Energy Engineering

Auditing: User-Friendly Reports (Energy Engineering)

Abstract Energy audits do not save money and energy for companies unless the recommendations are implemented. Audit reports should be designed to encourage implementation, but often they impede it instead. In this article, the author discusses her experience with writing industrial energy audit reports and suggests some ways to make the reports more user-friendly. The […]

Benefit Cost Analysis (Energy Engineering)

Abstract Benefit cost analysis is one of several methods utilized to evaluate the feasibility of capital investment. The benefit cost analysis calculates the present worth of all benefits, then calculates the present worth of all costs and takes the ratio of the two sums. This ratio is either known as a benefit/cost ratio, a savings/interest […]

Biomass (Energy Engineering)

Abstract This entry deals with biomass as an energy source. Different types of biomass are described from the energy perspective, focusing on those more interesting for energy application. The main energy conversion technologies available are outlined, as well as the properties of their main products. Finally, an overview over the benefits that come from biomass […]

Boilers and Boiler Control Systems (Energy Engineering)

Abstract Many commercial and industrial facilities use boilers to produce steam or hot water for space heating or for process heating. Boilers are typically major users of energy, and any person involved in energy management needs to know how a boiler works and how the performance of a boiler can be maintained or improved. This […]

Building Automation Systems (BAS): Direct Digital Control (Energy Engineering)

Abstract This chapter is designed to help energy managers understand some of the fundamental concepts of Building Automation Systems (BAS). A BAS is used to control energy consuming equipment—primarily for heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and lighting controls. We thoroughly examine each component of a BAS in today’s BAS technology and what a […]

Building Geometry: Energy Use Effect (Energy Engineering)

Abstract Energy service companies (ESCOs) use the energy use index (EUI) as a tool to evaluate a building’s potential for reduction in energy use. Select Energy Services, Inc. (SESI) has found that consideration of building geometry is useful in evaluating a building’s potential for energy use reduction. Building load and energy-use simulations using Trace® and […]

Carbon Sequestration (Energy Engineering)

Abstract Carbon dioxide (CO2), a byproduct of hydrocarbon combustion and a natural emission from biomass burning, respiration, or decay, is a major greenhouse gas and contributor to anthropogenic climate change. Carbon sequestration describes the processes by which carbon can be either removed from the atmosphere (as CO2) and stored, or separated from fuels or flue […]

Building System Simulation (Energy Engineering)

Abstract This entry addresses the topic of building energy system simulation and touches on its importance, benefits, and relevance to the research, architecture, and engineering communities. The entry first gives an illustration of the different energy flow paths that occur in buildings and then describes the main features of the approaches that have evolved over […]

Career Advancement and Assessment in Energy Engineering

Abstract The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) has helped define the profession of energy engineering through continuing education programs and journals. Association of Energy Engineers provides many networking opportunities through local chapters. This entry details continuing education programs available through AEE, the salary structure of energy professionals, and achieving excellence through certifications. INTRODUCTION The profession […]

Climate Policy: International (Energy Engineering)

Abstract Climate change is a long-term problem. Policy to address climate change faces the challenge of motivating collective action on global public goods in a world with no single international authority. International agreements can nevertheless aim to (1) reduce greenhouse gas emissions, possibly through an international emissions trading system (ETS) like that outlined in the […]

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