It takes a lot of power to operate Lincoln's wastewater treatment
facility. The company managing the plant for the city, Environmental
Management Corp., sought out possible solutions last year and made a
recommendation to help reduce those figures.City council members
heard specifics this week on how to reduce electrical consumption
and at the same time protect high-cost equipment at the wastewater
treatment plant. J. Moffitt of Total Energy Concepts gave a
PowerPoint presentation and answered councilmen's questions.
TEC's Power Protection/Energy Optimization System:
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Lowers energy
consumption.
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Reduces equipment
maintenance.
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Protects from
lightning strikes.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2007/Jun/15/images/ads/current/odonohue's%20bch%20061107.png)
These are achieved by adding devices that clean up voltage and
reduce watts so that equipment is receiving steady, clean-flowing,
efficient electricity.
When the full system is in place it can save as much as 30
percent on electricity. In assessing the Lincoln plant, Moffitt
guaranteed that the city would see a 15 percent, and most likely
20-25 percent, reduction in energy use the first year.
The optimization system provides more than just the savings in
electrical costs. The system protects high-cost equipment from
damaging power surges, transient electricity and lightning strikes.
According to the presentation, 80 percent of equipment damage is
after electricity enters the building and is related to transient
voltage surges.
The V Blox system cleans up the electricity, preventing gradual
or abrupt damage to equipment. Equipment will last longer with fewer
repairs and is guaranteed up to $25,000 replacement in an electrical
event.
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![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2007/Jun/15/images/ads/current/mitchell%20newhouse%20bca%20040707.png) |
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2007/Jun/15/images/ads/current/graue%20inc%20lda%20readysetgo%20052007.png) TEC's Power Protection/Energy Optimization System proposal
recommends protecting equipment, such as pumps and generators,
throughout the facility.
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Phase 1 -- 28 V Blox
units would be installed at a cost of $62,000.
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Phase 2 -- Voltage
control would be added at a cost of $62,000.
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Phase 3 -- Capacitors
added, costing between $25,000 to $30,000.
Total project sum of $149,000 to $154,000.
Moffitt said that there would be a 30-day order and install.
Each V Blox has a 15-year guarantee, no maintenance needed. The
guarantee also provides a $25,000-per-unit replacement of equipment,
if damaged by an electrical occurrence.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2007/Jun/15/images/ads/current/alexco%20want%20to%20be%20a%20realtor%20060607.png)
It is proposed to do one phase per year. Each phase increases
electrical efficiency and protection.
The company guarantees the savings in electricity will pay for
the equipment. Moffitt estimated that the city could expect to see a
return on costs in 25 to 30 months.
Alderman Marty Neitzel asked about how soon service would be
available, if it is needed.
Moffitt said that would be no problem. There are servicemen
available in Taylorville, Springfield and Chatham.
For more information see Total
Energy Concepts:
[Jan
Youngquist] |