Energy Efficiency MeasuresDISTRICT COOLING - HEAT PLANTSDistrict Heating distributes hot water or steam to multiple buildings. Hot water or steam can be used for process heating, space conditioning or even domestic hot water. . Hot water or steam is most commonly generated in a heat plant with boilers, but can also be generated using geothermal heat, cogeneration plants, waste process heat, or other sources. District Heating can have significant energy savings potential. The Department of Energy’s Industrial Technologies Program website states that “a typical facility can realize steam savings of 20% by improving their steam system.” In addition there are usually substantial savings in equipment costs since heat exchangers can often be used in the place of auxiliary boilers. Energy efficiency opportunities can be broken down into four areas of the system: generation; distribution; end use; and energy recovery. For generation, several factors relating to boiler operation offer energy efficiency opportunities. A few are optimizing excess combustion air, cleaning heat transfer surfaces, optimizing boiler blowdown, and managing water treatment. For distribution, proper insulation is very important to minimize losses. For steam systems, properly selecting, sizing, and maintaining steam traps, designing systems to ensure adequate drainage and venting, and designing for the appropriate pressure drops are all areas to focus energy efficiency efforts. For hot water systems, properly designing and operating for minimum pressure losses and optimizing pumping energy are areas of opportunity. Choosing adequate pipe diameter for the application and minimizing 90 degree turns are usually cost effective measures which also allow for downsizing pumps. For end use, optimizing sizing and maintaining steam traps and heat transfer surfaces contribute to efficient operation. For energy recovery, returning the most condensate possible in a steam system both saves energy and lowers water treatment costs. Properly sized and insulated condensate piping can save significant energy. Hot return condensate can also be used in a flash recovery system to help provide low-pressure steam. ResourcesThe U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Industrial Technologies Program works to improve the energy intensity of the U.S. industrial sector through research and development, validation, and dissemination of energy efficiency technologies and practices. You can access its extensive steam best management practices, case studies, tip sheets, technical tools, and other information at the link below. |
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