Energy Sources and Understanding Energy Waste/Inefficiencies

Energy Sources and Understanding Energy Waste/Inefficiencies

Alfred Woody, PEVentilation/Energy Applications, PLLCNorton Shores, Michigan231 798 3536

Overview

Energy systems What is waste and inefficiencyWhat to look for during a site surveySpecific system waste & inefficiencies

Energy Sources

ElectricityFuel

Natural gasFuel oilCoalSolid waste/Wood scraps

Water

BUILDING OPTIMIZATION

ENERGY OPTIMIZATION ASSESSMENT Goals

Eliminate wastePoor maintenanceImproper system operationWaste recovery

Improve efficiencyReplace existingSystem upgrade

Eliminate waste

Poor MaintenanceSystem leaksUncalibrated controlsDirty filters

Eliminate waste

Improper System OperationFailure to turn equipment offRunning wrong equipment for conditions

Waste RecoveryLack of heat recovery in hot exhaust air streams

Improve Efficiency Replace existing

ChillersLight bulbsMotors

System upgradeCentral monitoring and control systemAir conditioning system

How to Find Waste & Inefficiency?

Compare facility use (may not know)With earlier yearsWith similar facilitiesCompare with computer model results

Site survey for improper conditionsToo warm stack temperatureExcessive make-up waterBuildings too warmCold drafts entering buildingEquipment cycling on/offSystems operating during unoccupied hours

How to Find Waste & Inefficiency?

Review building drawings Identify spaces with changed function Find energy intensive systemsUnderstand operating settings

Check equipment nameplate DataEfficiencyAge

Review equipment logsCompare with weather dataNote unusual occurrences – peaks, drops

How to Find Waste & Inefficiency?

Talk to building occupants Uncomfortable spacesNoisy spacesPoorly performing controlsOperation inefficienciesCauses of rework and poor quality

Energy Assessment Audit Phases

Level 0 – Initial site contact and audit planningLevel 1 – Identification of potential ECM’s in selected buildings – order of magnitude calculations to prioritize selectionLevel 2 – Detailed analysis of selected ECM’s from level 1 analysisLevel 3 – Engineering design, project implementation followed by performance verification

Site Surveying ToolsLevel 1 Audit

ThermometersInfrared ImmersionWet bulb

Measuring tape or ultrasonic measurement deviceLight meterFlashlight, screw driver

Site Surveying Tools, Continued

Level 2 AuditElectrical volt, ohm, amp meterAir flow measurement equipmentCombustion test kitVibration sensorNoise meterInfrared ThermographyBlower-door tests

Estimating System Air Flows

500 fpm through air handling unit at coils or filters1000 CFM per Hp with extensive duct system2000 CFM per Hp no cooling & moderate duct system

Calculating Energy Savings

Use computer model resultsUse heat transfer or fluid flow formula

Q = U x A x delta T x hrs.Q = 1.08 CFM x delta T x hrs.Q = gpm/500 x delta T x hrs.

Equipment efficiency curves – chiller, air compressor, etc.Change in component energy use

no. old lamps x watts – no. new lamps x wattsUse a nomograph designed for the ECM

Other Cost SavingsMaintenance & operating cost reductionAlso consider labor cost reduction and increased production output

1 million Btu saved = $5 to $151 million watt hours = $5 to $101 man hour = $ 40 to $80 1% production output improvement = less overtime, smaller fleet of equipment, better utilization of space

BUILDING OPTIMIZATION

Building Waste

Wet insulationHoles in air barrierWorn seals in windows and doorsAir leaks around window and door framesBroken windowsWindows and doors that don’t closeLack of vestibules in cold climatesAbandoned exhaust stacks

Building Inefficiency

Dark roof colorInadequate insulation in walls, roof or floorSingle pane windows with no thermal breaks

HVAC Systems

HVAC System Waste

Lack of insulation on ducts and pipesDuct and pipe leaksLoose fan beltsEquipment operating when not requiredUse of excessive dampers or valves to achieve system balanceHeating or cooling unused spacesOverheating or overcooling

HVAC System Inefficiency

Use of motors that are not premium efficiencyUse of dilution ventilationUse of canopy hoodsExcessive air flowUse of oversized equipmentUse of uncalibrated controlsSimultaneous heating and cooling

Central Heating Systems WasteLeaksPoor water treatmentDirty burnersFailure to return steam condensateExcess boiler blowdownHeating unoccupied areasSending water greater than 140 F to drain

Central Heating Systems InefficiencyUse of uncalibrated controlsUse of on/off inefficient burner controls Heating with oversized boilersInadequate insulationFailure to have booster pump in high pressure systemsDirty heat exchangers

Central Cooling Systems Waste

LeaksPoor water treatmentWater flow through shutdown equipmentCooling unoccupied areasExcessive cooling tower blowdown

Central Cooling Systems InefficiencyUse of uncalibrated controlsUse of old inefficient equipmentCooling with oversized chillersInadequate insulationFailure to use variable speed pumps in primary/secondary piping systemsFailure to vary chilled and condenser water temperaturesDirty heat exchangers

Compressed Air System Waste

Air leaksRunning standby compressor or dryerDirty heat exchangersDirty filtersExcessive air pressuresProviding compressed air to areas not requiring it

Compressed Air System Inefficiency

Using room as air sourceUse of uncalibrated controlsUse of oversize equipmentUse of compressed air for cooling, drying & agitation

Lighting Systems

Lighting System Waste

Leaving lights in unoccupied spacesOutdoor lights on in daytimeKeeping electrical lights on in spaces having day lightingLack of task lighting

Lighting System Inefficiency

Using incandescent lampsUsing T 12 florescent lampsUsing mercury vapor lampsUse of lighting fixtures that trap lightFailure to use LED exit lighting

Process Waste

Compressed air leaksPainting objects that are too coldOperating ventilation equipment when process shut downExhaust air greater than 200 FLack of the use of task lighting Firing furnaces when not needed

Process Inefficiency

Using excessive compressed air pressure for paint gunsFailure to use booths and enclosures for hazardous operationsHigh air movement near exhaust hoodsUse of inefficient burners in furnacesUse of oversized furnaces and tanks

Questions?