The top energy management stories from last week . . .
12.18.2009 - Keep Your Eye on DME
Di-methyl-ether (DME) may be the best hope yet for a sustainable alternative to gasoline and diesel fuel. So why isn't it being explored in North America? [read more]
12.18.2009 - Nuclear Industry Wish List
To meet the current goals for greenhouse gas emissions, the U.S. would have to build 187 new nuclear plants by 2050. But the industry will settle for 25 to 30 by 2030. [read more]
12.17.2009 - Three Solutions for the Supply Side of the Energy Efficiency Equation
While serious discussion has taken place at the U.N. climate change conference in Copenhagen, the lack of any concrete policy so far shouldn't stop us from making real progress when it comes to providing cleaner, smarter, more efficient energy options. [read more]
12.17.2009 - Is Green Energy Our New Plastics Industry?
If The Graduate were written today, Mr. McGuire's career tip to Benjamin probably would have been "green," rather than "plastics." But what does this really mean and how will it change the world? [read more]
12.16.2009 - Why Business Should Care About Climate Negotiations
Business should be more engaged in international climate talks, writes Truman Semans. Companies with high carbon emissions have a stake in negotiations. [read more]
12.16.2009 - EIA: U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions to Grow 8.7% by 2030
In the absence of new policies, the U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide from energy use will increase from 5,814 million metric tons in 2008 to 6,320 million metric tons in 2035, according to the early release of the "Annual Energy Outlook 2010" from DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA). [read more]
12.15.2009 - ExxonMobil Buys in to Natural Gas Production
ExxonMobil moved Monday to replenish its dwindling domestic energy resources and dive into the fast-growing and environmentally palatable market for natural gas by acquiring the USA's largest gas producer. [read more]
12.14.2009 - Chu's $350 Million Clean-tech Offer
To demonstrate a commitment to combating climate change at the Copenhagen summit, Energy Secretary Stephen Chu has promised to establish a $350 million fund for innovations in clean-energy technology. [read more]
12.14.2009 - Smart Meters: the Next Boom
No matter where you are in the world, the smart meter will one day become common place in all homes and business. An insurrection has begun that will revolutionize the way we all use and consume energy. [read more]
Photo by huntz
When a customer's energy usage varies throughout the day, efforts are made to match the fluctuations in demand with the generating capacity at the power plant. Since generators are large, cumbersome pieces of equipment that cannot be started and stopped quickly, energy companies must work closely with their customers to overcome the problem of matching energy demand to power plant capacity.
The best way to enhance this process is through improved communication.
The primary method of communication to help a power plant reduce the variation in a customer's load profile is through pricing; lower off-peak pricing to encourage energy use during off hours, and higher demand peak pricing to discourage energy use during prime energy periods. A load profile (see images below) can be shown by a recording demand meter, where data is taken over a 24-hour period to help understand energy usage patterns. Customers who are metered for demand have a vested interest in load profiles to determine where peak demand use (and peak demand charges) occur.
From both the utility and customer perspective, the most desirable load profile is as near to a flat line as possible, with minimal peaks and valleys. For this situation, the utility has an easier job of matching generating capacity to meet demand in a given time period and the customer has a lower peak demand charge. However, flat load profiles are the exception. As an example, the load profile below represents the electrical usage of a commercial customer during two summer days (Friday, July 26th and Sunday July 28th). The curve shows the impact of the additional load during a workday compared to the weekend, likely the result of the computers and other office equipment, lighting, and the resulting increased air conditioning load.
Compare this to a load profile of a nearby manufacturing company for these same two days.
It should be noted that a larger manufacturing operation with higher process energy use and a fairly even workload throughout the day would have less variation. Though there are predictable patterns for load profiles, they can vary considerably, even for customers within the same business segment. The key drivers tend to be high summer air conditioning loads, winter heating peaks, and the prevalence of the 8 to 5 PM workday. The following graph represents the load curves for three days (Friday, January 19th; Friday, April 5th; and Friday, July 26th).
Flattening Load Profiles
Most energy users can take steps to influence the factors that contribute to the peaks, thereby reducing demand usage and costs. In the coming years, efforts by utilities to provide real-time energy use information will increase, further enhancing the communication between energy provider and energy user. The energy user is motivated to keep energy costs as low as possible without creating business or process disruptions. The better the communication, the better that this dynamic market can meet the needs of all participants. The hope is that a larger portion of these demand peaks can be minimized by improving the efficiency of the equipment that is having the most impact on usage, or by using operational strategies to shift electrical load away from the high usage periods.
Photo by aresauburnTM
Permission to use this article was granted by Tech Resources, Inc.
This is a Fable. It is a commonly-held belief that dishwashers are convenient, but use more water and energy than hand washing. In fact, dishwashers can help you to conserve water and save on energy bills.
An average load of dishes cleaned in a dishwasher uses 37% less water than washing dishes by hand. This can save the typical household nearly 5,000 gallons of water per year.
Although operating a dishwasher increases electricity consumption, the energy reduction from lower hot water temperatures on your hot water tank ultimately lowers energy use and your utility bills. According to ENERGY STAR®, the average household with an electric water heater saves $40 per year by using a dishwasher and households with a gas water heater save $32 per year.
Energy Savings Tips
Additional energy savings can be obtained by properly preparing your dishes for the dishwasher. Rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher can use up to 20 gallons of water. Most dishwashers and detergents are designed to clean without rinsing, just scrape the dishes and load. If dishes will be sitting overnight, the residue may become difficult to clean. Use your dishwasher's pre-rinse feature. It uses only a fraction of the water that is needed for hand rinsing. Be sure that your dishwasher is full before beginning a cycle and use short wash cycles when less cleaning is needed. In addition, using a rinse agent and air-drying, rather than using the heat dry cycle, will save energy use during the wash cycle.
Photo by jsgphoto
Permission to use this article was granted by Tech Resources, Inc.
The top energy management news from last week . . .
12.04.2009 - Energy Management Has Tax Advantages in Philly
Philadelphia has become the first city in the nation to provide a pilot tax incentive for certified sustainable businesses, according to True/Slant, and more cities may follow. [read more]
12.03.2009 - Kohl's Aims for Carbon Neutrality by Close of 2010
Kohl's Department Stores has set its sights for its U.S. stores, distribution centers and corporate offices to operate with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the close of 2010. [read more]
12.03.2009 - EPA Lauds Coors, Kodak, Gap, 5 Others for GHG Reductions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is recognizing eight companies for meeting their long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals as part of the EPA's Climate Leaders program. [read more]
12.02.2009 - DOE Launches Save Energy Now LEADER Program with 32 Companies
DOE has begun the Save Energy Now LEADER Program, with 32 U.S. industrial firms signing a voluntary pledge to reduce energy intensity by 25% over the next decade. [read more]
12.02.2009 - It's the Off-Grid Data Center
IBM and Syracuse University plan to build a 6,000 square foot data center that runs on gas turbines and cools with waste heat. [read more]
12.01.2009 - Fresh & Easy Uses 32% Less Energy Than Supermarket Average
When compared to energy used at other supermarkets, Fresh & Easy is using about 32 percent less energy per square foot across its 130 locations. [read more]
12.02.2009 - Drowning in Oil: U.S. Refiners Face Tough Road Ahead
There is an oil glut in the United States and the fourth quarter for U.S. refiners will likely be as tough as the last. [read more]
12.01.2009 - U.S. Natural Gas Production Dip Does Little to Dent Glut
Natural gas production in the United States has finally dipped - and the news has come not a moment too soon for energy companies that have grappled with low prices for months. [read more]
11.30.2009 - Three Gallons per Mile
Ever wondered how fuel efficient commercial airlines are? A modern 757 burns about three gallons per mile, meaning it's more efficient than many hybrids. [read more]
11.29.2009 - Study Finds LED Lighting Delivers Substantial Energy Savings
While compact fluorescent light bulbs are more energy-efficient than conventional light bulbs, the real breakthrough is in the next generation of lighting: LED. [read more]
Photo by Tony the Misfit
Every year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 12,800 people for injuries including falls, cuts, and shocks, related to holiday lights, decorations, and Christmas trees, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition, an estimated 300 fires each year involve Christmas trees, resulting in 40 deaths, 40 injuries, and an average of more than $7 million in property loss and damage.
Take careful note of the following lighting safety tips and do your part to help reduce these numbers.
- Use only holiday lights with an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) safety certification label.
- To prevent short circuits and overloads, make sure light sets are fused. UL listed sets rated 120 V are always fused.
- Check all the connections and insulation before you plug in any holiday lights. Always test the lights on a nonflammable surface for 15 minutes. If they start to melt, smoke, or overheat, throw the string away.
- Place safety covers on unused outlets and keep cords out of site. This will help protect children and pets from harm.
- If you are using a live Christmas tree, make sure it is watered, and prevent the lights from coming into direct contact with the branches.
- If you are using an artificial tree, make sure it is made from fire retardant material.
- Never use lights on metallic trees.
- Keep lights away from flammable and combustible materials, including draperies.
- Check smoke detectors to ensure that they are working properly and that they have fresh batteries. Consider installing a fire extinguisher as an added precaution.
- Ensure that all outdoor lighting and equipment are certified for outdoor use and that they are plugged into ground fault circuit interrupter outlets.
- Keep electrical connections off the ground and make sure the wiring is clear of drainpipes and railings to prevent the risk of electrical shock.
- Avoid stringing holiday lights along aluminum siding, which can conduct electricity.
- Always stay clear of any power lines.
- Do not exceed the manufacturer's guidelines on how many strings of lights can be safely connected together.
- Turn off lights while you are sleeping or away from home. Consider using an automatic timer.
- Be careful when using metal staples or nails as fasteners. They can damage the protective insulation covering the wires.
- Fasten holiday lights securely to the building, trees, and so on to prevent damage from wind or jostling.
Never put real candles on live or artificial Christmas trees.
Photo by lavandarfields
Permission to use this article was granted by Tech Resources, Inc.