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Swanson, G. A.; Haley, M. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: If your company is looking at energy management as part of its overall strategy to reduce costs and improve profits, it is not alone. While energy prices have increased at a shocking rate, so has interest in environmental responsibility. Progressive organizations are exploring ways to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases. Some are even creating new positions for these issues, placing someone in charge of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The CSR's job is to help a company be more socially responsible and reduce harmful emissions. Energy management can accomplish both conservation and emission goals- plus, it lowers utility costs and strengthens your bottom line! In the past, reasonably priced energy made it difficult to justify new conservation projects. It was hard to meet the standard criteria of 2-3 years payback. However, natural gas prices have tripled in the last five years from $2 to over $6 per Dekatherm (Dth). Electric prices also have increased dramatically-by more than 100% in some parts of the country. These increased energy costs have made conservation projects more desirable. A natural gas improvement project that had a six-year payback five years ago may have less than a two-year payback today. New technologies also have helped drive down the payback of projects and opened up new areas for potential savings. The following paper looks at how the new market offers opportunities to reduce overall energy costs.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5605 Files in this item: 1
ESL-IE-05-05-44.pdf (365.0Kb) -
Leach, M. D.; Colburn, B. K. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.eslwin.tamu.edu), March 1993)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper provides a synopsis of the practical application of part-load cogeneration technology to a large university campus for providing new chilled water and steam requirements for expansion needs, and simultaneously providing these utilities at no out of pocket cost to the institution using the innovative financing mechanism of performance contracting, in which project savings pay for the investment. In addition, the work is performed via a cogeneration system operating most of the year at part-load. This mechanical cogeneration project, as it provides a dual thermal benefit from a single input energy source.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/92059 Files in this item: 1
ESL-IE-93-03-05.pdf (5.468Mb) -
Wallace, D. G. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), June 1986)[more][less]
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Garrison, M. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2006)[more][less]
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Smith, B. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2012)[more][less]
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Schultz, S. C.; Bingham, P. R. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), April 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, better known as 3M, is a global, multi-billion dollar company that has been tremendously successful because of the company's ability to develop innovative products to meet the needs of its customers. A growing number of companies have recognized the benefits of developing structured approaches to improving their energy efficiency through means that are also compatible with being environmentally responsible. 3M has long been recognized as a corporate environmental management leader, including being last year's winner of the Industrial Energy Technology Conference's Energy Efficiency Award. 3M continues to demonstrate such leadership via the company's energy management program, which includes participation in programs like EPA's Climate Wise and its own internal programs such as Pollution Prevention Pays (3P).
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/90908 Files in this item: 1
ESL-IE-00-04-41.pdf (2.244Mb) -
Schultz, S. C. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), April 1996)[more][less]
Abstract: In January 1994, 3M began the task of optimizing the electric motor systems at 3M Center, a 26 building, 7 million square foot corporate campus. A cross-functional, cross-company team was established which included four 3M employees representing two different departments within 3M, an engineer specializing in demand side management programs from Northern States Power Company, and a sales engineer from General Electric Supply Company. The team was later joined by an engineering specialist from Landis & Gyr, Inc., a building automation controls supplier. The team began the task of identifying the projects that could save energy and provide a reasonable return on 3M's investment on a building by building approach. As surveys were completed, proposals were prepared and presented to management requesting funding. The team continued the process of identifying projects in remaining buildings and took on the responsibility of designing, contracting and implementing projects as funding was approved for those already studied. Follow-up measurements to ascertain that the savings predicted was actually achieved are done before project close-out. This project was submitted and has been accepted as a Motor Challenge Showcase Demonstration Project. The Motor Challenge is a U. S. Department of Energy initiative to promote the efficient use of energy in electric motor systems. Showcase Demonstration Projects are used to exemplify the benefits that motor system optimization can provide. This Showcase Project is different from most as it emphasizes the process that was developed to carry out a project of this magnitude rather than any single specific technologies or applications. The team has nearly completed the studies at 3M Center and is well into the implementation phase with six buildings being complete. Savings identified to date are approximately $810,000 per year. This paper will discuss the Motor Challenge Showcase Demonstration project currently underway at 3M Center, the motor systems survey methodology the team developed, analysis tools and techniques and the results that have been attained.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/91303 Files in this item: 1
ESL-IE-96-04-31.pdf (4.992Mb) -
Schultz, S. C. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), April 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: In January 1994, 3M began the task of optimizing the electric motor systems at 3M Center, a 26 building, 7 million square foot corporate campus. A cross-functional, cross-company team was established which included four 3M employees representing two different departments within 3M, an engineer specializing in demand side management programs from Northern States Power Company, and a sales engineer from General Electric Supply Company. The team was later joined by an engineering specialist from Landis & Staefa, Inc., a building automation controls supplier. The team began the task of identifying the projects that could save energy and provide a reasonable return on 3M's investment on a building by building approach. As surveys were completed, proposals were prepared and presented to management requesting funding. The team continued the process of identifying projects in remaining buildings and took on the responsibility of designing, contracting and implementing projects as funding was approved for those already studied. Follow-up measurements to ascertain that the savings predicted was actually achieved are done before project close-out. This project was submitted and accepted as a Motor Challenge Showcase Demonstration Project. The Motor Challenge is a U.S. Department of Energy initiative to promote the efficient use of energy in electric motor systems. Showcase Demonstration Projects are used to exemplify the benefits that motor system optimization can provide. This Showcase Project is different from most as it emphasizes the process that was developed to carry out a project of this magnitude rather than any single specific technologies or applications. The team has completed the project at 3M Center. Measured savings are $823,000 per year. This paper will discuss the Motor Challenge Showcase Demonstration project that was completed at 3M Center, the motor systems survey methodology the team developed, analysis tools and techniques and the results that have been attained.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/91133 Files in this item: 1
ESL-IE-98-04-03.pdf (4.210Mb) -
Schultz, S. C.; Belk, V.; Asrael, J. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), May 1999)[more][less]
Abstract: 3M is an international diversified manufacturing company, generating more than 50,000 products and services including tapes, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, electrical products and medical equipment. The company's energy efficiency and environmental program has been an integral part of its business strategy and production processes. Its energy management goals are attained through several means, including participation in the Climate Wise Program, a voluntary industrial energy efficiency program sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency. This paper examines the different aspects of 3M's program at the corporate and facility level. Each aspect of its program is integral to improving energy use and environmental performance in the most cost-effective way.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/91101 Files in this item: 1
ESL-IE-99-05-12.pdf (3.058Mb) -
Davidson, W. F.; Erickson, D. C. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), June 1986)[more][less]
Abstract: Economic industrial heat pumping to temperatures above 500°F (260°C) is promised in the near future. A new absorption fluid is the key. Tested under DOE sponsorship, the new fluid has proven to be thermally stable and noncorrosive to austenitic stainless steel up to 500°F, or mild steel up to 430°F. Heat transfer properties are comparable to those of the conventional LiBr-H20 system. Paired with water as the working fluid, laboratory tests have shown that useful temperature lifts of over 162°F (90°C) ∆T can be achieved allowing 10°F heat exchangers. The fluid is nontoxic and noncombustible. Good economics for the system should stem from (1) high temperature capabilities for wider and more highly valued uses, (2) high internal temperature lifts for low heat exchanger surface areas, (3) predominantly carbon steel components, and (4) better COP in the heat amplifier mode than current absorption heat pumps. Recent laboratory results are presented including temperature applicability maps.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/93027 Files in this item: 1
ESL-IE-86-06-57.pdf (1.999Mb) -
Muns, S. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), December 2007)[more][less]
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Hufford, P. E. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1986)[more][less]
Abstract: Contrary to popular concept, in most cases, thermal energy is the real VALUE in cogeneration and not the electricity. The proper consideration of the thermal demands is equal to or more important than the electrical demands. High efficiency two-stage absorption chillers of the type used at Rice University Cogen Plant offer the most attractive utilization of recoverable thermal energy. With a coefficient of performance (COP) up to 1.25, the two-stage, parallel flow absorption chiller can offer over fifty (50) percent more useful thermal energy from the same waste heat source--gas turbine exhaust, I.C. engine exhaust and jacketwater, incinerator exhaust, or steam turbine extraction.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/6875 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-86-11-16.pdf (374.0Kb) -
Erickson, D. C.; Davidson, W. F. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1984)[more][less]
Abstract: The absorption cycle offers one of the most economic and widely applicable technologies for waste heat upgrading. It can use off-the-shelf hardware that is available now, at any required capacity rating. Fractional distillations, as a class of applications, embody characteristics that inherently make them economic candidates for absorption cycle heat upgrading. Practical applications to current U.S. distillations could save 30 trillion BTU per year, at payback periods ranging from 1 to 3 years. So, if the absorption cycle is so great, why isn't it more in use? There are three reasons: (1) lack of understanding of the basic principles and operation; (2) lack of guidelines for readily identifying attractive applications, and (3) lack of a commercial U.S. demonstration in the highly cost-effective distillation area. This paper presents absorption cycle fundamentals and applications guidelines, and announces a government-backed search for a site for commercial demonstration of the distillation energy savings. The guidelines provide a new tool for identifying attractive absorption cycle applications. They require only knowledge of process source and sink temperatures, and they show at a glance approximate component characteristics and payback period for the absorption cycle which would serve the application.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94630 Files in this item: 1
ESL-IE-84-04-116.pdf (6.153Mb) -
Davis, R. C. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), May 1985)[more][less]
Abstract: The concept of a thermal powered absorption heat pump is not a new or revolutionary idea. It has been successfully demonstrated in the lab and prototypes have been installed in the field. Units have been successfully applied in a number of industrial and commercial installations. Even more has been written about absorption heat pumping and many presentations have been made at energy symposiums and technical seminars. In fact, there have been more written and spoken words about absorption heat pumping than actual field installations. If absorption heat pumping is so great, then why haven’t more end users elected to take advantage of the benefits of absorption heat pumping? In this paper we will look at various types of absorption heat pumping and the associated economics and performance characteristics. We will also discuss some possible reasons why the absorption heat pumping concept, which looks great on paper, has yet to find a sustained niche in the industrial marketplace. And lastly, we will discuss some possible steps that could be taken by all parties to make absorption heat pumping a truly visible and viable alternative for conserving energy and reducing energy costs.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/93389 Files in this item: 1
ESL-IE-85-05-118.pdf (1.167Mb) -
Erickson, D. C.; Lutz, E. J., Jr. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1982)[more][less]
Abstract: When the heat source available to a distillation process is at a significantly higher temperature than the reboiler temperature, there is unused availability (ability to perform work) in the heat supplied to the reboiler. Similarly, if the reflux condenser operates above ambient temperature, the rejected heat also contains unused availability. By incorporating an absorption heat pump (AHP) into the distillation process, these sources of unused availability can be tapped so as to recycle (and hence, conserve) up to 50% of the required distillation energy. In contrast to compressor driven heat pumps, this savings is accomplished without need for a separate substantial input of mechanical power. A different AHP configuration is used depending on whether the excess availability is in the source heat or reject heat. In the excessive source temperature case, the higher temperature source heat is applied to the AHP, which then supplies the total reboiler requirement and recycles half the reject heat, with the remainder being rejected conventionally. In the excessive reject temperature case, all the reject heat is supplied to a reverse absorption heat pump (HAHP) which recycles half to reboiler temperature while reducing the remainder to ambient temperature.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94242 Files in this item: 1
ESL-IE-82-04-127.pdf (1.323Mb) -
Aasheim, D. (Energy Systems Laboratory, 2011)[more][less]
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Claridge, D. E. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: The occupancy factor is often underestimated in inverse modeling of building energy use, or accounted for by grouping the daily data in occupied and unoccupied groups which are modeled separately. For instance, in institutional buildings it is common to identify "weekdays/weekends", "semester breaks", and "holidays" daytypes. In order to develop one model that accounts for all periods, i.e., occupied and unoccupied, at an hourly time scale, a dummy variable (regressor) can be used. The dummy variable is often used in a simplified way; for instance, having a value of 0 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and 1 between 5:00 PM and 8:00 AM, for an office building. In this paper, the effect of using different alternatives in accounting for the occupancy variable in inverse modeling of building energy use is investigated, and the resulting uncertainty in the predictions, using the SMLP inverse method are presented.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5161 Files in this item: 1
ESL-IC-01-07-29.pdf (559.7Kb) -
Grant, G. H. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), June 1986)[more][less]
Abstract: Energy management is dependent on the ability to accurately measure all energy sources so controls can take place. A survey fifteen years ago in Great Britian showed that the primary elements used for flow measurement of steam and gases were square law devices, with limited turndown and high sensitivity to velocity profile. This showed the need for a primary device able to give accurate readings over a wide turndown; long life handling hostile fluids; presenting the fewest possible installation problems. A variable differential pressure device producing a differential directly proportional to flow rate is the result.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/93066 Files in this item: 1
ESL-IE-86-06-99.pdf (979.3Kb) -
Hosseini, S.; Rusnak, J. J. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.eslwin.tamu.edu), September 1987)[more][less]
Abstract: Heat flow measurement is a complex and sensitive discipline. It requires a thorough understanding of the available technology as well as a practical knowledge of the process and the fluid being measured. Accurate heat flow measurement is often an important criterion in facilities that distribute thermal energy. This paper describes the concepts and principles involved in achieving accurate measurements of heat flow.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/92487 Files in this item: 1
ESL-IE-87-09-32.pdf (1.166Mb) -
McIlvaine, J.; Beal, D.; Moyer, N.; Chasar, D.; Chandra, S. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: This Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) study, conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Industrialized Housing Partnership (BAIHP), compares mastic sealed duct systems to tape sealed systems by showing measured total duct leakage (CFM25TOTAL and QnTOTAL) and/or measured leakage to the outside (CFM25OUT and QnOUT) in 190 manufactured home floors or home sections. All manufacturers were considering or actively working toward achieving duct leakage below 3% of the conditioned floor area (QnOUT=0.03), consistent with Energy Star Manufactured Homes criteria. Previous field tests suggest that CFM25OUT accounts for about half of CFM25TOTAL. These data show that achieving CFM25TOTAL=6% during production was generally correlated with achieving CFM25OUT=3% in mastic sealed systems, but less reliably with taped systems. Cost for achieving duct tightness goals range from $4 to $8 including duct testing on the assembly line
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/4608 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-04-05-10.pdf (459.2Kb)
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