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Energy Monitoring Improves Profits
July 6th, 2011 by egenergy
Every good business owner or manager will always be alert for ways to save their company money. One of the highest expenditures a company will be consistently faced with on a monthly basis is their energy bill; and with energy rates rising annually, doing energy monitoring in this area would seem to be a desirable, if unlikely goal.
However, there is a proven method of reducing energy consumption and that’s through the use of energy management systems. These systems allow businesses to continually monitor their energy consumption and usage, identifying how that energy is used throughout their business and allowing managers to spot areas where adjustments to efficiency can be made.
Energy management systems are software based and collect data from an installation on a real-time basis, tracking usage throughout every area of a business. The software will include extraneous factors that may affect the business’ energy consumption (such as the weather, time of day or building occupancy) before analyzing the data to identify peak usage times and providing reports with a detailed breakdown of exactly how and where a company’s energy costs are being incurred. This kind of feedback is useful for identifying areas within a business which may be consuming excessive amounts of energy and costing the business money in excessive energy bills.
Trends and Graphs for a Monitored Location
EG Energy Controls energy monitoring system is called ESS and it has been implemented in the grocery sector for over 5 years with incredible results.
How Does it Work?
The Energy Monitoring System (ESS) is a powerful energy monitoring system that is web based and allows you to compare energy usage by equipment type, store location, fuel type or time of day.
The web based energy monitoring software allows remote access to the crucial data for energy savings in different locations. The system is built to monitor up to 17 sub-loads per module within a facility to better detect energy leaks, provide benchmark reports, bill verification, and be alerted when abnormal energy usage occurs
Notification & Alerts!
The ESS energy monitoring software is built to provide only the information required since facility energy managers and financial officers are focused on core responsibilities.
Alerts and notifications can be setup to notify you via email if loads are not running, if a load exceeds kWh usage, if loads are running outside operating hours, or if a failure occurred.
Server & SQL Database
The ESS has a dedicated server installed at the head-office facility that runs the EG WatchNet web interface. The server can communicate with over 200 locations. Having a system on site ensures security for bank facilities and government institutions as well as corporations.
All data is stored on the dedicated server on SQL 2008 database to ensure the fastest data crunching and can be easily interfaced with SAP or other enterprise accounting management system to provide necessary data.
The data collected can then be used to create an energy management plan which can be implemented in an effort to reduce energy consumption and overheads. Simple fixes such as switching production runs to off-peak hours or adjusting the temperature of an air-conditioning system, can quickly add-up to significant savings for a business, with some studies reportedly showing a potential saving of between 5 to 15%.
Of course, another way of greatly reducing your power bill would be to switch to a renewable energy solution, such as a parabolic dish system. These solar powered systems are the perfect answer to reducing commercial energy costs while offsetting dependency on electricity, natural gas or oil.
Parabolic dish solar concentrator systems are perfect for powering air conditioning systems (commercial units can provide as much as 12kW of solar heating per hour at 90 C ) and are a cheap and reliable way of producing consistent hot water for a business. And because of the ease of installation of solar concentrator systems (a single unit will usually take just two days to install) adding extra units to your facility as your business grows is simple.
Coupling the benefits of solar generated energy with the oversight and control afforded from the installation of competent energy management systems, means that business owners and managers now have an option to greatly reduce their overheads while utilizing a clean and green means of powering their business.
- Posted in Energy News, Innovative Technology
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LOAD SHEDDING AND DEMAND CONTROL FOR LARGE COMPANIES IN CALIFORNIA
June 30th, 2011 by egwordpress
Load shedding is a means of reducing demand usage in a facility and will reducing energy usage by up to 20%. Many times demand charges exceed 50% of the total electric power bill. This makes demand control a very attractive option to reduce operating costs.
What is Demand Usage?
Demand usage is the total amount of electricity being used by a consumer during a defined time period. By performing demand control, huge savings can be achieved.
Demand varies from hour to hour, day to day and season to season. This usage that is expressed in kilowatts (not kilowatt-hours) and is called the demand peak on the system.
The utility records demand over a 15-minute time period. The company is charged for the highest 15-minute usage recorded on the demand meter. After the utility reads the meter each month, demand is reset to zero and the meter starts over, recording the highest 15-minute usage for the next billing period. You will see this charge on your power bill.
kva charge
kWh charge (not kW)
demand charge
demand usage
The demand charges many times exceed 50% of their total electric bill. This makes “Load Shedding” very attractive to reduce companies operating costs.
How Does Load Shedding Work?
In order to reduce demand peaks in a facility, the Maximum Demand Controller monitors the main utility meter in the facility and by measuring every 5 minutes the demand usage, the DemandMiser will perform automatic load shedding when it notices a demand peak is coming. Shown below are example loads that would be connected for demand control:
Compressors
Fan Motors (with variable speed systems)
Electric Heaters
Pumps
Air Conditioners & Others
Demand Usage Reporting
Advanced reports show the demand usage and loads being shed for each location. If you would like to reduce load shedding, you can automatically adjust the threshold until you are comfortable with the values.
Graphing capabilities provide information such as daily, monthly, yearly demand usage and can be easy glanced over using various line chart, bar, or pie.
The DemandMiser provides a graph that compares demand usage by location, size,operation, hours etc. A demand usage profile of one facility can be compared with another. This data can be used to negotiate contracts for energy usage and to reward facilities that have reduced their overall energy usage.
Notification & Alerts!
Alerts and notifications can be configured to notify what loads were shed and period of time and current peak demand that can be easily compared to previous demand peaks.
Automatic Load Adjustment
The web interface is easy to use for setup and load shedding configuration.
Custom load limits can be set for each month providing more control. The demand controller has an algorithm that automatically increases the load limit if more energy is needed for the building eliminating excessive demand shedding.
Access Multiple Locations
The DemandMiser Maximum Demand Controller is the only system on the market that can remotely connect to other locations that have Demand Controllers installed.
For companies that have multiple locations, energy managers can easily view data and configure systems from a single location via the web interface.
PG&E’s demand response programs offer incentives for business owners who curtail their facility’s energy use during times of peak demand. Find out how your business can benefit and help make a difference in the state’s energy well being
INCENTIVES FOR DEMAND CONTROLLER IN CALIFORNIA
EG Energy Controls can assist companies by offering sophisticated demand controllers that can be used in Peak Day Pricing initiatives.
What is PDP?
Peak Day Pricing is a Time Varying Pricing Plan. Learn more about Time Varying Pricing here.
Peak Day Pricing (PDP) is a pricing plan that encourages customers to conserve energy when temperatures, market prices, capacity or grid reliability conditions exist, typically on hot summer afternoons. On this plan, participants will see additional charges during peak hours (weekdays from 2 – 6 p.m.) on a limited number of “Event Days” throughout the year. In exchange, they will receive credits (varies by tariff) for usage throughout the summer. Customers who can reduce their load during these high cost periods, or shift load from higher cost to lower cost periods, may benefit on this plan. Tariffs differ and not all customers receive credit for all usage.
To learn more about how PDP may impact your account, please roll over and click the icon, above, that represents your business type.
Why does PG&E offer Peak Day Pricing?
This pricing plan is part of a statewide initiative led by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to reduce peak energy demand, which:
Helps to stabilize the energy grid, thus avoiding power interruptions
Reduces power plant load capacity
Reduces greenhouse gases as a result of energy use
By making this plan available to our customers, we aim to encourage and help customers to reduce their energy consumption during peak periods, and help them save on electricity costs.
Transitioning to Peak Day Pricing
For eligible accounts, PG&E will transition customers from their current pricing plan to PDP. Affected customers will be provided multiple notices in advance of their transition date, and all customers will be able to opt-out of PDP to another time-varying pricing plan or alternative demand response program.
Customers will automatically transition to PDP depending on business type and certain eligibility criteria. Roll over the icons in the header above to see when businesses like yours are scheduled to begin transitioning to PDP. For your specific account to be eligible for transition, you must have 12 months with an interval meter (e.g. a SmartMeter™ device). Customers who participate in Direct Access or other Demand Response programs will not automatically transition to PDP. Net metered customers are not eligible for PDP. Additional exceptions apply.
Transition Schedule
Monthly Demand ≥200kW
Transition to PDP starts May 2010
E-19, E-20, A-10, E-37 rate schedules
Monthly Demand ≥200kW
Transition to PDP starts February 2011
Small/Medium Agricultural customers
Monthly Demand up to 200kW
Transition to TOU starts March 2013
Small/Medium Business customers
Monthly Demand up to 200kW
Transition to PDP starts November 2012
- Posted in Energy News
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- Tags: demand control, load shedding
HID Lighting Controller can benefit from 75% rebate from state of Conneticut
June 30th, 2011 by egwordpress
| State: | Connecticut |
| Incentive Type: | Utility Rebate Program |
| Eligible Efficiency Technologies: | Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors, Chillers , Heat pumps, Central Air conditioners, Motors, Motor VFDs, Processing and Manufacturing Equipment, Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building, Custom/Others pending approval, Commercial Refrigeration Equipment, Food Service Equipment |
| Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: | Geothermal Heat Pumps |
| Applicable Sectors: | Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, State Government, Fed. Government, Institutional |
| Amount: | Custom: 95% of incremental cost Lighting: $0.15-$0.50/sq. ft. + $5/super T8 fixture Lighting Occupancy Sensor: $30/controlled fixture Day Lighting and Dimming: 75% of incremental equipment cost Motors: $45-$700 HVAC and Ground Source Heat Pumps: $50-$150/ton Fan VFDs: $920-$1310 Pump VFDs: $1710-$4580 |
| Maximum Incentive: | $750,000 per Customer’s Federal Tax ID in all programs $300,000 per metered site or account for all programs Custom Retrofit: 75% of utility measure cap Custom New Equipment: 60% of utility measure cap or 40% installed cost Lighting: $50/fixture Day Lighting and Dimming: 40% of total installed cost Rebates will cover up to 100% of the incremental cost of upgrades |
| Installation Requirements: | Lighting: 80% of connected project lighting must be of eligible efficiency. Project must have been signed after 1/1/2009 |
| Funding Source: | Energy Efficiency Fund |
| Start Date: | 1/20/2011 |
| Web Site: | http://www.ctenergyinfo.com/dpuc_energy_conscious_blueprint.htm |
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- Posted in Energy News
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- Tags: demand control, energy conservation, energy management, lighting control
ENERGY CONSERVATION REBATES FOR NEW BUILDINGS
June 6th, 2011 by egwordpress
EG Energy Controls can provide energy saving products that can provide energy conservation and these initiatives can be paid for by government incentives. If you are starting the construction of a new building, you can install energy conservation equipment that will reduce energy usage and work toward a LEED status. Incentives of up to $60,000 per building can be achieved by having energy saving equipment.
Energy conservation does not have to be expensive. By using energy conservation tools like demand control, lighting control and energy management, companies can save thousands of dollars and reduce their overall operating expenditures. By implementing these systems during construction, installation costs are minimal and you can get an incentive from the government because you are reducing energy usage. By using EG Energy Controls systems, you can reduce the energy usage of a building by 30% without having to change the design or the layout.
EG Energy Controls has over 15 years experience in providing energy management products to companies large and small.
There are many rebates available for implementing this type of technology. Shown below is the rebate from the New Brunswick government for new buildings.
ENERGY CONSERVATION REBATES IN NEW BRUNCWICK.
Start Smart Prescriptive Path (Core Performance)
Core performance is an exciting new program designed to achieve significant, predictable energy savings in new commercial buildings. The Core Performance Guide Efficiency NB Edition is the first customized guide in Canada. The guide has been customized to NB climate and design best practices.
Start Smart Prescriptive Path – New Commercial Buildings Incentive Program provides financial incentives of up to $60,000 to offset the costs associated with designing sustainable high efficiency commercial buildings that complies with the Core Performance Guide Efficiency NB Edition. No energy modelling is required.
To be eligible for incentives, the eligible building must comply to the Design Process Strategies and Core Performance Requirements as outlined in the Core Performance Guide Efficiency NB Edition. As well, additional incentives are available for eligible buildings that also are in compliance with some or all of the Enhanced Performance strategies.
Compliance with the Design Process Strategies and Core Performance Requirements indicates that the building has achieved a predictable energy savings of 30% better or more than MNECB (1997). In general, the Core Performance Requirements are most appropriate for new buildings and major renovations ranging from 950-6600 square metres for offices, warehouses, schools and retail, but the concepts can be applied to projects of any size and building type.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
AVAILABLE FUNDING Financial incentives are available to eligible buildings that comply with the Core Performance Guide Efficiency NB Edition Sections 1 and 2 (Design Process Strategies and Core Performance Requirements). Additional incentives are available for incorporating additional measures as per Sections 3 and 4 (Enhanced Performance Strategies and Energy Modelling). Incentives are limited to a total maximum of $60,000 per eligible
Contact Efficiency NB for more information on the incentive structure.
CONDITIONS Designs must comply with the Core Performance Guide Efficiency NB Edition Design Process Strategies and Core Performance Requirements. For additional incentives, eligible buildings must meet some or all of the Enhanced Performance Requirements.
ELIGIBLE BUILDINGS All new constructed commercial buildings with a total floor area between 950 m² and 6600 m² (10,000 ft² and 75,000 ft²) in the province of New Brunswick are eligible provided that they comply with the Core Performance Guide Efficiency NB Edition and follow the program steps.
New commercial buildings that are outside these areas may be accepted on a case by case basis.
Some examples of eligible buildings are:
- Retail buildings
- Warehouses
- Office buildings
- Institutional buildings (schools, colleges, universities)
PROGRAM & TIME FRAME The current Program is available to all qualifying new Small and Medium Commercial buildings on a first-come, first-served basis. More specifically, requests for participation in the Program will be considered as they are received, and approval and payment of qualified incentive funds will occur on a first-come, first-served basis.
PROGRAM CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT The Program Contribution Agreement is a binding document, to be entered into by both Efficiency NB and the Participant that is structured to facilitate the design and construction of small and medium commercial sustainable buildings.
CORE PERFORMANCE & LEED® The Core Performance program (US version) has been adopted by the Canadian Green Building Council LEED NC 2009 as a prescriptive alternative to energy modeling to comply with Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite 1 and to achieve up to three LEED® points in the Optimize Energy Performance credit (EA credit 1). All LEED® buildings are now required to achieve at least two points in this credit in order to qualify for LEED® certification.
Please contact Efficiency NB for more information regarding how LEED and Core Performance can work together in order to incorporate energy efficiency measures into your new commercial building.
For more information, see Core Performance and LEED NC 2009
Core Performance and LEED NC 2009
CORE PERFORMANCE AND THE NEW BUILDINGS INSTITUTE
Core Performance is an exciting new program designed to achieve significant, predictable energy savings in new commerical buildings. The Core Performance Guide Efficiency NB Edition is the first customized guide in Canada. The guide has been customized to NB climate and design practices.
The Core Performance Guide was developed by the New Buildings Institute Advanced Buildings Program. More information can be found at www.advancedbuildings.net and www.newbuildings.org .
GET STARTED! For program details, please contact Efficiency New Brunswick at
1-866-643-8833