Date of Graduation

8-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Nutter, Darin W.

Committee Member

Couvillion, Rick J.

Second Committee Member

Roe, Larry A.

Keywords

Arkansas Manufacturing; CHP Savings Tool; Cogeneration; Combined Heat and Power; Energy Efficiency; Micro-CHP

Abstract

Combined heat and power (CHP) systems are not new to the market. However, advances in technology, specifically MicroTurbines, have presented new opportunities for installations of micro-CHP units - defined as 50 kWe to 300 kWe, specifically at small- to medium-sized industrial facilities. One pressing concern is whether or not an industrial plant has a high enough process thermal load requirement to fully utilize the energy output.

This thesis will discuss simulations that were run on several actual electric and thermal load combinations, which correspond to types of manufacturing facilities commonly found in Arkansas. Analysis of the plant usage profiles will identify economically feasible scenarios from CHP production based on electric and thermal loads, electric demand and energy costs, the cost of natural gas, and CHP unit size and efficiencies. The spreadsheet algorithm will be written in a form to allow a user to select utility rate structures from major utility companies in Arkansas, or customize their own rate schedule, and enter their monthly energy usages and demands. The user can then compare and contrast costs and savings of different CHP units, and then make informed decisions on whether a company would benefit from installing a CHP system.

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