof-mountedPV systems and installation labor, and requested program volunteersfrom its residential customer base. The volunteer sites provided roofspace for the photovoltaic modules and wall mounting space for thebalance of system and dedicated meter. The systems were connecteddirectly to the local distribution circuit, and provided solar generatedelectricity directly to the municipal grid. From a number of respondents,12 sites were qualified for installation of the systems.In 2004, the utility formally began its phase out of the researchprogram by either removing those systems from service or transitioningthem to private customer ownership.
Case Study: Fuel Cell Micro Grid Operation at the 2004 Democratic National Convention
Authors: Berntsen George
Published: April 2022

The 2004 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in downtownBoston presented an energy challenge. The large, attendant media pres-ence required a great deal of additional power for temporary studios,satellite up-links, etc., that could not be supplied by the constrained elec-tric utility infrastructure.To meet this need, an independent micro grid was constructedconsisting of two rail-mounted diesel-generators and a trailer-mountedfuel cell power plant. The fuel cell was a DFC300 produced by FuelCellEnergy, Inc. The DFC300 is a 250 kW rated power plant, capable of bothgrid connected and grid independent operation. The DNC micro gridrepresented the first application in which the DFC300 operated in paral-lel with diesel generators independent of the electric utility grid.In addition to explaining the fuel cell power plant operating modes,this article describes the specific planning, challenges and operating re-sults of the unit in the DNC micro grid. It will also examine the potentialbenefits of fuel cells in future micro grid applications
Case Studies: Enhancing Reliability and E fficiency Using Locally Generated DC Power— The Hybrid Building
Authors: Robinson Mr. Mark
Published: April 2022

Since Edison’s day alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC)have co-existed by necessity: AC to make the trip from the generatingplant and DC to power electronic loads. This has resulted in billions ofelectrical compromises in the form of the ubiquitous power supply, ora rectifier, that must stand in front of DC loads to convert AC to DC.As Arthur Rosenfeld a California Energy Commissioner calls them, our“Energy Vampires.”But now, many buildings are generating power of their own, usu-ally direct current energy. Is this wasteful back-and-forth conversionreally necessary? Just as the automobile industry has advanced to thehybrid car, buildings can use multiple sources of power to achieve dra-matic increases in ef ficiency
Assessment of Packaged PEM Fuel Cell CHP Systems
Authors: Armstrong Peter , Sullivan Greg
Published: April 2022

Packaged fuel cell systems are technically attractive for distributedgeneration because they are very ef ficient, quiet, and have the potentialfor very low waste-stream emissions. Packaged fuel cell systems havebeen commercially available for about 10 years. Although still expen-sive, the cost, reliability, and performance of these systems have beenimproving steadily. This document describes the technology, its applica-tion niche, and what a potential user needs to consider when makingprocurement decisions
Case Study of Austin Energy’s 200-kW Fuel Cell
Authors: Alford Larry
Published: April 2022

In the spring of 2001, Austin Energy decided to pursue a com-mercial fuel cell demonstration project to determine the issues involvedwith either a customer or the utility owning, installing, operating andmaintaining this technology. A significant component of this project in-cluded understanding the issues associated with distributed generationconnected to the local utility grid and how this would impact both thecustomer and the grid. An added bene fit would be to provide a fuel celleducation site that is accessible to other Austin Energy customers andthe general public.The site selected for the project is the city-owned Rebekah BainesJohnson Health Center, which houses the city health clinic. Because theHealth Center had existing redundant 1,000,000 Btu per hour boilers forHeating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, (HVAC) desiccant drying, andbuilding heat along with a domestic hot water heater, the site presentedan opportunity for using the waste heat generated by the fuel cell powerplant in a combined heat and power application.Using a federal grant of $200,000 from the Climate Change Pro-gram administered by the U. S. Department of Defense, Austin Energyinstalled a 200-kW UTC Power Model PC25™C fuel cell. This fuel cellwas the first in Texas to feed electric power into the utility grid. Com-mercial operation began July 2, 2002.The issues to be worked through in many areas proved to be dif fi-cult, but doable, and many lessons have been learned along the way. Theperformance results have been impressive proving that this technologyis not only technically viable in commercial applications but reliable aswell.
Fuel Cells in Backup Power Applications
Authors: Koehler Theresa
Published: April 2022

Availability and reliability of backup power sources are a majorconcern in the United States. Weather conditions and a fragile power in-frastructure have caused blackouts across the country, making customersand service providers look for backup power solutions that offer dura-bility and flexibility, at a reasonable cost. More recently, the realizationthat our power generation and distribution system may be vulnerableto interruptions increased this need signi ficantly.There are a variety of backup electrical power systems that allstrive to provide power when the grid power is unavailable; yet howeach system achieves this goal is very different. For many years, backuppower has been provided primarily by valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA)battery systems (i.e., UPS systems) and engine-generator sets. Morerecently, ultra capacitors, flywheels and new battery technologies havebeen employed. Although each technology has some advantages; thedisadvantages are signi ficant enough that service providers, especiallythose employing outdoor applications, are searching for alternatives.Fuel cell manufacturers have responded by designing fuel cell systemsto compete with traditional technologies meeting backup power require-ments in stationary applications. This article discusses the use of hydro-gen-fueled fuel cells fro the purpose of providing back up power.
Research in Photovoltaic Technology for Buildings
Authors: Miller William A. , Golove Bill , Masepohl Ms. Trina
Published: April 2022

The federal sector continues to be a leader in the implementationand demonstration of photovoltaic (PV) technology. Installing PV sys-tems helps meet the goals of Executive Order (EO) 13123, which encour-ages each federal agency to “expand the use of renewable energy withinits facilities and in its activities by implementing renewable energyprojects and by purchasing electricity from renewable energy sources.”PV systems, like those presented in this article, help meet the goal ofthe Million Solar Roofs Initiative for the federal government to install20,000 solar energy systems at federal facilities by 2010. Installing PVsystems can also help reach the government’s renewable energy goal—tohave the equivalent of 2.5% of federal facilities’ electricity consumptionsupplied from new renewable energy sources by 2005.Although most cost-effective PV installations in the past have beenfor remote, off -grid power applications, current installations includea variety of high-value grid-connected applications that provide reli-able power, lower energy consumption and costs, and reduce harmfulemissions. It may be more dif ficult for grid-connected projects to meettraditional cost-effectiveness criteria (e.g., brief payback periods) if onlyenergy cost savings are considered. However, economics is not the singlefactor, and not always the most important factor, in determining whetherto implement alternative, renewable energy systems such as PV.Besides reducing energy costs, PV may provide bene fits such asreducing harmful emissions from power plants, reducing peak demandsfor the facility and on the electrical grid, enhancing energy security, aswell as, aiding the development of renewable sources of energy. Agen-cies that can place a dollar value on bene fits such as those will be betterable to justify installing these systems on the basis of cost.
Case Study of the Austin Energy Dell Regional Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas Packaged Hybrid CHP Energy Plant in Austin, Texas
Authors: Mardiat Ed , Teigen Jim , Braddock Cliff , Berry Jeanette (Jan) B. , Newcomer Adam , Moroz Robert (Bob) P.
Published: April 2022

Innovative approach to designing an integrated packaged andmodular hybrid energy plant allows for improved reliability, redun-dancy and ef ficiency. Austin Energy, who will own and operate thisplant, selected Burns & McDonnell as their packaged plant integrator.Austin Energy has signed an energy services agreement to provide thenew hospital with power, chilled water and steam.The plant is the first of its kind in the State of Texas using theCHP module to generate primary power for the Dell Children’s Medi-cal Center of Central Texas with the grid providing backup power. Thepackaged and modular CHP plant will utilize the state-of-the-art SolarTurbines Mercury 50 combustion turbine, which has a simple cycle heatrate ef ficiency of 38 percent and produces less than 5 ppm NO x andmeets the Texas 2005 emission mandate without the need for a catalyst,counting the thermal bene fits of steam and chilled water. In addition,the hybrid plant will utilize a heat recovery steam generator, packagedchiller plant and boiler, absorption cooling and thermal energy storageto maximize system ef ficiency, operational flexibility and reliability ofservices to the hospital and the campus district cooling system.

The hybrid energy plant control system will allow the system tobe remotely monitored and operated from an off-site operational controlcenter. This article will provide insight into the design of the hybridenergy plant and present features and bene fits to this type of packagedand modular system approach. In addition to hospitals that have a needfor grid independence, universities, airports, and other critical facilities,such as data centers, will bene fit from this type of packaged hybridenergy plant approach.
2006 Update: The State of U.S. Landfill Gas Utilization Projects
Authors: Goldstein Ms. Rachel
Published: April 2022

This article discusses the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’sLandfill Methane Outreach Program. Municipal solid waste land fills arethe largest source of human-related methane emissions in the UnitedStates. Instead of allowing LFG to escape into the air, it can be captured,converted, and used as an energy source. The Landfill Methane OutreachProgram is a voluntary assistance program that helps to reduce methaneemissions from landfills by encouraging the recovery and use of land fillgas as an energy resource. The article discusses several different typesof land fill gas utilization projects. It also discusses market drivers, en-vironmental bene fits, and financial benefits. The article concludes witha discussion on the future of land fill gas energy projects.
A Successful Combined Heat and Power Project at the University of New Hampshire
Authors: Braun Allan E.
Published: April 2022

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) is in the midst of a majorconstruction and renovation program. Construction of new buildingshas exceeded the capacity of the central heating system. Equipment inthe existing central heating plant is aging, with some of the boilers over60 years old. UNH investigated options for utility system upgrades. Be-cause of electric rate uncertainty, UNH focused on options that includedself-generation of electricity. The CHP plant has one 7.9 MW dual fuelturbine with heat recovery steam generator and auxiliary duct- firing.The building was designed and constructed to drop-in two additionalturbines as UNH adds buildings over the next 20 years. The initial CHPconfiguration will provide about 90 percent of UNH electric needs andall heating needs.
California Energy Commission
Authors: Ontiveros Juan
Published: April 2022

The University of Texas at Austin’s combined heat and power(CHP) plant has provided reliable, ef ficient, and cost effective utilitiessince its inception in 1928. This natural-gas- fired plant currently canproduce up to 110 MW of electricity at 12-kV and 4.16-kV, 1.1 millionlbs/hr of steam at 425 psi, 700°F, and 40,800 tons of chilled water usingelectric and steam turbine driven chillers. The system also provides thecampus compressed air and about 9 million gallons per year of demin-eralized water for building and laboratory use. The system supports acampus of about 16 million square feet via underground tunnels andelectrical duct banks.
The Green Hydrogen Paradigm Shift
Authors: Clark II Woodrow W.
Published: April 2022

The change from a global economy dependent upon fossil fuels torenewable fuels for an hydrogen economy is occurring now. Not in 50 to60 years, but the hydrogen economy is underway today. This “paradigmshift” is one as signi ficant and dramatic as the Industrial Revolutionitself. And more importantly, it is not an adjustment or cycle or bubble.Indeed, the hydrogen economy is upon us now, and every nation andcommunity is now experiencing the transitions therein.This article addresses that paradigm shift but also the immediateeconomic and business development for any region or nation-state.More signi ficantly, when the production of hydrogen is derived fromrenewable energy resources, not only are there societal bene fits but alsosustainable economic growth. Some of the immediate evidence can beseen in California, where “civic markets” are indeed working, but alsowith the combination of infrastructures into hybrid systems. Hereinthe combination of hydrogen for stationary power with transportationfuel needs is expediting the paradigm change into economic feasibilitytoday—not in the next Century.
Legislative Motivation for Implementation of Combined Heat and Power: The Most Successful Energy Projects in Hungary*
Authors: Zsebik Albin
Published: April 2022

Cogeneration is a very important tool for saving primary energy,avoiding network losses, and reducing emissions, in particular of green-house gases. In addition, ef ficient use of energy by cogeneration cancontribute positively to the security of a nation’s energy supply and tothe competitive situation in both the private and public sectors of theenergy market. For this reason, the Hungarian Ministry for Economyand Transport enacted legislative motivations for the implementation ofcombined heat and power (CHP). As a result of this legislation, powergrid administrators have been obliged since January 2003 to purchase,at a subsidized price, electricity produced by cogeneration plants. Thelegislation of the Ministry heavily in fluenced energy investment, andimplementation of CHP units with gas engines, which were the mostsuccessful energy projects in Hungary in the last few years.This article:• introduces the Ministry mandate to purchase cogenerated electric-ity at a subsidized price• shows the in fluence of the mandate on investments• reviews changes, reasons, and market reactions chronologicallyfrom instatement of the mandate• shows the results of an economic analysis of a selected project
Microturbine-boiler Integrations are Efficient and Practical Combined Heat and Power Solutions
Authors: Johnson Jay
Published: April 2022

An adequate thermal load is critical to a successful combined heatand power project. However, the integration of the waste heat stream froman on-site generator with a facility’s existing steam or hot water systemis often one of the more dif ficult and costly aspects of a project.This brief article is intended to introduce the reader to the basicconcept of integrating microturbines (small gas turbine generators in the30 to 250 kW range) directly with existing building boilers, to achievesimple and highly ef ficient on-site generation systems.The author discusses the direct use of microturbine exhaust inconventional industrial and commercial boilers. This type of thermalintegration greatly simplifies the installation of an on-site generator withexisting building systems, and provides the maximum possible utiliza-tion of the heat, in cases where a boiler is the primary source of thermalenergy in the building.
Department of Defense Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Demonstrations
Authors: Taylor William R.
Published: April 2022

Demonstration of molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) is underwayat three Department of Defense (DOD) sites. LOGANEnergy (LOGAN)has received contracts to install four MCFC systems at the three DODsites. The four 250-kW MCFC systems will be model DFC300MA unitsmanufactured by FuelCell Energy (FCE). The projects are still in-prog-ress but are already producing valuable experience. Experience to dateis shared in this article
Technical and Economic Assessment Of Solar Thermal Absorption Cooling Systems in Small Commercial Buildings
Authors: Burns Mr. Steven , Lee Mr. Kenneth , Hinrichs Mr. Douglas
Published: April 2022

This article presents the results of an initial assessment of the tech-nical and economic feasibility of supplemental solar thermal absorptioncooling systems for small commercial and institutional buildings in theSouthwestern United States. Solar thermal absorption cooling systemsuse chillers powered by solar energy rather than natural gas or electric-ity. The following factors may position solar thermal absorption coolingsystems as a competitive alternative to conventional electric or natural-gas-driven air conditioning:• Recent technology advances have occurred in concentrating solarthermal direct flow vacuum tube-type collectors.• The Energy Policy Act of 2005 includes a non-capped 30% invest-ment tax credit for solar thermal cooling systems on commercialbuildings.• Natural gas retail prices are near record highs, increasing peakelectricity rates.

• Use of renewable energy powered cooling systems can lead tolower electric demand and reduced power plant emissions.Initial assessment results show that solar thermal cooling systemsare feasible in areas with a con fluence of high solar insolation, highcooling demand, and high electric rates, achieving payback of less than8 years in typical five-story buildings. In smaller commercial and institu-tional buildings, solar thermal absorption cooling system life-cycle costsare also favorable in comparison to conventional cooling systems.
Performance Simulation of Combined Cycle with Kalina Bottoming Cycle
Authors: Srinivas T. , Gupta A.V.S.S. Kumara Swami , Reddy B.V.
Published: April 2022

The Kalina cycle has potential for improved performance re-garding electrical ef ficiency, specific power output and cost of electricitycompared with conventional technology because the mixture of workingfluids enables ef ficient energy recovery. Thermodynamic analysis hasbeen carried out for combined cycle with the Kalina bottoming cycle.In this work, the identi fied key parameters for the Kalina cycle are tur-bine inlet condition (pressure, temperature and concentration), separatortemperature and ambient temperature. The effect of these parameters onexergy ef ficiency of combined cycle is examined. The combined cycleefficiency increases with the increase in the turbine inlet pressure, andthe same decreases with increases in ambient temperature, turbine inlettemperature and its concentration. Heat recovery from exhaust decreaseswith increases in the separator temperature, and it does not alter theoutput of the combined cycle. The ef ficiency of the cycle is very sensi-tive to the turbine inlet concentration and ambient temperature.
Preliminary Design and Piping Diagram for a Combined Heat and Power System For the College of Engineering at the University of Louisiana Lafayette Using Donated Equipment
Authors: Kozman Theodore A. , Lee Jim , Kaur Bimaldeep , Gennuso Mindy A. , Dardy Gurmeet Singh , Clark Herman St. Clare
Published: April 2022

Combined heat and power (CHP) systems have many differentfactors in design procedures. The con figuration of a CHP system canbe changed to affect different factors of the design and to meet spe-cific needs of the system. Before the design process can begin, productspecifications, such as steam or water pressures and temperatures, andequipment, such as absorption chillers and heat exchangers, need tobe identi fied and de fined. The objective of this paper is to lay out apreliminary design of the CHP system at the College of Engineering atthe University of Louisiana, Lafayette. First, a flow chart is presenteddepicting a broad scope model of the whole system. Then, the speci fi-cations of the absorption chiller and the heat exchanger to be used inthe system are calculated by working out the flow rates of the watercircuits and the temperature of the exhaust gas. Once these are deter-mined, a piping and instrumentation diagram is shown, based on thesecalculations. Most of the equipment was donated to the University forwork in the Energy Engineering Laboratory of the Mechanical Engi-neering Department and the Industrial Assessment Center. Our designwork involves connecting all of the donated and other equipment tomake our CHP system
Residential Total Energy System Installation at the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology
Authors: Gusdorf John
Published: April 2022

Distributed cogeneration in single households may provide a vi-able alternative to the construction of new central power plants in thecoming years. A key issue in residential cogeneration is how to size andintegrate the required technologies to satisfy the total energy needs ofthe household, consisting of electricity, domestic hot water, space heatingand space cooling. An interesting pathway to a more sustainable futureinvolves the use of the earth surrounding the home as both a source anda sink for energy, especially if it enables the recycling of summertimewaste heat from the generator.This demonstration project was planned and implemented at theCanadian Centre for Housing Technology (CCHT) in 2006. The CCHT,located on the campus of the National Research Council in Ottawa,Ontario, Canada maintains two detached, single-family houses thathave the capacity to assess energy and building technologies with dailysimulated occupancy effects.This article describes the residential total energy system installedin one of the houses at the CCHT, consisting of two one-ton ground source heat pumps, an air handler for supplemental/backup heating, anatural-gas-fired hot water tank, an indirect domestic hot water tank anda multistage thermostat. The bore-field consists of three vertical wellsarranged to suit a typical suburban landscape. Two of the wells servethe heat pumps and the third well is arranged between the other two tosink the waste heat from a cogeneration unit scheduled to be installed inMay 2007. The heat pump system was sized to satisfy the cooling loadin Canada’s heating dominated climate, leaving room in the operationof the system to accept waste heat from the cogeneration unit, eitherdirectly or indirectly by recycling the heat through the ground to theheat pumps.Following an earlier paper that introduced the installation anddescribed initial ground thermal response testing, this paper presents,summarizes and discusses operational results of the heat pump systemin heating mode over a continuous 47-day period ending December 21,2006. The article will also describe the con figuration planned for therecovery of heat from the cogeneration system.
Harnessing the Sun to Power the Canal Road Treatment Plant at New Jersey American Water
Authors: Wolan Michael T. , Connor Scott C. , Kuster Thomas P.
Published: April 2022

To better control the escalating cost of electric power generationat its Canal Road Treatment Plant, New Jersey American Water (NJAW)decided to implement an environmentally friendly solution. The instal-lation of a 500 kW dc solar photovoltaic energy plant allows NJAW toachieve strong financial results, while providing clean, reliable, and costsaving energy to the bene fit of our customers and stakeholders.All of the power generated from this dual array ground-mountedsystem is utilized on site without exporting to the electrical grid. About15% of the peak usage of the treatment plant is now supplemented bythe system, reducing the amount of electricity that must be purchasedfrom outside energy suppliers. Additionally, energy is produced at timesof peak loading on the grid, decreasing stress on the grid, while creatingthe most valuable energy in a time-of-day rate environment.In addition to energy savings, the system produces a new yearlyrevenue stream for the company via the sale of tradable solar-specificrenewable energy credits that electric marketers are mandated to acquireto meet the NJ Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard.The installation of the system has had a very positive public rela-tions bene fit by demonstrating NJAW’s commitment to preserving theenvironment. This project is the largest ground-mounted system on theeast coast and demonstrates a green energy commitment that is a high priority for NJ and its governor’s environmental agenda.This article reports on the construction of this energy plant byNJAW and its consultant Dome-Tech Solar from conception to comple-tion. It discusses the challenges of obtaining NJ Clean Energy rebates,obtaining planning board approval and the alterations and changes tothe system required during the design and construction process. Mostimportantly the paper will discuss the economic, environmental andsocial bene fits that any company can derive from the implementationof a similar system
Benefits and Applications of Small-scale and Micro-CHP Systems
Authors: Spentzas Steve N.
Published: April 2022

Why pay for the inef ficiencies of the utility companies? Combinedheat and power (CHP) is a proven technology that provides clean, reli-able, and affordable energy to a variety of institutions. CHP systemsallow a facility to produce on-site electrical power and obtain overallefficiencies of over 85%. Standard power production provided by theutility companies is generally only 40% ef ficient. This is possible becauseCHP systems are designed to recover thermal energy from the primemover (electrical generating equipment). In the past, many CHP systemshave only been considered for large industrial and large commercialinstitutions because of the high capital costs and the increased need toreduce energy costs. These institutions primarily use large reciprocatingengines, combustion turbines, and steam turbines to produce electricity,as well as steam or pressurized hot water.With advancements in manufacturing and design, many CHPtechnologies have become more affordable for smaller institutions toyield both economic and other advantages. These technologies includemicroturbines, small reciprocating engines and fuel cells that will pro-duce electricity in addition to low pressure steam or low temperature hotwater. The lower grade of heat recovery available from these small-scaleand micro-CHP technologies is ideal for smaller institutions.This article details the bene fits and applications of small-scale andmicro-CHP systems. It also discusses proven examples of how theseCHP systems are being utilized in a variety of institutions. Many of thesesmall scale and micro-CHP technologies have been on the market foryears; however, with the rising cost of energy, the savings using thesetechnologies are now justified for smaller systems. Some of the exampleswill include new techniques for application, emerging technologies andrenewable energy sources.
Windpower Resource Screening for The Western U.S. Region*
Authors: Toole G. Loren , Tighe Thomas Mc , Salazar Marvin
Published: April 2022

This article describes a comprehensive screening study performedin 2007 to identify wind energy resources in the 14-state Western ElectricCoordinating Council (WECC). WECC comprises the entire Western In-terconnection. With a footprint of 1.8 million square miles within the U.S.,two Canadian provinces, and Baja Norte, Mexico, WECC offers significantbut widely dispersed potential for farming wind resources. The methodol-ogy described in this article is novel but tested in application.Using resource maps of greatest wind potential, electric generationis incrementally increased to reach a regional 25% penetration target.This approach allows overloaded transmission corridors to be identi-fied that will require investment to reliably ship power to the areas ofgreatest demand growth. In this study, resolution is based on 1 km cells.Explicit consideration is given to reserve transmission capacity to esti-mate WECC’s ability to move power from remote sites. Wind resourceassumptions are based on National Renewable Energy Laboratory(NREL) wind maps, Class 3 or higher (mean annual wind speeds = 6.9m/s at 80 m). The wind resource is converted on the basis of generatingclusters of 77-meter diameter, 1.5-MWe turbines with a capacity factorof 48%. Limits are placed on distance to load centers to avoid transmis-sion congestion and to implicitly acknowledge an economic breakeventowards lower speeds and closer distance.
Sizing CCHP Systems for Variable and Non-coincident Loads
Authors: Sclafani Anthony , Beyene Asfaw
Published: April 2022

Because of its superior efficiency and peak load mitigation capabili-ties, considerable attention has been given recently to combined cooling,heating and power (CCHP). The technology enjoys tax bene fits, incen-tives, accelerated permit processes, etc., at the local, state, and federallevels. One serious challenge to the implementation of CCHP systems ismatching and sizing the system to strongly and frequently varying loadconditions. Load variation is a serious design matter because the systemefficiency drops significantly at part-load. This article presents matchingand sizing related challenges of CCHP systems with emphasis on opera-tion-related and weather-driven load factors. Regional data were used toevaluate the success of recent incentive-driven CCHP implementationsand evaluate the signi ficance of part-load operation on system perfor-mance. Load profiling strategies are developed for equipment sizing andselection to mitigate part-load issues and address system flexibilities.
Wind Power Engineering Challenges 2007-2015
Authors: Anthony Jeff
Published: April 2022

Wind power in the United States presents an unprecedented op-portunity to simultaneously address key issues surrounding energysecurity and climate change. A recently released study has determinedwhat it would take to have the U.S. obtain 20% of its electricity fromwind power by the year 2030*. This study outlines a number of publicpolicy and strategic implications of achieving this target. The engineer-ing challenges associated with expanding the contribution of wind en-ergy to our nation’s power supply provides a number of daunting andaggressive targets that will need to be met.
Measured Energy Savings for Solar and Boiler Projects Installed at an Oregon Swimming Pool
Authors: Davis Richard W.
Published: April 2022

The Hood River Aquatic Center installed two projects in July 2006to reduce their natural gas use. They installed a solar water heatingsystem for the main pool and a high ef ficiency condensing boiler sys-tem. The pool gas use has been reduced by 27%. This article provides abackground of the projects and presents the measured energy savings.
Exergetic, Thermal, and Fuel Savings Analyses of a 20.70-MW Bagasse-based Cogeneration Plant
Authors: Kamate S.C. , Gangavati P.B.
Published: April 2022

A thermodynamic study of a 20.70-MW bagasse-based cogenera-tion plant in the Indian sugar industry located in Belgaum is presentedin this article. Analyses based on first and second laws of thermodynam-ics using actual operating data are presented first to acquaint the readerwith plant’s components and operation. The primary fuel energy savingsachieved by the cogeneration plant in comparison with that of separategeneration plants is determined and discussed. Secondly using thecombustion, flue gas and environmental data from the plant, an irrevers-ibility study is outlined that estimates the loss of exergy in the plant’scomponents. The component contributing most to the overall plant inef-ficiency is pinpointed. The results show that the plant’s cycle performswith an energy utilization factor of 69% and exergetic efficiency of 28%.Because of the inherent nature of combustion irreversibility, the largestfuel exergy loss (about 70%) is noticed in the boiler.
Sizing CCHP Systems for Variable and Non-coincident Loads, Part 2: Operating Strategies
Authors: Sclafani Anthony , Beyene Asfaw
Published: April 2022

One serious challenge to the implementation of combined cooling,heating and power (CCHP) systems is matching and sizing the system tostrongly and frequently varying load conditions. Previous works, part 1of this work in particular, have proven that while CCHPs have significantcost and performance advantages over traditional single-cycle systems,inadequate strategies, failure to address system flexibilities to accom-modate load variations in particular, seem to have negatively impactedthis promising technology. This paper discusses some techniques that canimprove system flexibility for variable and non-coincident loads.
Net Positive Energy Homes: Maximizing Performance Using Advanced Software Tools
Authors: Howard Bion
Published: April 2022

This article explores the art of the possible in advanced high per-formance homes, reviewing how builders and designers can be guidedtowards maximum potential using 21st century software tools to pro-totype net-positive energy home designs. Also reviewed in this articleare case studies of home designs analyzed using the advanced computersoftware, by the authors’ consulting practice.Included is a discussion of features and capabilities of popularsoftware tools: Energy-10™ V1.8 (Author: National Renewable EnergyLaboratory); EnergyGauge USA™ (Author: Florida Solar Energy Cen-ter); and REM-Design™ (Author: Architectural Energy Corporation).
Effects of a CHP System with Cooling on Carbon Dioxide Emissions In Full and Partial Cooling Load Applications
Authors: Sclafani Anthony
Published: April 2022

Combined heat and power technology is one of the few market-proven power generation solutions for reducing energy usage and green-house gas emissions. This work assesses the net emissions reductionfrom installing a CHP system with absorption cooling (a CCHP system)as an alternative to a state of the art variable speed centrifugal chiller.A full load analysis is presented that examines the performance of theCCHP system installed as an alternative to a fully loaded centrifugalchiller. A part load analysis is presented that examines the performanceof the same CCHP system installed as an alternative to the same chilleroperating at part load. A sensitivity analysis was performed to comparethe relative impact of cooling hours versus the local emissions coeffi-cients to determine the factor that has the strongest effect on emissionsreduction projects. The calculations and results of the analyses are pre-sented and recommendations made as to the most effective designs andlocations for installation of CCHP systems for reducing emissions.
Dynamic Optimization: Reducing Central Utility Plant Consumption by Over 50 Percent
Authors: Bauer Kevin
Published: April 2022

This article describes the best practices employed in the systematicupgrade, operation and maintenance of a central utility plant (CUP) andassociated energy infrastructure. The CUP provides electrical, heatingand cooling services to a 1.4 million square foot super-regional shoppingmall in Central Pennsylvania. Since EnergyWorks’ acquisition in late 2003,numerous improvements have been made that include:1. Selective equipment upgrades2. Automation of best practices in operation and maintenance3. Designing and installing an energy management system for real-time dynamic optimization.These improvements not only reduced the plant energy consump-tion by over 50%; they also reduced the carbon footprint by over 11 mil-lion pounds per year. With advanced energy management systems inplace, the shopping mall is assured of a healthy, efficient and sustainableenergy service.
Design Procedure of Heat Recovery Unit for Combined Heat and Power System
Authors: Kaur Bimaldeep , Kozman Theodore A. , Lee Jim
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this research is to put together a combined heat andpower (CHP) system for the College of Engineering at the Universityof Louisiana at Lafayette by integrating the solar turbine unit with theThermax absorption chiller. To achieve this, a heat exchanger is designedusing a theoretical methodology called the Bell-Delaware method. Thismethod helped obtain the basic dimensions of the heat exchanger. Ageneral design procedure is developed and some of the design deci-sions are discussed. Future scope of the work includes constructing theheat exchanger designed in this work and the practical integration ofthe equipment, to finally setting up a CHP system that would meet thechilling needs of the university.
Post Installation Analysis of Combined Heat and Power Projects
Authors: Negron Rafael M.
Published: April 2022

Like many energy projects, the potential energy savings from theinstallation of a combined heat and power (CHP) system is based on thesystem’s specifications and the building’s previous energy consumptionpatterns. Although this is a generally accepted way to analyze the feasi-bility of the system, actual energy savings will often depend on the waythe system is ultimately engineered, installed and operated. This articlewill show the importance for budgeting nominal resources to conductindependent post installation commissioning, metering and data logging(especially on smaller projects). It will show how using independentmetering and monitoring can help optimize CHP operations, identifyoperational problems and limit unwanted thermal dumping.This article will show how actual data and utility metering datacollected after the installation of a 150-kW CHP in a New York City(NYC) multi-family building were used to optimize system performanceof radiator fans, circulating pumps and existing domestic hot water(DHW) equipment. The article will also show how logger data wereused to identify problems with system components that may limit thepotential savings to the client. Finally, it will show how post installationmonitoring helped establish the optimal seasonal operating hours forthe system that maximized thermal energy consumption and minimizedunwanted heat dumping.
The Promise and Realities of Biogas Produced from Landfills and Farm Waste
Authors: Funk Peter V.K. , Bauer Daniel J.
Published: April 2022

Full realization of the potential of converting landfill gas (LFG)and farm manure to biogas and LFG could, together, significantlysupplement our national supply of natural gas. Another advantage ofthese sources is that they tend to be located near end users and maybe considered analogous in some respects to distributed generationbecause the gas they provide does not have to be transported longdistances. There are many ways to generate electricity and few waysto produce biogas. Unfortunately, factors such as constantly changingnatural gas prices, the relatively small size of individual projects froma financing prospective, the fact that historic technology for convertinganimal waste did not always perform properly and the “comfort level”of gas sellers in remaining with existing natural gas supplies have seri-ously hindered the development of these sources. Federal and state taxbenefits and incentive programs (such as the federal stimulus) offer thepromise of increased development of these important domestic energyresources and available technology provides the possibility of realizingthese domestic energy resources and contributing to gas price stabilityand domestic energy security.
Solutions Development for Renewable and CHP Projects For the Federal Government
Authors: Stringfield Jeff
Published: April 2022

Many federal ESPC projects have more opportunities than thetraditional demand-side energy conservation measures (ECMs). Moreadvanced technologies, like renewable project, can be incorporated intothe project bundle when the energy services company (ESCO) takesadvantage of creative financing, incentives and rebates available. Thisarticle will cover the following aspects of solutions development for re-newable and CHP projects for the federal government. Included will bea discussion of more advanced ECMs available to a particular location
Combined Heat and Power Systems in University Environment
Authors: Kozman Theodore A. , Reynolds Christopher M. , Lee Jim
Published: April 2022

Combined heat and power (CHP) technology is still underutilizedin the building sector due to the concern of insufficient economic returnsrelated to the seasonal heating and cooling loads and the initial costs ofinstalling these applications. In order to justify the use of CHP systems,the thermal energy created has to be used in a fashion that is favorableto the building’s environment. The thermal load is used for heating, hotwater, and thermal-driven cooling and humidity controls. This includes avariety of CHP technologies along with absorption chillers or desiccantdehumidification systems.This article provides a summary on some of the CHP installationsin university environment. The constant influence of changing technolo-gies and higher utility rates has forced universities and colleges to makeenergy management improvements. The literature survey on these uni-versities is not vast because the new and improved systems are still intheir beginning years and have not established concrete success stories.They have, however, shown enormous decreases in consumption andbegun to establish very profitable returns on their investments.
Boiler Energy Conservation Performance Studies in a Commercial Facility: Setting the Stage for Cogeneration and Distributed Generation
Authors: Nsofor Emmanuel C. , Vijay Veera
Published: April 2022

Growing attention is now being paid to energy conservation thatwas once considered insignificant for energy resource development. Anenergy efficiency study on the heating system for a commercial facilitywas performed using the BIN method that can be adopted by energymanagement practitioners. Such data-based method calculates the loadand energy savings for the recommended boiler replacement. Energyconsumption data, measurements and flowcharts developed were usedto study the operating costs and energy savings for the facility. Thestudy shows that the method can be used to decide if a boiler or heaterreplacement is worthwhile. Moreover, this study sets the stage forfurther energy management and reliability investment in the form ofcogeneration of heat and power (CHP) or distributed generation (DG).It was determined in this study that using the prescribed strategy willresult in significant energy savings for the investments made. Finally,basic data needed for cogeneration analysis resulted from the study.