Hi Everyone
In this time of trying to get our energy use and demands under control, we need to keep energy efficiency in the forefront of our efforts as we we look at all the options for energy management and production. So much requires a careful balance but lets begin with energy efficiency first and get that under control. Then we can discuss other technologiies to optimize the best results be they high effiicency plants, biomass, geothermal, solar, wind, or some other technology which might be applicable for a specific project or use. Think through the positive and negative ramifications to get to the result.
Look us up on our web site at http://www.bonhagassociates.com/ or give us a call at 603-448-5180. Either way, we would really like to help you.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Innovate and Optimize For Energy Efficiency
We are all looking for ways to reduce operating costs, increase energy efficiency and reach new peaks for systems and integrate and innovate solutions to achieve improved results for ourselves and our clients. As a consulting engineering firm, we constantly look for ways to improve or offer improvement to our clients. We are able to use our over 40 years of innovative experience in the mechanical, electrical, process and energy fields to achieve improvements. Sometimes, a small percentage increase in efficiency will reap large increases in efficiency in results for our clients.
We have done some interesting and spectactular things for industrial and institutional organizations in the region from using Combined Heat and Power, using District Heating Systems, changing fuels to achieve more cost effective and efficient fuels, changing fuels to a lower cost fuel and supplementing energy use with a an alternative energy system. Melding the energy systems in the proper manner, using engineering in a smart manner, will help all of us achieve energy independence going forward.
How can we help you at your facility? Our goal has been to eliminate waste in the last 15 years. We continue to strive for that goal and have been quite successful at achieving innovative, integrated solutions for our clients.
We have done some interesting and spectactular things for industrial and institutional organizations in the region from using Combined Heat and Power, using District Heating Systems, changing fuels to achieve more cost effective and efficient fuels, changing fuels to a lower cost fuel and supplementing energy use with a an alternative energy system. Melding the energy systems in the proper manner, using engineering in a smart manner, will help all of us achieve energy independence going forward.
How can we help you at your facility? Our goal has been to eliminate waste in the last 15 years. We continue to strive for that goal and have been quite successful at achieving innovative, integrated solutions for our clients.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Saving Operating Cost by Saving Energy
Each of us has a building to operate and pay for the operation of the heating, cooling, lighting and power for the operation of the building. If this is a residence, we can do that more easily by lowering temperatures in the winter, raising them in the summer, shutting off lights and making sure that equipment is not running needlessly.
But in the case of a commercial or industrial building, we can not operate in the same way. We need to use automation such as a BMS or DDC system to allow us to control the systems in the facility to optimize the energy that is consumed. An algorithm which is created can do this very nicely for us as we strive for improved efficiency. Our annual operating costs for the building can be predicted by a modeling program and then confirmed by actual documentation once the building is occupied as it is intended. There are many high efficiency approaches that will allow us to achieve lower operating costs through improved efficiency boilers, high efficiency air conditioners, obtaining free cooling, using VFD's, using high efficiency lighting, use of daylighting, use of automatic shades, use of thermal barriers for the building envelopes and many more.
We as designers need to consider the cost to benefit ratio for implementing the various technologies into each of our projects as they go forward. This needs to be carefully considered at the beginning of the design of each project.
But in the case of a commercial or industrial building, we can not operate in the same way. We need to use automation such as a BMS or DDC system to allow us to control the systems in the facility to optimize the energy that is consumed. An algorithm which is created can do this very nicely for us as we strive for improved efficiency. Our annual operating costs for the building can be predicted by a modeling program and then confirmed by actual documentation once the building is occupied as it is intended. There are many high efficiency approaches that will allow us to achieve lower operating costs through improved efficiency boilers, high efficiency air conditioners, obtaining free cooling, using VFD's, using high efficiency lighting, use of daylighting, use of automatic shades, use of thermal barriers for the building envelopes and many more.
We as designers need to consider the cost to benefit ratio for implementing the various technologies into each of our projects as they go forward. This needs to be carefully considered at the beginning of the design of each project.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Utilize LNG and CNG in More Remote Areas
We have been looking at various approaches to optimize energy use and systems. This means thinking outside of the box whenever possible. Innovative Solutions are something that we work on a regular basis so we are used to doing that for our clients.
One of the requests that we had recently from a large industrial client was to lower energy costs by moving away from #6 oil to some other fuel type. We are now working with vendors to provide Liquified Natural Gas (LNG ) at this site with the idea of lowering operating cost, Life Cycle Cost and simplyfying operations for our client. Consideration should be made for any and all facilities especially those that operate on a 365/24/7 basis. When the thermal load is fairly level over the year, the opprotuniity to provide a base loaded system works very well.
This approach is not appropriate for every application, but when taken one at a time, we can optimize the best approach for the installation.
Please consider the alternatives when looking at energy!
One of the requests that we had recently from a large industrial client was to lower energy costs by moving away from #6 oil to some other fuel type. We are now working with vendors to provide Liquified Natural Gas (LNG ) at this site with the idea of lowering operating cost, Life Cycle Cost and simplyfying operations for our client. Consideration should be made for any and all facilities especially those that operate on a 365/24/7 basis. When the thermal load is fairly level over the year, the opprotuniity to provide a base loaded system works very well.
This approach is not appropriate for every application, but when taken one at a time, we can optimize the best approach for the installation.
Please consider the alternatives when looking at energy!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Consider New Sources of Natural Gas Along With Other Fuels
We have all been reading about the low cost of natural gas over the last few months relative to #6 oil and some other fuels. Today I wanted to discuss the relative ease of installation and low operating cost for implementing a natural gas installation for some of the projects that we have been looking at especially those that have a 24/7/365 requirement which is relatively flat in load profile. What we have seen is annual and multiple year contracts that can be obtained for clients that become a real asset over the long term.
One of the benefits of natural gas is that there is a lower capital cost outlay during the set up of the project. This means that we can expect a faster return on invested capital as the project begins to produce energy whether it is electrical, thermal or a combineation of the two. The owners of many of these projects drive the market in a way that forces each and every one of us to watch every dollar, as well we should.
Many of you who say that natural gas is not in their region, want to know what to do about their facilities. After all, gas pipelines cost between one millioin and two million dollars per mile depending on the terrain and size. This is cost prohibiitive at best. The other option, is to truck LNG to the site in a special tank truck, off load the natural gas at that location, and use the fuel at that location. This has a relatively low initial cost and when cmpared with another fuel, such as #6 oil, makes excellent economic sense.
On top of that, natural gas is readily available in the United States with decades of supplies available to us. Once again, I am not saying that natural gas is the only course that we should follow, but it certainly is one that provides a strong economic advantage for large users to move toward to enhance their bottom line.
Once again it is all about balance, and natural gas is one fuel that allows us to achieve that in many regions, even those without a gas pipeline. Why not consider that as an option?
It seems to us that a little thinking outside the box with respect to energy opportunities will reap real rewards.
Contact me at Wayne T. Bonhag, PE 603-448-5180 or wbonhag@bonhagassociates.com
One of the benefits of natural gas is that there is a lower capital cost outlay during the set up of the project. This means that we can expect a faster return on invested capital as the project begins to produce energy whether it is electrical, thermal or a combineation of the two. The owners of many of these projects drive the market in a way that forces each and every one of us to watch every dollar, as well we should.
Many of you who say that natural gas is not in their region, want to know what to do about their facilities. After all, gas pipelines cost between one millioin and two million dollars per mile depending on the terrain and size. This is cost prohibiitive at best. The other option, is to truck LNG to the site in a special tank truck, off load the natural gas at that location, and use the fuel at that location. This has a relatively low initial cost and when cmpared with another fuel, such as #6 oil, makes excellent economic sense.
On top of that, natural gas is readily available in the United States with decades of supplies available to us. Once again, I am not saying that natural gas is the only course that we should follow, but it certainly is one that provides a strong economic advantage for large users to move toward to enhance their bottom line.
Once again it is all about balance, and natural gas is one fuel that allows us to achieve that in many regions, even those without a gas pipeline. Why not consider that as an option?
It seems to us that a little thinking outside the box with respect to energy opportunities will reap real rewards.
Contact me at Wayne T. Bonhag, PE 603-448-5180 or wbonhag@bonhagassociates.com
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Providing A Balanced Approach to Energy Management
Energy optimization and cost control, reduction in carbon, reduction in greenhouse gases, and improved efficiencies all need to work together for the benefit of the whole. Without going into too much detail one of our clients charged us to evaluate 25 different technologies and evaluate the pros and cons of each technology, rating them from 1 to 10. The spreadsheet that was developed allowed us to evaluate technologies on a very level playing field, looking at technologies from around the world. This evaluated commercially available technologies for efficiency, throughput, sizing, matching application to requirement, carbon reduction, maintenance, operating costs, availablitiy of REC's and Carbon Credits, just to name a few of the key parameters. Evaluating energy systems, especially in an industrial application, can get us to evaluate near optimum applications very quickly.
We do get myopic thinking about the energy technologies in the US and think that is the only technology to be considered. Other countries, such as Germany, Switzerland, Sweeden, the UK, and others have more advance technologies in certain areas, such as CHP and District Heating. These should be considered carefully and knowledge gleaned wherever possible.
Of course, we all know that any energy that can be saved is energy that does not need to be produced. But considering that energy will need to be needed for the future developement of our clients needs in plants or regions, energy will need to be produced, whether it is hydro, biomass, fossil, oil fired, nuclear, geothermal, wind, solar or some other form of energy. Each of these needs to be carefully considered as either a base load energy source or a topping source of energy. There are many out there want to see alternative energy as the solution for our energy issues, but in reality the way I see it is a melding of the energy opportunities that will allow the country to get us back to a positive growth position again. What I am saying is the oil is not the sole answer, natural gas is not the sole answer, biomass is not the only answer, solar is not the only answer, hydro is not the only answer, wind is not the only answer, nuclear is not the only answer, but rather all of these need to work in concert for a successful energy policy and approach. Economics and practicality is what drives the success of the energy supply and needs in the marketplace.
There are risks and returns for each of these technologies. These need to be evaluated carefully using good engineering practices and move forward with a predicatable schedule and approach. This is important in the big picture.
What do you think?
We do get myopic thinking about the energy technologies in the US and think that is the only technology to be considered. Other countries, such as Germany, Switzerland, Sweeden, the UK, and others have more advance technologies in certain areas, such as CHP and District Heating. These should be considered carefully and knowledge gleaned wherever possible.
Of course, we all know that any energy that can be saved is energy that does not need to be produced. But considering that energy will need to be needed for the future developement of our clients needs in plants or regions, energy will need to be produced, whether it is hydro, biomass, fossil, oil fired, nuclear, geothermal, wind, solar or some other form of energy. Each of these needs to be carefully considered as either a base load energy source or a topping source of energy. There are many out there want to see alternative energy as the solution for our energy issues, but in reality the way I see it is a melding of the energy opportunities that will allow the country to get us back to a positive growth position again. What I am saying is the oil is not the sole answer, natural gas is not the sole answer, biomass is not the only answer, solar is not the only answer, hydro is not the only answer, wind is not the only answer, nuclear is not the only answer, but rather all of these need to work in concert for a successful energy policy and approach. Economics and practicality is what drives the success of the energy supply and needs in the marketplace.
There are risks and returns for each of these technologies. These need to be evaluated carefully using good engineering practices and move forward with a predicatable schedule and approach. This is important in the big picture.
What do you think?
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Coordinating Energy Solutions to Optimize Results
This week has been a week of sweet crude oil prices going over $100 per barrel, using local fuel where possible, nuclear plants getting approval in the US by the NRC while there are nuclear plant problems in Japan, solar PV, wind coming under close scrutiny in various parts of our country, using biomass fuel where reasonable and possible, providing local natural gas to displace imported oil, and questions on the value of geothermal from a cost to benefit analysis. The selection of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) utilizing any fuel improves performance aspects from the mid 30% to the mid 80 % range because of the thermal aspect that is captured. All of this again leads to the conclusion that if we can all conserve energy, and work together for a integrated, coordinated solution for energy management, we can as a nation work toward a strong energy solution.
It is clear in my mind that all the energy options need to be on the table, applied in the proper balanced approach. The key is to produce power in a clean manner with low carbon foot print. There are many ways to achieve that, many of those are green and are positive for the long well being of the country. Some have a zero carbon foot print. Some provide more jobs for local markets than others and in fact reduce energy losses from transmission.
It would be great if we could get all the energy suppliers together around the table as it were to agree on approaches to supply energy to this country under one energy leader. Energy is going to be key to success in the next few years as we march toward a strong country. We need to work toward that goal.
Help all of us by contacting your congressman, contacting the DOE or other agencies who are in the decision making capacity. Together we can make something happen for the betterment of the US.
It is clear in my mind that all the energy options need to be on the table, applied in the proper balanced approach. The key is to produce power in a clean manner with low carbon foot print. There are many ways to achieve that, many of those are green and are positive for the long well being of the country. Some have a zero carbon foot print. Some provide more jobs for local markets than others and in fact reduce energy losses from transmission.
It would be great if we could get all the energy suppliers together around the table as it were to agree on approaches to supply energy to this country under one energy leader. Energy is going to be key to success in the next few years as we march toward a strong country. We need to work toward that goal.
Help all of us by contacting your congressman, contacting the DOE or other agencies who are in the decision making capacity. Together we can make something happen for the betterment of the US.
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