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Energy Tools

Software Tools and Guidelines

There are a number of free software tools and guidelines for improving energy management and productivity, many of which are developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and are downloadable from web sites. Information
on more than 125 software tools-from research grade software to commercial products with thousands of users-including where you can get them can be found on the Building Energy Tools Directory . Other tools designed for application to equipment and facilities typically found on Army installations include:

  • AIRMaster+ provides comprehensive information on assessing compressed air systems, including modeling, existing and future system upgrades, and evaluating savings and effectiveness of energy efficiency measures.

  • FEMP has developed downloadable guides for O&M Best Management Practices, Continuous Commissioning and Advanced Utility Metering .

  • FEMP has developed information on the latest in diagnostic tools and maintenance strategies for boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, steam traps and other technologies commonly deployed in the Federal sector.

  • The NOx and Energy Assessment Tool (NxEAT) helps plants in the petroleum refining and chemical industries to assess and analyze NOx emissions and application of energy efficiency improvements.

  • The Process Heating Assessment and Survey Tool (PHAST) provides an introduction to process heating methods and tools to improve thermal efficiency of heating equipment.

  • The Pumping System Assessment Tool helps industrial users assess the efficiency of pumping system operations. PSAT uses achievable pump performance data from Hydraulic Institute standards and motor performance data from the MotorMaster+ database to calculate potential energy and associated cost savings.

  • RoofWise version 2.0 is an interactive software tool that provides an easy-to-use graphical method for constructing roof assemblies that evaluates thermal efficiency and estimates energy costs under normal operating conditions. The program uses ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1999 to determine minimum thermal insulation requirements for roof systems in a manner that is consistent with state energy codes. In addition, the program assesses a roof assembly's solar reflectance (e.g., for "cool roof" choices) when determining the building's minimum thermal insulation requirements and the associated heating and cooling costs. The RoofWise CD is available from the National Roofing Contractors Association .

  • If you consider potential steam system improvements in your plant, the results could be worthwhile. In fact, in many facilities, steam system improvements can save 10% to 20% in fuel costs. To help you tap into potential savings in your facility, DOE offers a suite of tools for evaluating and identifying steam system improvements.

Fact Sheets and Helpful Websites

The following are downloadable fact sheets to help energy managers make decisions on technology applications, cost and maintenance:

ENERGY STAR®

  • ENERGY STAR® has a new web page devoted to business improvement via energy management. The page begins with Guidelines for Energy Management, which links to a world of valuable information on the subject, and continues with several other important topics that also link to in-depth information. Also included are interactive tools, free software, and on-line calculators.

Geothermal Technologies Program

  • The Geothermal Technologies Program of the EERE at the U.S. Department of Energy has been redesigned for ease of use. It provides instant access to several areas of interest including information resources, financial opportunities, and deployment of geothermal technologies.

Photovolatics

The following two-page fact sheets from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) at the U.S. Department of Energy were released in January 2004:

Steam Systems

Fact sheets on steam system optimization have been published by the U. S. Department of Energy's Industrial Technologies Program. These include:

Tankless Water Heating

There are a number of sources for information on gas and electric tankless and on-demand water heaters that are becoming more common and cost-effective in new and retrofit construction. For the latest information
visit:

Codes and Standards

DOE's Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) - The BECP is a resource on national energy codes and standards.

Energy Modeling

  • (FEDS) is a software tool that can quickly and objectively identify energy improvements that can maximize savings. FEDS has been applied at over 60 Federal installations - including over 30 Army bases.