Browsing by Subject "demand response"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

Open Access
Duke University Health System Demand Response Prospectus
(2014-04-25) Ong, Justin; Yuan, Michelle
The Duke University Health System Demand Response Prospectus is a client-based Masters Project that explores the profitability and environmental impacts of enrolling Duke University Health System and Duke University into Duke Energy’s PowerShare demand response program. Demand response programs are mechanisms used by utilities to decrease energy demand during high-usage periods (e.g. hot days when air conditioning use is highest) by incentivizing their customers to reduce grid consumption for a limited time. This temporary demand reduction results in cost savings to utilities because it allows them to avoid using their most inefficient and expensive power plants. In our project, we analyze the economic, environmental, and regulatory feasibility of using Duke University and Duke Medicine emergency generators in a Duke Energy demand response program called PowerShare, more specifically the Generator Curtailment Option. Duke Carbon Offset Initiative credits, a Duke University funding mechanism to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, were also considered as a potential revenue source. In order to conduct the analysis, an MS Excel and Visual Basic model was created to calculate the impacts of enrollment. The model provided to the client was designed to offer an easy user interface to quickly conduct the analyses. It was also specially designed to offer the flexibility to incorporate future changes in the energy market and user preferences. The model results indicated that, while feasible, demand response enrollment is not currently attractive from environmental and financial perspectives. The financials are poor for two mains reasons. First, expected net revenues are strictly negative because PowerShare enrollment requires Duke University to re-enroll into paying a demand side management rider (DSM) to which they are currently exempt. The DSM fee, although minimal individually, amounts to an astronomical fee for large consumers like Duke University and Duke Medicine since it is charged per unit of energy purchased. Second, PowerShare curtailment compensation is lower than current cost of diesel fuel. From an environmental perspective, PowerShare is also not a favorable option. Instead of offering a carbon emissions reduction opportunity, PowerShare participation is actually expected to increase the amount of global carbon emissions because Duke University generators emit more carbon than Duke Energy’s natural gas peak usage plants.
Open Access
Improve Energy and Water Efficiency in Duke Laboratory Buildings
(2013-04-26) Liu, Luqin; Zhang, Shuai; Lee, Andy
The Duke Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO) supports the university-wide efforts to manage safety and environmental programs in education, healthcare delivery, medical teaching and research. While the organization focuses on health and safety issues, it also extends its reach to those projects that will further the institutionalization of sustainability at Duke University. This Masters project is a collaborative effort between OESO and the Nicholas School of the Environment to frame and study the challenges of reducing environmental impacts and further improving environmental performance at Duke University. The team focused on two metrics: electric power generation and water conservation in scientific research laboratories. This research paper (1) investigated whether it is environmentally and financially viable to participate in the Demand Response program with a local utility provider; (2) strategized ways to promote appropriate waste disposal, and (3) suggested potential opportunities to enhance water efficiency in laboratories. By conducting an electric generator pilot study and interviews with key stakeholders, the results of the study concluded that all eligible emergency generators at Duke University should participate in the Demand Response program, which would lead to significant cost savings and potential carbon dioxide reductions. Interviews with the staff in ten laboratories identified promising opportunities to strengthen environmental performance such as reusing water locally and identifying behavioral best practices. These recommendations could be rolled out to additional laboratories at Duke University and other academic institutions to promote environmental sustainability within the American higher education sector.
Open Access
Improving Energy and Water Efficiencies in Duke Laboratory Buildings
(2013-04-26) Lee, Andrew; Zhang, Shuai; Liu, Luqin
The Duke Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO) supports the university-wide efforts to manage safety and environmental programs in education, healthcare delivery, medical teaching and research. While the organization focuses on health and safety issues, it also extends its reach to those projects that will further the institutionalization of sustainability at Duke University. This Masters project is a collaborative effort between OESO and the Nicholas School of the Environment to frame and study the challenges of reducing environmental impacts and further improving environmental performance at Duke University. The team focused on two metrics: electric power generation and water conservation in scientific research laboratories. This research paper (1) investigated whether it is environmentally and financially viable to participate in the Demand Response program with a local utility provider; (2) strategized ways to promote appropriate waste disposal, and (3) suggested potential opportunities to enhance water efficiency in laboratories. By conducting an electric generator pilot study and interviews with key stakeholders, the results of the study concluded that all eligible emergency generators at Duke University should participate in the Demand Response program, which would lead to significant cost savings and potential carbon dioxide reductions. Interviews with the staff in ten laboratories identified promising opportunities to strengthen environmental performance such as reusing water locally and identifying behavioral best practices. These recommendations could be rolled out to additional laboratories at Duke University and other academic institutions to promote environmental sustainability within the American higher education sector.
Open Access
Improving Energy and Water Efficiencies in Duke Laboratory Buildings
(2013-04-26) Zhang, Shuai; Liu, Luqin; Lee, Andy
The Duke Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO) supports the university-wide efforts to manage safety and environmental programs in education, healthcare delivery, medical teaching and research. While the organization focuses on health and safety issues, it also extends its reach to those projects that will further the institutionalization of sustainability at Duke University. This Masters project is a collaborative effort between OESO and the Nicholas School of the Environment to frame and study the challenges of reducing environmental impacts and further improving environmental performance at Duke University. The team focused on two metrics: electric power generation and water conservation in scientific research laboratories. This research paper (1) investigated whether it is environmentally and financially viable to participate in the Demand Response program with a local utility provider; (2) strategized ways to promote appropriate waste disposal, and (3) suggested potential opportunities to enhance water efficiency in laboratories. By conducting an electric generator pilot study and interviews with key stakeholders, the results of the study concluded that all eligible emergency generators at Duke University should participate in the Demand Response program, which would lead to significant cost savings and potential carbon dioxide reductions. Interviews with the staff in ten laboratories identified promising opportunities to strengthen environmental performance such as reusing water locally and identifying behavioral best practices. These recommendations could be rolled out to additional laboratories at Duke University and other academic institutions to promote environmental sustainability within the American higher education sector.