Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Identification of goals and objectives for the study
•
Discussion of expectations, needs, and success factors by representatives of the
electric utility, water agency, funding agency, and other parties
•
Identification of lines of communication and contact people
•
Development of the schedule for conducting the study
•
Detailed discussion of project goals and deliverables
•
Identification and review of plant data collected to date and requests for additional
data if needed
•
Discussion of processes or areas to be included in or excluded from the evaluation
•
Discussion of teamwork
•
Creation of action items and schedule for completion
•
Determination of the date for the next meeting
•
Create the Team
Energy optimization studies are often initiated by the engineering staff of the water
facility or by the electric utility. The intent of the engineering staff in performing the
study is to reduce energy costs. The electric utility's interest may be to reduce demand
during peak hours. The interest of the operating personnel may be to minimize both
the disruption of processes and the potential impacts on water quality. The project
manager must integrate these interests into a successful project. The key is to create
a team that pursues the project goals. Operating personnel represent the biggest chal-
lenge, because implementation of energy conservation measures (ECMs) may affect
them the most. These staff members have honed the operation of the facility over
many years and may be sensitive to changes. They can be especially sensitive to ECMs
that could embarrass them or affect finished water quality.
These issues should be addressed in the kickoff meeting, where the operating staff
must be put at ease. Asking for their help in identifying ECMs is one way to involve
them in the optimization process. The project manager should mention that all ECMs
will be discussed with staff before being published in a report that may be reviewed
by their supervisors. This approach will give the staff members an opportunity to
modify or eliminate ideas that could adversely affect plant operations or water quality.
Teamwork should be emphasized at the kickoff meeting as well as throughout the
entire project.
Collect System Data
Obtaining plant data is essential to initiating the study. The data collection effort should
be appropriate for the level of effort for the overall study. Useful data can include
Plant flows (average and yearly total for 2 years)
•
Two years of electric and natural gas bills
•
Electric load profile
•
Pumping records and pump performance curves
•
Documentation of all pressure-reducing / regulating valves
•
Number of hours per day the plant is attended and hours per day the plant is
operated
•
