Plasma Gasification
www.PlasmaGasification.com

Business Development  *  Engineering  *  Waste to Energy & Waste to Fuel Solutions



Renewable Energy Institute
"Changing the Way the World Makes and Uses Energy"

For more information, call/email:
the Renewable Energy Institute

info@PlasmaGasification.com






Plasma Gasification
www.PlasmaGasification.com


What is "Plasma Gasification?"

Plasma Gasification - is the thermal disintegration of carbonaceous materials into their elemental compounds in an oxygen-starved environment using a "plasma."

Plasma Gasification renders most waste streams, including medical/hospital waste, chemical waste, hazardous waste, and even low-level radioactive waste, completely safe and inert.  Plasma Gasification is the "ultimate" solution for handling most every waste stream that is now going into landfills. In fact, Plasma Gasification plants will soon be built next to landfills, and take the waste that would have gone into the landfill, and be processed by Plasma Gasification.  Eventually, the waste and contents of landfills will be recovered and processed with Plasma Gasification plants.

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Clean Power Generation Solutions


Our "Integrated" CHP Systems (Cogeneration and Trigeneration) Plants 
Have Very  High Efficiencies, Low Fuel Costs & Low Emissions

The Effective Heat Rate is Approximately 
4100 btu/kW & System Efficiency is 92% Plant.

The CHP System below is Rated at 900 kW and Features:
(2) Natural Gas Engines @ 450 kW each on one Skid with Optional 
Selective Catalytic Reduction system that removes Nitrogen Oxides to "non-detect."

    

Our CHP Systems may be the best solution for your company's economic and environmental sustainability as we "upgrade" natural gas to clean power with our clean power generation solutions.

Our Emissions Abatement solutions reduce Nitrogen Oxides to "non-detect" which means our Trigeneration energy systems can be installed and operated in most EPA non-attainment regions!






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GreatSkin.com


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Our CHP Systems - operating in either cogeneration or trigeneration configuration, may be the optimum power and energy solution for customers wanting increased power reliability and decreased energy and environmental costs.  

A few of the clients and markets that may benefit from our CHP Systems include the following:


For qualified clients we will design, build, finance, own, operate and maintain a new:

Clean Power Generation

Cogeneration

Organic Rankine Cycle

Trigeneration

Waste Heat Recovery 

energy system, through a Power Purchase Agreement that guarantees
a minimum 10% reduction in our client's energy expenses.

(NOTE:  Our engineering and EPC services may be provided by one of our affiliated 
companies - one of which is a Top ENR ranked EPC company.

To receive a preliminary no-obligation review of your energy, engineering or project plans, 
send an introductory email to us at the following email address:

info@PlasmaGasification.com


About us:

We provide engineering and renewable energy project development services (some through affiliated companies) including a top-ranked ENR EPC company;

Our work is performed on a strict adherence to "vendor-neutrality." We are client and project focused and seek to maximize our client's return on their investment while simultaneously minimizing their operational expenses and environmental exposure. (NOTE:  Our engineering and EPC services may be provided by one of our affiliated companies - one of which is a Top ENR ranked EPC company. Engineering and related interim project development expenses may be at client's expense but will be refunded at the close of Power Purchase Agreement or other project financing.  Some of our engineering and related EPC services may be provided by one of our top-ranked ENR Engineering/EPC affiliated companies.

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Engineering and Project Development Services

Absorption Chillers  *  Adsorption Chillers  *  Ammonia Chillers  *  Automated Demand Response

Brayton Cycle  *  Carbon Emissions  *  Carnot Cycle  *  Cheng Cycle  *  CHP Systems  *  Clean Power Generation 

Cogeneration  *  Compressed Air Energy Storage  *  Concentrating Solar Power  *  Dispersed Generation

EcoGeneration  *  Emissions Abatement  *  Energy Master Planning  *  Frequency Regulation 

Engine Driven Chillers  *  Graz Cycle  *  Greenhouse Gas Emissions  *  Greenhouse Gas Reporting 

Grid Free Energy  *  Grid Free Power  *  Inlet Cooling  *  Load Leveling 

Mechanical Refrigeration  *  Net Zero Energy  *  Net Zero Energy Buildings  *  Net Zero Energy Homes 

Organic Rankine Cycle  *  PlugIn Electric Vehicles  *  Rankine Cycle  *  Recycled Energy 

Solar Cogeneration  *  Solar Trigeneration  *  Trigeneration  *  Waste Heat Recovery 


The Graz Cycle is also known as the "Zero Emission Power Plant!"


Greenhouse Gas Reporting services now available

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What is Advanced Gasification?

In the biomass gasification sector, there are a large number of companies that offer a wide range of biomass gasification technologies. Some of these biomass gasification technologies are very old and highly inefficient at converting biomass to synthesis gas, in the waste to energy or waste to fuel equation. Some of these are operating as low as 27% efficiency. As a result, a large percentage of biomass is "wasted" and the

Advanced gasification seeks to increase the use of biomass gasification installations, which demonstrate improved biomass to synthesis gas efficiencies, that in turn, increases the return on investment resulting in more biomass gasification plants.

Advanced gasification technologies ultimately reduces plant capital and operational costs through increases in biomass gasification technologies.

What is Backup Power and a Backup Power Supply?

If you live in an area where there has been, or could be impacted with power blackouts, brownouts, rolling blackouts or intermittent power, you need a backup power supply!

If you live or work in an area that has had, or could have; earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, forest fires, thunderstorms, snow/ice storms or floods, you probably need a backup power supply!

The electric grid provides power at a reliability factor of about 99.97% - however, if your your home, business, hospital, food/agricultural, restaurant, or other type of facility is "power critical" or power sensitive , you need a reliable backup power supply!

A backup power supply is comprised of a generator with an automatic transfer switch.

Buying a generator for standby power can be the first step to regaining control over protecting your family and possessions from harm. And, using a generator is as simple as operating any household appliance. After you have selected a generator, here are a few tips that can help you keep power through the storm.

We can help you select the right backup power supply for your business or facility. Call/email us for more information.


What is Balance of Plant?

Balance of plant or "BOP," consists of the remaining systems, components, and structures that comprise a complete power plant or energy system - not included in the prime mover and waste heat recovery (ex. gas turbines, steam turbines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), waste heat boilers, etc.) systems.  In solar power parks, BOP is referred to as BOS or balance of system.


 What is Battery Energy Storage?

Battery Energy Storage, and Battery Energy Storage systems (BESS) use stored electrical power in batteries, and feed this energy to the electric grid (building, or facility) at times when it makes economic sense.  For a "Net Zero Energy" building or facility, a Solar Cogeneration, or Solar Trigeneration energy system is used that stores excess solar power in the Battery Energy Storage system during the daytime, for use when the sun goes down, and during inclement weather.

Battery Energy Storage is an ideal solution for utility-scale wind farms, particularly in Texas, when most of the renewable energy is generated at night when the power isn't needed. 

Battery Energy Storage is also an ideal demand side management or load leveling solution.


What is the Brayton Cycle?

Gas turbines operate on the principal of the Brayton Cycle, which is defined as a constant pressure cycle, with four basic operations which it accomplishes simultaneously and continuously for an uninterrupted flow of power.

Background Information and History of Rudolph Diesel and Sadi Carnot

Rudolph Diesel was educated at the predecessor school to the Technical University of Munich, Germany. In 1878, he was introduced to the work of Sadi Carnot, who theorized that an engine could achieve much higher efficiency than the steam engines of the day. Carnot envisioned a cycle in which a gas is compressed, heated, allowed to expand, and then cooled. After the gas is cooled, the cycle begins anew. Mechanical energy is used to compress the gas and thermal energy to heat it. In turn, expansion of the gas yields mechanical energy, and its cooling yields thermal energy. The net result is conversion of thermal energy to mechanical energy.

Diesel sought to apply Carnot’s theory to the internal combustion engine. The efficiency of the Carnot Cycle increases with the compression ratio—the ratio of gas volume at full expansion to its volume at full compression. Nicklaus Otto invented an internal combustion engine in 1876 that was the predecessor to the modern gasoline engine. Otto’s engine mixed fuel and air before their introduction to the cylinder, and a flame or spark was used to ignite the fuel-air mixture at the appropriate time. However, air gets hotter as it is compressed, and if the compression ratio is too high, the heat of compression will ignite the fuel prematurely. The low compression ratios needed to prevent premature ignition of the fuel-air mixture limited the efficiency of the Otto engine.

Rudolph Diesel wanted to build an engine with the highest possible compression ratio. He introduced fuel only when combustion was desired and allowed the fuel to ignite on its own in the hot compressed air. Diesel’s engine achieved an efficiency higher than that of the Otto engine and much higher than that of the steam engine. It also eliminated the trouble-prone electric-spark ignition system. Diesel received a patent in 1893 and demonstrated a workable engine in 1897. Today, diesel engines are classified as “compression-ignition” engines, and Otto engines are classified as “spark-ignition” engines.


What is the Carnot Cycle?

The Carnot Cycle has been described as being the most efficient thermal cycle possible, wherein there are no heat losses, and consisting of four reversible processes, two isothermal and two adiabatic. It has also been described as a cycle of expansion and compression of a reversible heat engine that does work with no loss of heat.


What is the Cheng Cycle?

The Cheng Cycle is a highly flexible and efficient method of optimizing a cogeneration plant, and more specifically a combined cycle power plant, which also provides a high amount of flexibility in the power and thermal energy output.

For a Cheng Cycle to be implemented, a gas turbine and waste heat boiler or heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) is required.  The gas turbine is updated to accept steam injection - the steam being "superheated steam" which is capable of handling up to 20% of the exhaust flow from the gas turbine. The saturated steam as well as the superheated steam, is generated from the waste heat boiler or heat recovery steam generator. 

When the Cheng Cycle is in 100% power mode, all of the steam that is produced by the "waste heat" from the gas turbine, is "recycled" through the gas turbine.  In cogeneration plants, the Cheng Cycle system is set-up so that steam may be used for process application and-or recycled back to the gas turbine. A duct burner is placed between the gas turbine and the waste heat boiler or the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) which increases the total amount of steam output generated by the plant.

What is "Cogeneration"?

Did you know that about 17% of our nation's electricity now comes from "cogeneration" plants?

And because cogeneration is so efficient, it saves its customers up to 40% on their energy expenses, and provides even greater savings to our environment through significant reductions in fuel usage and much lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Cogeneration - also known as “combined heat and power” (CHP), cogen, district energy, total energy, and combined cycle, is the simultaneous production of heat (usually in the form of hot water and/or steam) and power, utilizing one primary fuel such as natural gas, or a renewable fuel, such as Biomethane, B100 Biodiesel, or Synthesis Gas.

Cogeneration technology is not the latest industry buzz-word being touted as the solution to our nation's energy woes. Cogeneration is a proven technology that has been around for over 120 years!

Our nation's first commercial power plant was a cogeneration plant that was designed and built by Thomas Edison in 1882 in New York. Our nation's first commercial power plant was called the "Pearl Street Station."


What is Demand Side Management?

According to the Department of Energy, Demand Side Management or "DSM," refers to those "actions taken on the customer's side of the meter to change the amount or timing of energy consumption. Demand Side Management, is the process of managing the consumption of energy, generally to optimize available and planned generation resources. 

Demand Side Management solutions have, as one primary goal, to maximize end-use efficiency to avoid or postpone the construction of new generating plants - which is how your electric utility thinks - they are required to instantly provide the power their clients need, when they need it.  When their "reserve" capacity is low, they have to plan to build new power plants.  With environmental permitting getting more difficult to permit, and new power plants taking up to 10 years to build, more and more clients are considering an "onsite power generation" - also referred to as "dispersed generation" - energy system for their business.

While not every business is a candidate for onsite power generation, such as an onsite cogeneration or trigeneration energy system, however, your company may be a great candidate for other energy-saving solutions. One of these is Demand Side Management, or "DSM". We help commercial, industrial and utility clients by providing cost-effective DSM solutions.


What is "Dispersed Generation"?

Dispersed Generation is similar to Decentralized Energy - which is the opposite of "centralized energy." Dispersed Generation is defined as the efficient deployment of clean, efficient and renewable power, which are located near a "load center" and are in the 10 MW to 150 MW to as much as 300 MW range.

Our new company is focused in solving power problems in the 1 MW to 30 MW range as well as providing solutions for the "demand side management" market opportunities.


What are "Distributed Energy Resources"?

Distributed Energy Resources (DER) are small, modular, energy generation and energy storage systems and technologies that provide electric capacity or thermal energy (i.e. hot water, chilled water, steam) where and when a commercial or industrial client requires.

Typically, Distributed Energy Resources generate less than 10 MW (megawatts).

Distributed Energy Resources are highly flexible and adaptable, and can therefore, be sized to meet any customer's specific power and energy requirements, at the customers facility or business.

As they are flexible and adaptable for nearly any customer's specific requirements, DER systems can be installed to operate with the local electric grid, or be designed and installed "grid-free" without connecting to the electric grid in island or stand-alone mode.

Distributed Energy Resources' technologies include those that end America's dependence on foreign oil, and therefore include;


How are Distributed Energy Resources systems and technologies used?

Distributed Energy Resources systems can be used in several ways including managing/reducing energy expenses and ensuring reliable power by augmenting your current energy services.

Distributed Energy Resources systems also enable a facility to operate independently of the electric power grid, whether by choice or out of necessity.

Distributed Energy Resources improve a customer's "carbon footprint" by significantly reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and increasing overall energy efficiency.

Utilities can use Distributed Energy Resources technologies to delay, reduce, or even eliminate the need to obtain additional power generation, transmission, and distribution equipment and infrastructure. At the same time, DER systems can provide voltage support and enhance local reliability.

Distributed Energy Resources are an ideal "demand side management" solution.


How do I know if Distributed Energy Resources systems and technologies are the right choice for my facility?

In today's economy and increasing pressure for businesses to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, there are several economic and environmental factors making Distributed Energy Resources a serious option and alternative. These include the high prices of electricity from the electric grid/electric utility company as well as high natural gas costs from the natural gas utilities. Uncertainties regarding foreign oil, "peak oil" and the ever-increasing potential for disruptions in electricity service and oil from foreign oil countries are causing managers and CEO's of businesses to consider alternatives to traditional energy providers and for new ways to supplement or augment their present energy situation and present suppliers.

This is particularly crucial where a facility’s energy-producing and electric grid infrastructure are aging. The performance, cost, and availability of DER technologies have all been improving steadily over the past several years. New Distributed Energy Resources systems and technologies are significantly more efficient than even ten years ago. Replacing or upgrading your present energy problems with Distributed Energy Resources may pay for itself sooner than expected.

Energy security as well as price of energy has never been a greater concern to businesses and their managers/CEO's and CFO's. Distributed Energy Resources systems can provide the requisite power and energy needed for mission-critical loads, reduce hazardous or costly power outages, and diversify the local energy supply.


What is Distributed PV?

Distributed PV is a form of "distributed solar generation" or "dispersed generation" except that the form of power (electricity) generated comes from solar photovoltaic systems.


What is an Energy Master Plan?

Now that greenhouse gas reporting is a vital and urgent issue for thousands of business in the U.S., and as they will now have to report their greenhouse gas emissions to the EPA, our Energy Master Plan format has been changed to address these concerns for all of the businesses we perform energy master planning services for.

Our energy master planning services are also focused in a broader focus as well for our customers interested in sustainable energy solutions for reducing their carbon footprint, fossil fuel intensity, total energy expenses, potential for blackouts as well as their overall vulnerabilities to being "tied" to their specific electric utility.  Our energy master planning services also improve the air quality and work environment for all of our client's stakeholders through our focus on triple bottom-line results. 

Our energy master planning services are not solely focused on our client's facilities' "demand side" of the energy equation, but also how our client's energy is acquired and purchased on their supply side.  This understanding that supply and demand side planning is equally important enabled a holistic review of how CUMC uses and pays for energy and the impact of these sources on the environment. 

Our energy master plan begins with a review of our client's past three years electricity, natural gas, oil, waste and water expenditures and depending on the final requirements and project scope authorized by the client, will typically include; 


What is an Energy Services Agreement?

An Energy Services Agreement is similar to a Power Purchase Agreement.  While a Power Purchase Agreement is typically limited electrical power generated and sold, an Energy Services Agreement delineates and specifies the prices for all energy generated as an Energy Services Company normally installs a highly efficient trigeneration energy system, which generates 3 energies for the price of one - and all the energy a client customer will need - i.e. cooling, heating and power.

Benefits of an Energy Services Agreement: 

• No up-front capital costs 
• Ability to monetize the tax incentives
• The ability to utilize accelerated depreciation
• Typically provides a known and long-term energy and power pricing 
• No operations and maintenance responsibilities 
• Minimal risk to the commercial, industrial or utility client


What is Front End Engineering Design?

Front-end Engineering Design, also known as Front End Engineering  or "FEED," or "Front End Loading" is the preliminary engineering and conceptual design completed in advance of the start of EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction).  Front End Engineering usually concludes with the engineering firm's presentation of an Engineering Feasibility Study or Analysis.

Front-end Engineering Design includes a design team that includes and integrates all or most engineering fields such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, civil engineering, power engineering, chemical engineering, etc.  The FEED design team includes the project visualization and conceptualization stages, including "what-if" decision making analyses, integrating the client company's goals, objectives into an efficient and economic engineering solution. 


What is the Graz Cycle?

The Graz Cycle is the only thermodynamic combustion cycle that allows for the retention and capture of carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels.

The Graz Cycle burns fossil fuel along with pure oxygen thereby enabling for the cost-effective separation of the carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion process through condensation. The additional expense for supplying the oxygen for the combustion process - and requirements for an air separation unit, are compensated, in part, through the increase in cycle efficiencies that exceed 65%. The combined efficiency of the Graz Cycle equals of exceeds the thermodynamic performance of other serious contenders in Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS).

The Graz Cycle is the thermodynamic cycle that provides for a "zero emission power plant" which also has the highest available efficiencies using gas turbines. The Graz Cycle has also been heralded as a "zero emission" power plant.

In practice, net electrical cycle efficiencies for Graz Cycle power plants have exceeded 65% - which is far higher than typical of state-of-the-art combined cycle plants.

According to the DOE web site, the Graz Cycle consists of a high temperature Brayton cycle and a low temperature Rankine cycle with a Heat Recovery Steam Generator. The Graz Cycle is an oxy-fuel power cycle with the capability of retaining all the combustion generated CO2 for further use. Its cycle configuration aims at highest efficiency by reducing the heat extraction in the condenser to a minimum. A thermodynamic investigation of the Graz Cycle fired with natural gas (CH4) shows a net efficiency of 52.5%, if the efforts for oxygen supply and CO2 compression to liquefaction are considered. If synthesis gas can be used from an external synthesis gas plant at 500°C, efficiencies can rise up to 56%. Studies indicate that further efficiency improvements and simplification of the cycle are possible.


What is Intelligent Load Shedding?

"Intelligent Load Shedding" is a near instantaneous method for shedding electrical load that is synonymous with "Automated Demand Response."  Load Shedding is a very effective way of preventing electric grid blackouts. Load shedding is typically required by an electric utility company of its' commercial and industrial clients - when there is not enough electricity available to meet the demand, and to prevent the grid from going down, which is called a "blackout." "Rolling blackouts" are an extreme method of load shedding.

Most electric customers are informed of "load shedding" requirements or events, and in some cases, electric service interruption, from minutes, to several hours in advance.

Load shedding is normally a "last resort" option and a controlled method of rotating or sharing the available electricity between all of the grid's (or electric utility's) customers.

By spreading the load shedding measures to the largest available area, customers are usually not interrupted of their electrical service for more than 15 minutes at a time. customers can be informed of interruptions in advance.


What is the Kalina Cycle?

The Kalina Cycle was invented by Alexander Kalina, a Russian engineer, which he first demonstrated in the mid 1960's.

The Kalina Cycle is different from the Rankine Cycle in that the Kalina Cycle uses a water and ammonia solution in low temperature Waste Heat Recovery applications, such as geothermal power plants.  This increases the thermodynamic efficiency and power output. 

While few Kalina Cycle plants have been built to date, reports of the technology's efficiency may exceed that of the Organic Rankine Cycle and represent an exciting development in Waste Heat Recovery.


What is "Load Leveling"?

Load leveling, also referred to as "peak shaving," is a demand side management solution that reduces the use peak demand and amount of electricity by commercial and utility customers. Load leveling is a strategy that may significantly reduce the peak demand as well as the energy expenses for clients that have implemented a peak-shaving solution.


What is Load Response?

Load Response and Load Response programs operate in response to requests for peak load reductions with little, if any, discretion in compliance on the part of the customer. The buyer or operator, such as a traditional utility, load serving entity, curtailment service provider, or grid operator, directs load response programs.


What is the Organic Rankine Cycle?

A Rankine Cycle is a closed circuit steam cycle. (Also - see Rankine Cycle). 

An Organic Rankine Cycle uses a heated chemical instead of steam as found in the Rankine Cycle.

Chemicals used in the Organic Rankine Cycle include freon, butane, propane, ammonia, and the new environmentally-friendly" refrigerants. 


Why use a chemical refrigerant? 

A refrigerant boils at a temperature below the temperature of frozen ice. Solar heat, for example, of only 150 degrees Fahrenheit from a typical rooftop solar hot water heater, will furiously boil a refrigerant. The resulting high-pressure refrigerant vapor is then piped to an organic Rankine Cycle engine. 


Why is it called "organic"? 

"Organic" is a term used in chemistry to describe a class of chemicals that includes Freon and most of the other common refrigerants.

What is Peak Shifting?

Peak Shifting is a highly cost-effective method of reducing electric utility expenses. When electric utility commercial or industrial customers use electricity can make a big difference on their monthly electric bills. By shifting the time of day that electric power is used, a commercial or industrial customer can reduce their " demand charge" portion of their electric bill during peak times of the day. This reduces the overall cost of power each month for the customer.

Unlike most products, electricity can’t be stored after it's generated. Electricity must be generated - and consumed - at the time of demand by a utility's customer. Electricity usage continuously varies throughout the day, and varies from month-to-month and season-to-season. Each day, there are "peak" demand periods of usage during which time the electric utilities must generate additional amounts of electricity to meet these peak demands for all of their customers.

To meet this additional peak demand for electricity utilities use “peaking generators” also called "peaking plants" or simply "peakers." These peaking plants are the least efficient methods of generating power, meaning they generate less power with more fuel (and their associated greenhouse gas emissions) compared with the utility's base-load generators. These peaking plants typically burn oil or natural gas to produce the electricity and are brought on line only during "peak periods" of the day and run for short periods.

While peaking generators generally cost less to build than other types of generators, they also have relatively high fuel costs because they are typically much less efficient in the use of fuel.

Therefore, "Peak Shifting" is a method that addresses shifts the time of day when electricity is used, reducing the need for peaking plants and can reduce a commercial or industrial customer's electric bills, if correctly implemented.


What is a Power Purchase Agreement?

A Power Purchase Agreement is a legal agreement wherein our clients agree to buy either the power (electricity) or the power and energy (hot water, steam and/or chilled water for air-conditioning) - or both - directly from us, for a term of 10 to 20 years, where we have installed, own and operate our solar energy systems. 

In nearly every case, once we have installed our solar energy systems at our client's facility, we can immediately reduce our (commercial) client's electricity expenses by 10% over what they were paying for their power electricity from their electric utility.

The right Power Purchase Agreement, solar cogeneration or rooftop PV energy solution, may save your company hundreds of thousands, and possibly millions of dollars over the term of the agreement.

Simultaneously, having the wrong or poorly drafted PPA can cost your company thousands or millions of dollars.  You wouldn't consult a brain surgeon to treat your child's broken bone!  Selecting the wrong attorneys, law firm or team to promulgate or re-negotiate your Power Purchase Agreement can leave you "powerless" and penniless - and still requiring the skills and expertise of competent and qualified professionals to resolve the situation.

Because a Power Purchase Agreement is at the "heart" and underlying foundation of our projects, we can help your business with the selection and oversight of PPA's. 

We can help your city or community create a Municipal Utility District or Public Utility District that may then qualify for our very competitively priced energy and electricity rates. Now is the time for cities, municipal and governmental clients to consider having our company install one of our renewable power and energy systems that will generate "clean" power and energy, lower costs, and avoid the coming electricity shortages and grid congestion problems!  

Products and services provided by us include the following power and energy project development services: 

 
What is Price Response?

Price Response and Price Response Programs operate based on voluntary actions of customers in response to economic signals. The differences between Price Response and Load Response programs are a matter of degree. The most pronounced difference is price response programs rely on wholesale clearing prices as a primary signal or method to reimburse customers for their participation, and are much more likely to be voluntary. Some load response programs have the same characteristics, but are skewed toward a command-and-control methodology.


What is the Rankine Cycle?

The Rankine Cycle is a thermodynamic cycle used to generate electricity in many power stations, and is the real-world approach to the Carnot Cycle. Superheated steam is generated in a boiler, and then expanded in a steam turbine. The steam turbine drives a generator, to convert the work into electricity. The remaining steam is then condensed and recycled as feed-water to the boiler. A disadvantage of using the water-steam mixture is that superheated steam has to be used, otherwise the moisture content after expansion might be too high, which would erode the turbine blades.


What is a "Solar Cogeneration" (or Solar CHP) energy System?

A Solar Cogeneration (or simply "Solar CHP") energy system combines a: 

1.  Solar Electric Power System with a 

2. Solar Water Heating System (which generates hot water with either solar thermal collectors or evacuated tube collectors)

for the best of both worlds. 

Our Solar Cogeneration energy systems provides a significantly higher return on investment, along with higher overall system efficiencies.

Solar PV power generators with 40%+ efficiency which generate DC electric power in the 500Wp to 30kWp per single unit, with Solar Thermal Power Generators with 20%+ efficiency, which simultaneously generate hot water up to 1650 F at 1.0 to 20.0 gpm per unit. The combination PV electricity -- hot water generation converts over 65% of the sunlight falling onto the systems into useful electricity and hot water.

Solar Cogeneration = Solar PV + Solar Thermal

Our efficient solar power (PV and thermal) conversion system could replace the natural gas and/or electricity used by our customers for heating, and in their day-to-day energy demanding commercial operations.

Solar Cogeneration is a Cost-Effective Solution for Commercial Enterprises including:

Restaurants, Laundromats, Car Wash Stations, Canning and Food Processing Plants, Health Clubs, Large Office Buildings, Semiconductor Fabs, Hospitals, Hotels, Universities/dormitories, Apartments and Nursing Homes.


What is a "Solar Trigeneration" energy System?

A Solar Trigeneration energy system combines a: 

1.  Solar Electric Power System  with a 

2. Solar Water Heating System (which generates hot water with either solar thermal collectors or evacuated tube collectors)

and takes a Solar Cogeneration energy system one further step by adding and integrating either;

3.  Absorption Chillers or Adsorption Chillers, which receives some of the hot water from the Solar Water Heating System and provides the energy needed to make 38 degree chilled water for air-conditioning. 

We install our Solar Trigenerationsm Energy Systems, for qualified commercial businesses, as well as  cities, schools and government facilities with our Zero Up-front Cost program.

For some customers - based on their present location, utility company and electric rate - we are able to reduce their electric rate by 10%. Even more for other customers.  Solar Trigenerationsm Energy System!


What is Stack Gas?

Stack gas also known as flue gas and "wasted heat," is the heat, passes through or "escapes" through a chimney or smokestack. Typically, stack gas begins with the combustion in a boiler of a fossil fuel, such as natural gas, diesel or coal. 

What is "Trigeneration"?

Trigeneration is the simultaneous production of three forms of energy - typically, Cooling, Heating and Power - from only one fuel input. Put another way, our trigeneration power plants produce three different types of energy for the price of one.

Trigeneration energy systems can reach overall system efficiencies of 86% to 93%.  Typical "central" power plants, that do not need the heat generated from the combustion and power generation process, are only about 33% efficient.



Trigeneration Diagram & Description
Trigeneration Power Plants' Have the Highest System Efficiencies and are 
About 300 % More Efficient than Typical Central Power Plants


 Trigeneration plants are installed at locations that can benefit from all three forms of energy.  These types of installations that install trigeneration energy systems are called "onsite power generation" also referred to as "decentralized energy."   

One of our company's principal's first experience with the design and development of a trigeneration power plant was the trigeneration power plant installation at Rice University in 1987 where our trigeneration development team started out by conducting a "cogeneration" feasibility study.  The EPC contractor that Rice University selected installed the trigeneration power which included a 4.0 MW Ruston gas turbine power plant, along with waste heat recovery boilers and Absorption Chillers.  A "waste heat recovery boiler" captures the heat from the exhaust of the gas turbine.  From there, the recovered energy was converted to chilled water - originally from (3) Hitachi Absorption Chillers - 2 were rated at 1,000 tons each, and the third Hitachi Absorption Chiller was rated at 1,500 tons. The Hitachi Absorption Chillers were replaced shortly after their installation by the EPC company.  The first trigeneration plant at Rice University was so successful, they added a second 5.0 MW trigeneration plant so today, Rice University is now generating about 9.0 MW of electricity, and also producing the cooling and heating the university needs from the trigeneration plant and circulating the trigeneration energy around its campus.




Trigeneration Chart
Trigeneration's "Super-Efficiency" compared 
with other competing technologies
As you can see, there is No Competition for Trigeneration!

Our trigeneration power plants are the ideal onsite power and energy solution for customers that include:  Data Centers, Hospitals, Universities, Airports, Central Plants, Colleges & Universities, Dairies, Server Farms, District Heating & Cooling Plants, Food Processing Plants, Golf/Country Clubs, Government Buildings, Grocery Stores, Hotels, Manufacturing Plants, Nursing Homes, Office Buildings / Campuses, Radio Stations, Refrigerated Warehouses, Resorts, Restaurants, Schools, Server Farms, Shopping Centers, Supermarkets, Television Stations, Theatres and Military Bases.

At about 86% to 93% net system efficiency, our trigeneration power plants are about 300% more efficient at providing energy than your current electric utility. That's because the typical electric utility's power plants are only about 33% efficient - they waste 2/3 of the fuel in generating electricity in the enormous amount of waste heat energy that they exhaust through their smokestacks.

Trigeneration is defined as the simultaneous production of three energies: Cooling, Heating and Power.  Our trigeneration energy systems use the same amount of fuel in producing three energies that would normally only produce just one type of energy. This means our customers that have our trigeneration power plants have significantly lower energy expenses, and a lower carbon footprint.


What is the "Unified Smart Grid"?

The Unified Smart Grid is the name used for the future transmission power lines that would carry green electricity from the many solar power plants and solar power parks and wind farms that generate the power, typically in remote areas, to the "load centers" or major cities that would use the green power. 

Quite simply, our country's out-dated and inefficient National Electric Grid, lacks the ability to carry all the new green electricity being planned from hundreds of new solar power parks and wind power generation facilities.

The Unified Smart Grid will be a national interconnected network relying on a high capacity backbone of electric power transmission lines linking all the nation's local electrical networks that have been upgraded to smart grids. Europe's analogous project is sometimes referred to as the SuperSmart Grid, a term that also appears in the literature describing the Unified Smart Grid. 

Cost estimates to rebuild the nation's electric grid as a Unified Smart Grid have ranged from $350 billion to $450 billion.

Support for the unified smart grid came with passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.   Title 13 of this Act invested $100 million in funding for the years 2008 – 2012 and establishes a matching program to states, utilities and consumers to build unified smart grid capabilities.  It also creates a Grid Modernization Commission to assess the benefits of demand response and automated demand response and recommended a set of system protocols and standards to be led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology which would coordinate the development of smart grid standards.  FERC would then promulgate these standards and protocols for the unified smart grid through its official rulemaking capabilities.

The Unified Smart Grid received further support with the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that set aside $11 billion for the creation of a smart grid.

Building a Unified Smart Grid would help jump-start the renewable energy investments in solar power parks.  Thousands of megawatts of new solar power parks (both Concentrating Solar Power plants and Photovoltaic Power Plants) are being planned. Most are  located in the desert Southwest due to the solar energy resource. A Unified Smart Grid is needed to move the large amount of power, which is fairly concentrated, to the rest of the nation.  Without the new Unified Smart Grid, it would be impossible to distribute the green power to the nation. 

The new Unified Smart Grid is significantly more efficient than the present, nearly 100 year old technology that makes up our nation's present transmission and distribution network of how we get the power from central power plants to customers and major load centers.

Much of the new Unified Smart Grid will be comprised of "High Voltage Direct Current" transmission lines which is significantly more efficient than the present high voltage alternating current transmission lines.  

The new Unified Smart Grid will provide economic development, thousands of new jobs, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What would the new Unified Smart Grid look like?

Source:  American Electric Power

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You Can't Have a Unified Smart Grid Without:

Advanced Metering System  *  Advanced Meters  *  Automated Demand Response  *  Automated Energy Management

Battery Energy Storage  *  Building Automation Systems  *  Carbon Free Energy  *  Clean Power Generation  *  Cogeneration 

Compressed Air Energy Storage  *  Decentralized Energy  *  Demand Side Management  *  Dispersed Generation 

Distributed Energy Resources  *  Distributed Generation  *  Distributed PV  *  EcoGeneration  *  High Voltage Direct Current 

Load Leveling  *  Locational Marginal Pricing  *  Micro-Grid  *  Net Zero Energy  *  Net Zero Energy Buildings 

Nodal Pricing  *  Onsite Power Generation  *  Pollution Free Power  *  Plug In Electric Vehicles  *  Renewable Energy Parks 

Rooftop PV  *  Solar Cogeneration  *  Solar Power Parks  *  Trigeneration  *  Virtual Power Plants  *  Waste Heat Recovery

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What is Waste Heat Recovery?

There are more than 500,000 smokestacks in the U.S. that are "wasting" heat, an untapped resource that can be converted to energy with Waste Heat Recovery technologies.

About 10% of these 500,000 smokestacks represent about 75% of the available wasted heat which has a stack gas exit temperature above 500 degrees F. which could generate approximately 50,000 megawatts of electricity annually and an annual market of over $75 billion in gross revenues before tax incentives and greenhouse gas emissions credits.

Waste Heat Recovery technologies represent the least cost solution which provides the greatest return on investment, than any other possible green energy technology or "carbon free energy" opportunity! 

Typical Waste Heat Recovery Installation


In some cogeneration and trigeneration designs, the exhaust gases can be used to activate a thermal wheel or a desiccant dehumidifier. Thermal wheels use the exhaust gas to heat a wheel with a medium that absorbs the heat and then transfers the heat when the wheel is rotated into the incoming airflow.

A professional engineer should be involved in designing and sizing of the Waste Heat Recovery section. For a proper and economical operation, the design of the heat recovery section involves consideration of many related factors, such as the thermal capacity of the exhaust gases, the exhaust flow rate, the sizing and type of heat exchanger, and the desired parameters over a various range of operating conditions of the cogeneration or trigeneration system — all of which need to be considered for proper and economical operation.

Many processes, especially in industrial applications, produce large amounts of excess heat – i.e., heat beyond what can be efficiently used in the process.  Waste Heat Recovery methods attempt to extract some of the energy as work that otherwise would be wasted.  

Typical methods of recovering heat in industrial applications include direct heat recovery to the process itself, recuperators, regenerators, and waste heat boilers.  In many applications – especially those with low-temperature waste heat streams, such as automotive applications – the economic benefits of waste heat recovery do not justify the cost of the recovery systems.  Innovative, affordable methods that are highly efficient, applicable to low-temperature streams, and/or suitable for use with corrosive or “dirty” wastes could expand the number of viable applications of waste heat recovery, as well as improve the performance of existing applications.  Our focus is on the development of innovative Waste Heat Recovery processes and techniques that are (1) more efficient than conventional methods, yet still cost-effective; and (2) applicable to waste streams from which heat cannot be recovered easily with conventional methods.

Turning to cooling, air conditioning systems consume approximately 10% of the energy used in U.S. buildings and are key contributors to peak demand.  Consequently, improving the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems would substantially reduce overall energy consumption and enhance grid reliability.  For example, compressors require cooling to dissipate the heat produced during compression and could benefit from improved surface heat transfer – innovative designs could increase the available heat-transfer area or materials enhancement could increase the heat flux between the hot and cool sides of a heat exchanger.  Similarly, a reduction in the requirement for condenser cooling could provide significant energy savings if more-efficient, cost-effective technologies were developed.  

This is where we believe waste heat recovery integrated with our Solar Trigeneration energy systems represents a unique opportunity for commercial and industrial clients. 

Industrial Waste Heat Recovery

Waste Heat Recovery from exit gases can significantly increase the energy efficiency of industrial processes.  Energy can be recovered from flue and stack gases, vent gases, and combustion gases at a variety of temperatures at large-scale industrial plants (chemical plants, petroleum refineries, biorefineries, pulp and paper mills, etc.).

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The market for Distributed PV, also known as "Rooftop PV"
will be a $60 billion/year market by 2013!

 

"Concentrating Solar Power - The Technology That Will Save Humanity."

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/04/14/solar_electric_thermal/index.html



Renewable Energy Institute
"Changing the Way the World Makes and Uses Energy"

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There are Multiple Environmental and Economic Benefits for 
Installing Plasma Gasification Plants:

Plasma Gasification plants generate numerous economic and environmental dividends:

Your Company (or City) Should Consider us if 
You are Considering Plasma Gasification, as we are:


Plasma Gasification:  The Ultimate Solution for Multiple Waste Streams now Going into our Landfills

A Plasma Gasification plant ends the need for landfills - and their problems by converting the free "fuel" that would have been placed in the landfill, in the form of municipal sold waste, and hazardous waste. The Plasma Gasification plant "converts" carbonaceous (carbon-containing) materials such as municipal solid waste and even hazardous waste such as biowaste from hospitals, into two useful and beneficial byproducts; 

1. an energy-rich fuel called Synthesis Gas, which is used to generate "green electricity" from a sustainable and renewable resource.

2. a commercially useful, inert solid, referred to as “slag”. The slag can be used for road aggregate and building materials.

Plasma Gasification provides for a sustainable waste solution for all types of waste streams, including MSW , hazardous wastes, and even low-level radioactive waste, which delivers tangible economic and environmental benefits.

Plasma Gasification: Two Approaches
Plasma Arc and Plasma Torch

Plasma Gasification produces green power and energy from waste-streams such as municipal solid waste (MSW) and even hazardous and toxic wastes, without the need to bury these wastes in a landfill.

There are two methods used in plasma gasification - the first one is a "plasma arc" and second is called a "plasma torch."

A "plasma arc" type Plasma Gasification plant operates on principles similar to an arc-welding machine, where an electrical arc is struck between two electrodes. The high-energy arc creates a high temperature, highly ionized gas. The plasma arc is enclosed in a chamber. Waste material is fed into the chamber and the intense heat of the plasma breaks down organic molecules (such as oil, solvents, and paint) into their elemental atoms. In a carefully controlled process, these atoms recombine into harmless gases such as carbon dioxide. Solids such as glass and metals are melted to form materials, similar to hardened lava, in which toxic metals are encapsulated. With plasma arc technology there is no burning or incineration and no formation of ash. 

"Plasma arc" type Plasma Gasification plants have a very high destruction efficiency. They are very robust; they can treat any waste with minimal or no pretreatment; and they produce a stable waste form. The arc melter uses carbon electrodes to strike an arc in a bath of molten slag. The consumable carbon electrodes are continuously inserted into the chamber, eliminating the need to shut down for electrode replacement or maintenance. The high temperatures produced by the arc convert the organic waste into light organics and primary elements. 

Combustible gas is cleaned in the off-gas system and oxidized to CO2 and H2O in ceramic bed oxidizers. The potential for air pollution is low due to the use of electrical heating in the absence of free oxygen. The inorganic portion of the waste is retained in a stable, leach-resistant slag. 

In "plasma torch" systems, an arc is struck between a copper electrode and either a bath of molten slag or another electrode of opposite polarity. As with "plasma arc" systems, plasma torch systems have very high destruction efficiency; they are very robust; and they can treat any waste or medium with minimal or no pre-treatment. The inorganic portion of the waste is retained in a stable, leach-resistant slag. The air pollution control system is larger than for the plasma arc system, due to the need to stabilize torch gas.

Limitations and Concerns about Plasma Arc Technology

A chief concern about plasma arc technology is ensuring that gaseous emissions are kept to a minimum and cleaned before being released to the atmosphere. 

Limitations and Concerns about Plasma Torch Technology 

Concerns have been raised regarding the reliability of "plasma torch" technology as the water-cooled, copper, "plasma torch" must be replaced periodically to prevent burn-through at the attachment point of the arc and a subsequent steam explosion due to rapid heating of the released cooling water.

Applicability of Plasma Arc Technology

The plasma arc can be used for organic and inorganic wastes. It is being studied for mixed radioactive waste treatment, because it separates the organic from the inorganic portion of the waste. It is also being studied to reduce explosive compounds and unexploded ordnance in place of traditional technologies, such as open burning and open detonation, that produced toxic emissions and hazardous ash.

Technology Development Status

Both plasma arc systems are developed and commercial applications exist for both hazardous and radioactive waste.


We Provide Waste to Energy Engineering and Feasibility Studies

Waste to Energy Initial Design, Engineering & Feasibility Study

We provide Waste to Energy Design, Engineering and Feasibility Study for new clients interested in Plasma Gasification. 

Through a strategic partner, we also provide "turnkey" Waste to Energy plants.

Our fee for the Waste to Energy Feasibility Study varies, and is based on a negotiated Scope of Services Agreement that matches the client's requirements and goals.   This "vendor neutral" review and initial evaluation provides a basic foundation in our client's decision-making process and whether your facility is a viable candidate for a Waste to Energy plant.

In the event you decide to move forward with our Waste to Energy Feasibility Study and Engineering Study, we require a 50% deposit to begin work.

More About Plasma Gasification

Plasma Gasification is what we call the "holy grail" of waste management.  

Plasma Gasification replaces the need for landfills and turns waste, and what would have gone into a landfill, into green energy!

The process Plasma Gasification is "self-sustaining" and a sustainable energy and environmental solution. 

Did you know that "Plasma" is the "4th state of matter?"  

Plasma technologies have been around for years.  Using Plasma Gasification as a solution or handling waste was not considered before as landfills were less expensive. With the recent successes of Plasma Gasification in other countries for handling their waste streams, as well as the proven economical and environmental solutions, we believe that Plasma Gasification is now ready for application here in the U.S.   

How does Plasma Gasification Work? 

The basics of plasma and plasma creation is simple and straightforward. 

First of all, a high-voltage current is passed between two plasma arc electrodes which creates a high-intensity "plasma arc."  This in turn pulls electrons from the surrounding air and converts the gas into plasma or a field of intense and radiant energy.

This is the same process behind fluorescent lighting and neon lighting - wherein low voltage electricity passes between electrodes in a sealed glass tube that contains an inert gas - which in turn excites the electrons in the gas. The gas then releases radiant energy which then lights the tube.  

A Plasma Arc can get so hot that it can melt metal and is used in metal cutting. 

 Plasma Gasification,"Waste to Energy" and "Waste to Fuel" Technologies

In Plasma Gasification plants, the waste streams (i.e. garbage) is augered to a machine that shreds the waste into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces of waste are then fed into the plasma chamber.  Some refer to this as the "plasma reactor."  The plasma chamber is a sealed, stainless steel vessel filled with either nitrogen or atmospheric air. An electrical current is passed between the two plasma electrodes which converts electrons from the air into plasma.

A continuous flow of electricity through the plasma maintains this field of very intense energy - this is powerful enough to disintegrate the shredded garbage into its component or basic elements. The byproducts are a "slag" or glass-like substance used as raw materials for high-strength asphalt or household tiles and Synthesis Gas.

 Synthesis gas (or "syngas") is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and syngas is used as a fuel just like hydrogen, natural gas, biomethane, biodiesel or ethanol is - i.e. fuel for a cogeneration or trigeneration power plant. 

Syngas leaves the converter at a temperature of around 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit and then goes to a cooling system which generates steam. The steam is then used to drive one or more steam turbines which generates electricity - part of which is used to power the plasma gasification plant, while the rest can be used for the plant's heating or electrical needs, or sold to the utility grid.

Apart from the initial power supply from the community's electrical grid, the Plasma Gasification plant can produce the electricity it needs for operations. 

Bottom line, plasma gasification eliminates the need for landfills and will generate profits for its users.

Current and Future Applications of Plasma Gasification
The benefits of the system are evident. It is self-sustaining after the initial electrical charge is used; it is environmentally friendly; and it produces materials that have commercial applications or use and thus can generate profit.

Aside from disposing of newly-produced garbage, the system can also be used to dispose of accumulated landfill garbage so land reclamation is entirely possible. Another application planned is using the syngas as a base for producing hydrogen in commercial quantities, which will be used as fuel for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

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Distributed PV, also referred to as Distributed Solar Generation and Rooftop PV, 

will be a $55 billion/year market by 2012 

and will nearly TRIPLE to $154 billion/year by 2015!

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What is Waste Heat Recovery?

In most cogeneration and trigeneration power and energy systems, the exhaust gas from the electric generation equipment is ducted to a heat exchanger to recover the thermal energy in the gas. These heat exchangers are air-to-water heat exchangers, where the exhaust gas flows over some form of tube and fin heat exchange surface and the heat from the exhaust gas is transferred to make hot water or steam. The hot water or steam is then used to provide hot water or steam heating and/or to operate thermally activated equipment, such as an absorption chiller for cooling or a desiccant dehumidifer for dehumidification.

Many of the waste heat recovery technologies used in building co/trigeneration systems require hot water, some at moderate pressures of 15 to 150 psig. In the cases where additional steam or pressurized hot water is needed, it may be necessary to provide supplemental heat to the exhaust gas with a duct burner.

In some applications air-to-air heat exchangers can be used. In other instances, if the emissions from the generation equipment are low enough, such as is with many of the microturbine technologies, the hot exhaust gases can be mixed with make-up air and vented directly into the heating system for building heating.

In the majority of installations, a flapper damper or "diverter" is employed to vary flow across the heat transfer surfaces of the heat exchanger to maintain a specific design temperature of the hot water or steam generation rate.

Typical Waste Heat Recovery Installation


In some co/trigeneration designs, the exhaust gases can be used to activate a thermal wheel or a desiccant dehumidifier. Thermal wheels use the exhaust gas to heat a wheel with a medium that absorbs the heat and then transfers the heat when the wheel is rotated into the incoming airflow.

A professional engineer should be involved in designing and sizing of the waste heat recovery section. For a proper and economical operation, the design of the heat recovery section involves consideration of many related factors, such as the thermal capacity of the exhaust gases, the exhaust flow rate, the sizing and type of heat exchanger, and the desired parameters over a various range of operating conditions of the co/trigeneration system — all of which need to be considered for proper and economical operation.

For more information on Waste Heat Recovery and Waste Heat Boilers, call/email us.

 

Engineering, Procurement and Construction 
(EPC) Contracts and Performance Guarantees

Engineering Procurement Construction, also referred to as; Engineer Procure Construct, "EPC" or Engineering Procurement and Construction, is the terminology used when an owner, for example, is seeking to build a new cogeneration power plant uses when the owner is seeking a "turnkey" project solution.  EPC contracts are not only a very common form of contracting within the construction industry,  but increasingly becoming the norm, particularly in the electric power generation (power plants) and utility sector. 

The construction company, via the EPC contract with the owner, provides for the design, engineering, procurement of all related supplies, components, materials, labor, services, etc.  The contractor, with approval/permit by EPC contract with the owner, may sub-contract part of the work. 

Engineering Procurement and Construction or "EPC" contracts with long-term performance guarantees are becoming increasingly popular for some renewable energy technologies, such as commercial-scale Distributed Solar Generation / Distributed PV systems. 

Engineering Procurement and Construction contracts give the owner unprecedented assurance that the system will provide the long-term energy benefits advertised without wasting time and money with the Architectural and Engineering ("A&E") firm or expensive change orders that take additional time and resources to process and integrate. These performance guarantees cover the entire installation and go way beyond manufacturer warranties that only cover specific parts and not the system as a whole.

EPC and performance guarantee contracts can be a wise choice for many reasons. Oftentimes, the Architectural and Engineering firms do not have the in-house expertise to understand fully how to specify renewable energy systems. Due to the newer nature of these technologies and the rapidly developing nature of many technologies, this is a specialized field of its own for each renewable technology type.  If the Architectural and Engineering company specifies particular equipment, while it may be feasible, it may not be the optimal design or the most likely to be available at construction.

EPC contracts also provide more flexibility in equipment choices that can reduce change orders and construction delays. For example, many photovoltaic modules change specifications and dimensions on almost a monthly basis. Even the oldest and most reputable manufacturers are working to keep pace with fierce competition in the field today. Given that the modules are the heart of the photovoltaic system, it reasons that specifying a particular module in the construction documents might result in a change order and result in cost over runs and delays by actual construction.


Contractor Benefits

In an EPC contract with a performance guarantee, the contractor has a strong financial incentive to use the most reliable and highest performing equipment and to ensure the highest standards are maintained throughout installation and that any details that could influence long-term performance are addressed. Practices ranging from cherry picking the highest output modules to over-sizing wiring and conduit to improved operations and maintenance (O&M) plans might not be necessary for inspection or commissioning but can contribute to meeting the contractor's long-term performance liability. These same practices in turn enhance the long-term energy performance to the greater benefit of the facility and those that operate it.

Performance guarantee contracts attract top renewable energy contractors with long-term success in their fields. Less capable or experienced contractors will not savor the extra liability involved, nor will they have the expertise or even access to the top quality equipment necessary to fulfill a performance guarantee.


Contract Provisions

Certain provisions should be included with any EPC contract to ensure coordination and consistency with the remainder of the project. All contracts and subcontracts related to the project should include provisions requiring participation in the integrated design process including coordination of design with other related aspects of the project.

The EPC contractor needs to work with the Architectural and Engineering firm to understand the building elements that are necessary to the integration of the renewable energy system. In addition, an EPC contract needs provisions to ensure coordination with the larger project construction team. While coordination is important, this type of design and construction contract allows the contractors to do what they do best and frees more of the agency's critical planning resources for other aspects of the project.

Additional provisions standard with other construction contract terms should also be included in the EPC contract. These include requiring the team to perform enhanced commissioning over the first year and developing an O&M manual and training for the system.

Through a combination of EPC contracts combined with long-term performance guarantees, the construction relationship is transformed from being sometimes adversarial to being a win/win situation for everyone involved.


Engineering Procurement Construction and 
Front End Engineering Design (FEED) and 
Project Development Services

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Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Since the year 1750

##

World CO2 since 1750 (cubic feet)

World Carbon Dioxide Emissions since 1750 (cubic feet)


The carbon clock tracks total carbon dioxide emissions in metric tons since 1750.

Since 1750, humans have emitted over 5 trillion pounds of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Roughly half of this has ended up in the oceans where it is beginning to damage the coral reefs. The other half is still in the atmosphere and causing global warming. Each pound of CO2 takes up as much space as a 500 pound person.

The formula (which should be good for a year or two) is:
C(t) = 2.58 ×1012 + 1240×t, where t is seconds since the start of 2007.

C is tonnes (metric tons) of carbon dioxide emissions.
2205 x C gives pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

That comes to over 43 billion tons/year or over 86 trillion pounds/year.

Carbon dioxide (2) = 1 carbon atom with 2 oxygen atoms.
Carbon has relative weight 12 and Oxygen 16.
So it takes only 12 pounds of carbon to make 12+16+16 = 44 pounds of CO2. 

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Greenhouse Gas Emissions  
Linked to the Loss of Polar Bears

Photo courtesy of Alaska Image Library. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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What is "Decentralized Energy"?

Decentralized Energy is the opposite of "centralized energy."  Decentralized Energy energy generates the power and energy that a residential, commercial or industrial customer needs, onsite. Examples of decentralized energy production are solar energy systems and solar trigeneration energy systems.

Today's electric utility industry was "born" in the 1930's, when fossil fuel prices were cheap, and the cost of wheeling the electricity via transmission power lines, was also cheap.  "Central" power plants could be located hundreds of miles from the load centers, or cities, where the electricity was needed. These extreme inefficiencies and cheap fossil fuel prices have added a considerable economic and environmental burden to the consumers and the planet.

Centralized energy is found in the form of electric utility companies that generate power from "central" power plants. Central power plants are highly inefficient, averaging only 33% net system efficiency.  This means that the power coming to your home or business - including the line losses and transmission inefficiencies of moving the power - has lost 75% to as much as 80% energy it started with at the "central" power plant.  These losses and inefficiencies translate into significantly increased energy expenses by the residential and commercial consumers.


 Decentralized Energy is the Best Way to Generate Clean and Green Energy! 

How we make and distribute electricity is changing! 

The electric power generation, transmission and distribution system (the electric "grid") is changing and evolving from the electric grid of the 19th and 20th centuries, which was inefficient, highly-polluting, very expensive and “dumb.”  

The "old" way of generating and distributing energy resembles this slide:



The electric grid of the 21st century (see slide below) will be Decentralized, Smart, Efficient and provide "carbon free energy" and “pollution free power” to customers who remain on the electric grid.  The electric grid of the future will be comprised of both Onsite Power Generation plants and "utility scale power plants" that are fueled/powered with Biomass Gasification, Biomethane, Concentrating Solar Power, B100 Biodiesel, Distributed PV, EcoGeneration Systems, Geothermal Power Plants, Synthesis Gas, Rooftop PV, Solar Cogeneration, Solar Energy Systems, Solar Power Parks, Solar Trigeneration and Wind Power Generation  - located at Residential, Commercial, Industrial and City/Municipal Locations. 

Some customers will choose to dis-connect from the grid entirely.  (Electric grid represented by the small light blue circles in the slide below.)

The transmission grid will be upgraded to a "Unified Smart Grid" with green electrons now being wheeled via "High Voltage Direct Current."

Typical "central" power plants and the electric utility companies that own them will either be shut-down, closed or go out of business due to one or more of the following:  failed business model, inordinate expenses related to central power plants that are inefficient, excessive pollution/emissions, high costs, continued reliance on the use of fossil fuels to generate energy, and the failure to provide efficient, carbon free energy and pollution free power. 

Carbon free energy and pollution free power reduces our dependence on foreign oil and makes us Energy Independent while reducing and eliminating Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

* Some of the above information from the Department of Energy website with permission.

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America's "Clear and Present Danger"

America Has INCREASED its' Dependence on Foreign 
Sources of Energy by 50% Since 1973.

America is even more "addicted" to foreign oil today, than we were in 1973 - 1974 when OPEC, Saudi Arabia and other suppliers from the Middle-East  stopped selling us their fossil fuels, and created a significant blow to our economy.


 According to the CIA Fact Book, the U.S.A.

PRODUCES:      7,460,000 bbls of oil each day

CONSUMES:   20,800,000 bbls of oil each day


EVERY day, the U.S. must IMPORT over 13 million bbls of oil from foreign countries and foreign suppliers to meet demand.  

This Means that 65% of America's Energy Supplies are Now Imported from Suppliers from Foreign Countries which means that 65% of the gasoline in your car's gas tank, comes from a foreign country.


At $100/barrel of oil, this also means that $1.3 Billion (American) Dollars leave our country, EVERY DAY, and go to foreign countries/suppliers of our fossil fuels, to pay for the energy we need. 


That's $1.3 Billion dollars EVERY DAY - leaving our economy, and going to support a foreign country's economy, employ THEIR workers and talk about our foreign trade deficit..... nearly $500 Billion EVERY year, leaves our country to pay for our oil addiction and the energy we need.  That's 1/2 TRILLION DOLLARS every year!

This is NOT acceptable.

America needs to quickly transition to Energy Independence.  American Oil and Natural Gas PLUS American Renewable Energy is the Only Way America Can Achieve Energy Independence.

Millions of new and sustainable American jobs would be created here at home, if we would end our addiction to foreign fossil fuels, and quickly transition to an economy based on renewable energy and renewable fuels, produced here in the U.S.A. 

The good news is that today, America already has all of the Renewable Energy Resources and Renewable Energy Technologies needed to make American Energy Independence a reality. 



Green Energy

According to Monty Goodell, Founder and Chairman of the Renewable Energy Institute, "our increased dependence and reliance on foreign energy supplies represents a Clear and Present Danger to our national security, our economy, and the lives and livelihood of every American. Energy - including the energy we use from imported fossil fuels, is the very "lifeblood" of the American economy as it is for every industrialized country.  An economy dies without it's lifeblood of energy. This Clear and Present Danger we face is far more serious than the problems related to greenhouse gas emissions.  And while greenhouse gas emissions are very serious issue, in the long-term, pales in comparison to America's vital national security interests and America's economic stability in the short term.  For this reason alone, America needs to transition away from its addiction to foreign energy supplies. And America's abundant renewable energy resources such as the energy we receive from the sun, and renewable energy technologies such as concentrated solar power (CSP) plants - can supply 100% of America's power requirements with a concentrating solar power plant measuring 75 miles by 75 miles, located in the Southwest U.S.  By generating America's power from concentrating solar power plants, America resolves its' short-term Clear and Present Danger as it relates to importing its energy from foreign countries, and the long-term problems relating to greenhouse gas emissions."

Continuing, Mr. Goodell states that "too many Americans have forgotten what happened to us in 1973, when the Arabs and OPEC brought the United States economy to a screeching halt during the OPEC Oil Embargo.  This happened because they (mainly the country of Saudi Arabia) disagreed with our foreign policy and is the reason why they "turned off the tap" of our need for their oil supplies. When Saudi Arabia and OPEC stopped the vital flow of oil to our country in 1973, they caused an "oil shock" that severely and negatively impacted our economy. 

Mr. Goodell's question for us to ponder is, "do these countries who sell us 60% of our daily energy requirements, like us and our foreign policy, or might they leverage our addiction to their fossil fuels, and turn off the tap to make us adjust or revise our foreign policy??  Like any addict, America's foreign policy may be held hostage to its addiction, and in this case, our addiction to foreign oil, may over-ride our national interests."

Have American's forgotten the gas shortages and long lines at 
their gas stations to get gas during the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973?

"Apparently so."  Mr. Goodell states that "in 1973, America was 'addicted' and 'over the barrel' of foreign oil to the amount of 40%.  Forty percent of our energy 'needs' in 1973 came from countries - many of which didn't like us then, and I'm afraid, many of them still don't.  The difference between 1973 and today - is that today we receive 50% MORE foreign oil now than we did in 1973.  And now we know about the problems relating to greenhouse gas emissions that we didn't know then.  America needs to change course, and change course now, in terms of its' energy supplies and how we keep America's economy strong, without the threat of being held hostage to a middle-east tyrant or regime, that could once again, turn on us, and turn off our supply of foreign oil." 

Remember ????


 "Sadly, most Americans have forgotten the long lines of people waiting in their cars - lined up and waiting for gasoline at their nearby gas station, with lines that were many blocks long.  And, after waiting 4-5 hours, many even waiting overnight in many places, to finally take their turn to fill up their car with gasoline, only to find that the gas station had run out of gas."

"Let me Repeat.... That was 1973 when we imported 40% of our daily energy requirements in the form of crude oil from overseas, and from foreign countries - and many of these from countries that don't like us.

Today, over 35 years later, America has yet to learn the lesson.  We cannot continue our reliance on energy from foreign countries that supply us with 60% of the crude oil that our refineries use as a feedstock for producing gasoline and diesel fuel for our cars and trucks comes from overseas. 

America is "over the barrel" and it's not our barrel, but the barrels of oil that we are addicted by and owned by other countries.  Why have we not learned the lessons we needed to learn in 1973 when we were cut-off from the vital energy supplies we need? 

Countries like China, are growing rapidly, and have an insatiable need for crude oil. China, with their booming economy, is increasingly growing in its clout and control over international supplies of crude oil - whether they do this through their ability to buy as much oil as they need on a daily basis, or whether they simply but American drilling rigs, technology, and explore and produce oil and gas from their own fields. China, is buying large amounts of oil for their country, and causing upward pricing on declining supplies. What happens if Russia, with all of their oil and natural gas, along with China and Venezuela, with or without the help of OPEC, decided to NOT sell oil to us????

To be sure, greenhouse gas emissions are a problem, and to some, greenhouse gas emissions are also a Clear and Present Danger, but not to the extent that it presents an imminent Clear and Present Danger. 

America's reliance for 60% of our energy "needs" coming from foreign suppliers is un-acceptable.

The "driver" to get America to begin reducing and eliminating fossil fuel use should be our nation's national security and the welfare and safety of its citizens. And this can all begin with developing and investing in our own renewable energy resources and renewable energy technologies, let's start by putting solar on every rooftop that has a clear and unobstructed view of the Southern sky. See www.RooftopPV.com  or  www.DistributedPV.com  for more information.  Let's create incentives begin with adopting a national "Feed In Tariff" as Germany did in 1990. 

We simply do NOT have the luxury of time on our hands.  We need to end our dependence and reliance on foreign fossil fuels, especially from countries that don't like us! We need to rapidly begin expanding renewable energy resources and renewable energy technologies from our vast and abundant renewable energy resources, such as; solar, solar energy systems, solar cogeneration, solar trigeneration, "solar on every roof," along with; Biomass Gasification, B100 Biodiesel, Biomethane, E100 Ethanol (from cellulosic, agricultural waste, sugar cane, etc., and NOT from corn), Geothermal Power Plants, Natural Wastewater Treatment, Synthesis Gas, Waste To Energy, Waste To Fuel and Wind Power Generation where it makes economic and environmental sense."

For more information, call/email the
Renewable Energy Institute

info@PlasmaGasification.com

____________________________________________________

Are you doing your part to prevent Climate Change and End America's Reliance on Foreign Energy?  

Our following EcoGeneration technologies, including our Biomethane, B100 Biodiesel and Synthesis Gas Fuels Generated from our "Waste to Fuel" technologies are Carbon Free Energy and Pollution Free Power solutions that will:

* forever change the way energy is generated and used.

* eliminate or greatly reduce our customer's electric demand charges and electric expenses.

* slow, stop and eventually reverse climate change by reducing and then eliminating anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions - of which carbon dioxide emissions makes up 80% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

* reduce and eventually eliminate the use of coal and other fossil fuels.

* reduce the need for inefficient and expensive central power plants owned by utility companies. 

* promote energy independence.

* end America's dependence on oil from OPEC and other countries in the Middle-East, Venezuela and end our need for importing natural gas from Russia.

 

American Energy Plan
www.AmericanEnergyPlan.com

 

Anaerobic Digester
 www.AnaerobicDigester.com

 

Anaerobic Digesters
 www.AnaerobicDigesters.com

 

B100 Biodiesel
 www.B100Biodiesel.com

 

Battery Energy Storage
www.BatteryEnergyStorage.com

 

Biomass Gasification
www.BiomassGasification.com

 

Biomethane
 www.Biomethane.com

 

Building Automation System
www.BuildingAutomationSystem.com

 

Buildings of the Future
www.BuildingsOfTheFuture.com

 

Carbon Dioxide Emissions
www.CarbonDioxideEmissions.com

 

Carbon Emissions
www.CarbonEmissions.com

 

Carbon Free Energy
 www.CarbonFreeEnergy.com

 

Clean Power Generation
 www.CleanPowerGeneration.com

 

Cogeneration
www.Cogeneration.net

 

Concentrated Solar Power - CSP
www.ConcentratedSolarPower.com

 

Concentrating Solar Power
www.ConcentratingSolarPower.com

 

Demand Response Programs
www.DemandResponsePrograms.com

 

Demand Side Management
www.DemandSideManagement.com

 

Distributed PV
www.DistributedPV.com

 

Distributed Solar Generation
www.DistributedSolarGeneration.com

 

EcoGeneration
 www.EcoGeneration.com


Energy Conservation Measures
www.EnergyConservationMeasures.com

 

Energy Efficiency Measures
www.EnergyEfficiencyMeasures.com

 

Energy Efficiency Lighting
www.EnergyEfficientLighting.net

 

Energy Master Plans
www.EnergyMasterPlan.com

 

Energy Master Planning
www.EnergyMasterPlanning.com


Energy Services Company - ESCO
www.EnergyServicesCompany.com


Greenhouse Gas Emissions
www.GreenhouseGasEmissions.com

 

Net Zero Energy - NZE
www.NetZeroEnergy.com

 

Net Zero Energy Building - NZEB
www.NetZeroEnergyBuilding.com

 

No Foreign Oil
www.NoForeignOil.com

 

Plug In Electric Vehicles
www.PlugInElectricVehicles.com

 

Pollution Free Power
www.PollutionFreePower.com

 

Rooftop PV
www.RooftopPV.com

 

Solar Energy Systems
 www.SolarEnergySystems.net

 

Solar Power Parks
 www.SolarPowerParks.com

 

Solar Cogeneration
 www.SolarCogeneration.com

 

Solar Trigeneration
 www.SolarTrigeneration.com

 

Sustainable Building Solutions
www.SustainableBuildingSolutions.com

 

Sustainable Building Technologies
www.SustainableBuildingTechnologies.com

 

Synthesis Gas
 www.SynthesisGas.com

 

Trigeneration
www.Trigeneration.com


Waste Heat Recovery
 www.WasteHeatRecovery.com


Waste to Energy
www.WasteToEnergy.net

 

Waste To Fuel
www.WasteToFuel.com

 

Wind Power Generation
www.WindPowerGeneration.com

 

Zero Emission Energy
www.ZeroEmissionEnergy.com

 

Zero Emission Power
www.ZeroEmissionPower.com

______________________________________________________

Support Renewable Energy

and the 

American Energy Plan!

______________________________________________________

We support the Renewable Energy Institute by donating a portion of our profits to the Renewable Energy Institute in their efforts to reduce fossil fuel use through renewable energy and their goals to end fossil fuel pollution by reducing/eliminating Carbon Emissions, Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

The Renewable Energy Institute is "Changing The Way The World Makes and Uses Energy by Providing Research & Development, Funding and Resources That Creates Sustainable Energy via 'Carbon Free Energy,' 'Clean Power Generation' and 'Pollution Free Power' Through Expanding the use of Renewable Energy Technologies."

 

Renewable Energy Institute

"Leading the Renewable Energy Revolution"

www.RenewableEnergyInstitute.org

Email:  info(@)Renewable Energy Institute (.)org

 

 

 

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