Industrial Newsbriefs

June 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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Combined Heat and Power

CHP fact sheet from EESI

A Combined Heat and Power fact sheet was published by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) in May 2013. It provides a compelling narrative in support of CHP, describes its benefits and potential, gives an overview of barriers to adoption, and describes the relationship between CHP and biomass. A comprehensive reference list is provided.

Compressed Air

Compressed air energy storage

" Ins and Outs of Compressed Air Energy Storage ," published May 1, 2013, at sustainableplant.org, describes the benefits and utility of storing surplus energy in the form of compressed air. When needed, the air is released to run a turbine which generates electricity.

Compressed Air Best Practices

The May 2013 issue of Compressed Air Best Practices is now online; this issue's focus is energy-efficiency system assessments. Article topics include a case study from Air Power USA, pneumatic circuit analysis, a control system overhaul, blow molding equipment, and an update from CAGI.

Energy Management

Pilot programs promote industrial energy managers

"Onsite Energy Manager Pilot Programs: A Survey of Practices and Lessons Learned" was published in May 2013 by ACEEE. This report examines the successes and challenges of energy programs which place dedicated energy managers into industrial facilities. It examines five successful programs, and explains the importance of pilot models as a starting point for industrial facilities to realize the value of, and to hire their own, energy management professionals.

High Performance Energy Management a boon for Washougal plant

The Bonneville Power Administration's High Performance Energy Management program is helping Fitesa, a non-woven fabric plant in Washougal, Washington, save $135,000 a year in electricity costs (3.5 kWH per year, equaling around 19 percent of the plant's total annual energy consumption). The savings were achieved through a combination of continuous improvement initiatives and equipment upgrades. Details can be found in " Energy Management Keeps Washington Plant Kilowatts Ahead of Competition ," published May 29, 2013, at bpa.gov.

Uniform methods for calculating energy program benefits

The Uniform Methods Project: Methods for Determining Energy Efficiency Savings for Specific Measures is a new report published in April 2013 by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). It establishes a set of protocols, based on well-tested established methods, for calculating energy and demand savings from state and utility energy efficiency programs. The project is designed to increase the credibility, consistency, and transparency of data emerging from the programs; to allow comparison of similar programs across jurisdictions; and to reduce the cost of program development and management.

Industrial efficiency in the Windy City

Delta Institute conducted 39 free energy audits for manufacturers in the Chicago area in 2011-2012. Once the audits were complete, Delta found that their recommendations were oftentimes not followed for a variety of reasons. Delta used this experience to gain insight into what energy efficiency measures manufacturers are willing to implement and why, how effective they are, and their economic ramifications. Learn more in "Energy Efficiency Creates Significant Cost Savings," published May 15, 2013, at automationworld.com.

Lighting

Energy savings from LEDs

Energy benefits from switching to LEDs is explored in " Adoption of Light-Emitting Diodes in Common Lighting Applications ," published in April 2013 by the U.S. Department of Energy. Realized and potential savings from switching to LED lamps and luminaries is calculated for the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Policy and Legislation

Visit FRED for energy data

On May 2, 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy and partners unveiled Free Energy Data (FRED), a web-based energy data visualization tool. The tool provides a common format for the collection and display of energy data from a variety of sources. It was developed as part of the Energy Data Initiative, an administration-wide effort to liberate government data and voluntarily contributed non-government data in order to spur entrepreneurship, create value, and create jobs. A press release is available at eere.org.

Advocates rally in support of Industrial Competitiveness Act

A diverse selection of advocates, including the National Association of Manufacturers and the Alliance to Save Energy, has jointly submitted letters in support of the bipartisan Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act. In addition to this latest appeal, over 200 businesses, trade associations, and advocacy groups have endorsed the bill . In early May, it successfully made it through a committee hearing and was passed to the Senate for consideration. To learn more, read " Groups Urge White House, Congress to Pass Energy Efficiency Law ," published May 21, 2013 at EnergyManagerToday.com.

Progress report on CHP Executive Order

"State of Play: Obama's Executive Order on CHP," published May 1, 2013, at aceee.org, provides a detailed overview of progress since the Accelerating Investment in Industrial Energy Efficency executive order went into effect in August 2012. The order has successfully catalyzed multi-level action to spur the growth of and lower the barriers to CHP adoption on a state by state basis.

Advanced Energy Legislation Tracker

The University of Colorado's Center for the New Energy Economy has teamed up with the Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) to develop an Advanced Energy Legislation Tracker, a web-based tool for finding and tracking energy-related legislation in all 50 states. The tool is freely available to the public, and includes current legislative language, recent actions, bill sponsor information, and policy trend analyses.

Motor efficiency standards show results

" Energy Savings from NEMA Premium Electric Motors in the Northwest in 2012 " was published in May 2013 by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA). This report estimates the amount of energy saved in the Pacific Northwest in 2012 as a result of the 2010 U.S. Energy Policy Act requirement for more stringent electric motor efficiency standards.

Pumps

The following three articles were published in the April 2013 issue of Pumps & Systems:

"Optimize Pump System Maintenance Budgets" was written by Dan Kernan, ITT Industrial Process, and is based on the author's October 2012 webinar presentation. The article demonstrates how an appropriate maintenance strategy will result in a smoother and less expensive maintenance experience. A strategy will also help reduce the frequent emergency repairs that can stall production.

"Precision Lubrication Enhances Pump Reliability" was written by Jarrod Potteiger of Des-Case Corporation. The author defines "precision lubrication," cautions against lubrication precision maintenance programs that are not designed properly, and explains how to ensure pump reliability.

"Renewable Power with Rotary Lobe Pumps" was written by Marino Curati of Vogelsang, and Sandra Walker of Zeropex U.S. This is a discussion of how replacing pressure reducing valves at water utilities with rotary lobe pumps can, in effect, produce power. As added benefits, this power may be considered renewable and its production may reduce the plant's carbon footprint.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND TRAININGS

Pacific Northwest

CANCELLED: Energy Efficiency and Data Centers
June 4, 2013, Bend, Oregon
This Training has been cancelled
This one-day course will help attendees will gain a fundamental understanding of how energy is consumed, opportunities for improving energy efficiency in data centers, and industry best practices. 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 and the potentially large opportunities for improved energy efficiency.

Industrial Refrigeration Systems Energy Management
June 27, 2013, Twin Falls, Idaho
With a focus on industrial refrigeration systems that use ammonia as the refrigerant, this one-day 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. Participants will receive a copy of the Industrial Refrigeration Best Practices Guide, which serves as the course's technical foundation and a roadmap for making industrial refrigeration systems that are both energy efficient and productive.

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.

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.

Webinars and Online Courses

WEBINAR: Energy Efficiency Investment Analysis
June 18, 2013, 9:00-10:00 AM PST
Do not let inadequate financial analysis stop a good project dead in its tracks. As you purchase new, energy-efficient equipment in support of your 2013 energy plan, you will need to conduct a payback analysis to justify the investment. This webinar will discuss key financial concepts that lay the foundation for investment analysis, including: simple payback, time value of money, net present value, internal rate of return, and life-cycle cost analysis. We will also review real-world examples. Attending this webinar will help boost your confidence when discussing the justification for energy-efficiency investments with senior management. 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.

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.

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!

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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