District Energy Now
Volume 13 Number 7 February 1998
Welcome New Members!
We hope you will join us in welcoming the following new members of IDEA!
Scott McNamaraMarketing Manager
Thermo Power Corporation
FES Division
P.O. Box 2306
York, PA 17405
717-767-6411 x340
717-764-3627 fax
Dan Samsa
Marketing Manager
Thermo Power Corporation
NuTemp Division
P.O. Box 2306
York, PA 17405
717-847-2220 x244
717-847-7330 fax
Dr. Bruce Colburn
Executive Vice President
Energy Performance Services, Inc. (EPS)
2003 Renaissance Blvd.
King of Prussia, PA 19406
610-278-6633
610-278-7255 fax
Email: bcolburn@epsenergy.com
Timothy Chitester
Vice President - Project Impl.
Energy Performance Services, Inc. (EPS)
2003 Renaissance Blvd.
King of Prussia, PA 19406
610-278-6633
610-278-7255 fax
E-mail: timothy.chitester@epsenergy.com
Kirby Nelson
P.E.
Paul Mueller Co.
P.O. Box 828
Springfield, MO 65801-0828
417-831-3000 x373
417-862-9008 fax
David Lueders
International Marketing Mgr. TES
Paul Mueller Co.
P.O. Box 828
Springfield, MO 65801-0828
417-831-3000 x750
417-831-6906 fax
E-mail: pmcintl1@cland.net
Calendar of Events
"District Heat Technology '98"
February 17-19, 1998
Essen Trade Fair Grounds, Germany
Contact: AGFW, 0049-201-7244-532
IDEA Marketing Workshop
February 25-26, 1998
Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach & Marina Hotel, Redondo Beach, California
Contact: IDEA, (202) 429-5111
11th Annual IDEA College/University Conference
February 25-27, 1998
Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach & Marina Hotel, Redondo Beach, California
Contact: IDEA, (202) 429-5111
89th Annual IDEA Conference & Trade Show
June 13-16, 1998
San Antonio Convention Center & Hilton Palacio del Rio Hotel, San Antonio, Texas
Contact: IDEA, (202) 4295111
13th Annual IDEA Cooling Conference
October 7-9, 1998
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Contact: IDEA, (202) 429-5111
Final Preparations are Underway for the 11th Annual College/University Conference & The Marketing Forum Workshop
Act Quickly!! Time is running out to register for IDEA's 11th Annual College/University Conference, February 25-27, 1998 and the Marketing Forum Workshop, February 25-26, 1997 in Redondo Beach, California.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available to those who wish to sponsor breaks or lunches. Please contact Marie Williams, IDEA, at (202) 429-5111 if you would like further information on these marketing opportunities.
For the third year, table top exhibits will be part of the College/University Conference. If you are interested in purchasing a table top exhibit, and already are an exhibitor at the 89th Annual Conference and Trade Show in June, please call Tammie Jackson, Marketing Manager, at (301) 464-0059. Act fast, space is very limited!
DTE Energy Services Operates Power Facilities at Two Macomb County Sites
DTE Energy Services announced agreements to operate and maintain the powerhouse at Ford Motor Co.'s former plastics plant in Mount Clemens and a new powerhouse for the U.S. Army Tank Command in Warren.
Under the short-term agreement with Ford, DTE Energy Services will operate equipment to heat the Mount Clemens facility during winter months. The contract will continue until Ford finds a buyer for the Lafayette Street plant.
In Warren, DTE Energy Services will operate and maintain a new powerhouse built for the U.S. Army Tank Command by RDA Engineering Inc. of Marietta, Ga. The two-year agreement includes an option for a one-year extension.
With three boilers capable of generating up to 125,000 pounds of steam per hour, the new powerhouse began supplying steam December 30 to the U.S. Army Tank Command. The steam will be used for heating and processes.
DTE Energy Services also operates the power plant at DMC/Sinai Hospital in Detroit and an 8-megawatt cogeneration and steam plant at the Illinois Institute of Technology's (IIT) Chicago campus and more than 40 megawatts of emergency diesel power in the metro Detroit area.
Trigen Energy & Stockholm Energi Announce Joint Venture
An agreement has been signed by Trigen Energy Corporation and Stockholm Energi AB of Stockholm, Sweden to extend Trigen's 11 urban steam systems with hot water distribution to the less dense areas of each host city. Hot water distribution is less than half the cost of steam distribution and makes it possible to offer competitive energy service to a large number of energy users beyond the reach of existing district steam systems. The alliance is expected to add thermal sales beginning later this year.
The alliance will pursue product opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic. Stockholm Energi will have access to Trigen's energy products, including back pressure steam turbines, standard cogeneration units and reinsulation technology, for application to existing systems in Northern Europe. As the combined heat and power approach to producing energy gains further acceptance, Trigen's increased knowledge of proven Scandinavian products will benefit energy customers throughout North America. Trigen will benefit from Stockholm Energi's experience as the U.S. market deregulates.
Mr. Tomas Bruce, Chairman and CEO of Stockholm Energi, will join Trigen's newly created advisory board to facilitate the exchange of knowledge on products, district energy approaches and energy deregulation.
Minneapolis Energy Center Receives Award
Minneapolis Energy Center's Foster House Cooling Plant, an IDEA member, garnered its second award of the year during ceremonies October 26, 1997, at International Market Square. The award, from the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, recognizes the company's special contribution toward preserving the historic resources of the state of Minnesota.
The 1880s building had suffered decades of neglect before being selected to serve as the Energy Center's newest satellite cooling plant--a unique renovation application. The Energy Center's Susan Larson was the project manager.
District Heating Handbook in Russian Available
The District Heating Handbook, which deals with the planning, design, installation, operation and maintenance of preinsulated pipe systems, has just been published in Russian. The book applies to consulting engineers and public works managers, and its aim is to ensure an unproblematic installation with a minimum of maintenance and a long lifetime.
The District Heating Handbook is available from the publisher:
European District Heating Pipe Manufacturers Association (EuHP)
Miljøcentret, DK-7000 Fredericia
Phone: +45 7594 5544, fax: +45 7594 5545, e-mail: euhp@post4.tele.dk
IDEA Urges Presidential Action
IDEA, along with a coalition of other non-governmental organizations, sent a letter during December to President Clinton urging him to take action to remove barriers to implementation of district energy and Combined Heat and Power (CHP).
The coalition, which includes the Energy and Environmental Studies Institute, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Alliance to Save Energy, Union of Concerned Scientists, Northeast-Midwest Institute and others, has worked closely with the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency to identify barriers and develop recommended solutions. Three areas were targeted for near-term Executive branch action:
- streamlining the air-quality permitting process and modifying it to recognize the energy-efficiency and the emissions avoided in facilities otherwise operated to generate electricity and thermal energy;
- mitigating barriers to development and interconnection of CHP facilities with the electric grid as the utility industry is restructured; and
- reducing depreciation schedules to better reflect the risk and economic life of the project investments.
IDEA and the coalition urged the President to take action to reduce barriers, and to set a national target of at least 25 million metric tons of carbon reduction from the installation of an additional 36 megawatts of CHP systems by the year 2010.
For further information, contact Mark Spurr, Legislative Director, at phone 612-227-8452 or
e-mail markspur@ix.netcom.com.
Energy Information Administration Releases Report
The Energy Information Administration's Annual Energy Outlook 1998 says that a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) of 2% in 2000 increasing to 5% by 2020 would boost renewable energy generation of electricity by 32% over its reference case. This would increase electricity prices by 2% and reduce carbon emissions by 1%. An RPS of 10% by 2020 would increase renewable generation by 79% while increasing electricity prices by 5% and reducing carbon emissions by 3%. However, in either case, the price of electricity, in 1996 dollars, would be less than current levels. The current report can be found at: <www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/aeo98/homepage.html>.
The Annual Energy Outlook 1998 also projects that U.S. carbon emissions are likely to increase 34% from 1990 levels by 2010, 40% by 2015, and 45% by 2020; the number for 2010 is 5% higher than forecast last year. Total U.S. energy consumption is expected to increase 27% over current levels by 2020 with more than half the increase coming from the transportation sector. In addition, higher energy consumption is projected due to an expected decline in electricity prices from an average of 6.9 cents/kwh in 1996 to 5.5 cents/kwh in 2020 resulting from utility deregulation. Renewable energy is expected to penetrate energy markets at a slower pace than previously thought due to electricity restructuring and increased competition with fossil fuels; overall renewable-based electricity generation is expected to remain relatively stable between 1996 and 2020. This part of the study can be found at: <www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/aeo98/earlyrel.html>.
DOE Comments on Kyoto
Joe Romm, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, says that the amount of emissions that need to be cut to meet the Kyoto commitment is 30% below EIA projections of "business as usual." Ergo, 1990 emissions were 1340 MMTCE; 2010 EIA projections are 1803 MMCTE; meeting Kyoto's goal of 7% below 1990 is 93.8 MMTCE which equals a 30% reduction.
Recovered Heat Drives Top Efficiency in University Cogen Operation
IDEA member New Mexico State University (NMSU) faced several challenges as it determined how to improve and update its cooling system. The university's CFC emissions no longer complied with standards set by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and relationships with local utilities needed to be reexamined as part of an overall efficiency and operations upgrade.
Robert A. Kegal, P.E., project manager for the consulting firm of the P2RS Group recommended a cogeneration plant, optimally configured to be thermally base loaded. All the heat energy and all the electricity produced would be used.
When chilled water is not being distributed directly to the campus for space cooling, the water is stored in a 3-million gallon "cool pool" (thermal storage tank). In the heating season, the steam is distributed to the campus for space heating, domestic water heating, and cooking. Utilities are distributed to the campus through a network of tunnels.
Normally, absorption chillers, which have a lower COP than centrifugal chillers use more energy to produce a ton of cooling. In the case of NMSU, absorption chillers proved feasible because of the availability of waste heat from the gas turbine, and because of the relatively low cost of natural gas when compared to the cost of electric power. The efficiency of the cogen facility is calculated at 65%.
Grand Central Station Undergoes Restoration
New York City's Grand Central Terminal will soon be restored to a better-than-original state, thanks to an aggressive restoration project currently underway. The renovation of the landmark building, which was constructed in 1913, is scheduled to be completed by mid-1998.
The 10-year, $150 million renovation will include completely new mechanical and electrical systems, at a cost of approximately $65 million. And for the first time ever, hot and sticky passengers will receive cool air as they wait for trains to arrive and depart.
In order to provide the much-needed cooling to all retail and passenger areas, it became necessary to build a new chiller plant. The old 43rd Street plant was demolished and in its place, a 3,000-ton chiller plant was constructed, with 25,000 ft. of chilled-water piping.
Six two-stage steam absorption chillers, manufactured by IDEA member The Trane Company, were used for the new plant, with each providing a little more than 500 tons of cooling. Two-stage chillers were chosen because they were the most economical for the New York City area. Also, at the time of the contract's inception, IDEA member Con Ed was giving substantial rebates for using steam chillers.
Accompanying the chillers are five cooling towers, which were carefully orchestrated to fit into place on the terminal's roof. It's a roof with skylights and other equipment, and each tower had to fit in between the skylights. Retailers' fancoil units will tap into a chilled-water pipe network that runs through all the tenant spaces. Plate-and-frame heat exchangers will be used for winter cooling of the chilled water. By running the cooling towers in the winter, they can drop the temperature and transfer the energy to the plate-and-frame heat exchangers, distributing it without having to run the chillers.
EIA Finds Energy Conservation Common in Commercial Buildings
The latest Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey from the Energy Information Administration found conservation to be widely practiced--89% of buildings, accounting for 94% of floor space, had employed some type of conservation feature. The study covered the year 1995. In the area of conservation, data was gathered for building shells, HVAC systems, and lighting systems.
The most common place to install efficiency measures was the building shell. In that category, roof or ceiling insulation was the most common measure. Other building shell measures included exterior or interior shading or awnings; wall insulation; storm or multiple glazing; and tinted, reflective, or shading glass.
HVAC efficiency measures were taken in just over half the buildings/three-fourths of the floor space, with HVAC maintenance being the most common step to take. Other measures included cycling economizers and VAV systems.
Lighting efficiency measures were taken in 46% of buildings/66% of floor space. The measures included energy-efficient ballasts, specular reflectors, time clocks, manual dimmer switches, natural lighting control sensors, and occupancy sensors.
Topping-out Ceremony at the Vestforbrænding, Denmark's Largest Incineration Plant
On September 17, 1997, a topping-out ceremony took place at the Vestforbrænding. The ceremony was held to celebrate the half-way erection of Furnace Line Five, which, when completed, will be the largest and most advanced waste to energy CHP unit in Northern Europe.
Mr. Gunnar Larsen, chairman of the Vestforbrænding, said in his speech that it was nothing less than amazing that it had been possible to reach this far during the one year and 104 days that had passed since the first sod had been turned for this extensive construction project.
The new plant will generate electricity corresponding to the annual consumption of 35,000 dwellings. It will also generate district heating to meet the annual consumption of 40,000 dwellings. Commercial start-up of the line will take place before the end of 1998.
Russia and the Baltic States Retain Swedish Partners to Improve District Heating Efficiency
The new Sweco Group is currently working on more than ten energy-saving projects in Russia, and a number of similar projects in the Baltic States.
"The energy saving potential in these areas is enormous," says Ulf Öqvist who is responsible for the Eastern European market at Sweco International. In the northernmost Russian countries, for example, the cost of energy accounts for roughly one third of the country's total budget. At the same time, the energy consumption per square metre of residential floor area is roughly three times as high as it is in comparable regions in Sweden.
"District heating is the dominating method of heating. But the plants are not all that efficient and they are sometimes also fairly run down. So there is a great deal that can be done to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption and improve the environment."
One of the current Sweco assignments is aimed at determining the energy saving measures that should be taken in 29 residential buildings in the Russian cities of Vladimir, Volkhov and Tjerepovets. Sweco specialists are now inspecting the heating systems, insulation, windows, doors, sealing strips, etc.
FVB to Examine District Heating in Latvia
Many Eastern European nations are currently working to upgrade their energy infrastructure. Latvia is no exception. Its two largest cities, Riga and Daugavpils, are under consideration for a loan of $115 million from SIDA and the World Bank for renovation of their aging district heating systems.
Loan requirements call for a feasibility study to evaluate the cities' existing district heating networks, to recommend improvements and to calculate the savings potential of proposed system upgrades. Results of the study will affect whether or not the loan is granted.
Following a competitive bid process involving four Swedish consulting firms, FVB-Fjärrvärmebyrån AB, headquartered in Västerås, was selected to perform that study.
FVB has been providing district energy management and engineering services to the Baltic states for the last six years.
In addition to its work in Riga and Daugavpils, the company is involved in a rehabilitation project in Jelgava, Latvia, as well as with the district heating system in Tartu, Estonia.
Through its Canadian subsidiary, Kattner/FVB District Energy, the company is advising on the district heating system in Klaipeda, Lithuania.