It is the goal of this project to investigate the energy conservation measures which can be adapted in an electronic manufacturing plant HVAC system. Computer simulation has been proceeded using Power DOE as a tool in evaluating the power consumption of HVAC, lighting and auxiliary systems, validated by full-scale experimental field measurements so that optimal operation strategies can be established for energy savings. Experimental result indicated that the HAVC system consumes 34% of that of the whole plant with 19% consumed by chillers. Comparatively, the simulation result indicated that HVAC system consumes 36% of the total which confirms the potential for energy savings. It is concluded and recommended that the DHC , or District Heating and Cooling system can be adapted in this situation which coupled with the multiple-chiller controls with variable water volume (VWV) pumping for optimal operation through the direct digital controls.

Pressure tubes pick up hydrogen while they are in service within CANDU reactors. Sufficiently high hydrogen concentration can lead to hydride precipitation during reactor shutdown/repair at flaws, resulting in the potential for eventual rupture of the pressure tubes by a process called Delayed Hydride Cracking (DHC). The threshold stress intensity factor (KIH) below which the cracks will not grow by delayed hydride cracking of Zr-2.5Nb micro pressure tubes (MPTs) has been determined using a load increasing mode (LIM) method at different temperatures. MPTs have been used to allow easy study of the impact of properties like texture and grain size on DHC. Previous studies on MPTs have focused on creep and effects of stress on hydride orientation; here the use of MPTs for DHC studies is confirmed for the first time. Micro pressure tube samples were hydrided to a target hydrogen content of 100 ppm using an electrolytic method. For DHC testing, 3 mm thick half ring samples were cut out from the tubes using Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) with a notch at the center. A sharp notch with a root radius of 15 µm was introduced by broaching to facilitate crack initiation. The direct current potential drop method was used to monitor crack growth during the DHC tests. For the temperature range tested the threshold stress intensity factors for the micro pressure tube used were found to be 6.5-10.5 MPa.m1/2 with the value increasing with increasing temperature. The average DHC velocities obtained for the three different test temperatures 180, 230 and 250oC were 2.64, 10.87 and 8.45 x 10-8 m/s, respectively. The DHC data obtained from the MPTs are comparable to the data published in the literature for full sized CANDU pressure tubes. / Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-24 12:55:36.917

This project presents a feasibility study and an investigation of the potential for low temperature district heating system in Västerås. The investigation treats integrations possibilities for 4GDH (4th Generation District Heating) in Kungsängens area in Västerås, which is undergoing a large-scale building-up and construction.  The study is conducted for the company Mälarenergi AB. The advantages of 4GDH technology are identified and analyzed, where energy effectiveness and economic benefits aspects were concluded. Problems with existing technology and higher cooling demand expectations drive 4GDH to be an interesting and necessary technology in the future. Four Different integration solutions between old and new networks are presented, analyzed and discussed. Quantitative analysis conducted where initial cost for the four technical solutions were estimated and compared. The results show that low temperature district heating could lead to reduction in the initial cost for the network by using PEX instead of steel as pipe material. The results show also that one solution using heat exchanger as exchange stations has the lowest cost between the four solutions. The results show that the cost for the retention flow that is linked with 4GDH stands for 20%-30% of the total cost. The importance of the retention flow pipe is investigated using two physical models in OpenModelica and Excel, where simulations were conducted. It is concluded that it is possible to provide Kungsängen area with low temperature district heating without having the retention flow pipe. Three parameters were identified to be critical which are, geographical placement of the consumers, pattern variation for the heat demand and heat systems installed inside consumer’s buildings. The results show also that it might be critical to have a variate and optimized supply temperature for the area, depending on the demand. The simulations of a fictive area that could present a future heat demand for Kungsängen area shows that a temperature of 55°C is satisfying during winter season where the demand is high and a temperature between 60-65°C must be available during spring/autumn seasons and specially during summer. The variation depends directly on the temperature drop through the supply pipes to the consumers. The temperature drop is directly linked with water velocity inside the pipes. The losses increase during summer nights when the heat demand is low which lead to low water velocities.

Satellite District Heating and Cooling (DHC) systems offer an alternative structure to conventional, centralized DHC networks. Both use a piping network carrying steam or water to connect disparate building heating and cooling loads together, providing a platform for improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and incorporating alternative means of energy generation. However, satellite DHC networks incorporate thermal production units that are distributed amongst the buildings nodes, which offers greater operational flexibility and reduced capital cost savings for applications using existing building stock. This study was focused on the development of the methodology behind a comprehensive energy model that can assess the practical and financial viability of satellite DHC network scenarios. A detailed scenario application of the model demonstrated significant energy savings and investment potential. Additionally, environmental assessment methods and alternative generation technology were explored in supplementary studies of Deep Lake Water Cooling (DLWC) and building-scale Combined Heat and Power (CHP).

Satellite District Heating and Cooling (DHC) systems offer an alternative structure to conventional, centralized DHC networks. Both use a piping network carrying steam or water to connect disparate building heating and cooling loads together, providing a platform for improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and incorporating alternative means of energy generation. However, satellite DHC networks incorporate thermal production units that are distributed amongst the buildings nodes, which offers greater operational flexibility and reduced capital cost savings for applications using existing building stock. This study was focused on the development of the methodology behind a comprehensive energy model that can assess the practical and financial viability of satellite DHC network scenarios. A detailed scenario application of the model demonstrated significant energy savings and investment potential. Additionally, environmental assessment methods and alternative generation technology were explored in supplementary studies of Deep Lake Water Cooling (DLWC) and building-scale Combined Heat and Power (CHP).