A two-factor method for appraising building renovation and energy efficiency improvement projects

The renovation of residential buildings usually involves a variety of measures aiming at reducing energy and building maintenance bills, increasing safety and market value, and improving comfort and aesthetics. A significant number of project appraisal methods in current use—such as calculations of payback time, net present value, internal rate of return or cost of conserved energy (CCE)—only quantify energy efficiency gains. These approaches are relatively easy to use, but offer a distorted view of complex modernization projects. On the other hand, various methods using multiple criteria take a much wider perspective but are usually time-consuming, based on sometimes uncertain assumptions and require sophisticated tools. A ‘two-factor’ appraisal method offers a compromise between these two approaches. The main idea of the method is to separate investments into those related to energy efficiency improvements, and those related to building renovation. Costs and benefits of complex measures, which both influence energy consumption and improve building constructions, are separated by using a building rehabilitation coefficient. The CCE is used for the appraisal of energy efficiency investments, while investments in building renovation are appraised using standard tools for the assessment of investments in maintenance, repair and rehabilitation.     

A review of energy use and energy efficiency technologies for the textile industry

The textile industry is a complicated manufacturing industry because it is a fragmented and heterogeneous sector dominated by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). There are various energy-efficiency opportunities that exist in every textile plant. However, even cost-effective options often are not implemented in textile plants mostly because of limited information on how to implement energy-efficiency measures. Know-how on energy-efficiency technologies and practices should, therefore, be prepared and disseminated to textile plants. This paper provides information on the energy use and energy-efficiency technologies and measures applicable to the textile industry. The paper includes case studies from textile plants around the world and includes energy savings and cost information when available. A total of 184 energy efficiency measures applicable to the textile industry are introduced in this paper. Also, the paper gives a brief overview of the textile industry around the world. An analysis of the type and the share of energy used in different textile processes is also included in the paper. Subsequently, energy-efficiency improvement opportunities available within some of the major textile sub-sectors are given with a brief explanation of each measure. This paper shows that a large number of energy efficiency measures exist for the textile industry and most of them have a low simple payback period.     

Mitigation technologies and measures in the energy sector of Kazakstan

An important commitment in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is to conduct mitigation analysis and to communicate climate change measures and polices. In major part reducing CO₂ as well as the other greenhouse gas emissions in Kazakstan can be a side-product of measures addressed to increasing energy efficiency. Since such measures are very important for the national economy, mitigation strategies in the energy sector of Kazakstan are directly connected with the general national strategy of the energy sector development. This paper outlines the main measures and technologies in energy sector of Kazakstan which can lead to GHG emissions reduction and presents the results of current mitigation assessment.

The mitigation analysis addressed to energy production sector. A baseline and six mitigation scenarios were developed to evaluate the most attractive mitigation options, focusing on specific technologies which have been already included in sustainable energy programs. According to the baseline projection, Kazakstan's CO₂ emissions will not exceed their 1990 level until 2005. The potential for CO₂ emission reduction is estimated to be about 11% of the baseline emission level by the end of considered period (in 2020). The main mitigation options in the energy production sector in terms of mitigation potential and technical and economical feasibility include rehabilitation of thermal power plants aimed to increasing efficiency, use of nuclear energy, and further expansion in the use of hydro energy based on small hydroelectric power plants.     

Limits to energy conservation analysis

After the 1973 crisis energy conservation was heralded as an immediate and economic solution to the oil problem. There seem to be good reasons for this: its potential appears large, many conservation measures use established techniques; and the effects on the environment, if any, are mostly beneficial. But, asks Clas-Otto Wene, what has been accomplished? Many papers on conservation have been written but so far the effect on the energy balance seems to have been minute. Has energy conservation been oversold?     

Evaluating the need for economic support policies in promoting greenhouse gas emission reduction measures in the building sector: The case of Greece

During the last decade the CO₂ emissions from the residential and tertiary sectors have been rising continuously. This is cause for concern but also an area to be targeted for emission reduction measures in national action plans. This paper proposes a methodological framework, using the Greek building sector (characterized by an aging building stock constructed mostly in the period before 1980) as a case study for the examination of the economic attractiveness of possible measures, which incorporates crucial parameters such as local climate, use of buildings, age of building stock, etc. that affect the energy conservation potential and consequently the economic performance of available measures. Utilizing this framework, the approach is able to classify measures into three categories, namely ‘win–win’ cases (i.e. where the implementation of emission reduction measures presents a net economic benefit for end-users), measures that require the implementation of appropriate economic support policies in order to make them economically attractive for end-users, and measures that have excessive cost. The results indicate that the emissions reduction potential of ‘win–win’ cases is significant. They also demonstrate how individual measures can provide significant reductions if carefully targeted economic support policies are applied. Finally, sensitivity analyses performed with respect to the discount rate applied indicate that it has a substantial impact on the economic performance of some measures and consequently on the magnitude of the ‘win–win’ potential associated to emissions reduction.     

Use of energy management systems for performance monitoring of industrial load-shaping measures

We have studied the use of industrial energy management and control systems (EMCSs) for monitoring the performance of electric load-shaping measures in three of California's most electricity-intensive and rapidly growing industrial sectors: food, plastics, and computing equipment and electronics. In this paper, we summarize current load-shaping strategies, report on the current use of EMCSs in selected industries, and recommend ways for electric utility companies to verify the potential of EMCSs for performance monitoring.We conclude that EMCSs can be used to collect and store data for evaluating industrial load shaping. Some sophisticated EMCSs are currently being used for this purpose, mostly in larger electronics firms. Most EMCSs now available need to be customized to monitor a particular facility. We also conclude that electric utility companies can encourage the use of EMCSs for performance monitoring by helping to educate their industrial customers about EMCSs, establishing protocols to standardize communication between EMCSs, and testing EMCSs with data-logging functions at demonstration sites.     

循环流化床锅炉运行节能技术的实践

总结了宁波光耀热电厂循环流化床锅炉生产运行中遇到的问题,对解决堵煤、点火及合理控制调整运行等一系列循环流化床锅炉运行中的常见问题进行了详细分析,经过探索和实践。提出优化运行和设备改造方案。通过实施有效的节能措施,提高了循环流化床的效率,达到了节能降耗的效果。     

客运专线桥梁工程灌注桩施工质量通病与防治措施

客运专线铁路桥梁工程比例大,特殊结构多,技术标准高,其桩基础多为钻孔灌注桩。叙述了由于钻孔灌注桩系隐蔽工程,成桩环节多,施工过程中容易出现的质量问题和形成原因,指出,钻孔灌注桩工程在施工过程中的质量通病主要有塌孔、钻孔偏斜、掉钻落物、外杆折断、扩孔、缩孔、卡管事故、桩身孔洞、桩身加泥、钢筋笼上浮、断桩、"烂桩头"等,提出,就施工过程中质量通病应采取的防治措施。     

Economic evaluation of energy saving measures in a common type of Greek building

This paper deals with the economic analysis and evaluation of various energy saving measures in the building sector, focusing on a domestic detached house in Greece, i.e. in a typical Mediterranean climate. In order to detect the energy saving measures that, in addition to energy benefits, can also provide economic profits, the study examines the following measures: all kinds of insulation; upgrading of the heating system; use of thermal solar systems; upgrading of lighting; upgrading of electric appliances; upgrading of the cooling system. The economic evaluation methods used for ranking the energy saving measures are the Net Present Value, the Internal Rate of Return, the Savings to Investment Ratio and the Depreciated Payback Period. It has been found that amongst the most effective energy saving methods are the upgrading of lighting, the insulation of the roof of the building and the installation of an automatic temperature control system.     

我国工业锅炉使用现状与节能减排对策探讨

针对我国工业锅炉使用现状,总结了工业锅炉使用中普遍存在的问题,并进行了原因分析,归纳了现阶段在用工业锅炉实施节能改造主要采用的技术、产品以及使用效果。结合工业锅炉节能潜力巨大的国情,提出我国工业锅炉节能减排工作的建议措施,并强调近期应重点考虑的工业锅炉节能减排技术、方法和措施。     

Heat recovery schemes in the UK

It would seem that many industrial companies in the UK, even though their profit margins are being squeezed, still have money to burn, literally. Although fuel prices have escalated quite sharply over the past two decades, the cost of energy is not yet high enough to force companies to implement conservation measures as a matter of course. Energy managers have been appointed throughout the country, but they have mostly proved ineffective. Gopal Srinivasan urges UK industry to consider heat recovery projects.     

锌精矿沸腾焙烧炉产能下降原因分析及对策研究

冷却水套结渣和富氧浓度是影响锌精矿沸腾焙烧炉生产能力的重要因素。结渣的主要成分是铁和锌的化合物,在炉子正常运行条件下,它直接影响冷却水套的换热效果。加大沸腾层内的排热力度如采用喷水装置或活动水套等措施可以适当提高炉子生产能力。特别是局部增氧工艺为增加炉子产量提供了新的技术思路。     

The failure of marginal abatement cost curves in optimising a transition to a low carbon energy supply

One of the tools used to optimise actions in reducing the carbon intensity of the economy is to use Marginal Abatement Cost (MAC) curves. Whilst these are known to be imperfect they are widely used to prioritise actions and often in a way that is incorrect. In particular, whilst their use for measures which have positive costs and a net reduction in carbon emissions can correctly rank the measures for effectiveness, use for ranking measures which have a net negative cost, including a wide range of energy efficiency measures, is entirely inappropriate and leads to perverse and incorrect outcomes. As a result, many assessments of low carbon actions are fundamentally flawed in their ranking of effectiveness and action is needed to overcome this and allow an optimum outcome. An alternative approach is suggested here.     

On the electricity shortage,price and electricity theft nexus

Pakistan is facing severe electricity shortfall of its history since 2006. Several measures have been implemented in order to mitigate electricity shortage. The focus has been on raising the installed capacity of electricity generation and transmission. The present policy results in expensive thermal electricity generation mostly using expensive and environmentally hazardous furnace oil and inability of utilities to recover their cost of supply although there is unprecedented rise in electricity tariffs. This study concentrates on the electricity demand and traces the relationship between electricity shortfalls, tariff rate and electricity theft in the background of recent electricity crisis using the data for the period 1985–2010. We employed the Granger causality test through error correction model and out-of-sample causality through variance decomposition method. Empirical evidence shows that electricity theft greatly influences electricity shortfalls through lowering investment and inefficient use of electricity.The study concludes that electricity crisis cannot be handled without combating rampant electricity theft in the country.     

The role of daylight in preserving identities in heritage context

The narrow alleys and the small neighbourhood squares are the most recognisable urban configuration forms that highlight the fabrics of Old Cairo. Parts of Old Cairo are currently going through major conservation projects. The extent of the success of some of these projects in preserving the identity of the Cairene context is currently under scrutiny and has created a debate among local residents, professionals, and politicians. Preliminary investigation has been conducted to assess the rehabilitation strategy of the selected case of el-Darb el-Asfar in relation to its context. Daylight is an essential contextual ingredient that characterises particular places from its counterparts. The rehabilitation project, using new finishing materials, has led to changes in daylight levels and reflections in the space and hence modify the visual perception and the identity of the place itself. This paper aims to assess the impact of the proposed intervention on the visual perception and the identity of the selected built heritage. Daylight variables in open spaces, a combination of sunlight, skylight and the reflected light from the facades and the ground, are identified. Using TOWNSCOPE, daylight's components are calculated pre and after the implementation of the project. The performance of reflected component is traced by simulating the impact of the original and recently used materials. The paper concludes by suggesting a set of measures to achieve an appropriate daylight performance to achieve a sustainable development in the area and maintain the identity of the old city.     

Fuel-based inventory of NOx and SO2 emissions from motor vehicles in the Hiroshima Prefecture,Japan

In order to attain the 2010 target of reducing national greenhouse gases by 6% to the 1990 level, with reference to the Kyoto Protocol, the Government of Japan has planned and implemented some measures, as well as related policies. This paper discusses the possible impact of these measures on the nitrogen-oxide and sulfur-dioxide emissions from road vehicles in the Hiroshima Prefecture (ca. 3 million population). The number of road vehicles based on vehicle and fuel types in the Hiroshima Prefecture for 1990–2000 are presented, as well as projections for the years 2005 and 2010 using the Gompertz model. Three scenarios were developed to assess the emissions, referring to the possible achievement of related measures and policies as well as new vehicle technologies. Prediction results show that nitrogen-oxide emissions may be decreased from 14.7 kton in 1990 to 9.3 kton in 2010 if Japanese energy-policy and new vehicle developments are successfully implemented. If they are less successfully implemented, the emissions will decrease slightly to 14 kton, in which the decrease of emissions was mostly from gasoline vehicle. The emission of sulfur dioxide was projected to decrease from 1.2 kton in 1990 to within the range 0.45–0.49 kton by 2010, as a result of measures to reduce sulfur content in diesel oil.     

Analysis of hospital energy audits

Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) staff conducted energy audits at 48 hospitals in four states between 1978 and 1980. The energy audits show an average potential energy saving of almost 100 kBtu/ ft² (1.1 GJ/m²), a 20% reduction. The variation among hospitals is large; the range is from 6% to 49% of baseline energy use. The cost to implement all these conservation practices and measures is quite low, only 25 ¢/ft² ($2.65/m²), which implies an average payback period of only one year. Analysis of the audit results shows that the potential energy saving increases with baseline energy use and decreases with fuel price. This suggests that large energy savings will be found at hospitals that are particularly energy-intensive and that have low fuel prices.     

Current Geothermal Energy Potential in Turkey and Use of Geothermal Energy

Turkey is the seventh-richest country in the world in geothermal potential. The first geothermal researches and investigations in Turkey started by the Turkey Mineral Research and Exploration Institute (MTA) in the 1960s. Upon this, 170 geothermal fields have been discovered by MTA, in which 95% of them are low-medium enthalpy fields, which are suitable mostly for direct-use applications. The overall geothermal potential in Turkey is about 38,000 MW. Of this potential, around 88% is appropriate for thermal use (temperature less than 473 K) and the remainder is appropriate for electricity production (temperature more than 473 K). Turkey has extended its involvement in geothermal energy projects, supported by loans from the Ministry of Environment, and geothermal energy is expected to increase substantially in the coming years. Overall, Turkey has an estimated 4,500 MW of geothermal power production potential.     

矿山机电设备安装与施工的安全管理研究

煤矿的开采多是通过机电设备完成的,保证机电设备的正确安装对于机电设备的运行具有重要意义。由于现代机电设备的结构比较复杂,对安装的要求比较高,在安装时很容易出现各种问题。分析了矿山机电设备安装与施工的要点,并提出了一些安全管理措施来保障安装的顺利进行。     

CO_2稀释对合成气扩散火焰中氮氧化物生成排放特性的影响

为揭示合成气燃烧过程中氮氧化物的生成机理和抑制措施,利用详细化学反应机理动力学模型研究了CO2稀释对合成气对冲扩散火焰中氮氧化物生成的影响,结果表明:随着合成气成分的变化及稀释剂CO2的添加,扩散火焰结构及不同NO生成机理对总NOx排放的贡献发生显著变化;低火焰拉伸率下主要表现为热力型NO,但在高火焰拉伸率下,因CH4存在,使总NO生成高于不含CH4的合成气;随CO2稀释剂的添加,NOx的排放指数EI<,NOx>呈单调下降趋势,并且稀释空气的效果优于稀释燃料的效果.