Investment-Grade Analysis
At this point, your facility has decided to go forward and it is time develop and design an actual CHP system. It is definitely time to call in a professional.
A professional design engineering firm will review the results of the Feasibility Analysis and may do some measurement and verification before moving forward. They will then work with vendors to develop detailed design specs that can be used as a basis for an RFP.
They may also work with your facility in the design of the "balance-of-plant." Balance-of-plant items are those items required to install the CHP unit, but that are not part of the CHP unit. They may include piping, stack breaching, platforms, electrical switchgear, steam piping, pumps, etc.
Additionally, if the local utility requires an interconnect study, the engineering company can work with them on the details. They may have personnel qualified to perform it or they will be able to recommend another firm.
If your project is very small and cannot support the added expense of an engineering firm's involvement, it may be possible to use the results of the Feasibility Study to get vendor bids.
In all cases, the U.S. DOE Northwest CHP Technical Assistance Partnership is available as a technical consultant. We can review specifications and bids, review equipment sizing and choices, and help act as your on-staff expert in CHP.
DOE Boiler MACT Technical Assistance
On December 20, 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized the Clean Air Act pollution standards, National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Major Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters (known as ICI Boiler MACT). This standard applies to large boilers in a wide range of facilities and institutions. DOE will offer technical assistance to ensure that major sources burning coal or oil have information on cost-effective clean energy strategies for compliance, such as natural gas combined heat and power (CHP), and to promote cleaner, more efficient boilers to cut harmful pollution and reduce operational costs. This technical assistance effort is in accordance with the August 2012 Executive Order on accelerating investment in industrial energy efficiency, including CHP. The Midwest CHP Technical Assistance Partnership is offering this supplemental Technical Assistance for affected facilities in the Northwest region. Contact John Cuttica at the Midwest CHP Technical Assistance Partnership for more information.
