The U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Technologies Program developed the Steam System Tool Suite for energy coordinators, facility managers and plant electricians to diagnose steam-system performance. The suite consists of three online software tools that cover scoping, assessment and insulation optimization. Each comes with a user manual and a step-by-step guide so users can quickly identify opportunities to save both energy and money.
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The
Steam System Scoping Tool helps users perform initial self-assessments
of their steam systems. You can evaluate your entire steam operation and
identify the areas that pose the best opportunity for improvement. The tool
suggests a range of ways to save energy and boost productivity. It also
compares your system against identified best practices and the self-evaluations
of similar facilities. The software asks 26 questions about different areas of
your steam system, including system profiling, steam system operating
practices, boiler plant operating practices, and distribution and recovery
operation practices. Based on the user's responses, the software issues a score,
which indicates opportunities for improvement.
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The
Steam System Assessment Tool helps users develop approximate models
of real steam systems. It contains all the key components of typical steam
systems – boilers, back-pressure turbines, condensing turbines, deaerators,
letdowns, flash vessels and feedwater heat exchangers. Using these models, users
can calculate the magnitude – energy, cost and emissions savings – of potential
steam improvements. The tool also provides energy bill estimates with each
improvement scenario.
- The 3E Plus Tool allows users to calculate how much insulation is needed to cost-effectively conserve energy and improve safety by specifying maximum surface temperature.
- General
site data, including power costs, annual operating hours and water costs.
- Steam
generation system data for boiler fuels, efficiency and blowdown rates.
- Steam
distribution system data for steam turbines, piping insulation, and steam traps
and leaks.
- Steam
end-use and condensate systems data for the amount of steam used by processes,
and the amount of condensate return.
- Maintenance information.
The DOE's Industrial Technologies Program offers a one-day workshop covering the operation of typical steam systems and methods of system improvement. The course introduces all three tools in the software suite. In addition,
ITP offers a 2.5-day Steam System Specialist Qualification training program for steam system providers interested in becoming proficient in using the steam tools and references. Also, ITP offers a two-hour Webcast on the use of the tool suite. And, for easy use, training is available in two self-paced, e-learning modules. The first is an alternative to the one-day workshop, while the second provides an overview and teaches how to use the three steam system tools.
For more information and to sign up for training sessions, visit www.eere.energy.gov and type "steam system training" in the search box.
