Module 2 Enery and Environment
Module 2 Enery and Environment
Module – II
Adiabatic CAES:
Compresses air, stores it in underground caverns, and then expands it through a turbine to generate
electricity.
Diabatic CAES:
Uses natural gas to heat the compressed air before expansion, improving efficiency.
4. Flywheel Energy Storage:
Rotating Mass:
Converts electrical energy into kinetic energy by spinning a rotor and vice versa.
Rapid response for short-duration energy storage.
5. Thermal Energy Storage:
Sensible Heat Storage:
Stores and releases energy by changing the temperature of a material (e.g., water or molten salt).
Latent Heat Storage:
Involves phase change (solid to liquid or vice versa) to store and release energy.
6. Hydrogen Energy Storage:
Electrolysis:
Produces hydrogen by splitting water using electricity.
Fuel Cells:
Convert stored hydrogen back into electricity.
7. Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES):
Magnetic Fields:
Stores energy in the form of a magnetic field in a superconducting coil.
Provides quick response times for grid stabilization.
8. Ultracapacitors: Electrostatic Storage:
Store energy electrostatically, offering high power density and rapid charge/discharge capabilities.
9. Advanced Rail Energy Storage (ARES):
Gravitational Potential Energy:
Uses the weight of heavy rail cars to store and release energy as they travel uphill and downhill on a track.
2.2 Reversible chemical reactions can also be used to store energy. There is a growing interest in storing
low-temperature heat in chemical form, but practical systems have not yet emerged. Another idea in the
same category is the storage of hydrogen in metal hydrides (lanthanum, for instance). Tests of this idea
are ongoing.
2.3 Electrochemical ES systems have better turnaround efficiencies but very high prices. lntensive
research is now directed toward improving batteries, particularly by lowering their weight-to storage
capacity ratios, as needed in many vehicle applications. As a successor to the lead-acid battery,
sodiumsulfur and lithium sulfide alternatives, among others, are being tested. A different type of
electrochemical system is the redox flow cell, so named because charging and discharging is achieved
through reduction and oxidation reactions occurring in fluids tored in two separate tanks. To make the
leading candidate (an iron redox system) competitive with today’s batteries, its price would have to be at
least halved.
2.4 Thermal energy storage (TES) systems are varied and include designed containers, underground
aquifers and soils and Lakes, bricks and ingots. Some systems using bricks are operating Europe. ln these
systems, energy is stored as sensible heat. Alternatively, thermal energy can be stored in the latent heat of
melting in such materials as salts or paraffin. Latent storages can reduce the volume of the storage device
by as much as 100 times, but after several
decades of research many of their practical problems have still not been solved. Finally, electric energy
can be stored in superconducting magnetic systems although the costs of such systems are high.
Some current research and development areas in the field of ES are follows: Advanced ES and conversion
systems with phase transformation, chemical and electro chemical reactions.
• fundamental phenomena inside a single cell as well as engineering integration of whole battery packs
into vehicles.
• high-dielectric-constant polymers.
• high K composites for capacitors.
• polymer electrode interfaces (low- and high-frequency effects):
• integrated Polymer capacitors.
Can respond quickly to fluctuations in electricity demand, making them valuable for supporting the
integration of variable renewable energy sources.
Long Lifecycle:
Pumped storage systems typically have a long lifecycle with low maintenance requirements.
Storage Duration:
Can store energy for both short and long durations, depending on the design and capacity of the system.
Environmental Considerations:
While there are environmental considerations related to the construction and operation of reservoirs, pumped
storage is often considered environmentally friendly compared to some other forms of energy storage.
Challenges and Considerations:
Geographical Constraints:
Pumped storage systems require specific geographical features, such as suitable elevation differences and
available water sources.
Initial Capital Costs:
Building pumped storage facilities can involve significant upfront costs, although the operating costs are
generally lower.
Permitting and Environmental Impact:
The construction of reservoirs can have environmental and permitting challenges.
Land Use:
Requires large land areas for the construction of reservoirs.
Applications:
Grid Balancing:
Responds to variations in electricity demand and supply to maintain grid stability.
Renewable Energy Integration:
Complements variable renewable energy sources by storing excess energy during periods of high generation.
Peak Shaving:
Stores energy during low-demand periods and releases it during peak demand to reduce strain on the grid.
Emergency Backup:
Provides a reliable source of electricity during grid outages.
Pumped storage is a proven and effective technology for large-scale energy storage and grid stability. As the
world transitions to a more renewable and sustainable energy future, pumped storage will likely continue to play
a crucial role in supporting the integration of variable renewable energy sources.Fig: Compresses air ES systems
(a) Sliding Pressure System (b) Compensated Pressure System
The technique used by such a system to compress air to store energy is relatively straightforward. ln a
conventional gas turbine, high-pressure hot gas is supplied. and about two-thirds of the gross power output
is used to drive the compressor. A compressed-air ES system decouples the compressor and the turbine
and operates the former during off-peak hours to produce compressed air, which is stored in natural
cavefish. old oil or gas wells, or porous rock formations. Such ES storage is advantageous when an
appreciable part of the power load is carried by nuclear stations. and where suitable spent salt caverns
make it easy to build the compressed gas reservoirs.
3.1.3 FLYWHEELS
Flywheel energy storage is a technology that stores energy in the form of kinetic energy by spinning a
rotor (flywheel) at high speeds. When electricity is needed, the spinning rotor's kinetic energy is converted
back into electrical energy. Here are the key aspects of flywheel energy storage systems:
Flywheels can respond to changes in energy demand within milliseconds, making them suitable for grid
stabilization.
Long Cycle Life:
Flywheels typically have a long cycle life with minimal degradation over time.
Efficiency:
The efficiency of flywheel energy storage systems is relatively high, with round-trip efficiencies typically
exceeding 90%.
Modularity:
Flywheel systems are modular and can be easily scaled by adding more flywheels to increase storage
capacity.
No Chemicals or Hazardous Materials:
Flywheel systems do not involve hazardous materials or chemicals, contributing to their safety and
environmental friendliness.
Applications of Flywheel Energy Storage:
Grid Stabilization:
Rapid response and short-duration energy storage make flywheels suitable for grid stabilization, frequency
regulation, and balancing.
Renewable Energy Integration:
Complements intermittent renewable energy sources by providing short-term energy storage to manage
fluctuations.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS):
Used for providing backup power in critical facilities such as data centers, hospitals, and industrial
processes.
Ride-Through Capability:
Offers ride-through capability to mitigate brief power interruptions and fluctuations in industrial
processes.
Microgrid Support:
In transportation, flywheels can be used for regenerative braking in vehicles to recover and store kinetic
energy during braking.
Challenges and Considerations:
Energy Storage Duration:
Flywheels are typically used for short-duration energy storage, and their application may be limited for
longer storage needs.
Heat Dissipation
Managing heat generated during charging and discharging processes is crucial to maintaining system
efficiency.
Cost: While costs have been decreasing, flywheel energy storage systems may still face competition from
other energy storage technologies.
Future Developments: Advances in materials, especially composite materials, are improving the energy
storage capacity and efficiency of flywheels.
Integration with smart grid technologies for improved efficiency and grid management.
Flywheel energy storage continues to evolve, and ongoing research and development aim to address its
limitations and enhance its performance for a variety of applications in the evolving energy landscape.
Use metals like zinc or aluminum reacting with oxygen to generate electricity.
Have the potential for high energy density, making them suitable for electric vehicles and other
applications.
8. Electrochemical Capacitors (Supercapacitors):
Store energy through the electrostatic separation of charges.
Provide rapid charge and discharge capabilities but generally have lower energy density compared to
batteries.
Used in applications requiring quick bursts of power, such as regenerative braking in vehicles.
9. Advanced Lithium-Based Batteries:
Beyond traditional lithium-ion batteries, ongoing research includes lithium-sulfur batteries, lithium-air
batteries, and other advanced chemistries with the aim of improving energy density and performance.
Applications of Chemical Energy Storage:
Grid Energy Storage:
Thermal Energy Storage (TES) is a technology that allows for the capture and retention of thermal energy
for later use. This type of storage is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency, optimizing energy use in
various applications, and addressing the intermittency and variability of renewable energy sources. Here
are several reasons why thermal energy storage is important:
TES systems can store waste heat generated by industrial processes for later use, contributing to overall
energy efficiency.
8. Environmental Impact:
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
By optimizing the use of energy and integrating with renewables, TES contributes to reducing greenhouse
gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
9. Efficiency and Energy Conservation:
Reducing Energy Waste:
TES helps avoid the waste of excess energy by storing it for use when needed.
Improves overall energy system efficiency.
10. Resilience and Reliability:
Emergency Backup:
TES can provide a source of stored energy for critical applications during power outages or emergencies.
Challenges and Considerations:
Material Selection:
Choosing suitable materials for storing and releasing thermal energy efficiently.
Thermal Storage Medium:
Selecting the appropriate medium (e.g., water, molten salts, phase-change materials) based on the specific
application requirements.
System Design and Integration:
Designing and integrating TES systems into existing infrastructure require careful consideration of
various factors.
In summary, thermal energy storage is a versatile and essential technology that plays a significant role in
enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of energy systems across various sectors. Its ability
to store and release thermal energy provides valuable flexibility in managing energy resources and
addressing the challenges associated with renewable energy integration.
Other early applications of PCMs included "eutectic plates" used for cold storage in trucking and railroad
transportation applications. another important application of PCMs is association with space technology,
with NASA sponsoring a project on PCM applications for thermal control of electronic packages.
Energy management refers to the strategic and systematic process of planning, controlling, and optimizing the
use of energy in a system, organization, or facility. The goal of energy management is to achieve energy
efficiency, reduce energy costs, and minimize environmental impact while ensuring that energy needs are met
effectively. It involves a combination of technical, economic, and organizational measures to improve energy
performance. Here are key components and aspects of energy management:
Conducting detailed assessments of energy usage, systems, and processes to identify opportunities for
improvement.
Analyzing energy consumption patterns and identifying areas of inefficiency.
Energy Planning and Policy Development:
Establishing energy goals, targets, and policies to guide energy management initiatives.
Developing a comprehensive energy management plan aligned with organizational objectives.
Energy Monitoring and Measurement:
Implementing technologies and practices to reduce energy consumption without compromising performance.
Upgrading equipment, improving insulation, optimizing processes, and adopting energy-efficient technologies.
Renewable Energy Integration:
Exploring and integrating renewable energy sources to diversify the energy mix and reduce dependence on
conventional sources.
Implementing solar, wind, or other renewable energy systems.
Energy Procurement and Cost Management:
Implementing energy storage solutions to store excess energy for later use.
Participating in demand response programs to adjust energy consumption based on grid conditions.
Regulatory Compliance:
Staying informed about and complying with energy-related regulations and standards.
Implementing measures to meet energy efficiency and environmental targets.
Continuous Improvement:
Reduced energy consumption leads to lower energy bills and operational costs.
Environmental Sustainability:
Minimizing the environmental impact by reducing carbon emissions and resource use.
Increased Resilience:
Improving the resilience of operations by optimizing energy use and incorporating renewable sources.
Compliance and Reputation:
Meeting regulatory requirements and enhancing the organization's reputation as a socially responsible entity.
Risk Mitigation:
Upgrading equipment and implementing energy-efficient technologies may require upfront investment.
Behavioral Change:
Overcoming resistance to change and ensuring that employees adopt energy-efficient practices.
Explanation: Educate and involve employees at all levels to create awareness about energy efficiency.
Training programs can empower employees to adopt energy-saving practices and contribute to the
organization's energy goals.
Explanation: Integrate energy management goals into broader organizational strategies. Aligning energy
management with overall business objectives ensures that it becomes an integral part of the organization's
success.
For energy sources like natural gas and coal, the cost of fuel extraction and processing directly influences
pricing.
Infrastructure and Transportation:
Costs associated with the infrastructure required to generate, transmit, and distribute energy can impact
pricing. Transportation costs for fuels also contribute to the overall price.
Market Competition:
The level of competition in energy markets can influence pricing. Competitive markets often lead to lower
prices.
Government Policies and Taxes:
Prepared by: Prof. Satyabodh Raichur Department of Mechanical Engineering
Energy And Environment (18ME753) APS College of Engineering, Bangalore
Government regulations, taxes, and subsidies can significantly impact energy prices. For example, carbon
taxes or renewable energy incentives can influence the cost of energy.
Global Events
Events such as geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, or disruptions in energy-producing regions can cause
fluctuations in energy prices.
Technological Advances:
Advances in technology, especially in renewable energy, can contribute to changes in the cost structure of
energy production and influence pricing.
2. Types of Energy Pricing:
Fixed Pricing:
Consumers pay a set rate for energy consumption regardless of fluctuations in market prices. Common in
regulated markets.
Variable or Time-of-Use Pricing:
Prices vary based on the time of day or demand. Consumers pay more during peak hours and less during off-
peak periods.
Spot Pricing:
Prices are determined in real-time based on market conditions. Common in wholesale electricity markets.
Indexed Pricing:
Prices are tied to a specific index or benchmark, such as the cost of natural gas or oil.
Tiered Pricing:
Consumers pay different rates based on the volume of energy consumed. Higher consumption levels may
result in higher per-unit prices.
3. Electricity Pricing:
Wholesale Electricity Markets:
Electricity generators and suppliers participate in wholesale markets where prices are determined by supply
and demand.
Retail Electricity Markets:
Consumers purchase electricity at retail prices, which may be fixed, variable, or follow a time-of-use
structure.
Capacity Payments:
Payments made to generators to ensure the availability of sufficient capacity to meet peak demand.
4. Natural Gas Pricing:
Spot Market: Prices determined by supply and demand conditions in the spot market.
Contracts:Long-term contracts may involve fixed prices, indexed prices, or a combination.
Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Pricing:Influenced by global LNG markets and transportation costs.
Prepared by: Prof. Satyabodh Raichur Department of Mechanical Engineering
Energy And Environment (18ME753) APS College of Engineering, Bangalore
Consumer choices, such as energy conservation or the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, can
influence overall demand and pricing.
Regulatory Environment:
Energy markets can be subject to significant price volatility due to various factors, including geopolitical
events, natural disasters, or sudden changes in supply and demand.
Renewable Energy Integration:
The integration of variable renewable energy sources (such as solar and wind) can contribute to price
volatility, as these sources depend on weather conditions.
Conclusion:
Understanding energy pricing is crucial for consumers, businesses, and policymakers as it directly impacts
costs, investment decisions, and the overall economic landscape. It involves a complex interplay of market
dynamics, geopolitical factors, and regulatory frameworks, and it is subject to continuous change and
adaptation as the energy landscape evolves.
1. Generation Costs:
Fuel Costs:
For power plants that rely on fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, oil), the cost of fuel extraction, processing, and
transportation significantly influences the overall generation cost.
For renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro), generation costs are associated with the initial capital
investment, operation, and maintenance, with little to no fuel costs.
Capital Expenditures (CapEx):
The initial cost of building power plants, including the construction of facilities, purchase of equipment,
and installation of generation units.
Operating and Maintenance (O&M) Costs:
Ongoing costs for maintaining and operating power plants, including labor, materials, and routine
maintenance.
2. Transmission and Distribution Costs:
Infrastructure Costs:
The expenses associated with building and maintaining the infrastructure for transmitting and distributing
electricity, including power lines, substations, and transformers.
Grid Operation and Management:
Costs related to the operation and management of the electrical grid, including monitoring, control systems,
and grid maintenance.
3. Regulatory and Compliance Costs:
Environmental Compliance:
Costs associated with complying with environmental regulations, such as emissions control measures and
environmental impact assessments.
Grid Access Fees:
In deregulated markets, power costs can be influenced by supply and demand dynamics, and prices may
fluctuate based on market conditions.
Capacity Payments:
Payments made to power plants to ensure the availability of sufficient capacity to meet peak demand.
5. Renewable Energy Costs:
Solar and Wind Costs:
The declining costs of solar panels and wind turbines have contributed to making renewable energy more
competitive.
Storage Costs:
Costs associated with energy storage technologies, such as batteries, for managing the intermittent nature of
renewable energy sources.
6. Technology and Innovation:
Advancements in Technology:
Technological innovations can lead to improvements in efficiency and cost reductions in power generation,
transmission, and distribution.
Smart Grid Technologies:
Investments in smart grid technologies that enhance grid efficiency, reliability, and resilience.
7. Geographic Variation:
Resource Availability:
The availability of local energy resources (e.g., sunlight for solar, wind patterns for wind power) can impact
power costs.
Transmission Distance:
The distance between power generation sources and consumption centers affects transmission losses and
costs.
8. Consumer Behavior and Efficiency:
Energy Efficiency Programs:
Initiatives aimed at promoting energy efficiency can influence overall power costs by reducing demand.
Consumer Adoption of Technology:
Consumer adoption of energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances,
can impact power consumption and costs.
9. Global Events and Market Dynamics:
Geopolitical Factors:
Political events, international relations, and geopolitical tensions can affect the prices of fossil fuels and
impact power costs.
Market Dynamics:
Global economic conditions and market dynamics influence commodity prices, which, in turn, affect fuel
costs and power prices.
Conclusion:
Power costs are multifaceted and influenced by a combination of factors spanning from the cost of
generating electricity to the infrastructure needed for its transmission and distribution. The transition to
renewable energy sources, advancements in technology, and changes in regulatory environments contribute
to the evolving landscape of power costs. Understanding these factors is crucial for policymakers,
businesses, and consumers as they navigate the complex energy market.
7 Energy audit
An energy audit is a systematic assessment of the energy use and efficiency of a building, facility, or
industrial process. The primary goal of an energy audit is to identify opportunities for energy savings,
improve energy efficiency, and reduce overall energy consumption. Energy audits are conducted by
professionals with expertise in energy management and engineering. The process typically involves the
following key steps:
Analyzing load profiles to understand energy use patterns and identify opportunities for load management.
7. Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Controls:
EMS Assessment:
Evaluating the effectiveness of energy management systems and controls in place.
Opportunities for Automation:
Identifying areas where automation can optimize energy use.
8. Renewable Energy Potential:
Assessment of Renewable Resources:
Evaluating the potential for integrating renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines.
9. Occupant Behavior and Awareness:
Behavioral Analysis:
Examining occupant behavior and practices that may impact energy use.
Identifying opportunities for energy awareness campaigns.
10. Benchmarking and Comparison:
Comparison with Standards:
Benchmarking energy use against industry standards or similar buildings to identify areas for
improvement.
Comparing the energy performance of the facility to historical data.
11. Energy Audit Report:
Findings and Recommendations:
Summarizing the findings of the energy audit, including areas of inefficiency and opportunities for
improvement.
Prioritized Recommendations:
Providing a list of prioritized recommendations with estimated costs and potential savings.
12. Implementation Plan:
Actionable Steps:
Outlining a clear plan for implementing recommended energy-saving measures.
Identifying potential incentives, rebates, or financing options.
13. Monitoring and Verification:
Post-Implementation Monitoring:
Continuously monitoring energy use after implementing measures to verify actual savings.
Adjusting and optimizing systems based on real-time data.
Benefits of an Energy Audit:
Cost Savings:
Optimize the performance of systems and equipment for better overall efficiency.
Compliance:
Enhance the indoor environment for occupants, leading to increased comfort and productivity.
An energy audit serves as a valuable tool for organizations seeking to improve their energy performance,
reduce operational costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability. The findings and
recommendations from an energy audit provide a roadmap for implementing cost-effective energy-saving
measures. The detailed energy auditing is carried out in three phases:
• Phase I – Pre-Audit Phase
• Phase II - Audit Phase
• Phase III - Post Audit Phase
8. Economic Analysis
Among the most important indicators of the success of an engineering enterprise are the profit achieved
and the return on investment. Therefore, economic considerations play a very important role in the
decision-making processes that govern the design of a system. It is generally not enough to make a system
technically feasible and to obtain the desired quality of the product. The costs incurred must be taken into
account to make the effort economically viable. It is necessary to find a balance between the product
quality and the cost.
Because of the crucial importance of economic considerations in most engineering decisions, it is
necessary to understand the basic principles of economics and to apply these to the evaluation of
investments, in terms of costs, returns, and profits.
• Simple interest
If the interest is calculated only on the principal over a given duration, without considering the change in
investment due to accumulation of interest with time and without including the interest
with the principal for subsequent calculations, the resulting interest is known as simple interest. Then, the
simple interest on the principal sum P invested over n years is simply Pni, and the final amount F
consisting of the principal and interest after n years is given by F =P (1 +ni).
• Compound interest
The interest may be calculated several times a year and then added to the amount on which interest is
computed in order to determine the interest over the next time period. This procedure is known as
compounding and interest is called as compound interest.
If the interest is compounded m times a year, the interest on a unit amount in the time between two
compounding is i/m. Then the final sum F, which includes the principal and interest, is obtained after n
years as
1
𝐹 = 𝑃( + 𝑖)
𝑚
For monthly compounding m =12, daily compounding m =365 etc.
Variation of sum F consisting of the principal, and accumulated interest as a function of number of years
for simple and compounding at different rates of interests are shown in the graph.
Two approaches that are commonly used for bringing all financial transactions to a common time frame
are the present and future worth of an investment, expenditure, or payment.
• Present worth
Present worth (PW) of a lumped amount given at a particular time in the future is its value today. Thus, it
is the amount that, if invested at the prevailing interest rate, would yield the given sum at the future date.
If we consider the resulting sum F after n years at a nominal interest rate i, Then P is the present worth of
sum F for the given duration and interest rate. Therefore, the present worth of a given sum F may be
written, for yearly compounding,
PW = P= F(1+i)-n = (F) (P/F, i, n)
𝒊
PW= P= (F) (P/F,
The future worth of a lumped amount P, given at the present time, may similarly be determined after a
specified period of time. Therefore, the future worth (FW) of P after n years with an interest rate of i,
compounded yearly or m times yearly, are given, respectively, by the following equations: FW= F=
P(1+i)n = (P) (F/P, I, n)
𝒊
FW= F= P( 𝟏 + 𝒊 ) 𝒎𝒏= (P) (F/P, , mn)
𝒎 𝒎
Where F/P is known as the future factor worth or compound amount factor
• SERIES OF PAYMENTS
A common circumstance encountered in engineering enterprises is that of a series of payments. Frequently,
a loan is taken out to acquire a given facility and then this loan is paid off in fixed payments over the
duration of the loan. Recurring expenses for maintenance and labor may be treated similarly as a series of
payments over the life of the project. Both fixed and varying amounts of payments are important, the latter
frequently being the result of inflation, which gives rise to increasing costs. The series of payments is also
brought to a given point in time for consideration with other financial aspects. As before, the time chosen
may be the present or a time in the future.
• FUTURE WORTH OF UNIFORM SERIES OF AMOUNTS
Let us consider a series of payments, each of amount S, paid at the end of each year starting with the end
of the first year. The future worth of this series at the end of n years is to be determined. This can be done
easily by summing up the future worths of all these individual payments. The first payment accumulates
interest for n – 1 years, the second for n – 2 years, and so on, with the second-to-last payment accumulating
interest for 1 year and the last payment accumulating no interest. Therefore, if i is the nominal interest rate
and yearly compounding is used, the future worth F of the series of payments is given by the expression
(1 + 𝑖)𝑛−1 (1 + 𝑖)𝑛−1 𝐹
𝐹=𝑆( )=𝑆( ) = 𝑆 ( , 𝑖, 𝑛)
(1 + 𝑖) − 1 𝑖 𝑠
Where F/S is often known as the series future worth factor or the series compound amount factor. It yields
the future worth of a series of payments of equal amount S when S is multiplied by this factor. The amount
S of a series of payments to pay off an amount F.
• Taxes
Government depends heavily on taxes to finance its operations and to provide services. It is necessary to
include taxes in the evaluation of the overall return on the investment in an engineering enterprise and
also for comparing different financial alternatives for a venture. There are two main forms of taxation that
are of concern to an engineering company: income tax and real estate, or property, tax.
The overall profit made by a given company is the income that is taxed by the federal, state, and
local governments. Though the federal taxation rate remains unchanged with location, the state and local
taxes are strongly dependent on the location, varying from close to zero to as high as 20% across the
country. However, the federal tax may vary with the size of the company and the nature of the industry.
Since the amount paid in taxes is lost by the company, diligent efforts are made to reduce this payment by
employing different legal means. Certainly, locating and registering the company at a place where the local
taxes are low is a common approach. Similarly, providing bonuses and additional benefits to the
employees, expanding and upgrading facilities, and acquisition of new facilities or enterprises increase the
expenses incurred and reduce the taxes owed by the company.
• Real estate and local taxes
Taxes are also levied on the property owned by the company. These may simply be real estate taxes on the
value of the buildings and land occupied by the company or may include charges by the local authorities
to provide services, such as access roads, security, and solid waste removal. All these are generally
included as expenses in the operation of the company. Different alternatives involve different types of
expenses and, therefore, the design of the system may be affected by these taxes. For instance, a system
that involves a smaller floor area and, therefore, a smaller building and lower real estate taxes is more
desirable than one that requires a large floor area. Similarly, the raw materials needed and the resulting
waste are important in determining expenses for transportation and disposal, possibly making one system
more cost effective than another.
• Depreciation
The decrease in the value of the power plant equipment and building due to constant use is known as
depreciation. An important concept with respect to the calculation of taxes is that of depreciation. Since a
given facility has a finite useful life, after which it must be replaced, it is assumed to depreciate in value
as time elapses until it is sold or discarded at its salvage value. In essence, an amount is allowed to be put
aside each year for its replacement at the end of its useful life. This amount is the depreciation and is taken
as an expense each year, thus reducing the taxes to be paid by the company. There are several approaches
to calculating depreciation, as allowed by the federal government.
The book value of the item is the initial cost minus the total depreciation charged up to a given point in
time. Therefore, the book value B at the end of the j th year is given by
𝐽
𝐵 =𝑃− (𝑃−𝑄)
𝑛
In actual practice, most facilities depreciate faster in the initial years than in later years, as anyone who
has ever bought a new car knows very well. This is largely because of the lower desirability and unknown
Prepared by: Prof. Satyabodh Raichur Department of Mechanical Engineering
Energy And Environment (18ME753) APS College of Engineering, Bangalore
maintenance of the used item. As time elapses and the wear and tear are well established, the depreciation
usually becomes quite small. Different distributions are used to represent this trend of greater depreciation
rate in the early years. These include sum of-years digits (SYD), the declining balance, Modified
accelerated cost recovery methods.
Where the denominator is the sum n(n+1)/2 of the digits representing the years, 1,2,3….n. the numerator
is the digit corresponding to the given year when the digits are arranged in reverse order, as n,n-1,n-2. And
so on. By using this calculation procedure, the depreciation is larger than that obtained by the linear
method in the early years and smaller in the later years.
concepts to properly evaluate investments. If multiple investments are being evaluated and if the lives of
the investments are not equal, special consideration must be given to the issue of selecting an appropriate
planning horizon for the analysis.
The last important characteristic of capital investments is that they are relatively irreversible. Frequently,
after the initial investment has been made, terminating or significantly altering the nature of a capital
investment has substantial (usually negative) cost consequences.
This is one of the reasons that capital investment decisions are usually evaluated at higher levels of the
organizational hierarchy than operating expense decisions.
Capital Investment Cost Categories
In almost every case, the costs which occur over the life of a capital investment can be classified into one
of the following categories:
• Initial Cost,
• Annual Expenses and Revenues,
• Periodic Replacement and Maintenance, or
• Salvage Value.
As a simplifying assumption, the cash flows which occur during a year are generally summed and regarded
as a single end-of-year cash flow. While this approach does introduce some inaccuracy in the evaluation,
it is generally not regarded as significant relative to the level of estimation associated with projecting
future cash flows. Initial costs include all costs associated with preparing the investment for service. This
includes purchase cost as well as installation and preparation costs. Initial costs are usually nonrecurring
during the life of an investment. Annual expenses and revenues are the recurring costs and benefits
generated throughout the life of the investment. Periodic replacement and maintenance costs are similar
to annual expenses and revenues except that they do not (or are not expected to) occur annually. The
salvage (or residual) value of an investment is the revenue (or expense) attributed to disposing of the
investment at the end of its useful life.
Theory questions:
1. List the difference types of thermal energy storage systems. Explain any two of them. 2.
Elaborate the different phases involved in detailed energy audit methodology
3. What are the general characteristics of capital investment?
4. Explain in detail various phases of energy audit methodology
5. List the various thermal energy storage methods. Explain sensible heat and latent heat storage methods.
6. Define energy audit. Explain the need for energy audit.
7. Write a short note on energy demand estimation
8. Elaborate the benefits of thermal energy storage.