Consulting-Specifying Engineer - July 2008 - (Page 15)

M/E Roundtable firm’s intent to sell the excess electricity back to the local utility at the avoided-cost rate based on the FERC regulations for on-site power generation. FLICKINGER: We have been involved in the installation of microturbines (60-kW range), which are used in base loading applications and arranged in a co-gen configuration for providing domestic hot water and building heat. The thermal efficiency approaches 60% versus the normal grid, which is about 32%, thus resulting in a significant reduction in the carbon footprint. CSE : How do renewable energy solutions figure into the on-site power strategies? FLICKINGER: The opportunities for using on-site generation present themselves frequently, and with adequate rebates and other incentives, they can be realized. Durrant’s new headquarters building incorporates a photovoltaic system adequate to serve our data center during the day. Our building is presently registered with LEED and we are seeking a Platinum accreditation for the facility. The photovoltaic installation would not be economically practical had it not been for the financial grants provided by the state. CSE: What are some of the obstacles and challenges for the engineer in specifying on-site power and switching systems? LOVORN: Some of the challenges that were encountered in the landfill project that I mentioned were: local contractors’ unfamiliarity with technology of this sophistication; refusal of the local utility to comply with FERC regulations on purchasing electricity from the facility; and coordination of the protective relaying required to permit the local utility to be available during on-site generaLighting Integrator lighting control panels offer the convenience of schedule-based control combined with the customization flexibility to match applications of any size and complexity. Maximize energy savings using a multi-level control strategy approach and seamless integration with occupancy sensors, daylighting controllers and external building management systems. Grouping loads for common control Automatic time out of after hour overrides No proprietary configuration tools required Set up using standard BACnet objects and BACnet compliant workstation WS10-CS2008v4-CSE tion outages and yet not jeopardize the reliability of the utility system or the on-site generation system. FLICKINGER: There may have been significant issues a number of years ago; however, we have not had dif- ficulties interfacing with utilities primarily due to the use of microprocessor-based multifunction relays. There are several manufacturers whose relays incorporate most of the common ANSI/IEEE relay types in a single Energy-Efficient Lighting Controls stop energy waste Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center San Leandro, CA Applying for LEED Gold I specified Watt Stopper/Legrand’s Lighting Integrator system for this project because of its proven reliability and ability to handle the integration of the lighting control system with the BAS. The Lighting Integrator BACnet solution worked right out of the box. Todd Mazza, Senior Project Manager, Rosendin Electric Get information on Lighting Integrator Automation Level or Complete Control and a comprehensive product selection guide. 800.879.8585 | www.wattstopper.com/psg Complete lighting control solutions for every building. Occupancy and Vacancy Controls | Daylighting Controls | Lighting Control Panels | Wireless RF Lighting Controls Input #209 at csemag.com/quickResponse Photo credit: John Swain/Photographer, HOK, and Beverly Prior Architects http://www.wattstopper.com/psg http://www.wattstopper.com/psg http://csemag.com/quickResponse

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Consulting-Specifying Engineer - July 2008

Consulting-Specifying Engineer - July 2008 Contents Viewpoint Letters News M/E Roundtable 40 Under 40 Using Demand-Based Reset Strategies VFDs and Motors: Making the Right Match Grounding and Bonding Practices for Hazardous Areas Codes & Standards Case Study New Products Equipment Lifecycles Advertiser Index Green Space

Consulting-Specifying Engineer - July 2008

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