TEG performed the initial concept development and analysis for introducing CHP to the Metro Nashville District Energy System (MNDES). The objective was to significantly reduce overall operating cost while providing reliable back-up electrical energy to Metro's proposed downtown flood protection system. The new co-generation system would provide emergency electrical power to a river water pumping system being designed to protect the First Avenue and the lower SoBro area from flooding as was experienced in the spring of 2010. During normal operation, the new co-generation system will produce up to 7 MW of electric power and reduce both the electrical demand and energy currently being purchased from Nashville Electric Service (NES) the local TVA power distributor. Heat recovered with supplemental firing was evaluated to produce additional steam for distribution to MNDES customers. TEG analyzed the appropriate alternative technical configurations to satisfy the MNDES heat cycle while meeting the energy requirements of the flood-water pumping system as well as the Energy Generating Facility's electric demands. TEG defined the optional equipment selections for the conceptual design, prepared a probable project construction budget, projected operation and maintenance cost and developed a LCCA to determine if the project will satisfy an acceptable ROI. The initial economic overview was extremely favorable and the target is to have a system operational in the second quarter of 2017.
Estimated Value of Construction - 25,000,000
This evaluation was prepared for the Nashville District Energy System in order to ascertain the hydraulic impact that a service extension to the Music City Convention Center would impose on the existing chilled water distribution system. The economic impact of the Convention Center's heating and cooling loads was also evaluated to determine the impact on the anticipated operating and maintenance costs for the existing District Energy System. These costs were compared to the estimated operating and maintenance costs associated with the self-production of steam and chilled water at the Convention Center. This evaluation included both the economic and technical aspects of the expansion of service to the Convention Center from the District Energy System.
Estimated Value of Construction - 5,380,000
On-site reviews of eleven correctional facilities operated by the Correction Corporation of America (CCA) were conducted by TEG. During these reviews, the operation and condition of the HVAC, electrical and domestic water systems and equipment were observed. Based on these observations, potential sources for energy savings were established. Sites visited included facilities in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. In order to develop a cost basis for potential energy savings, historic utility costs were reviewed to yield average costs for electricity, natural gas and water on a per inmate basis. These values ranged between facilities and varied based on climate, condition and type of equipment installed and facility operation. Conclusions and recommendations for savings were made affecting many systems and most utilities ranging from 3-5% at most locations with several location exceeding 20% for specific utilities. Recommendations for specific projects at several locations have individual project payback opportunities from 2 to 4 year.
Estimated Value of Construction - N/A
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), located in Richmond, Virginia owns and operates a boiler plant which supplies steam to their campus. The plant operates on natural gas and/or oil and, in an effort to reduce fuel costs and dependence upon these fossil fuels, VCU was interested in pursuing the potential installation of wood-fired boilers. This evaluation was to review the steam production load data to define boiler capacity requirements, identify potential vendors and technologies which can serve the defined steam loads and identify budgetary pricing for these systems.
Estimated Value of Construction - N/A
This evaluation compares the energy consumption and subsequent energy cost for three operating cases for the expansion of the SLF Central Chiller Plant on the campus of Western Kentucky University. Three chiller manufacturers were asked to provide performance data and budgetary pricing to develop the basis for comparison for each of the three cases considered herein. These cases compare the energy consumption and cost associated with primary/secondary against variable volume type pumping arrangements and for the use of variable speed drives on the new chillers. The potential energy savings associated with each case are presented, as well as the simple return on the investment for the variable speed drives.
Estimated Value of Construction - N/A
This evaluation was prepared for the Nashville District Energy system. In this evaluation, historic data is reviewed in conjunction with other operating and equipment information to serve as the basis for hydraulic models of the existing chilled water distribution system and to evaluate the expansion capabilities of the system. The hydraulic models are based on the recorded customer data for during which the peak cooling demand is assumed to occur. Based on this historic data, the sum of the non-simultaneous customer loads are determined to evaluate stranded capacity and ability to serve future customer opportunities.
Estimated Value of Construction - N/A