ENERGY MANAGEMENT
maximum efficiency of all system elements. New generation is only added when the whole system requires and benefits from it, and the integrated system remains optimal and in full communication with each of its parts. Distributed generation, managed as an
interactive element in a larger network with access to storage, allows the smoothing out of intermittent generation such as solar and wind and the integration of CHP systems, which are a perfect match for hospitals. Capturing and using waste heat allows CHP systems to achieve efficiencies of up to 80 per cent compared to 45 per cent for conventional separate heat and power.3
However, these large
systems cannot be slowed or stopped in line with the changing building load without creating wear and tear that reduces the lifespan of the equipment. A microgrid with solar and energy storage, for example, can keep CHP running continuously to provide base load steam at high efficiency and energy storage can be used to address the fluctuating load. Solar and CHP charge the storage system as appropriate and utility energy is only needed when storage needs are not met or when a system fails, and are typically only used at lowest rate periods. This combination can produce clean, free energy when the sun shines or the wind blows that is stored for use at any time, and the CHP system can be used to fulfill all heating, cooling and sterilisation needs. Increased storage options could have an important role in accessibility to distributed generation microgrid systems. Batteries are increasingly being used for storage, which is driving the technology forward and prices down. Between 2007 and 2016, storage grew 20-fold in capacity in the US, and as a result the Department of Energy found that the price of batteries dropped by 73 per cent between 2008 and 2015. Using renewable sources also means reducing greenhouse gasses and on site generation cuts transmission losses on utility scale generation efficiencies, reducing utility generation pollution. All of this promotes an improved sustainability profile, which can contribute to the project goals of a hospital as well as city and state environmental goals. Finally, regardless of the options chosen, it is important
80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
n Range of estimates
40-75
Source: CEA estimates using data from Census Bureau, Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration, Sullivan et al 2009
27-52 23-43 19-36 14-26 14-27 14-27 13-25 8-14 5-10
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Estimated costs of weather related power outages. Year
to consider a control system that can maximise effectiveness, minimise cost and streamline functionality, with the highest return on investment and the lowest impact on operations.
Conclusion Incentives are needed for microgrid systems as most funding currently comes in the form of indirect subsidies from green energy credits or limited state grants. There is locational value in avoiding capital expenditure and demand on the local power grid to support the construction of a large hospital and users benefit from reliability and resiliency, but more programmes are needed to solidify this partnership. Some states are forming programmes to build community or resiliency microgrids, but the funding is often contingent on serving hospitals, police stations, water treatment plants, telecommunication and other critical infrastructure. The NY Prize programme offer $40 m to communities to enable them to evaluate and build microgrids and more than half of the chosen communities included hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities in their microgrid plans. During the final stages, the programme will divide $20 m in grants among the winners and offer financing of up to $50 m for microgrid construction. Microgrids provide a diverse foundation
200 kW fuel cell on San Francisco State University campus.
42
of energy management for efficiency and resiliency of healthcare infrastructure. They can integrate electric utility management plans with diverse back-up energy systems and optimise on site generation with dynamic software intelligence. The value of resiliency and automated system optimisation includes lower maintenance costs, increased system flexibility and the highest level of protection against critical emergency situations and rising resource costs. In addition to improved reliability and efficiency, real operational savings can be made through optimisation, which can be reinvested in improving patient care.
Supporting clean energy technologies
helps to drive down technology costs as the market moves forward and strengthens infrastructure networks by creating localised stability. For a truly sustainable energy and resource plan, it is essential to look at an integrated, intelligent system that can respond in real time to the changing needs of the system and offers the largest range of options for flexibility and security. Microgrid systems have demonstrated success in tackling these challenges and the proven savings suggest that they can provide a framework to build on when considering multiple options for hospital energy networks.
IFHE
References 1 He W, Goodkind D, Kowal P. An Aging World: 2015. Washington DC: US Census Bureau, 2016.
2 National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Advanced Energy Retrofit Guide: Practical ways to improve energy performance – healthcare facilities. US Department of Energy, 2013.
3 CNN Wire Staff. Down Many Flight of Stairs, National Guard Evacuates Patients from Hospital, 1 November 2012. [
www.cnn.com/ 2012/10/31/health/new-york-bellevue- evacuation].
4 ICF International. Combined Heat and Power: Enabling resilient energy infrastructure for critical facilities. Washington DC: ICF International, 2013.
5 Advisers, Presidents Council of Economic and Energy, US Department of. Economic Benefits of Increasing Electric Grid Resilience to Weather Outages. Washington DC: Executive Office of the President, 2013.
6 Worldometers. US Population (Live). Worldometers, 14 August 2017. [
www.worldometers.info/world-population/ us-population].
7 Glickman J, Kline K, Warwick M. Planning for the Next Blackout: Optimizing the use of distributed energy resources. Washington DC: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, 2004.
IFHE DIGEST 2018
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