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The Forbes system is a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_gas natural gas] engine unit. The unit uses a reciprocating internal combustion engine. As previously mentioned the system is close to the miniCHP classification. The cogeneration unit provides the heat for the pool, the Forbes Complex building, the Kinesiology Athletics building, the Science A,B,C,D and Wildlife buildings.<ref>Personal Interview: Tim Moxon</ref>
The Forbes system is a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_gas natural gas] engine unit. The unit uses a reciprocating internal combustion engine. As previously mentioned the system is close to the miniCHP classification. The cogeneration unit provides the heat for the pool, the Forbes Complex building, the Kinesiology Athletics building, the Science A,B,C,D and Wildlife buildings.<ref>Personal Interview: Tim Moxon</ref>


[[Image:Forbes-cogen-diagram.jpg|thumb|center|800px|Figure 4: cycle of a cogeneration unit]][[Image:forbes-cogen-transformer.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Figure 5: The co-generation unit, right, connecting to the transformer, left]]  
[[Image:Forbes-cogen-diagram.jpg|thumb|center|800px|Figure 4: cycle of a cogeneration unit]][[Image:forbes-cogen-transformer.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Figure 5: Power from the electric generator (center) is transferred from the cogeneration unit (right) to a transformer (far left). Step (2) in Figure 4]]  


As show in Figure 4 natural gas is combined with air in the combustion engine (1), to run an electric generator (2) which produces electricity which is tied to the grid (3). The combustion process also produces flue gas (4) which is then used to heat water in a heat exchanger (5), which is then distributed to buildings for heating.
As show in Figure 4 natural gas is combined with air in the combustion engine (1), to run an electric generator (2) which produces electricity which is tied to the grid (3). The combustion process also produces flue gas (4) which is then used to heat water in a heat exchanger (5), which is then distributed to buildings for heating.

Revision as of 04:48, 11 December 2009

Template:115inprogress Template:TOCleftThe Forbes Complex is located on the Humboldt State University, HSU, campus.

Figure 1: The Forbes Complex cogeneration unit. The Forbes Complex can be seen at the far left. The Kinesiology building can also be seen in the far background.


Background

Forbes Complex

The Forbes Complex was first build in 1973. The building was originally constructed to produce coaches and PE teachers. (this language is awkward... sounds like a production line). It had been almost thirty years since the construction of the Forbes Complex, and priority's had changed since the 70's. The Forbes Complex needed to be remodeled to fit new concerns such as the need for new types of physical education, and to reduce energy consumption levels in the old building. (this paragraph needs re-writing)

Cogeneration

Figure 2: an example of a large scale cogeneration plant

Cogeneration (also combined heat and power or CHP), is the process of producing electricity as well as useful heat energy. This useful heat energy is often steam byproduct from a turbine energy system and can be used as a form of heating for domestic or industrial purposes, including heating water for domestic uses. There are three main types of CHP production: large, mini, and micro. Larger CHP production is mainly used in factories or large energy producing settings such as Figure 2. Most large scale CHP use is in other countries like Denmark and Scandinavia. Mini and micro CHP are defined by their energy production. MicroCHP usually produces 5 kWe(kilowatt of electricity) or less and is used in houses or small businesses. MiniCHP produces between 5 kWe and 500 kWe and is used in institutions and large businesses. The Forbes Complex cogeneration unit is larger than a miniCHP system and could be considered a larger scale application but is very close to the miniCHP bracket.[1]

Decentralization paradigm

HSU's cogeneration system, and most small scale cogeneration systems, are examples of decentralized energy (also distributed power or distributed generation): the generation of energy from several smaller plants rather than a single conventional power plant. Typically these plants are on-site or otherwise near the served population. With the ability to tailor a system to local energy habits combined with a reduction in line losses, decentralized systems can achieve higher efficiencies.

Forbes Complex retrofit

Overview

(This entire section needs re-writing to make it easier to follow. Be sure to be clear when you are writing about the cogeneration unit and when you are writing about the re-design of the entire Forbes Complex.)

Figure 3: Main entrance of the Joseph M. Forbes Physical Education Complex

In 2006 and 2007 HSU consumed 10 million kW-hr of energy.[2] This is an average energy consumption of 1,141 kW on average or at peak times about 2,800 kW.[3].
One of the steps in remaking the Forbes Complex was reducing the energy consumption by making a cogeneration system for the complex. The designs for the cogeneration system were started in September 2003 by DTE Energy, and the construction started in November of 2003. From information gathered the cogeneration system was finished in July of 2004[4] and was installed by NORESCO as show in Figure 3. The system has not been completely functional since its installment because when designing the system DTE did not follow the engine manufacturers recommendations, which has caused most of the problems.

Design and construction

Project cost

The total project was estimated at $4.8 million, which included other energy saving installments. Most of the cost was to be paid for by a third party or made up for in energy savings.[3]

Forbes cogeneration cycle

(Your image is broken here). (You need a new heading here. Avoid using "info") The Forbes system is a natural gas engine unit. The unit uses a reciprocating internal combustion engine. As previously mentioned the system is close to the miniCHP classification. The cogeneration unit provides the heat for the pool, the Forbes Complex building, the Kinesiology Athletics building, the Science A,B,C,D and Wildlife buildings.[5]

Figure 4: cycle of a cogeneration unit
Figure 5: Power from the electric generator (center) is transferred from the cogeneration unit (right) to a transformer (far left). Step (2) in Figure 4

As show in Figure 4 natural gas is combined with air in the combustion engine (1), to run an electric generator (2) which produces electricity which is tied to the grid (3). The combustion process also produces flue gas (4) which is then used to heat water in a heat exchanger (5), which is then distributed to buildings for heating.

Amount of electricity produced

When in operation the system produces roughly 750 kW of power, electricity is tied to the HSU grid.[3] Another cogeneration unit on campus, the HSU dorm cogeneration unit, produces roughly 10% of HSU's energy.[3] During peak times the Forbes Complex could produce roughly 27% of HSU's power. The cogeneration unit is capable of producing 100% of the heat for the Forbes Complex heating requirements.

Current status

Forbes Complex cogeneration is currently operational despite several setbacks since the projects completion. Several breakdowns and inefficiencies in the system have occurred. According to HSU Facilities Management staff, the problems stem from the system design. DTE Energy did not follow design specifications of the engine manufacturer. Facilities Management believes the next round of fixes will make the plant dependable.


(This information can be expanded and be more specific. Again, the writing needs improvement. Is the plant not dependable at this time? Your paragraph implies that it both is dependable and not dependable.)

Related information

HSU dorm cogeneration

Wikipedia: Co-generation

External links

References

Template:Reflist

beth's comments

  • O1, L1 - how about a photo and the menu in the first screen? You want to grab the reader... your table does not help that much. Did someone tell you to present the information that way? Be sure to check out C-12.
  • The organization of your document does not make sense to me. I think you would have 3 possible audiences... 1)someone that wants to know more about co-generation, 2) someone that wants to know more about co-generation at HSU or 3) someone that is searching on HSU, and bumps into this page. You should organize the information for them.
  • I encourage you to have a friend that knows nothing about this information read the page... that person might help you develop an improved organization scheme. Feel free to talk with me as well.
  • Your headings need new titles... again, an organization problem. You only need one heading called "Background". Change "See also" to "Related Information"
  • W2 - check your entire document, including captions.
  • Will your reader know what a kWe is ? I am not so sure.
  • Your use of capitalization is inconsistent. Please check titles and figure captions.
  • C5 - check your entire document
  • Your writing is choppy at times. Work on transitions between ideas. Also, read out loud to determine places to put commas. Be sure to review all the writing codes W1 - w15
  • Be sure you use the proper reference format C9 for full credit at the end of the semester.
  • Your peer editors had many of the same suggestions that I do about your page. I hope you are able to incorporate them.

Overall, this draft is weak. I would be very happy to work with you to determine how to submit a strong final document at the end of the semester.

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