Analysis of Central Total Energy Systems at Military Facilities.
Abstract
This report discusses the potential of central total energy (TE) systems for improving the efficiency and economies achieved using multiple regional TE systems. It also provides an energy and life-cycle cost analysis procedure for Corps District Engineer personnel and contracted architect-engineers to use in assessing the performance of central vs. regional TE systems. Part of the procedure involves application of computer-aided feasibility analysis to determine the number, size, and generic design of TE plants that will minimize total fuel consumption for given energy demands. The procedure also includes a method for determining the load for a central TE plant. A case study employing the method is presented. The report concludes that many Army installations have enough thermal demand to justify considering centralized TE applications for a large portion of the installation. Central TE plants can be economically advantageous over regional TE plants, due primarily to economies of scale in prime movers and secondarily increased load diversity. Central diesel plants with thermal storage were found to be most fuel-efficient, while central gas turbine plants on natural gas had the least life-cycle cost under the assumed natural gas cost structure. It is recommended that the concept of a centralized TE system for military installations be considered when: (1) a TE study is being made in conjunction with new construction, (2) several construction projects at an installation are scheduled during a 3 to 5 year time frame, and (3) an existing boiler plant is to be expanded or retrofitted. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA044813
Entities
People
- E. M. Honig Jr.
- W. H. Dolan
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory