Gas-Fueled Cooling Technologies at DOD Fixed Facilities.
Abstract
Approximately one-third of all energy consumption and two-thirds of total energy expenditures at Department of Defense (DoD) fixed facilities are electricity related. Summer air-conditioning loads account for 30 to 60 percent of the total energy expenditures. Moreover, peak cooling requirements at DoD facilities generally occur when utility rates are highest. This portion can exceed 50 percent of an installation's total bill. At DoD fixed facilities, energy costs can be reduced by conserving electrical energy or by replacing electrical consuming devices with alternate fuel-driven mechanisms, such as those that use natural gas, which currently accounts for only 38 percent of the fuel consumed and 20 percent of total energy expenditures. Absorption chillers, engine-driven chillers, and desiccant-based air-conditioning units are possible alternatives to electric cooling equipment. Using these state-of-the-art gas cooling technologies to replace existing electric-driven cooling devices may reduce the installation's electric demand, provide domestic hot water, and lessen environmental impacts normally attributed to electric-driven chillers. This study evaluated the effectiveness of gas cooling technologies at selected DOD installations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA309231
Entities
People
- Daryl Matsui
- Michael K. Brewer
- Richard E. Rundus
- Thomas E. Durbin
- Timothy W. Pedersen
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory