It is often also necessary to engage in a load research study in order to properly characterize the load profiles of the effected consumers. A SCADA system feasibility study focuses on quantifiable savings that can be realized through reductions in the number and duration of outages. Reductions in labor expenditures associated with periodic maintenance activities can also be realized.

Feasibility Analysis: It is important to identify not only the short-term but also the long-term benefits of a project before implementation. A detailed feasibility analysis is therefore necessary to identify those variables which strongly affect the economic performance of the system. In the specific case of load management, this involves obtaining reliable cost estimates, consistent predictions of wholesale rates, and accurate characterizations of the consumer's usage and appliance characteristics. Continuing operation and maintenance expenses must also be included in order to provide an accurate characterization of the system's economic performance.

Source Selection Procedures: Once economic feasibility of the project has been clearly demonstrated and a decision is made to proceed with implementation of the project, detailed specifications must be prepared for submission to qualified bidders. The specification must ensure that the system performs as required. Once the specification has been prepared, the bid process can be initiated and completed.

Start-Up Assistance. Once the system hardware has been procured, ICPE can oversee the performance testing and data entry. Our personnel can ensure that the start-up phase of the system can proceed quickly and efficiently.

STABILITY AND LOAD FLOW STUDIES

Large industrial systems and utility systems which are interconnected with one or more surrounding transmission systems, as well as their own transmission system and on-site generation facilities, require a stability analysis study when anticipating increasing loads, or adding new transmission interconnections within their own system, or to the surrounding transmission grid.

ICPE can prepare stability study cases which consider the existing system and the surrounding transmission grid to determine the existing stability. Proposed intertie lines are evaluated to determine the effect on system power flow and voltage stability of the system during various system fault conditions. A computer model is developed to simulate the system power flow and voltage stability for anticipated load additions and/or growth, and for proposed intertie lines. Generator stability is also modeled to determine the degree of continuity of service for the proposed modifications.

ENERGY CONSERVATION STUDIES

General: ICPE has the capabilities to provide a complete range of conservation study services for commercial and industrial facilities. Studies can be prepared to investigate the feasibility of energy conservation measures. These studies will evaluate the electrical and mechanical systems, as well as the entire building envelope.

Study Procedure: The following procedure will be used to evaluate the problem areas which will become part of the Energy Conservation Study:

• Review energy conservation study objectives with Client.

• Obtain building drawings, including electrical and mechanical plans.

• Obtain past utility records [four (4) years, gas and electric].

• Perform electrical metering calibration test to certify metering accuracy.

• Obtain applicable gas and electric rate schedules.

• Obtain local weather data (HDD and CDD).

• Develop average energy consumption baselines as they relate to temperature day data.

• Evaluate building or facility site.

• Discuss building use with manager and custodian.

• Perform a building envelope infrared thermal scan and record the scan on a videocassette tape for reference.

• Prepare building, electrical and mechanical system descriptions.

• Calculate and summarize potential operation and maintenance savings.

• Revise energy consumption baselines.

• Identify potential energy conservation measures.

• Calculate and summarize potential energy conservation savings.

• Estimate energy conservation project costs.

• Calculate project simple payback periods.

• Recommend energy conservation projects.

• Specify inconvenience activities and duration associated with each project.

• Revise energy consumption baselines.

• Summarize overall project energy savings and costs required.

• Develop project schedule.

•  

Operation and Maintenance: A significant amount of energy consumption can usually be saved by simply improving or modifying building operation and equipment maintenance procedures. These items will be recommended for immediate implementation. The costs associated with implementing these operation and maintenance items should be minimal with almost immediate payback.

Energy Conservation Measures: Energy Conservation Measures are items which add to or modify the existing system in order to reduce the overall energy consumption. These items will require the investment of capital in order to reduce operating costs. All items are individually evaluated, considering design and installation costs, and the resulting energy savings in order to determine the payback periods. Final recommendations for all measures considered will be summarized showing resulting costs, savings, and overall project payback periods.

Priority and Schedule: A prioritized listing of all recommended energy conservation measures will be provided. From this list, the Client can select the projects which meet their criteria for paybacks, projected costs, and lessee convenience concerns.

A project schedule will be prepared showing the approximate timetable for implementation of the individual projects.