Project Green District Energy Feasibility Study - Partners in Project ...
Project Green District Energy Feasibility Study - Partners in Project ...
Project Green District Energy Feasibility Study - Partners in Project ...
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
TRCA Pearson Eco-Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Zone <strong>District</strong> <strong>Energy</strong> <strong>Feasibility</strong> <strong>Study</strong> 10 April 2012<br />
Distribution System Failure<br />
A long term risk is excessive corrosion result<strong>in</strong>g from contam<strong>in</strong>ation or improper water treatment<br />
which results <strong>in</strong> a reduction <strong>in</strong> the distribution system life. Water loss due to failure of the<br />
distribution system results <strong>in</strong> reliability problems as well as an economic cost associated with<br />
refill<strong>in</strong>g the loop with treated water. Risks can be reduced through:<br />
Chemical clean<strong>in</strong>g and flush<strong>in</strong>g of build<strong>in</strong>g energy loops prior to start-up<br />
Us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>direct connection where the primary distribution loop is separated from the customers<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternal systems with a heat exchanger<br />
A well-designed water treatment program us<strong>in</strong>g a reputable firm<br />
Low Production System Efficiency<br />
Lower than anticipated plant efficiency may result from problems <strong>in</strong>herent <strong>in</strong> the equipment or<br />
poor operational procedures. Poor performance by auxiliary systems can limit the capacity<br />
available for sale or the reliability of the production facility. Equipment risks can be m<strong>in</strong>imized<br />
through sound procurement contracts and performance guarantees. Operat<strong>in</strong>g procedures<br />
should be developed based on solid DE operational expertise and should be implemented <strong>in</strong><br />
conjunction with a strong staff tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g program. Low efficiencies and result<strong>in</strong>g high costs can<br />
also occur <strong>in</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>g customer demand dur<strong>in</strong>g spr<strong>in</strong>g and fall, when loads are generally low but<br />
can be quite variable. Thermal storage helps overcome these problems. However, particularly<br />
<strong>in</strong> the early phases of system development, thermal storage may not be implemented. An<br />
alternative is to <strong>in</strong>clude a small production unit <strong>in</strong> the plant mix.<br />
Liability Due to Distribution Failure<br />
There is a potential risk associated with liability result<strong>in</strong>g from impacts on underground utilities<br />
or build<strong>in</strong>g property due to failure of the district loop or build<strong>in</strong>g systems (<strong>in</strong> direct-connected<br />
build<strong>in</strong>gs). This risk can be m<strong>in</strong>imized through good distribution system design and construction<br />
and strong coord<strong>in</strong>ation with build<strong>in</strong>g representatives dur<strong>in</strong>g design and start-up to ensure the<br />
<strong>in</strong>tegrity of all systems.<br />
Risks Measures to Control Risks<br />
Improper operation Operator Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
Equipment failures Warranties and Extended<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong>tenance Agreement<br />
Insurance protection<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> source shut-downs, Provide standby/ back up facilities<br />
planned or unplanned<br />
Force majeure by customer Customer Assessment<br />
Volatility of fuel prices Procurement of fuel under a fixed<br />
price contract for several forward<br />
years<br />
Effective fuel price pass through <strong>in</strong><br />
customer contract<br />
Table 15 Summary of Operations Technical Risks<br />
56