District Energy, 2007, 4th Quarter - Sample Partial Issue

critical operational and business issues. Customers need to operate their cooling systems at a reasonable Delta T, putting as much heat as possible into each gallon of water flow, to meet the system’s design capacity.

Through our conferences, workshops and online archives, IDEA strives to help educate the consulting engineering community on designing building cooling systems for variable flow and to inform building operators how and why to maintain proper differential temperature. This is just one of many issues IDEA will cover in the District Cooling Best Practice Guide discussion at IDEA’s upcoming District Cooling Conference in Abu Dhabi in January 2007.

Full Value and Innovation

Steam system customers still need to extract the full value of the heat and pressure supplied them through the district network. While many downtown steam systems have long ago abandoned full condensate-return systems, steam customers can still maximize the value of delivered energy. They can – and do – recover and reuse condensate for preheating on-site domestic hot water and providing makeup water to cooling towers and for snow-melt systems in plazas and sidewalks. Some also use steam pressure differential to drive back-pressure turbines in lieu

of pressure-reducing valves.

In Seattle, for example, a large hotel is recovering steam condensate from neighboring hotels to capture and reuse the maximum volume of pre-treated and warm water for industrial laundry. A recent issue of District Energy magazine covered the Seattle hotel story to educate members on successful approaches and demonstrate to steam customers that simple solutions can enhance the value of steam service.

Throughout the industry, we learn of effective innovations that are producing real benefits in energy efficiency and enhanced reliability. The use of river water for condenser cooling in Hartford was replicated in Tokyo and in Paris. Lake and ocean water cooling have been implemented at Cornell University and in Stockholm and Toronto. Member experiences during design, construction and operation can provide great value to the marketplace. At the same time, these innovations demonstrate to policy makers the potential gains from progressive infrastructure investment.

For example, Cornell University has cut electricity use for air conditioning and reduced related costs by 87 percent, essentially swapping an electricity bill for capital amortization on their investment in cooling pipes, pumping station and heat exchangers. Within 15 years, when the bonds are retired

for this innovative lake cooling asset, Cornell will have dramatically lower campus energy costs and simultaneously will have avoided thousands of tons of carbon emissions.

Looking ahead for the next 20 years, what should we seek to accomplish? IDEA envisions a huge district cooling industry in operation in the Middle East, and we will work to provide the technical, operational and business support to all the key players. Universities and research campuses will continue to invest in district energy and will need talented, experienced personnel to manage and optimize those assets. And finally, the urban district energy utility will continue to provide customers with reliable district heating and cooling service that ensures tenant comfort and enhances the value of customer buildings. Indeed IDEA should continue to be the go-to resource to support all of these activities – just as it has for nearly 100 years.

Robert P. Thornton
President
rob.idea districtenergy.org

Column also available at
www.districtenergy.org/de_magazine.htm

Mark your calendars and make plans to attend District Energy/CHP 2007

Leading the Way – Setting the Pace

Each year, the IDEA Annual Conference and Trade Show
attracts hundreds of energy professionals from around
the globe eager to exchange solutions to designing,
developing and operating highly efficient district energy
^June ^17-20, ²⁰⁰⁷systems. With a special emphasis on district cooling
^Hyatt ^Regency ^Scottsdale ^Resort_and _Spa _at _Gainey _Ranchdevelopment, the 2007 Annual Conference will offer a
_Scottsdale, _Arizonahigh-quality technical program coupled with unparal-
leled peer exchange, valuable networking and unique
Hosted by insight to industry trends and opportunities.
Northwind Phoenix

Exhibitors! – The IDEA Annual Conference & Trade Show has sold out of exhibit space four of the last five years so please don’t delay in contacting Tanya Kozel at (410) 518-6676 or tanya.idea@districtenergy.org. Unique sponsorship opportunities are also available.