Technologies

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Energy Efficiency
  • Energy efficiency systems: Sensors
    Energy efficiency systems are the cleanest, quickest, and most cost-effective way to extend today’s energy supply into the future, and it helps improve the industry’s environmental performance, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with climate change. When it comes to energy efficiency computing systems, the latest technologies to consider include Smart Thermostats, EV…
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    Energy efficiency systems are the cleanest, quickest, and most cost-effective way to extend today’s energy supply into the future, and it helps improve the industry’s environmental performance, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with climate change. When it comes to energy efficiency computing systems, the latest technologies to consider include Smart Thermostats, EV Charging Stations, Home Energy Monitors, Smart Home Sensors, Smart Home Security Products, Smart Hubs & Speakers, Electric Lawn Mowers and Portable Solar Products.

    • Energy efficiency sensors operate and compute results by utilizing embedded sensors that are within an infrastructure of nodes and are connected to mobile phones and data centers via wireless sensing. The sensor nodes communicate between themselves using radio signals. It produces an electrical output in response to changes. Most common sensors applied in BMS systems include: heat sensors, motion sensors, humidity sensors, movement sensors, gas sensors and electrical sensors. Implementing these innovations and monitoring them through computer systems, helps manage energy and minimizes energy consumption.
    • Other sensors to consider:
      • Optical sensors measures electromagnetic energy (electricity and light). They are used in energy and communications industry to monitor variables including light, radiation, electric and magnetic field and temperature.
      • Pressure sensors detect pressure and alert the system administrator of any deviation from the standard pressure range. This is useful in manufacturing as well as in water and heating systems.
      • Water-quality sensors are used in environmental management to measure chemicals, ions, organic elements, suspended solids and pH levels in water.
      • Chemical sensors detect the presence of chemicals in water or air. They’re used to track air and water quality in cities, to monitor industrial processes and to detect harmful chemicals, explosives and radioactive materials.
      • Smoke sensors detect levels of airborne particulates and gases. Because of technological enhancements, they’re now able to notify users of problems immediately.

     

     

    Energy Efficiency
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  • Electric arc furnace
    An electric arc furnace is a steel cylinder lined with refractory and it has three electrodes (carbon rods) which are inserted through the furnace roof.  The charge is mostly scrap steel and alloy materials. Steel is produced in an electric arc furnace by the following steps: The charge is put into the furnace.…
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    An electric arc furnace is a steel cylinder lined with refractory and it has three electrodes (carbon rods) which are inserted through the furnace roof.  The charge is mostly scrap steel and alloy materials. Steel is produced in an electric arc furnace by the following steps:

      1. The charge is put into the furnace.
      2. A powerful electric current arcs (jumps) between the electrodes, producing intense heat.
      3. The charge melts and chemical reactions produce steel.
      4. Alloying materials are added.
      5. The furnace is tipped to pour out the molten steel.
    • After molten steel is poured, it then goes through multiple processes of refining, casting, shaping and finishing. Once the steel is galvanized, it then goes through a process called Electroplating, where large quantities of thin-plated steel is produced. An example of an end-product for thin plated steel are Cans.
    • Most steel in the United States today is manufactured in electric furnaces, which are less costly to build and are more flexible than the basic oxygen or open-hearth furnaces. They are capable of producing a wide range of carbon and alloy steels.

     

     

    Energy Efficiency
    Technology Maturity Level
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    Mature
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  • Hybrid energy cooling
    Hybrid cooling technology can offer both energy efficiency and water savings. The hybrid cooling approach involves using different operation modes to reduce water and energy consumption. The option to use dry operation, and the crossflow design, can reduce maintenance costs compared to conventional evaporative fluid coolers.  A key part of the maintenance cost savings is reduced chemical…
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    Hybrid cooling technology can offer both energy efficiency and water savings. The hybrid cooling approach involves using different operation modes to reduce water and energy consumption. The option to use dry operation, and the crossflow design, can reduce maintenance costs compared to conventional evaporative fluid coolers.  A key part of the maintenance cost savings is reduced chemical costs because the equipment can operate dry throughout much of the year..

    Hybrid cooling design includes two coil sections: a prime surface coil section and a finned coil section. These heat transfer sections operate in three modes:

    • Combined wet/dry: This mode offers the most efficient heat transfer method and flow control. Initial cooling occurs in the finned coil as air passes over the finned coil and precools the internal fluid. Spray water is distributed over the prime surface coil and primary evaporative cooling occurs. The combined wet/dry mode reduces water use by around 25 percent water.
    • Adiabatic mode: This occurs when the process fluid flows through the finned coil only and bypasses the evaporative prime surface coil. Water continues to evaporate over the fill, precooling the incoming outside air before it reaches the finned coil. This greatly increases the rate of sensible heat transfer. In order to maximize system efficiency, adiabatic mode requires up to 75 percent less water. One last benefit about this mode is that It reduces the visible plumes that occur when the air is fully saturated.
    • Dry mode:  In this mode, both coils are used to maximize the heat transfer surface area. The spray water pump is turned off, and no water is consumed. The fluid to be cooled passes from the finned coil into the prime surface coil, maximizing the heat transfer surface available. In dry mode, plume is eliminated. The unit runs dry to get the greatest water savings possible, and it can achieve higher dry switch-points when running at partial load. In the dry mode, all heat is rejected sensibly

     

     

    Energy Efficiency
    Technology Maturity Level
    Research & Development
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    Mature
    More information
    Where is it deployed?
  • Advanced combustion engines (HCCI)
    Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine technology is relatively well-known today and has matured sufficiently to be commercialized in comparison with conventional engines. It can use spark ignition or compression ignition engine configurations, capitalizing on the advantages of both high engine efficiency and low emissions levels. HCCI engines can use…
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    Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine technology is relatively well-known today and has matured sufficiently to be commercialized in comparison with conventional engines. It can use spark ignition or compression ignition engine configurations, capitalizing on the advantages of both high engine efficiency and low emissions levels. HCCI engines can use a wide range of fuels with low emissions levels due to the engine’s design as well as it being adequate for hybrid engine configurations. For this reason, fuel consumption is reduced significantly. HCCI engines are also considered as high-efficient clean combustion technologies in which fuel-air mixtures are compressed until its spontaneous combustion occurs at a relatively low temperature. As the sequence continues, coupled with the use of hydrogen, the final output is clean energy that powers a given vehicle with no nitrogen oxide produced as byproduct.

    • Hydrogen’s characteristics allow a wide flammability range in comparison with all other fuels. Hence, hydrogen can be combusted in internal combustion engines over a wide range of fuel-air mixtures. This is why transportation industries focus on utilizing hydrogen as an alternative transportation fuel. In addition to that, the following reasons also compel industries to utilize hydrogen:
      • Its ability to power fuel cells in zero-emission FCEVs.
      • Its potential for domestic production.
      • Its fast-filling time, and the fuel cell’s high efficiency.
      • Renewable and readily Available.
      • Hydrogen is a clean and flexible energy source that can support Zero-Carbon energy strategies.
      • More powerful and energy efficient than fossil fuels.
      • Almost zero emissions.

     

    Energy Efficiency
    Technology Maturity Level
    Research & Development
    Demo
    Mature
    Where is it deployed?