Industrial Newsbriefs

January 2013

Welcome to this edition of Industrial Newsbriefs, produced by the Washington State University Extension Energy Program, and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). Please forward this issue to those of your colleagues interested in industrial energy efficiency. View archive 

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Announcements

5th Annual Northwest Industrial Energy Efficiency Summit
January 16, 2013, Portland, Oregon
There's still time to register for the NW Industrial Energy Efficiency Summit, the region's premier gathering of industries and energy interests working to advance northwest industrial competitiveness through energy efficiency. The focus of the fifth annual Summit is industry sharing knowledge with industry. Educational sessions are focused on practical applications of energy efficient technologies in both electricity and natural gas. This year's event features a special poster session highlighting accomplishments of award recipients from both the Washington and Oregon Industrial Energy Leaders programs. Register today to hear real-life energy savings success stories and challenges presented by energy experts and industry peers. 

For those traveling to the Summit and interested in staying an additional day, two industrial trainings will be offered in Portland on January 17, 2013: Compressed Air Challenge Level 1 training, and Introduction to Energy Data Analysis and KPIs training. Summit attendees that register for either course are eligible for a $40 discount on the training tuition.

Biofuels/Biomass

Biofuel plant maintenance

"Advice to Operate By" was written by Ken Kotrba, Editor, Biodiesel Magazine; it was carried in the November/December 2012 issue of that publication. This article discusses the basics of operator training and the duties of a biofuel plant's maintenance director. Also included is a "Top 11 Maintenance Guide," a list of specific areas that need maintenance attention.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

CHP resilience in storm's wake

"How CHP Stepped Up when the Power Went Out During Hurricane Sandy," published December 6, 2012, by ACEEE, provides an account of power and utility systems which came through Hurricane Sandy unscathed while their neighbor's systems were shut down. The resilience of these systems, including that of the Bergen County Utilities Authority, draws attention to an often overlooked benefit of CHP: an enhanced ability to withstand natural disasters.

Compressed Air

Compressed Air Best Practices

The December 2012 edition of Compressed Air Best Practices is now available for download; this issue's focus is Air Compressor & Blower Controls. Article topics include variable speed compressor applications, aeration efficiency design and control, interval data analyzation, flow meter useage, and more.

Energy Management

Two Yakima companies recognized as Industrial Energy Leaders

"Shields, Zirkle Recognized for Energy Conservation Efforts," published December 31, 2012, in the Yakima Herald, provides a glimpse into the energy efficiency strategies of two Yakima area companies, Shields Bag & Printing and Zirkle Fruit (Rainier Fruit Company). Both were recognized in December 2012 via the Washington Industrial Energy Leaders program.

Stemilt Growers of Chelan receives recognition

With assistance from of Chelan County PUD and WSU, Stemilt Growers of Chelan was able to reduce the energy consumption of its largest fruit packing facility by 30% in two years. The energy savings was facilitated by two key pieces of equipment: refrigeration fan controls and C02 scrubbers. To learn more, read "Stemilt Growers Receives Governor's Award for Energy Performance," published December 7, 2012, at NCWTV.com.

Two Longview-based paper makers also receive recognition

NORPAC and Longview Fibre received Governor's Awards for their impressive energy achievements as part of the Washington Industrial Energy Leaders program. See "Norpac, Longview Fibre honored for conservation projects," published November 14, 2012 at The Daily News Online.

Read All About It: Washington Industrial Energy Leaders

To learn more about all of the Washington Industrial Energy Leaders Governor's and Sponsor's Award recipients, see the December 5, 2012 the WSU News Center story, "Governor honors industrial energy leaders for improved efficiency."

Bosch pursues sustainability in the US and abroad

A profile of Bosch, a multinational engineering and manufacturing company with an award-winning sustainability strategy, was published at SustainablePlant.com on December 6, 2012. "Bosch Reduces Waste through Collaboration and Competition" describes the programs and processes which help the company reduce waste and save energy.

Green breweries

"Green Breweries Make it Easy to Drink Away Your Carbon Footprint," published December 26, 2012 at SustainablePlant.com, explains why "green beer" isn't just for Saint Patrick's Day. The article provides a brief description and discussion of breweries around the U.S. who have adopted energy-saving and/or sustainable brewing practices.

Policy and Legislation

American Energy Manufacturing Technical Corrections Act becomes law

A bipartisan-sponsored bill, the American Energy Manufacturing Technical Corrections Act (H.R. 6582), was signed by President Obama on December 18, 2012. The legislation includes the coordination of research and development of energy efficiency technologies for industry; an examination of barriers to industrial electrical efficiency; and makes transparent the energy and water use of federal facilities. In addition, adjustments will be made to improve and enhance the Department of Energy's currently operating appliance efficiency program. For more information, see "Energy Efficiency Provisions Enacted During Lame Duck," published December 18, 2012, by the Alliance to Save Energy.

Boiler MACT rule finalized

On December 20, 2012, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the Boiler MACT rule, which sets emissions standards for major and area source boilers and commercial and industrial solid waste incinerators. A fact sheet and technical spec sheet describe how the rule will be applied, and explain adjustments made to the March 2011 Final Standards.

DOE to offer assistance with MACT rule compliance

The Department of Energy's Clean Energy Application Centers (CEACs) will offer assistance to the over 550 major source facilities impacted by the Boiler MACT rule. The CEACs will offer site visits to discuss strategies, and will provide information on potential funding and financing opportunities to assist with CHP, boiler tune-ups, and/or energy assessments. Facilities can contact one of four regional experts through the DOE Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) Boiler MACT Technical Assistance Program.

ACEEE policy recommendations for industrial modernization

Modernization of equipment and processes could help the U.S. industrial sector improve productivity, reduce energy use, and better compete in the world market. A December 2012 white paper from ACEEE, Encouraging Modernization of the Industrial Sector and Other Energy-Saving Capital Investments through Tax Reform, suggests simple, low-cost tax measures to spur investment in industrial plant modernization.

Water

On-site generation a boon for water utilities

"Power Boosters," by Ed Ritchie, appeared in the November-December 2012 issue of Water Efficiency. It offers several examples of on-site energy generation combined with improved performance of water utilities. Energy dollars saved, whether through off-peak use of energy or through reduced demand, is shown to be dramatic.

Notes from Water-Energy Future workshop

On November 27, 2012, the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) convened a group of experts to discuss the advancement of energy efficiency in water and wastewater treatment facilities. The workshop included presentations and discussions on policy, technologies, and financing, with an emphasis on identifying barriers and finding solutions. A summary of the participants' key findings can be found in "‘Water-Energy Future' Workshop: Overcoming Obstacles to Efficiency in Water and Wastewater Facilities," published December 5, 2012, on the ASE website.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND TRAININGS

Pacific Northwest

5th Annual Northwest Industrial Energy Efficiency Summit
January 16, 2013, Portland, Oregon
The NW Industrial Energy Efficiency Summit is the region's premier gathering of industries and energy interests working to advance northwest industrial competitiveness through energy efficiency. The focus of the fifth annual Summit is industry sharing knowledge with industry. Educational sessions are focused on practical applications of energy efficient technologies in both electricity and natural gas. An afternoon poster session will feature recipients of the Oregon Energy Leaders, and the Washington Industrial Energy Leaders awards. Register today to hear real-life energy savings success stories and challenges presented by energy experts and industry peers. Network with companies that are implementing energy efficiency programs/projects to share and learn from their experiences.

Compressed Air Challenge – Level 1
January 17, 2013, Portland, Oregon
Are your compressed air energy costs under control? Even the smallest compressed air system is a relatively large source of energy consumption and cost. Make your company more profitable with the Compressed Air Challenge™, a series of seminars that applies proven techniques to achieve cost-effective solutions. Optimizing your compressed air systems can lead to higher productivity, energy savings, increased product quality and greater efficiency. This training offers attendees the opportunity to use their own system data in seminar exercises, as well as mastery of compressed air system components and techniques. Attendees can apply training and implement changes immediately upon return to their work place.

Introduction to Energy Data Analysis and KPIs
January 17, 2013, Portland, Oregon
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.

Clean Energy: The New Public Policy Reality
January 28, 2013, Seattle, Washington
Robert Gates, former Secretary of Defense for Presidents Bush and Obama, will keynote this Washington Clean Technology Alliance conference investigating the new political realities for cleantech. Expectations have changed. Decision makers in both Washingtons are new.  What does it mean in the development of a new cleantech economy? Join the Clean Technology Alliance, and sponsors Apco Worldwide and Boeing, for this important discussion.

Compressed Air Challenge - Level 1
February 21, 2013, Boise, Idaho
Make your company more profitable with the Compressed Air Challenge™, a series of seminars that applies proven techniques to achieve cost-effective solutions. Optimizing your compressed air systems can lead to higher productivity, energy savings, increased product quality and greater efficiency. This training offers attendees the opportunity to use their own system data in seminar exercises, as well as mastery of compressed air system components and techniques. Attendees can apply training and implement changes immediately upon return to their work place. This course is sponsored by Idaho Power, Idaho Office of Energy Resources, Bonneville Power Administration, Washington State University Energy Program, and Northwest Food Processors Association.

Motor Systems Management Best Practices
February 27, 2013, Yakima, Washington
Motors use more than half of all electricity. Their inefficiencies contribute significantly to expensive peak demand. Efficient motors, optimized controls, improved component sizing and repair, better transmission hardware, and more comprehensive motor monitoring and maintenance could cut U.S. electricity demand by 27% to 40%, save motor users and utilities billions of dollars, reduce pollutant emissions, and enhance productivity. This is training is coordinated by NEEA Industrial Training and sponsored by Pacific Power, Avista, Bonneville Power Administration, Northwest Food Processors Association, and Washington State University-Extension Energy Program.

Energy Efficiency for Air Cooled Refrigeration Systems
February 28, 2013, Moses Lake, Washington
Gain the basic tools that every company needs to manage energy as a controllable cost. Understand energy management as a systematic approach to monitor, control, and conserve energy, and learn how energy management is integral to reducing operating costs. You will leave this training with information that will help you effectively implement an energy management system at your company. This course is coordinated by the NEEA Industrial Training project and is sponsored by Mason County PUD No. 3, City of Port Angeles, Grays Harbor PUD, Bonneville Power Administration, Washington State University Energy Program, and Northwest Food Processors Association.

Industrial Refrigeration Systems Energy Management
March 21, 2013, Pocatello, Idaho
With a focus on industrial refrigeration systems that use ammonia as the refrigerant, this training will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to reduce energy usage and operating costs, and improve the reliability of refrigeration systems. Training will focus on technical basics, operation of refrigeration systems, energy efficiency potentials, and case studies of successful energy efficiency projects and implementation strategies. With the knowledge and tools gained, past attendees and their customers have implemented low/no cost strategies resulting in annual energy savings greater than $50,000. This course 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.

Pump System Assessment Tool (PSAT)
March 28, 2013, Spokane, Washington
Developed for plant engineering and operations staff, this course discusses performance problems encountered in everyday applications. The workshop covers practical issues involved in field measurements of fluid and electrical data and presents the Pump System Assessment Tool (PSAT), used to assess the performance of pump systems. Learn how the software functions, what data is required, how to use the software when measured data is not available, and what the assessment results mean. After completing this course, you will understand how to use PSAT to actively determine the best configuration for your pump system in order to achieve optimal energy and cost savings. This course is coordinated by the NEEA Industrial Training project and is sponsored by Avista, Inland Power and Light, Bonneville Power Administration, Washington State University Energy Program, and Northwest Food Processors Association.

Webinars and Online Courses

GE WEBINAR: Intro to Ammonia Refrigeration
March 26, 2013, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
GE WEBINAR: Intro to Ammonia Refrigeration
March 26, 2013, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
At this introductory webinar you will learn the basics of reducing energy use, lowering operating costs and improving refrigeration system reliability. The instructor is a highly qualified industry expert who will review basic industrial refrigeration concepts and provide a system overview including typical industrial refrigeration practice, applications, equipment, and configurations.

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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