Industrial Newsbriefs

July 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.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

Database of CHP standards and policy

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency updated the CHP Policies and Incentives database (dCHPP) in June 2013. This search tool allows users to search for CHP policies and incentives state-by-state or at the federal level. Included in the database are output-based regulations, interconnection standards, utility rates, portfolio standards, and public benefits funds.

Energy Management

WSU motor study benefits BC pump co.

When planning for a motor retrofit project at Quesnel River Pump (QRP), BC Hydro and QRP acquired valuable assistance from the Washington State University Energy Program. A WSU Energy Program motors expert worked with Andrew Generous, former energy manager at QRP, to identify motor efficiency shortcomings and develop an efficient and economical motor strategy. To learn more, read " Business Case 'On the Shelf' Pays Off" on the BC Hydro website.

Montana SEM cohort members recognized

Participants of the Central Montana Strategic Energy Management (SEM) Cohort shared their stories at a recognition event held June 11, 2013. The SEM cohort was jointly organized by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) and NorthWestern Energy to help forward-thinking facilities and organizations in Montana set and achieve ambitious energy performance goals. To learn more, read the NEEA press release .

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC/R)

Flywheel cooling

Flywheel cooling uses a joint strategy of evaporative roof spray during the day and ambient cool air circulation during the night. This technique was shown by a South African study to be a highly effective and efficient cooling strategy. Methods and results can be found in " Flywheel Cooling Offers a Passive, Sustainable Way to Reduce Energy Consumption ," published June 3, 2013, at SustainablePlant.com.

Guide to condenser water systems

"Condenser Water System Components," by Mick Schwedler and Beth Bakkum, both of Trane, was published in the April 2013 issue of HPAC Heating, Plumbing, Air Conditioning Magazine. The components - cooling towers, condenser water pumps, and chillers - are described, with attention given to how they function in changing environments.

Extreme HVAC efficiency

"Distributed Zero-Energy?" by David Engle, was published in the May 2013 issue of Distributed Energy. It describes many of the newer HVAC products which foster dramatic energy efficiencies, but cautions that building operators have to fully understand the advanced equipment they are maintaining, and that vendors' promises of efficiencies to be gained must be quantified and verified.

The following two articles appeared in the May 2013 issue of HPAC Heating/Piping/AirConditioning Engineering:

" Air Infiltration: The Hidden Energy Efficiency: Standards -- and Architects' and Engineers' Responsibilities -- Are Changing " was written by Nate Gillette, AIA, LEED AP, CEM, at Energy Finance Analytics LLC HPAC Engineering. The author explains how air infiltration can be harnessed to accomplish meaningful energy efficiency.

"Guide to Selecting Control Valves," by Honeywell Inc. staff, helps the selector understand the application and how to best meet application requirements.

Policy and Legislation

Energy Efficiency Programs lead the way

"Leaders of the Pack: ACEEE's Third National Review of Exemplary Energy Efficiency Programs," published June 20, 2013, identifies and describes 63 highly successful energy programs in a variety of categories that could serve as examples for similar programs nationwide. Among those selected were the Bonneville Power Administration'sEnergy Smart Industrial program and Energy Trust of Oregon's Production Efficiency program. All the winners were funded at least in part by dedicated utility rates and/or fees.

Wireless sub-meters challenge issued

On June 6, 2013, the U.S. federal government and over 200 industry partners issued this challenge to U.S. manufacturers: If you can build wireless sub-meters that cost less than $100 apiece, and enable us to identify opportunities to save money by saving energy, we will buy them. To learn more, read the energy.gov press release.

Obama calls for climate change action

On June 25, 2013, President Obama outlined his plan to limit greenhouse gases and prepare for climate change impacts. The action plan includes the limiting of carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, investment in clean energy technologies, and preparation for changes in sea level and catastrophic weather events. The New York Times has avideo of the speech and written commentary, or read a fact sheet at whitehouse.gov.

New facility to kick-start smart grid integration

On June 20, 2013 the U.S. Energy Department and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) announced a new facility in Golden, Colorado devoted to the development of utility-scale clean energy grid integration. The facility will help public and private researchers scale up promising clean and renewable energy technologies, and develop strategies for connecting them to an interactive energy grid. To learn more, read thepress release at energy.gov.

Proposed rulemaking for electric motor test procedures

On June 26, 2013, the U.S. Energy Department issued a Federal Register notice of proposed rulemaking regarding test procedures for electric motors. The new procedure would add new motor definitions and procedures for testing the new motors. To learn more and submit comments, see the rulemaking page at energy.gov. Comments are due by September 9, 2013.

Pumps

The following five articles were published in the May 2013 issue of Pumps & Systems:

" Drives Enhance Energy Efficiency in Wastewater Aeration " was written by Jim Klauer, Danfoss. It is a case study of the upgrades to the blower motors in the water treatment plant of the small city of Mayer, Minnesota. Variable frequency drives were the key to more efficient blower operation.

"Efficient AODD Pump Operation," by Scott Driscoll, Sentrinsic, Inc., explains the proper use of air operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps. They are built to run dry in certain applications, but they were never designed to run dry on a routine basis

" Energy Savings with a Servo-Electric Pump Drive " was authored by Harald Poesch, Siemens. A drive system comprised of a servomotor with a hydraulic pump greatly enhances performance and dramatically improves energy efficiency.

"Pump Design for Reduced Costs & Efficiency" was written by Mehrdad Zangeneh, Ph.D., University College London, Advanced Design Technology (ADT), TURBOdesign Technology (TDT). Trial and error design is replaced by 3-D Inverse Design with excellent results.

" Replacement Submersible Pumps Increase Lift Station Efficiency " is a case study of the water and wastewater utilities' Lift Station No. 9 at Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Two failing and inadequate pumps, purchased from a company with little customer service, were replaced with efficient, reliable ones.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND TRAININGS

Pacific Northwest

Anaerobic Digestion Systems Field Day
July 10, 2013, Lynden, Washington
Come learn from WSU researchers and their commercial partners about the newest developments in anaerobic digestion (AD) system technologies, including tools for managing nutrients, mitigating air and water quality concerns, producing renewable energy, and more. Field day includes site visits to Vander Haak and Edaleen Dairies to learn about the latest AD technology developments. Sponsored lunch is provided.

Adjustable Speed Drive Applications and Energy Efficiency
July 23, 2013, Nampa, Idaho
This course addresses the choices available and relevant issues regarding the use of adjustable speed drives (ASD) with electric motors, and demonstrates the energy cost savings and other benefits made possible by this technology. In this course we explore how adjustable speed drives work and ways to assess the savings. Variable frequency drives (VFD) are the most common speed control method and is the major focus of the course content which will cover the benefits of pulse width modulation technology and well as discovering and mitigating harmful electromagnetic interference that can cause motor failure. Additional information on evaluating and specifying VFDs is provided. This course is coordinated by the NEEA Industrial Training project and is sponsored by Idaho Power, Idaho Department of Energy Resources, Bonneville Power Administration, Washington State University Energy Program, and Northwest Food Processors Association.

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

Webinars and Online Courses

Data Driven Energy Management
July 15, 2013, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST
Industrial companies are achieving energy management through collection, analysis, and storage of energy data. A new open source software suite, SkySpark, is helping end-users identify the areas of greatest need for improvement within the plant to increase system efficiency. Applications include building commissioning, equipment fault detection, energy analysis, load profiling, facility benchmarking, asset performance tracking, and carbon and greenhouse gas reporting. The presentation is part of ASERTTI's Webinar Series on Energy Applications and Cloud Computing.

WEBINAR: Boiler and Chiller Maintenance for Maximum Efficiency
July 16, 2013, 9:00-10:00 AM PST
Keep your boilers and chillers working at peak performance! When it comes to boilers and chillers, did you know proactive maintenance routines help to achieve maximum fuel and electric efficiency over time? This webinar will identify proven maintenance practices, not only for boilers and combustion burners, but chiller compressors, evaporators/condensers (including cooling towers ), economizers, and air handlers. 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.

Energy Management Opportunities for Industrial Customers
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 and 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 of the Pacific Northwest

2013 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry
July 23-26, 2013, Niagara Falls, New York
Mark your calendars to attend the 10th biennial Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry. Participants from around the world will gather for three days to discuss technical, policy, financing, and program issues related to increasing energy efficiency in industry. Also, we are delighted to welcome Brian Platt of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and Joe Vehec of the American Iron and Steel Institute as Co-Chairs of the Summer Study. Their knowledge and expertise in this field will help design an event you don't want to miss!

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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