Industrial Newsbriefs

August 2013

Welcome to this edition of Industrial Newsbriefs, produced by the Washington State University Extension Energy Program. Please forward this issue to those of your colleagues interested in industrial energy efficiency. Please forward this issue to those of your colleagues interested in industrial energy efficiency. View archive 

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Announcements

Western Industrial Energy Efficiency and CHP Regional Dialogue Meeting

The U.S. Department of Energy, in coordination with the State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network (SEE Action) Industrial Energy Efficiency and CHP Working Group, and the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP), is hosting a Western Regional Dialogue Meeting to bring together key stakeholders and obtain input on best practices and innovative solutions that address the multiple barriers to greater investment in industrial energy efficiency and CHP. The meeting will take place October 29, 2013, in Salt Lake City, Utah. For information, click the link above, or visit the registration link to register.

Low-cost carbon fiber opportunity for industry

The Carbon Fiber Technology Facility (CFTF), a research and production facility located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and supported by the Department of Energy Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO), is accepting proposals from companies that would like market development quantities of low-cost carbon fiber manufactured at its pilot scale plant. The carbon fiber can be used for a variety of industrial applications, including energy production and infrastructure. To learn more, see the July 23, 2013, press release.

Comment now on the Advanced Fossil Energy solicitation

On July 2, 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a draft loan guarantee solicitation to finance projects and facilities employing innovative and advanced fossil energy technologies ("Advanced Fossil Energy Projects") that avoid, reduce, or sequester air pollutants or anthropogenic emission of greenhouse gases. Eligible projects in the Efficiency Improvements category include Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and waste heat recovery for industrial facilities. The draft is open for comments from industry, stakeholders, and the public until September 9, 2013.

Compressed Air

Compressed Air Best Practices

The July 2013 issue of Compressed Air Best Practices is now available for download; this issue's focus is Pneumatic Conveying. Article topics include system pressure influences on compressed air power, pneumatic conveying energy assessment, liquid cooling systems, and the use of Key Performance Indicators (KPI).

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

Untapped opportunities for CHP

The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released three reports in July 2013 which address untapped opportunities for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) in the utilities industry . Utilities and the CHP Value Proposition is a research report which describes in detail the major benefits that CHP offers to utilities, and explores the policies and incentives which could spur further adoption.How Electric Utilities can Find Value in CHP and How Natural Gas Utilities can Find Value in CHP are white papers exploring the same concepts specifically for electric and natural gas utilities.

Paper mill efficiency opportunities examined

A report released by World Resources Institute in July 2013, Energy Efficiency in U.S. Manufacturing: The Case of Midwest Pulp and Paper Mills , describes how energy overhauls at aging paper mills in the Midwest and beyond could boost both efficiency and economic sustainability. Possible measures include an efficiency increase in equipment and operations; fuel switching from coal or oil to natural gas or biomass; and Combined Heat and Power (CHP). A discussion of the report can be found in " Energy Efficiency Could Be Lifeline for Aging Paper Mills ," published July 19, 2013, at MidwestEnergyNews.com.

Energy Management

Refrigeration Energy Specialist certification

Idaho Power, the Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association (RETA), and the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) recently partnered to develop the Certified Refrigeration Energy Specialist (CRES) program for industrial refrigeration operators in the Idaho Power service area. The new certification will train operators to manage and track energy usage, and to find cost-effective ways to save energy. To learn more, visit neea.org/cres, or read the July 16, 3013, press release at neea.org .

Energy efficiency champions announced; BPA program director recognized

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) presented four Champion of Energy Efficiency awards at its Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry, which took place July 24, 2013, in Niagara Falls, NY. The winners demonstrated excellence in energy program implementation, research and development, energy policy, or private sector energy efficiency initiatives. Among them was Jennifer Eskil, program administrator for the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Energy Smart Industrial program.

Policy and Legislation

Industrial efficiency policy primer

"An Introduction to U.S. Policies to Improve Industrial Energy Efficiency" is a July 8, 2013, research report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). This report was commissioned by the Energy Foundation China Sustainable Energy Program to educate and inform Chinese policymakers, but it also serves as a brief tutorial for U.S. citizens on federal, state, and local standards and tax incentives for industrial energy efficiency.

The state of U.S. energy efficiency

"Energy Efficiency: Is the United States Improving?" is a white paper published by ACEEE in July 2013. This report analyzes the overall state of energy efficiency in the United States to determine whether it has improved, declined, or stayed the same over the past year. The report finds that there has been moderate progress on some indicators, but that a more aggressive stance is needed for significant improvement to be realized overall.

Pumps and Motors

Motor decisions not always clear cut

" Boosting Your Bottom Line: Three Cautions Regarding Drives " is a brief article by Motor Decisions Matter, published July 19, 2013 in Maintenance Technology. It acknowledges several scenarios where adjustable speed drives may not be the best choice, despite their superior efficiency in most applications.

Large pump packaging

"Large Pump Packaging for Industrial Plants," published in the July 2013 issue of Pumps & Systems, describes the options in pump package design for large systems. Factors which increase the efficiency and effectiveness of large pump packaging, such as variable frequency drives, ease of maintenance, and an effective lubrication system, are described.

Research

Magnetic bearings reduce friction

A Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) Technology Brief on Magnetic-Bearing Chiller Compressors explains the benefits and advantages of this technology over other types of compressors. The compressor's bearings reduce friction and eliminate the need for oil lubrication, thus reducing both energy usage and maintenance.

Waste Heat Recovery

Capturing waste gas

A case study published in July 2013 by the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO), Capturing Waste Gas: Saves Energy, Lowers Cost, describes how ArcelorMittal, the largest steel mill in the Western Hemisphere, was able to save 4.6 trillion Btu per year (the equivalent of the electricity needed to power 30,000 homes) by using a flare capture boiler to convert blast furnace gas into electricity.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND TRAININGS

Pacific Northwest

Energy Efficiency and Data Centers
August 22, 2013, Pocatello, Idaho
Attendees will gain a fundamental understanding of how energy is consumed, industry best practices, and opportunities for improving energy efficiency in data centers. Different systems and components will be introduced, exploring how their various components interact and influence energy consumption and efficiency of the data center. The course is not intended to provide comprehensive information on how to design or operate all the equipment and systems discussed, but focuses on system interactions the potentially large opportunities for improved energy efficiency. This course is coordinated by the NEEA Industrial Training project and is sponsored by Idaho Power, Idaho Office of Energy Resources, Rocky Mountain Power, Bonneville Power Administration, Washington State University Energy Program, and Northwest Food Processors Association.

Introduction to Energy Data Management
August 27, 2013, Missoula, Montana
In this course, the end-user will learn how to use information available at their facility to identify how energy impacts their business. The training presents methods, tools, and resources that can be employed by the participant in their effort to control energy use. A case study is drawn on to show that when energy efficiency improvements are made, energy costs decrease while (ideally) productivity increases. Attendees are urged to contribute their experiences during the discussion. This course is coordinated by the NEEA Industrial Training project and is sponsored by NorthWestern Energy, Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Ravalli County Electric Cooperative, Bonneville Power Administration, Washington State University Energy Program, and Northwest Food Processors Association.

Energy Efficiency of Chilled Water Systems
September 10, 2013, Seattle, Washington
Chilled water systems, which provide cooling for commercial and industrial facilities, often account for a major portion of the energy consumed in these facilities. Attendees will learn how technology improvements can reduce energy costs by more than half. Topics include chiller machinery, refrigerant options, the impact of using variable speed for compressors, system pumps, and cooling towers. In addition, a case study will be presented that shows how an energy-efficient chiller was selected. Take the Energy Efficiency of Cooling Towers on September 11 for an additional $60. This course is coordinated by the NEEA Industrial Training project and is sponsored by Seattle City Light, City of Port Angeles, Clallam County PUD, Grays Harbor County PUD, Puget Sound Energy, Snohomish County PUD, Tacoma Power, Bonneville Power Administration, Washington State University Energy Program, and Northwest Food Processors Association.

Energy Efficiency of Cooling Towers
September 11, 2013, Seattle, Washington
This cooling tower course addresses efficiency measures and other issues, including cooling tower sizing vs. energy savings, approach control strategies (efficient fan operation), water treatment (including ozone), water conservation and maintenance. This course includes a case study exercise that works through an example of how a cost-effective and efficient cooling tower was selected. Take the Energy Efficiency of Chilled Water Systems on September 10th an $60. This course is coordinated by the NEEA Industrial Training project and is sponsored by Seattle City Light, City of Port Angeles, Clallam County PUD, Grays Harbor County PUD, Puget Sound Energy, Snohomish County PUD, Tacoma Power, Bonneville Power Administration, Washington State University Energy Program, and Northwest Food Processors Association.

Energy Efficiency of Chilled Water Systems and Cooling Towers dual registration
September 10-11, 2013, Seattle, Washington

FLO-Master two-day training course
September 19-20, 2013, Seattle, Washington
FLO-Master Training will help you learn how to use the very newest version of PIPE-FLO and Flow of Fluids software to their fullest potential, providing even the advanced users with hint and tips. Have your PIPE-FLO and/or Flow of Fluids questions answered in person by our top FLO-Master trainers. The course covers model building, pump selecting, even fluid flow theory! Taking this course will show you how to improve your proficiency of the program as well as introduce users to new features, and ways to increase general productivity. You also receive a full color guidebook, not available anywhere else.

Pumping System Optimization
September 25, 2013, Longview, Washington (Registration Deadline: September 11)
Did you know that the average pumping system efficiency is 40% or less? When pumping systems are not optimized for best efficiency, they will drain your company's profitably with higher energy and maintenance costs, shorter mean time between repairs, more CO2 emissions and a less reliable system overall. The course will show how the variable speed drive can save additional power by slowing down the pump speed, which will save energy and reduce cost in the process. With the system running more efficiently, maintenance and operating costs will go down and the mean time between repairs will improve. With these savings opportunities, isn't it time to find out how much your pumping systems are costing you?

Webinars and Online Courses

10 Ways to Reduce Energy in Pumping Systems (Webinar)
August 6, 2013, 10:00-11:00 AM PST
The Hydraulic Institute and Pump Systems Matter will present the newest webinar in their pump systems training curriculum. Participants of this comprehensive 1-hour webinar will be provided with an overview of how to identify significant energy reduction opportunities, improve system efficiency and reduce operating costs in their pumping systems. This series is ideal for engineering personnel, pump systems maintenance personnel, engineering management, engineering consultants, and marketing/sales personnel. While registration is complimentary, advance registration is required.

Irrigation Efficiency: Integrated Data Reporting for Decision Support Solutions (Webinar)
August 19, 2013, 10:00 AM PST
Lori Rhodig, Program Manager at the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), will make a presentation on Irrigation Efficiency: Integrated Data Reporting for Decision Support Solutions. There is currently no integrated irrigation decision support solution with a common platform of data reporting and a clear set of recommended actions. NEEA is working to achieve agricultural water, energy, and economic enhancement through 20% irrigation efficiency by 2020 by utilizing an integrated management solution.
The presentation is part of ASERTTI's Webinar Series on Energy Applications and Cloud Computing.

Energy Management Opportunities for Industrial Customers (Webinar)
August 20, 2013, 9:00-10:00 AM PST
Find and eliminate energy waste in your facility. This webinar on industrial energy efficiency will cover the basics, including kW versus kWh, power factor and more. We will also discuss end-use technologies such as motors, boiler or furnace heating systems, compressed air, industrial heat pumps, induction heating and HVAC. You will learn to identify top energy-efficiency opportunities and potential savings for each-valuable information that will help you stay within your energy budget.

WEBINAR: Developing an Energy Plan
September 17, 2013, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM PST
Lack of planning is a significant barrier to reducing energy consumption in your facility. An energy-management plan is a great way to improve efficiency and encourage energy-saving behavior. In addition to cost savings, successful energy-management plans reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower maintenance costs, improve workplace comfort and more. Topics to be discussed include the following: 1) The elements of a seven-step energy plan, 2) Making the decision to hire or train an energy manager, 3) Financing an energy plan, 4) Energy-efficiency tools and resources. This webinar is coordinated by the NEEA NW Regional Industrial Training project and is sponsored by Bonneville Power Administration, Washington State University Energy Program, and Northwest Food Processors Association.

Outside the Pacific Northwest

Western Industrial Energy Efficiency and CHP Regional Dialogue Meeting
October 29, 2013, Salt Lake City, Utah
The U.S. Department of Energy, in coordination with the State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network (SEE Action) Industrial Energy Efficiency and CHP Working Group, and the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP), is hosting a Western Regional Dialogue Meeting to bring together key stakeholders and obtain input on best practices and innovative solutions that address the multiple barriers to greater investment in industrial energy efficiency and CHP. For information, click the link above, or visit the registration link.

MORE TRAININGS IN INDUSTRIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY

For a listing of other upcoming industrial energy efficiency trainings, visit the following websites:

Energy Events Calendar

Northwest Regional Training Calendar

U.S. Department of Energy Industrial Best Practices Training Calendar

Input Requested: Is there something else you would like to see in Industrial Newsbriefs?

If you have thoughts or ideas for what you would like to see in this publication, please email suggestions to Talia Mathews at MathewsT@energy.wsu.edu . We strive to keep this publication as useful and relevant as possible to you, our readers.


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