IEN: What are the major power and energy concerns facing industry in the next few years? How can they be addressed?
Spanswick: Energy reliability and cost are chief concerns. They can be mitigated by energy-use strategy and selection of equipment.
IEN: What innovations in systems, equipment & components, software, and services can help reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency in plant operations?
Spanswick: In HVAC, the ability to use both electric and non-electric chillers in a "hybrid chiller plant" can help ensure the availability of cooling (for both processes and comfort) and allow users to take advantage of the most favorable energy rates. Technology advances in non-electric chillers (both natural gas- and steam-driven) are making these chillers easier to install and more efficient to operate. Advanced software, e.g., as the YORKcalc program, can quickly assess a variety of chiller plant configurations and suggest designs to be explored.
IEN: What are the latest advances in audits, utility monitoring/analysis services, equipment diagnostics/maintenance, and HVAC retrofitting?
Spanswick: The addition of electronic variable-speed drives to centrifugal chillers, pumps, and fans is a proven energy saver. The latest generation of VSDs designed specifically for HVAC applications has made retrofitting existing systems a viable option.
IEN: Will distributed generation/onsite power, cogeneration, fuel cell technology, and isolated power play an increased role in meeting industry''s power needs? How and when?
Spanswick: We believe they will play an increased role. In terms of HVAC systems, it will be important to minimize the HVAC load on DG systems and be able to take advantage of the byproducts of cogen systems (for example, waste heat to produce steam to drive a turbine and compress refrigerant for cooling).