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  • Investigation of Steam Adsorption Chillers to Modernize Existing Central Steam Plant Systems

    Abstract: This report investigates the integration of steam adsorption chillers as a modernization strategy for conventional central steam plant systems. Our objective is to assess the feasibility, advantages, and challenges of incorporating steam adsorption chillers into existing steam plant setups to enhance energy efficiency and cooling capabilities. Central steam plant systems have historically been used for steam-based heating but often lack cooling capabilities, necessitating additional cooling infrastructure. Steam adsorption chillers offer a potential solution by using waste steam for cooling, optimizing energy utilization and reducing reliance on traditional cooling methods. Through a comprehensive analysis, this report evaluates the technical compatibility and potential cost implications of implementing steam adsorption chillers. It explores factors such as system integration, operational dynamics, and maintenance requirements to provide a holistic view of the feasibility and benefits of this modernization approach. The findings aim to offer valuable insights to decision-makers and Army facility managers seeking innovative ways to upgrade central steam plant systems. By considering the technical and economic aspects of adopting steam adsorption chillers, this report contributes to the knowledge base for sustainable and efficient energy utilization in central plant operations.
  • Enhancing Building Thermal Comfort: A Review of Phase Change Materials in Concrete

    Abstract: The DoD accounts for over 1% of the country's total electricity consumption. However, DoD bases heavily rely on vulnerable commercial power grids, susceptible to disruptions from outdated infrastructure, weather-related incidents, and direct attacks. To enhance energy efficiency and resilience, it is imperative to address energy demand in buildings, especially heating and cooling. This study focuses on phase change materials (PCMs) incorporated into concrete to enhance thermal control and reduce energy consumption. Though PCMs have shown promise in heat transfer and energy storage applications, their integration into concrete faces challenges. Concerns include potential reduction in compressive strength, impacts on workability and setting time, effects on density and porosity, durability, and higher cost than traditional concrete. This report examines current obstacles hindering the use of PCMs in concrete and proposes opportunities for extensive research and application. By selecting appropriate PCMs and additives, comparable strength to control samples can be achieved. Moreover, specific techniques for incorporating PCMs into concrete demonstrate greater effectiveness. Embracing PCMs in concrete can significantly contribute to energy-efficient and resilient DoD installations.
  • Energy program leads to Fort Riley energy efficiency award

    The $62.5 million in infrastructure improvements provides annual energy savings of $4.3 million, 8 percent greater than the guaranteed savings.
  • Energy Division’s expertise attracts dozens of contractors for dual workshops

    Two Energy Division workshops brought dozens of contractors from throughout the country to the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, July 25.
  • Dept. of Energy experts visit Huntsville Center to lead ESPC training

    Instructors from the Department of Energy visited the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, in late March to lead training for key project managers and engineers assigned to the Engineering Directorate here on the topic of Energy Savings Performance Contracting.
  • Huntsville Center’s Energy Division awards task order to Schneider Electric for Huachuca project

    Thanks to Huntsville Center’s latest Energy Savings Performance Contracting task order award, Fort Huachuca, Arizona, is on track to receive a series of multimillion-dollar energy-savings upgrades to existing infrastructure – all without the burden of upfront capital costs.
  • Huntsville Center, Rock Island Arsenal break ground on $61 million energy savings project

    Awarded by Huntsville Center through a 20-year energy savings performance contract with Honeywell, the project will support critical infrastructure improvements at the industrial facility that will cut energy use by approximately 35 percent, and generate up to $5.3 million in annual energy and operational savings.