Revolutionizing Energy Management | Fortnightly Magazine

America's electric utilities have been taking the lead in energy efficiency, under local public service commission regulation, mostly with programs aimed at residential and commercial customers. Now, a new energy efficiency technology has emerged for the commercial and industrial electricity service customer.

The need for a new energy efficiency option was driven by a simple yet profound realization: Most large commercial and industrial facilities with their traditional commercial electric systems, including basic capacitor banks and rudimentary surge protectors, have served us well but are no match for today's escalating energy demands and increasing introduction of intermittent renewable energy supply.

Branko Terzic: An energy efficient electric distribution system for a commercial and industrial location should address the following four conditions: voltage stability, amperage reduction, reactive power (kVAR) utilization, and surge protection. 

An energy efficient electric distribution system for a commercial and industrial location should address the following four conditions:

Voltage Stability: The system will boost, balance, and stabilize voltage across all three phases of supply. This not only prevents voltage drops but also significantly reduces equipment heating, thereby extending the lifespan of the equipment and improving its overall operating efficiency.

Amperage Reduction: The new system should directly lower heat production in conductors and facility equipment by decreasing the current flow at the main switchgear by five to eighteen percent. This would create more capacity for building wiring and protective equipment, thus bolstering the facility's overall electrical infrastructure.

Reactive Power (kVAR) Utilization: The utilization of Reactive Power through innovative management and recycling techniques should be enhanced. kVAR that is usually lost should be captured and transformed into usable kVA, which is then fed back into the circuit for consumption. This not only increases efficiency at the utility meter but also reduces the overall demand from the utility, leading to a direct decrease in kilowatt-hour usage and kilowatt demand.

Surge Protection: The new system would incorporate robust surge protection shielding sensitive electronic equipment from the vagaries of voltage spikes and electrical surges, thereby ensuring their longevity and reliability.

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John Petrovich, CEO of Secured Energy headquartered out of Leander, Texas introduced the Powerhouse hardware as an example of a modern energy efficiency option available to electric utilities, energy service companies, and commercial and industrial customers. The Powerhouse equipment was designed to address all four major issues of: voltage stability, amperage reduction, reactive power utilization, and surge protection.

Branko Terzic: John, what are the benefits of the Powerhouse in a commercial or industrial installation?

John Petrovich: The immediate benefit of the Powerhouse system is a tangible reduction in energy bills (typically between seven to twelve percent depending on facility conditions), but its advantages extend far beyond mere cost savings. By optimizing power factor, reducing system losses, and lowering peak current, Powerhouse brings about a comprehensive improvement in the facility's electrical system. This improvement is not just in terms of efficiency but also in safety and operational reliability.

Branko Terzic: Are there associated greenhouse gas emissions reductions?

John Petrovich: Yes, Powerhouse's environmentally friendly profile is evident in its ability to reduce a facility's carbon footprint by avoiding unnecessary kilowatt-hour consumption. The level of reduction is of course a function of the regional electric supply sources.

Branko Terzic: What kind of service life is expected?

John Petrovich: Understanding the importance of long-term solutions in energy management, Powerhouse is designed to an expected equipment lifespan of twenty-five years and a five-year manufacturer's workmanship warranty.

Branko Terzic: What has been the experience to date with the Powerhouse equipment?

John Petrovich: The practical benefits of Powerhouse have been demonstrated in a variety of settings over the last ten years. From manufacturing facilities experiencing reduced downtime and extended equipment life to commercial buildings enjoying significant savings on their energy bills, the stories of transformation are many and varied.

In one case study, a mid-sized manufacturing plant reported a ten percent reduction in its energy costs within the first year of installing Powerhouse, along with a noticeable decrease in equipment malfunctions due to stabilized voltage and enhanced surge protection. At this time, we are in discussions with a number of utilities and energy service companies to make our units part of their service offerings.