HomeMy WebLinkAboutMekoryuk Surplus Wind Energy Use Study - Aug 2011 - REF Grant 7050870
August 26, 2011
Alaska Energy Authority
813 West Northern Lights Boulevard
Anchorage, AK 99503-2495
Attn: Renewable Energy Fund Grant Program Round V: Mekoryuk Surplus Wind Energy
Recovery for Water System Heat
Dear Review Panel:
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc (AVEC), along with its project partner Alaska Native
Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) respectfully submits the enclosed application for grant
funds available through the Renewable Energy Fund Grant Program. The project would involve
design and construction of a secondary load system to capture excess energy from the existing
wind turbines to power space heating at the water treatment plant in Mekoryuk.
AVEC is seeking $264,459 from AEA under this proposal. ANTHC would provide $13,919 as
an in-kind match, which would be provided by labor on the project. The total project cost for
design and construction is $278,378. It is expected that the project would decrease the water
utility system costs by about $11,600 annually.
Sincerely,
Meera Kohler
President and CEO
cc: Brent Petrie, AVEC; Carl Remley, ANTHC
Enclosures
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Mekoryuk Water Systems Surplus
Wind Energy Recovery
Renewable Energy Fund-Round V
Grant Application
Submitted by:
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc
4831 Eagle Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Submitted to:
Alaska Energy Authority
813 West Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, AK 99503
August 26, 2011
Renewable Energy Fund Round 5
Grant Application
Mekoryuk Water System Surplus Wind Energy Recovery
AEA 12-001 Grant Application Page 1 of 13 8/26/2011
SECTION 1 – APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Type of Entity:Not for Profit Corporation Fiscal Year End December 31
Tax ID #92-0035763 Tax Status:For-profit or X non-profit ( check one)
Mailing Address
4831 Eagle Street
Anchorage, AK 99503
Physical Address
Telephone
800.478.1818
Fax
800.478.4086
Email
1.1 APPLICANT POINT OF CONTACT / GRANTS MANAGER
Name
Brent Petrie
Title
Manager, Community Development and Key
Accounts
Mailing Address
4831 Eagle Street
Anchorage, AK 99503
Telephone
907.565.5358
Fax
907.561.2388
Email
BPetrie@avec.org
1.2 APPLICANT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Please check as appropriate. If you do not to meet the minimum applicant requirements, your
application will be rejected.
1.2.1 As an Applicant, we are:(put an X in the appropriate box)
X An electric utility holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity under AS
42.05, or
An independent power producer in accordance with 3 AAC 107.695 (a) (1), or
A local government, or
A governmental entity (which includes tribal councils and housing authorities);
Yes 1.2.2. Attached to this application is formal approval and endorsement for its project by
its board of directors, executive management, or other governing authority. If the
applicant is a collaborative grouping, a formal approval from each participant’s
governing authority is necessary. (Indicate Yes or No in the box )
Yes 1.2.3. As an applicant, we have administrative and financial management systems and
follow procurement standards that comply with the standards set forth in the grant
agreement.
Yes 1.2.4. If awarded the grant, we can comply with all terms and conditions of the attached
grant form. (Any exceptions should be clearly noted and submitted with the
application.)
Yes 1.2.5 We intend to own and operate any project that may be constructed with grant
funds for the benefit of the general public.
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Mekoryuk Water System Surplus Wind Energy Recovery
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application Round 5
AEA 12-001 Grant Application Page 2 of 13 8/26/2011
SECTION 2 – PROJECT SUMMARY
This is intended to be no more than a 1-2 page overview of your project.
2.1 Project Title – (Provide a 4 to 5 word title for your project)
Surplus Wind Energy Recovery For Mekoryuk Water System Heat
2.2 Project Location –
Include the physical location of your project and name(s) of the community or communities that will
benefit from your project.
Mekoryuk (pop. 191) is at the mouth of Shoal Bay on the north shore of Nunivak Island in the
Bering Sea. The island lies 30 miles off the coast, approximately 149 air miles west of Bethel
and 553 miles west of Anchorage.
2.3 PROJECT TYPE
Put X in boxes as appropriate
2.3.1 Renewable Resource Type
X Wind Biomass or Biofuels
Hydro, including run of river Transmission of Renewable Energy
Geothermal, including Heat Pumps Small Natural Gas
X Heat Recovery from existing sources Hydrokinetic
Solar Storage of Renewable
Other (Describe)
2.3.2 Proposed Grant Funded Phase(s) for this Request (Check all that apply)
Reconnaissance X Design and Permitting
Feasibility X Construction and Commissioning
Conceptual Design
2.4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Provide a brief one paragraph description of your proposed project.
A detailed feasibility study has been completed. This analysis has clearly shown that the project
is both feasible and cost effective. These next two phases of the project (design and
construction) will build on the work that has been done to date. AVEC has already
implemented electric boilers within its facilities in several villages. These efforts have clearly
demonstrated the ability to integrate the electric boilers into the existing systems. The
challenge of this project will be to demonstrate that the electric boiler technology and controls
can be successfully used to provide heat to the various use points at the water treatment plant
on an interruptible basis. The availability of the water tank for thermal storage greatly reduces
any risks.
Currently, AVEC’s two wind turbines (Northern Power Systems 100A models) in Mekoryuk
generate in excess of community requirements when there is moderate to heavy wind and
when the community load is light. Much of this excess is not captured, since there is no
economic way to store the energy. AVEC, together with Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Mekoryuk Water System Surplus Wind Energy Recovery
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application Round 5
AEA 12-001 Grant Application Page 3 of 13 8/26/2011
(ANTHC) with input from the City of Mekoryuk, are planning to design and construct a
secondary load installation to capture the excess energy to power space heating at the water
treatment plant, drinking water storage tank heating, and washeteria hot water heating and
clothes drying. Design of the proposed equipment would be based on AVEC’s other secondary
load projects adapted to installation into the water treatment plant.
2.5 PROJECT BENEFIT
Briefly discuss the financial and public benefits that will result from this project, (such as reduced fuel
costs, lower energy costs, etc.)
Water systems and wastewater systems are the single largest energy consumer in arctic and
subarctic villages, often using up to 30% of all the energy, i.e., electricity and fuel oil, used in a
village. A significant portion of this in Mekoryuk is for heating water in both the water storage
tank and operating the washers and dryers in the washeteria. The dryers are hydronically
heated. Use of excess wind energy which will be converted to heat in the water plant by
displacing essentially all of the fuel oil used for freeze protection and a significant percentage of
that used in the washeteria. Using the excess wind energy to displace the use of fuel oil in the
water plant will result in a reduction in fuel usage of approximately 8,000 gallons at a cost of
approximately $39,680. The approximate annual utility-billed cost of the excess wind energy
used to replace the fuel oil will be $11,603. This will result in a net savings to the community of
approximately $28,077 per year.
The benefits to the community of this project are a reduction in the amount of fuel required by
the community, a much more efficient use of the renewable wind energy generated in the
community, and a direct benefit to each community member due to the lower cost to both
produce water and operate the washeteria.
2.6 PROJECT BUDGET OVERVIEW
Briefly discuss the amount of funds needed, the anticipated sources of funds, and the nature and source
of other contributions to the project.
This project involves two phases, design and construction. The estimated cost of design is
$55,200. The design cost includes an in-kind cost match of $2,760 provided by ANTHC. The
nature of the design cost match would be a contribution of project labor time by ANTHC.
The estimated cost of the construction phase of this project is $223,178. The construction cost
includes an in-king match of $11,159 provided by ANTHC through project labor time.
2.7 COST AND BENEFIT SUMARY
Include a summary of grant request and your project’s total costs and benefits below.
Grant Costs
(Summary of funds requested)
2.7.1 Grant Funds Requested in this application.$ 264,459
2.7.2 Other Funds to be provided (Project match)$ 13,919
2.7.3 Total Grant Costs (sum of 2.7.1 and 2.7.2)$ 278,378
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Mekoryuk Water System Surplus Wind Energy Recovery
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application Round 5
AEA 12-001 Grant Application Page 4 of 13 8/26/2011
Project Costs & Benefits
(Summary of total project costs including work to date and future cost estimates to get to a fully
operational project)
2.7.4 Total Project Cost (Summary from Cost Worksheet
including estimates through construction)
$ 278,378
2.7.5 Estimated Direct Financial Benefit (Savings)$ 28,077 ($ 39,680 Gross)
2.7.6 Other Public Benefit (If you can calculate the benefit in
terms of dollars please provide that number here and
explain how you calculated that number in your application
(Section 5.)
$
SECTION 3 – PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN
Describe who will be responsible for managing the project and provide a plan for successfully
completing the project within the scope, schedule and budget proposed in the application.
3.1 Project Manager
Tell us who will be managing the project for the Grantee and include contact information, a
resume and references for the manager(s). If the applicant does not have a project manager
indicate how you intend to solicit project management support. If the applicant expects project
management assistance from AEA or another government entity, state that in this section.
Two organizations would be participating in the implementation of this grant. They are the
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
(ANTHC). Both members of this team have extensive experience designing, building, and
operating both electrical generation facilities (including wind) and water treatment plants in
rural Alaska.
This project would have co-project managers. They would be Brent Petrie of AVEC and Carl
Remley of ANTHC.
Mr. Petrie has worked for AVEC since 1998 where he manages the development of alternatives
to diesel generation for AVEC such as hydro, wind, and heat recovery. He also manages
relationships with AVEC’s many construction projects as an energy partner of the federally
funded Denali Commission. Mr. Petrie has been employed in the energy and resource field for
more than 30 years, having worked for the federal and state governments as consultant,
planner, and project manager. He is an elected member of the Board of Directors of the Utility
Wind Interest Group representing rural electric cooperatives and serves on the Power Supply
Task Force of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Mr. Petrie has a Masters
Degree in Water Resource Management and a Bachelors degree in Geography.
Mr. Remley is Energy Projects Manager for ANTHC and has been an ANTHC employee since
2002. In that role, Mr. Remley is responsible for both energy conservation and renewable
energy projects. At present, this includes performing energy audits in public buildings in forty
rural Alaska villages, installing energy conservation displays in all homes in twelve villages,
evaluating heat recovery opportunities in ten villages, implementing heat recovery in several
villages, and acting as the energy coordinator for the Indian Health Service in the state of
Alaska.
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Mekoryuk Water System Surplus Wind Energy Recovery
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application Round 5
AEA 12-001 Grant Application Page 5 of 13 8/26/2011
Prior to that, Mr. Remley owned and operated an energy conservation consulting company for
twenty two years and was a design engineer in the aerospace industry for ten years. Mr.
Remley has a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters Degree in Business
Administration. He is also both a Certified Energy Auditor and a Certified Energy Manager.
Resumes are included in Tab A.
3.2 Project Schedule
Include a schedule for the proposed work that will be funded by this grant. (You may include a
chart or table attachment with a summary of dates below.)
The design effort for this project would start as soon as funding was available in early
September of 2012. Based on the work involved, it is anticipated that the design phase would
continue through April of 2013. The construction phase would start in late April of 2013 and be
completed by the end of September of 2013. A detailed schedule is attached in Tab G.
3.3 Project Milestones
Define key tasks and decision points in your project and a schedule for achieving them. The
Milestones must also be included on your budget worksheet to demonstrate how you propose to
manage the project cash flow. (See Section 2 of the RFA or the Budget Form.)
During the design phase, the key task will be to assure that the results of the HOMER analysis
are properly utilized to assure adequate thermal storage capacity is available to maximize the
use of the low cost excess wind energy. The other challenge will be to assure the power plant
controls and the water plant controls are set up to maximize the use of the excess wind energy.
During the construction phase, the challenge will be to implement the modifications necessary
while minimizing the interruptions to operation of the water treatment plant. Since
implementation of the plumbing changes will be similar to the modifications to implement
more conventional heat recovery, no significant issues are anticipated.
A combination of the attached schedule (in Tab G) and the budget work sheets (in Tab C) will be
used to both assure we are on budget and on schedule and as a warning if we fall either behind
schedule or are over budget.
3.4 Project Resources
Describe the personnel, contractors, equipment, and services you will use to accomplish the
project. Include any partnerships or commitments with other entities you have or anticipate will
be needed to complete your project. Describe any existing contracts and the selection process
you may use for major equipment purchases or contracts. Include brief resumes and references
for known, key personnel, contractors, and suppliers as an attachment to your application.
The co-project managers of the project, Brent Petrie of AVEC and Carl Remley of ANTHC, will be
supported during the design phase by Will Fraser, Mechanical Engineering Manager for ANTHC,
Dave Reed, Electrical Engineering Manager for ANTHC, and Mark Teitzel Vice
President/Engineering Manager of AVEC. During the construction phase, the project managers
will be supported by Mark Bryan, Operations Manager for AVEC, Bill Thomson, Technology and
Training Superintendent for AVEC, and an appropriate Construction Manager from ANTHC. To
the extent possible, local labor from Mekoryuk will be used during construction. Resumes of all
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Mekoryuk Water System Surplus Wind Energy Recovery
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application Round 5
AEA 12-001 Grant Application Page 6 of 13 8/26/2011
key personnel are attached in Tab A.
3.5 Project Communications
Discuss how you plan to monitor the project and keep the Authority informed of the status.
Written project progress reports will be provided to the AEA project manager each quarter.
Semi-annual face-to-face meetings would occur between AVEC, ANTHC, and AEA to discuss the
status of all wind energy recovery projects funded through the AEA Renewable Energy Grants
program. Individual project meetings would be held, as required or requested by AEA.
3.6 Project Risk
Discuss potential problems and how you would address them.
In general, there are no technology risks involved with the plan to utilize excess renewable wind
energy to provide both space and process heat to the water treatment plant and washeteria.
AVEC has used the technology successfully directing excess wind-energy to providing heat
within the power plants. Utilizing the technology within the water treatment plant has not
been done in Alaska before. However, implementation of this technology will be similar to
implementing heat recovery from the power plant to the water plant and that has been done
many times before and it being done in several plants.
The challenge of this project will be to demonstrate that the electric boiler technology and
controls can be successfully used to provide heat to the various use points at the water
treatment plant on an interruptible basis. The availability of the water tank for thermal storage
greatly reduces any risks
SECTION 4 – PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND TASKS
Tell us what the project is and how you will meet the requirements outlined in Section 2 of
the RFA.
The level of information will vary according to phase(s) of the project you propose to
undertake with grant funds.
If you are applying for grant funding for more than one phase of a project provide a
plan and grant budget form for completion of each phase.
If some work has already been completed on your project and you are requesting funding for
an advanced phase, submit information sufficient to demonstrate that the preceding phases
are satisfied and funding for an advanced phase is warranted.
4.1 Proposed Energy Resource
Describe the potential extent/amount of the energy resource that is available.
Discuss the pros and cons of your proposed energy resource vs. other alternatives that may be
available for the market to be served by your project.
A feasibility study has been conducted on this project and is attached for review. The renewable
energy resource that is available for this project is excess wind. The two Mekoryuk wind
turbines (Northern Power Systems 100A models) generate in excess of community requirements
when there is moderate to heavy wind and when the community load is light. Currently, much
of this excess is not used, since there is currently no economic way to store the energy.
The HOMER analysis completed as part of the Feasibility Study predicts that the equivalent of
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Mekoryuk Water System Surplus Wind Energy Recovery
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application Round 5
AEA 12-001 Grant Application Page 7 of 13 8/26/2011
13,345 gallons of #1 fuel oil are available from the excess wind each year. The analysis also
shows that more excess wind is available during the colder months than the warmer months.
The water treatment plant load also peaks during the colder months.
4.2 Existing Energy System
4.2.1 Basic configuration of Existing Energy System
Briefly discuss the basic configuration of the existing energy system. Include information about
the number, size, age, efficiency, and type of generation.
On the power generation side, the AVEC power plant uses a combination of diesel and wind to
generate all electricity used in Mekoryuk. The excess wind is produced by two existing Northern
Power Systems 100A model wind turbines. As mentioned above per the HOMER analysis, the
excess wind generated by these two turbines is the equivalent of 13, 345 gallons of oil.
The water treatment plant currently uses two oil fired hot water boilers to provide space heat,
water storage tank heat, hot water for clothes washing and showers, and hydronic heat for the
dryers in the water treatment plant and washeteria. The overall efficiency of the boilers is
approximately 75%. A total of 8,000 gallons of fuel is used at the water treatment
plant/washeteria annually.
4.2.2 Existing Energy Resources Used
Briefly discuss your understanding of the existing energy resources. Include a brief discussion of
any impact the project may have on existing energy infrastructure and resources.
The community of Mekoruk uses renewable wind and diesel fuel for electrical power
generation, heating oil for boiler (thermal) and home heating, and diesel and gasoline fuel for
transportation needs. Heat for the water treatment plant/washeteria is generated by fuel oil
which is barged into the community. The cost per gallon for the water treatment plant fuel is
approximately $4.96. This project would reduce the amount of fuel barged to the community
for the water treatment plant by approximately 8,000 gallons per year. This project would
significantly increase the amount of renewable wind generated electricity utilized by the
community.
4.2.3 Existing Energy Market
Discuss existing energy use and its market. Discuss impacts your project may have on energy
customers.
Two sources of energy are presently used in the community, fuel oil and renewable wind. This
project would reduce the amount of fuel oil used in the community by approximately 8,000
gallons and increase the amount of renewable wind energy utilized without adding additional
wind generation capacity. There would be no negative impact on the community energy prices
due to this project.
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Mekoryuk Water System Surplus Wind Energy Recovery
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application Round 5
AEA 12-001 Grant Application Page 8 of 13 8/26/2011
4.3 Proposed System
Include information necessary to describe the system you are intending to develop and address
potential system design, land ownership, permits, and environmental issues.
4.3.1 System Design
Provide the following information for the proposed renewable energy system:
A description of renewable energy technology specific to project location
Optimum installed capacity
Anticipated capacity factor
Anticipated annual generation
Anticipated barriers
Basic integration concept
Delivery methods
The renewable energy technology utilized for this project is electricity produced by two existing
Northern Power Systems 100A units. The specific application of that technology for this project
is to utilize most of the excess wind generated by the existing equipment to offset heating loads
in the water treatment plant during moderate to high wind and low electrical demand periods.
It is anticipated that a combination of the excess wind available and the storage capacity for the
heat available in the water tank and a 120 kW electric heating system in the water treatment
plant will allow for the elimination of all 8,000 gallons of present fuel oil use.
Based on the HOMER analysis, the equivalent of 13,345 gallons of fuel oil are available in excess
wind. It is anticipated that 8,000 gallons of that will be utilized in the water treatment plant.
4.3.2 Land Ownership
Identify potential land ownership issues, including whether site owners have agreed to the
project or how you intend to approach land ownership and access issues.
There are no land ownership issues. No new land is necessary for this project and both the
current land owners, AVEC and the City of Mekoryuk support the project.
4.3.3 Permits
Provide the following information as it may relate to permitting and how you intend to address
outstanding permit issues.
List of applicable permits
Anticipated permitting timeline
Identify and discussion of potential barriers
The project will involve work to the existing power plant and water treatment plant/washeteria.
A State Fire Marshall Permits may be required. If so, the permit process will be started during
the design phase and completed prior to construction.
4.3.4 Environmental
Address whether the following environmental and land use issues apply, and if so how they will
be addressed:
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Mekoryuk Water System Surplus Wind Energy Recovery
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application Round 5
AEA 12-001 Grant Application Page 9 of 13 8/26/2011
Threatened or Endangered species
Habitat issues
Wetlands and other protected areas
Archaeological and historical resources
Land development constraints
Telecommunications interference
Aviation considerations
Visual, aesthetics impacts
Identify and discuss other potential barriers
The project will involve work to the existing power plant and water treatment plant/washeteria.
Because of the limited scope of this project, it is unlikely that any environmental or land use
issues will arise.
4.4 Proposed New System Costs and Projected Revenues
(Total Estimated Costs and Projected Revenues)
The level of cost information provided will vary according to the phase of funding requested and
any previous work the applicant may have done on the project. Applicants must reference the
source of their cost data. For example: Applicants Records or Analysis, Industry Standards,
Consultant or Manufacturer’s estimates.
4.4.1 Project Development Cost
Provide detailed project cost information based on your current knowledge and understanding of
the project. Cost information should include the following:
Total anticipated project cost, and cost for this phase
Requested grant funding
Applicant matching funds – loans, capital contributions, in-kind
Identification of other funding sources
Projected capital cost of proposed renewable energy system
Projected development cost of proposed renewable energy system
The feasibility phase of this project, funded by AVEC, is complete and the report is attached.
This application is for the Design and Permitting, and Construction phases. The total anticipated
project cost for the design and construction phases of the project is $278,378, including $55,200
for design and $223,178 for construction.
ANTHC is contributing a match of $13,919 in the form of in-kind labor hours for management
services. Therefore, the requested grant funding is $264,459. There will be no loans on this
project and no other funding sources are anticipated. The projected capital cost is the entire
project cost of the project less the match or $264,459.
4.4.2 Project Operating and Maintenance Costs
Include anticipated O&M costs for new facilities constructed and how these would be funded by
the applicant.
(Note: Operational costs are not eligible for grant funds however grantees are required to meet
ongoing reporting requirements for the purpose of reporting impacts of projects on the
communities they serve.)
The operation of the excess wind interruptible power system for the water treatment plant will
be automated at both the AVEC power plant and the Mekoryuk water treatment plant.
Therefore operational costs will be very low. ANTHC and AVEC will work together to assure that
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Mekoryuk Water System Surplus Wind Energy Recovery
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application Round 5
AEA 12-001 Grant Application Page 10 of 13 8/26/2011
all Alaska Energy Authority reporting requirements are met.
The costs of operations and maintenance at the power plant would be funded through ongoing
energy sales to the villages that AVEC serves.
4.4.3 Power Purchase/Sale
The power purchase/sale information should include the following:
Identification of potential power buyer(s)/customer(s)
Potential power purchase/sales price - at a minimum indicate a price range
Proposed rate of return from grant-funded project
The buyer of the excess wind energy will be the City of Mekoryuk (Mekoryuk Water Treatment
Plant). The price as offered by AVEC is $0.05 per kilowatt-hour based on an interruptible rate.
4.4.4 Project Cost Worksheet
Complete the cost worksheet form which provides summary information that will be considered
in evaluating the project.
Please see cost/benefit sheet under Tab C.
SECTION 5– PROJECT BENEFIT
Explain the economic and public benefits of your project. Include direct cost savings,
and how the people of Alaska will benefit from the project.
The benefits information should include the following:
Potential annual fuel displacement (gal and $) over the lifetime of the evaluated
renewable energy project
Anticipated annual revenue (based on i.e. a Proposed Power Purchase Agreement price,
RCA tariff, or cost based rate)
Potential additional annual incentives (i.e. tax credits)
Potential additional annual revenue streams (i.e. green tag sales or other renewable
energy subsidies or programs that might be available)
Discuss the non-economic public benefits to Alaskans over the lifetime of the project
The potential annual fuel displacement by this project is 8,000 gallons of #1 fuel. At today’s cost
of $4.96 per gallon, that would represent a reduction of $39,680 in fuel oil usage. Assuming a
twenty year life, the life time savings in today’s fuel cost would be $793,600.
Assuming an overall efficiency of the oil fired heating system of 75%, the fuel usage would
convert to an annual kilowatt-hour consumption of 232,054 kilowatt-hours. AVEC has agreed to
sell the excess wind energy at an interruptible rate of $0.05 per kilowatt-hour. This would result
in additional annual revenue to AVEC of $11,603. The lifetime revenue in today’s dollars would
be $232,060.
No additional revenue streams are known at this time.
The annual savings of $28,077 ($39,680 - $11,603) will result directly in that amount of lower
operating costs at the water plant/washeteria. These savings should be passed on to both the
commercial users and residential customers of the water treatment plant/washeteria in
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Mekoryuk Water System Surplus Wind Energy Recovery
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application Round 5
AEA 12-001 Grant Application Page 11 of 13 8/26/2011
Mekoryuk for the life of the project.
In addition to the direct financial benefit to the community, Mekoryuk will need 8,000 gallons
less of #1 fuel oil each year and will much more efficiently utilize its wind renewable energy
source.
SECTION 6– SUSTAINABILITY
Discuss your plan for operating the completed project so that it will be sustainable.
Include at a minimum:
Proposed business structure(s) and concepts that may be considered.
How you propose to finance the maintenance and operations for the life of the project
Identification of operational issues that could arise.
A description of operational costs including on-going support for any back-up or existing
systems that may be require to continue operation
Commitment to reporting the savings and benefits
An Interruptible Electricity Sales Agreement will be generated and signed that defines all
necessary parameters. The sales price of a flat $0.05 per kilowatt-hour has been agreed to by
AVEC. This will be a new rate structure that gives AVEC the ability to shut off the service when
excess wind is not available. The thermal storage at the water treatment plant will minimize the
fluctuations in the availability of interruptible power. It should be noted that this interruptible
power will be in addition to the existing electric service to the building and will be separately
metered.
The maintenance and operations of the equipment installed as part of this project will be
maintained by a combination of AVEC and the City of Mekoryuk. AVEC will maintain the
equipment and controls in its facility as well as the power lines that feed the water treatment
plant. Funds for any required maintenance will come from the new revenue stream. The City of
Mekoryuk will see decreased boiler maintenance and operating costs as a result of this project.
The funds presently utilized to maintain the fuel oil fired boilers can be diverted to fund any
maintenance needs of the new electric equipment.
AVEC has implemented electric boilers in several of its power plants around rural Alaska with no
significant issues. This project will locate the same or a similar boiler in the Mekoryuk water
treatment plant. No operational issues are anticipated.
Any additional operational costs for AVEC will be minimal since the wind turbines are operational
now. The only additional equipment in the AVEC power plant will be some minimal controls.
AVEC is fully capable of providing any on-going support for these controls. Operational costs in
the water treatment plant will be minimal as well. This new equipment has a life of
approximately twenty years. Any maintenance needs can be funded out of the reduced
maintenance needs of the oil fired boilers. The oil fired boilers will be maintained as a back-up
heat source. However, maintenance costs on those should be minimal due to greatly reduced
usage. AVEC’s costs of operations and maintenance would be funded through ongoing energy
sales to the villages that AVEC serves. The City of Mekoryuk’s operations and maintenance
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Mekoryuk Water System Surplus Wind Energy Recovery
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application Round 5
AEA 12-001 Grant Application Page 12 of 13 8/26/2011
would be funding through local utility fees.
ANTHC, teamed with AVEC is committing to reporting the savings and benefits to the Alaska
Energy Authority for the term required by the grant.
SECTION 7 – READINESS & COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER GRANTS
Discuss what you have done to prepare for this award and how quickly you intend to proceed
with work once your grant is approved.
Tell us what you may have already accomplished on the project to date and identify other grants
that may have been previously awarded for this project and the degree you have been able to
meet the requirements of previous grants.
The wind renewable energy source is operational in Mekoryuk. At present, no benefit is being
derived from the excess wind energy that can be utilized to provide space and process heating
at the water treatment plant.
ANTHC and AVEC have worked together on this concept and evaluated existing systems around
the state where AVEC has implemented electric boilers to better control the wind energy
generated. All of these efforts have been successful. Both members of this team are confident
that the thermal storage available in the water treatment plant/washeteria provide a perfect
use for the excess wind generation during times of moderate to high winds and low electric
usage. This project will reduce the fuel oil that needs to be imported to the village, provide a
revenue stream to AVEC for the excess energy, reduce the operating costs of the water
treatment plant/washeteria, and therefore reduce the cost of water to both commercial and
residential customers.
The intent of both partners in this project is to move forward with both design and construction
as soon as funding is available.
Accomplishments to date include completing a feasibility study that includes a HOMER analysis
which clearly shows the viability of this project. We have also worked to identify other locations
around the state where this approach can be used to maximize the efficiency of wind generation
capacity, reduce the use of fuel oil, and reduce the operating costs of both the power plant and
the water treatment plant/washeteria.
All commitments made in other AEA grants have been met.
SECTION 8– LOCAL SUPORT
Discuss what local support or possible opposition there may be regarding your project. Include
letters of support from the community that would benefit from this project.
A letter of support for this project from the City of Mekoryuk is attached to this application. The
City of Mekoryuk owns and operates the water treatment plant/washeteria. There is no known
opposition to this project.
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Mekoryuk Water System Surplus Wind Energy Recovery
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application Round 5
AEA 12-001 Grant Application Page 13 of 13 8/26/2011
SECTION 9 – GRANT BUDGET
Tell us how much you want in grant funds Include any investments to date and funding sources,
how much is being requested in grant funds, and additional investments you will make as an
applicant.
Include an estimate of budget costs by milestones using the form – GrantBudget5.doc
This application is applying for two phases for this project, Design and Permitting and
Construction.
The total design cost for this project will be approximately $55,200. $2,760 of that amount will
be provided by ANTHC. The nature of the design cost match would be a contribution of project
management services. The requested design funds for this project are $52,440 ($55,200 -
$2,760).
The total construction cost for this project will be approximately $223,178. $11,159 of that
amount will be provided by ANTHC. The nature of the construction cost match would be a
contribution of project management services. The requested construction funds for this project
are $212,019 ($223,178 - $11,159).
The total funds being requested for this project are $264,459.
The investments made to date in this project include the costs associated with the attached
feasibility study and research into the proposed concept.
Tab A
Resumes
ALASKA VILLAGE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
KEY MANAGEMENT BIOGRAPHIES
Meera Kohler
President and CEO
Meera Kohler has more than 30 years of experience in the Alaska electric
utility industry. She was appointed Manager of Administration and Finance at
Cordova Electric Cooperative in 1983, General Manager of Naknek Electric
Association in 1990, and General Manager of Municipal Light & Power in
Anchorage, in 1997.
Since May 2000, Ms. Kohler has been the President and CEO of Alaska
Village Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. AVEC employs
approximately 80 employees and serves more than 7,500 consumers located in
54 communities throughout Alaska, encompassing 40 percent of Alaska’s village
population.
Meera Kohler’s credentials consist of a Bachelor’s degree in Economics
and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Delhi,
India.
Mark Teitzel
Vice President/Manager, Engineering
Mark Teitzel’s’ employment with Alaska Village Electric Cooperative began
in 1980 as the Manager of Engineering. In 1985 he was promoted to Vice
President of AVEC, in addition to Manager of Engineering. Mr. Teitzel has
experience with planning short and long range electrical distribution systems
serving approximately 7500 meters, and has also performed power requirement
studies, and designed system extensions and improvements.
Mark Teitzel coordinates the development of departmental operating
policies and procedures, and is also responsible for developing future projects
AVEC. He acts as liaison with the Alaska Energy Authority, USDA Rural Utilities
Service and other governmental authorities.
Mr. Teitzel holds a Master’s in Business Administration, a Bachelor of
Science degree, and also graduated with an Arctic Engineering and Arctic Utility
Distribution Systems. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the states of
Alaska and Idaho.
Mark Bryan
Manager of Operations
Mark Bryan supervises the cooperative’s line operations, generation
operations and all field construction programs. He has worked at Alaska Village
Electric Cooperative since 1980, was appointed Manager of Construction in May
1998 and was promoted to Manager of Operations in June 2003.
Mr. Bryan previously held a position as a field plant instructor where he
supervised the installation of diesel generators and hydronic systems. He has
also assisted in the calibration of new generator installations, and designed and
installed special research and development projects for the construction
department.
Mr. Bryan is a Certified Journeyman Electrician. He attended American
Diesel College, and is educated in many different areas including fire safety,
electrical distribution systems, and hazardous waste operations and emergency
responses.
Debbie Bullock
Manager of Finance & Control
Debbie Bullock is the Manager of Administrative Services at Alaska Village
Electric Cooperative. Ms. Bullock has been employed with AVEC since 1993 and is
responsible for all administrative and financial records of the cooperative. She is
responsible for preparing USDA-RUS reports, Regulatory Commission of Alaska
rate filings, financial forecasts, budgets and Power Cost Equalization reports as
well as overseeing the day-to-day office operations.
Ms. Bullock has worked for previous employers as office manager,
bookkeeper, and has held a tax internship where she prepared individual,
partnership and corporate tax returns.
Ms. Bullock has a BBA in Accounting and has attended various specialized
training programs in her area of expertise including National Rural Electric
Cooperative Association’s management internship program.
Brent Petrie
Manager, Community Development and Key Accounts
Brent Petrie has worked for Alaska Village Electric Cooperative since 1998,
where he manages the development of alternatives to diesel generation for AVEC
such as using hydro, wind or heat recovery. He also manages relationships with
AVEC’s largest customers and is the project manager for AVEC’s many
construction projects as an energy partner of the federally funded Denali
Commission.
Mr. Petrie has been employed in the energy and resource field for more
than thirty years, having worked for the federal and state governments as
consultant, planner and project manager. He has been a utility manager or
management consultant since 1993. As General Manager of Iliamna-Newhalen-
Nondalton Electric Cooperative from 1994 to 1998, he reported to a seven-
member, elected board of directors, and served as project manager on its
hydroelectric project development. He is an elected member of the Board of
Directors of the Utility Wind Interest Group representing rural electric
cooperatives and serves on the Power Supply Task force of the National Rural
Electric Cooperative Association.
Mr. Petrie has a Master’s Degree in Water Resource Management, and a
Bachelor’s degree in Geography.
Katie Millen
Member & Employee Relations Manager
Katie Millen is the Member & Employee Relations Manager at Alaska
Village Electric Cooperative. Ms. Millen has been employed with AVEC since 2003
and is responsible for consumer relations, education, collections, and monthly
billing, as well as employee relations, HR compliance, payroll, and benefits
administration.
Ms. Millen began her career with AVEC as a Member Services
Representative, and has also worked as a Human Resource and Payroll
Administrator. Ms. Millen has been responsible for consumer accounts, billing,
collections and reporting, as well as payroll administration, benefits design and
administration, HR compliance, and employee relations.
Ms. Millen has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration specializing
in Human Resource Management. She is also a certified Professional in Human
Resources.
William Thomson
Technology & Training Superintendent
William Thomson has worked for Alaska Village Electric Cooperative since
2001, where he provides the expertise necessary for AVEC to integrate new
technology and systems effectively into its power plants. This includes selecting
equipment, obtaining the necessary technical disclosures from suppliers and
modifying systems as required for AVEC’s unique technical needs, particularly in
the areas of wind-diesel operation and automated power plants. He also
manages AVEC technician training in these technical areas.
Mr. Thomson has been engineering electrical power systems and
equipment for over 35 years. From 1975 to 1981 he worked for Cominco
Limited, ultimately managing the political and technical coordination of West
Kootenay Power and Cominco’s own hydro-electric assets. Since 1980 He has
been the President of Thomson and Howe Energy Systems Ltd. and subsequent
to that the Secretary of Thomson Turbine Governors LLC. Equipment designed
by Mr. Thomson has been installed in over a thousand hydro plants of various
sizes up to 30 MW.
Since moving to Alaska in 1994 Mr. Thomson has concentrated on diesel
power systems. From 1994 to 1997 he was a director of Alaska Power Systems
and from 1997 through 2001 was a co-owner of Catalina Software. He started
working for AVEC in 2001, starting with design work for the new Denali series of
power plants, then managed the systems integration of wind and secondary
loads into these systems starting in 2003. He has periodically provided
professional presentations on hydro-electric controls and more recently wind-
diesel hybridization.
Mr. Thomson has a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of
British Columbia and is a professional engineer registered in both Canada and in
Alaska.
Carl Harrison Remley,BSME, MBA, CEM, CEA
P O Box 772202 Eagle River, Alaska 99577
Phone: 907-729-3543 Email: CRemley @ ANTHC.org
Project Manager/Liaison
Accomplished Professional with over 30 years of hands-on management experience and proven ability
to take a variety of projects from conception through completion, on time and within budget. This includes
concept development, detailed design and analysis, specification development, obtaining quotations,
project management during implementation, and project commissioning. This experience consists of
twenty years running an energy conservation consulting company, five years managing 30 employees in
a corporate setting, five as a Director of Facilities of a tribal non-profit healthcare organization in the arctic
managing 45 employees, and two years to date as the Energy Coordinator/Engineer for a tribal non-profit.
Management Skills Summary
Twenty years as an executive owning and running a small corporation
Twenty years in energy conservation and controls
Established success record taking projects from conception through completion
Five years as a Branch Manager supervising thirty employees in the aerospace industry
Certified Energy Manager and Certified Energy Auditor by Association of Energy Engineers
Proficient at speaking in front of large audiences
Technical knowledge gained from BSME and years of engineering experience
Extensive experience designing and implementing mechanical, electrical, and water systems
Positive history with vendors and clients
Renewable Energy Source Studies and Plans
Facility development, design, expansion, construction and consolidation
Director of Facilities of Major not-for-profit Healthcare Corporation in the Arctic
Extensive Experience in both JCAHO and CARF environment of care accreditation
Experience
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) – Anchorage, Alaska
Energy Projects Manager, 2008 to Present
Meet energy conservations goals and requirements in federally owned hospitals in Alaska. Coordinate
energy audits in all commercial buildings in 16 Alaska villages and heat recovery studies in 10 Alaska
villages.
Maniilaq Association – Kotzebue, Alaska
Director of Facilities, 2003 to 2008
Maniilaq Association is a Tribal Non-Profit Regional Health Corporation that provides healthcare, social
service, and Tribal support to the people of the Northwest Arctic Borough and Point Hope.
As Director of Facilities, is responsible for all facilities-related activities of the Association, including
primary responsibility for the conception, design, and construction of several Health Clinics, an
independent Living Facility, a Housing Improvement Program that included both renovating and/or
building at least 15 homes and a Long Term Care Facility in remote arctic villages, and management of
$15,000,000 in annual budgets.
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) - Anchorage, Alaska
Project Engineer, 2002 to 2003
ANTHC provides healthcare to all Alaska Natives. As a Project Engineer, provide engineering support for
Regional Health Corporations throughout Alaska, meeting the special engineering needs of the Arctic.
Energy Management Consulting and Equipment, Inc. (EMCE) – Attleboro, Massachusetts
Engineering Manager and President, 1981 to 2002
EMCE, Inc, is a consulting firm which provided all the services listed in the skills summary above over a
period of 21 years for over 250 New England companies. Performing these services required interfacing
with everyone from the boiler room to the boardroom. The companies range in size from five people and
a few processes to several thousand people, well over a million square feet, and hundreds of processes.
The industries include rubber, plastics, golf ball, packaging, textile, wire, jewelry, metal working, heat
treating, injection molding, baking, retail, computer, warehouse, newspaper, dairy, meat packing, casting,
machine shop, juice, candy, food stuffs, aerospace, health care, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, sports, and
municipal housing authorities. This work has been performed for a combination of the final client, the
client’s utility, and the Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources.
Selected Accomplishments
As a facility development engineer for a major golf ball manufacturer, ensured that the architect and
general contractor designed and built the customizing center, packaging and warehouse facility, and
world headquarters in the best interest of the company with the lowest long term operating costs.
Issues included building shell, HVAC, electrical, emergency power, and various processes for a
building in excess of 700,000 square feet.
As a facility consolidation engineer for a box manufacturer that was combining two plants into one,
conducted design responsibility and efforts to minimize operating costs. Major systems included a
new electrical system, a new heating system, compressed air system, dust collection system, and the
relocation of all plant equipment.
Utilized complex computer software to completely design a HVAC system for a large pharmaceutical
company. The system included a hot water boiler, a 300-ton water-cooled chiller, a plate and frame
heat exchanger, dehumidification capacity, and 18 HVAC units.
Performed and published a detailed study to determine the cost effectiveness of installing variable
speed drives on the hydraulics of injection molding machines, resulting in a project to install drives on
23 injection molding machines that won an Association of Energy Engineers regional award.
Designed and implemented a large DDC energy management system used to control all heat and air
conditioning and many processes in a complex manufacturing facility that involved a central heating
system and over 200 HVAC units.
Performed all necessary analysis to properly size and implement a generator that provided
emergency power for both life safety lighting and a complex computer and UPS system in a world
headquarters facility.
Northrop Corporation – Norwood, Massachusetts
Branch Manager of Systems Product Design, 1975 to 1981
As Engineering Manager of Systems Product Design, was responsible for all mechanical design, thermal
design and structural design of inertial navigation systems designed and built by Northrop Corporation,
including systems presently in use in space and on the Space Shuttle. Made many presentations to
groups exceeding 100 people.
Honeywell Corporation – St Petersburg, Florida
Design Engineer, 1972 to 1975
Worked on the mechanical, structural, and thermal design of many inertial guidance systems for space
and missile use.
Education
Pennsylvania State University – BSME – 1972
Bryant College – MBA – 1987
William Fraser, P.E.
Lead Mechanical
Engineer
Over 20 years of experience designing heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning systems
Skilled HVAC engineer in remote arctic water and wastewater treatment
plants, public buildings, and medical facilities
Extensive experience with energy conservation technologies including
ice storage systems, heat recovery systems, condensing heating
systems, variable speed systems, economizer cooling, adsorption
chillers, etc.
Projects for industrial process plants, major and minor medical facilities,
institutional buildings, commercial buildings, and arctic infrastructure
projects
Provides engineering, troubleshooting, and construction administration
services on a wide variety of remote arctic water and waste water
treatment facilities, implementing design improvements to support
energy conservation and reliability
David Reed, P.E.
Lead Electrical Engineer
15 years of experience designing electrical systems throughout Alaska
Provided designs for electrical control panels and SCADA systems in
water and wastewater facilities
Responsible for overseeing the installation and setup of electrical power
and control systems for water and wastewater facilities
Provides engineering assistance, troubleshooting, and construction
assistance on a wide variety electrical systems including power, control,
and instrumentation
Manages three electrical engineers
Chong Park, P.E.
Mechanical Engineer
Designs efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and
plumbing systems for rurally located water treatmentplants,
washeterias, and waste heat recovery systems in diverse locations
around Alaska
Serves as a consultant for heat transfer problems in water and sewer
systems in rural Alaska
Experienced in heat exchanger design
Developed a computer program in visual basic analyzing heat transfer
through arctic pipes
Co-developed computerized O&M manuals for arctic water and
wastewater systems to provide efficient and cost-effective system
management methods to rural communities
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
Daniel Reitz, P.E.
ANTHC
Director of Operations
Development
25 years of rural Alaska engineering, design, and construction
development experience
Thorough understanding of the physical and cultural challenges of
development in rural Alaska
10 years of program management experience working in partnership
with various tribal, local, state, and federal agencies
David G. Beveridge, P.E.
ANTHC
Director of Project
Management
25 years of engineering and project management experience,including
20 years working with rural communities
Leads project management staff of 16 responsible for a $400 million
portfolio of sanitation projects in various phases of planning, design,
construction, and closeout in over 100 villages
Collaborates with communities, tribal organizations, and numerous
funding agencies
Registered Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional
Carl Remley
ANTHC
Energy Projects
Manager
Certified Energy Manager and Certified Energy Auditor (AEE)
Leads ANTHC in meeting energy conservation goals and requirements in
federally owned Alaska hospitals
Coordinates and performs energy auditsin diverse rural locations,
including audits of tribal, health care, and water and sanitation facilities
in 37 communities and heat recovery in 10 communities
20 years of experience running an energy conservation consulting
company
Over 30 years of hands-on management experience
Proven ability to take a variety of projects from conception through
completion, on time and within budget
Tab B
Cost Worksheet
Renewable Energy Fund Round 5
Project Cost/Benefit Worksheet
RFA AEA12-001 Application Cost Worksheet Page 1 8/26/2011
Please note that some fields might not be applicable for all technologies or all project phases.
The level of information detail varies according to phase requirements.
Mekoryuk Water System Surplus Wind Energy Recovery
1. Renewable Energy Source
The Applicant should demonstrate that the renewable energy resource is available on a
sustainable basis.
Annual average resource availability.8,000 Gallons Equivalent Diesel Oil of Excess
Wind Energy.
Unit depends on project type (e.g. windspeed, hydropower output, biomasss fuel)
2. Existing Energy Generation and Usage
a) Basic configuration (if system is part of the Railbelt
1 grid, leave this section blank)
i. Number of generators/boilers/other 2 Northwind 100 A
ii. Rated capacity of generators/boilers/other 100 kW each
iii. Generator/boilers/other type Fuel Oil Boilers
iv. Age of generators/boilers/other 10 plus years
v. Efficiency of generators/boilers/other 75%
b) Annual O&M cost (if system is part of the Railbelt grid, leave this section blank)
i. Annual O&M cost for labor $ 100
ii. Annual O&M cost for non-labor $ 200
c) Annual electricity production and fuel usage (fill in as applicable) (if system is part of the
Railbelt grid, leave this section blank)
i. Electricity [kWh]13,345 Gallons of Number 1 fuel oil equivalent of Surplus Wind power.
ii. Fuel usage
Diesel [gal]
Other
iii. Peak Load
iv. Average Load
v. Minimum Load
vi. Efficiency
vii. Future trends
d) Annual heating fuel usage (fill in as applicable)
i. Diesel [gal or MMBtu]8,000 Gallons Number 1 Fuel Oil (Water Plant
ii. Electricity [kWh]
iii. Propane [gal or MMBtu]
iv. Coal [tons or MMBtu]
v. Wood [cords, green tons, dry tons]
vi. Other
1 The Railbelt gridconnects all customers of Chugach Electric Association, Homer Electric Association, Golden Valley Electric
Association, the City of Seward Electric Department, Matanuska Electric Association andAnchorage Municipal Light and Power.
Renewable Energy Fund Round 5
Project Cost/Benefit Worksheet
RFA AEA12-001 Application Cost Worksheet Page 2 8/26/2011
3. Proposed System Design Capacity and Fuel Usage
(Include any projections for continued use of non-renewable fuels)
a) Proposed renewable capacity
(Wind, Hydro, Biomass, other)
[kW or MMBtu/hr]
Surplus wind recovery
b) Proposed annual electricity or heat production (fill in as applicable)
i.Electricity [kWh]
ii. Heat [MMBtu]8000 gallons or 1,560 MMBtu
c) Proposed annual fuel usage (fill in as applicable)
i. Propane [gal or MMBtu]
ii. Coal [tons or MMBtu]
iii. Wood [cords, green tons, dry tons]
iv. Other
4. Project Cost
a) Total capital cost of new system $ 278,378 (Design and Construction)
b) Development cost
c) Annual O&M cost of new system $ 300
d) Annual fuel cost
5. Project Benefits
a) Amount of fuel displaced for
i. Electricity
ii. Heat 8,000 Gallons of Number 1 Fuel Oil Equivalent
iii. Transportation
b) Current price of displaced fuel $4.96 / Gallon
c) Other economic benefits New $11,603 annual revenue source for AVEC plant.
d) Alaska public benefits Reduced Water Utility Costs of $28,077 Annually
6. Power Purchase/Sales Price
a) Price for power purchase/sale $ .05 per KWH for interruptable power
7. Project Analysis
a) Basic Economic Analysis
Project benefit/cost ratio
Payback (years)9.9 Years Net or 7.01 Years gross in fuel savings.
Tab C
Budget Form
Renewable Energy Fund Grant Round V Grant Budget Form 8-26-11Design Phase – Interruptible Power, AVEC / ANTHCApplications should include a separate worksheet for each project phase (Reconnaissance, Feasibility, Design and Permitting, and Construction)-
Renewable Energy Fund Grant Round V Grant Budget Form 8-26-11Construction Phase – Interruptible Power, AVEC /ANTHC
Tab D
Letters of Support
Tab E
Authorized Signers Form
Tab F
Authority
Tab G
Additional Materials
MEKORYUK, ALASKA
ANTHC EXCESS WIND
ENERGY USE STUDY
PREPARED FOR:
ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH CONSORTIUM
PREPARED BY:
William Thomson PE
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
4831 Eagle Street
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 565 5342
August 19, 2011
ANTHC-Mekoryuk Excess Wind Energy Use Analysis August 19, 2011
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Two Mekoryuk wind turbines (Northern Power Systems 100A models) generate in excess
of community requirements when there is moderate to heavy wind and when the community
load is light. Much of this excess is wasted, since there is currently no economic way to store or
use the energy. If electric heating is installed in the Mekoryuk water plant and controlled by the
availability of excess energy, most of the current fuel usage of 8000 gallons per year could be
eliminated. The design of the proposed equipment is based on AVEC’s own secondary load
installations but adapted to installation into the water plant. The estimated cost for the heat
recovery project is $278,378. The simple payback based on a fuel cost of $4.96/gallon is 9.9
years.
INTRODUCTION
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) and Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
(ANTHC) have been discussing ways in which operational coordination can achieve increased
village efficiency. One clear potential is the use of excess wind energy at the water treatment
plant (WTP). The problem with excess wind is its random, unpredictable nature, but the water
storage capacity at the water treatment plant provides a method for smoothing out this
inconsistency – heating water when this is possible, and then using that stored thermal energy
during time of light wind. Unlike traditional heat recovery from engines, excess wind energy is
transmitted via the existing electrical distribution system. The power plant, wind turbines and
water treatment plant can be located at a distance from each other anywhere on the village
electrical system and do not require additional piping to coordinate.
The components of the required system break down into the following areas:
Design, purchase and installation of a 120 kW Water Heater;
Design and installation of system control and communications;
New electrical service to the WTP.
AVEC’s experience since 2003 using electric water heaters for power plant secondary loads can
be directly applied to this application and will require no additional research and minimal
development. A CCI model VWB-10 boiler can be used as a 120 kW water heater, and can be
modified when delivered to Anchorage with the suitable control system. The continuous
maximum output of this heater will be capable of heating a 1000 gallon tank from minimum to
maximum operating temperature in about 1 hour. Piping and pumping will be required for a
minimum of 50 GPM.
AVEC is successfully controlling wind turbines using network radio links and there is a high
degree of confidence that a low powered line-of-sight installation over ½ mile will provide
sufficient coordination between the AVEC powerhouse and the WTP. The AVEC Mekoryuk
power plant already has a network dispatcher installed that is currently controlling the two wind
turbines as well as diverting surplus energy into power plant water and air heaters. The system
dispatcher is designed and owned by AVEC and can be expanded by AVEC to give the ANTHC
WTP load priority access to the surplus. Note that when the WTP cannot use the energy
available, energy will automatically shift from the WTP back to the AVEC power plant.
The 120 kW water heater load will require a new utility service, including a transformer bank and
a new 200 amp 480 volt service entrance. A separate revenue meter will be part of this service
and will be billed at a nominal rate to split the savings between AVEC and ANTHC. The agreed
price for energy sales is $0.05 per kWhr. A important advantage of this approach over heat
recovery is the ease of metering – Standard utility metering will keep track of the savings with a
high degree of accuracy. Monthly and other readings will be collected and billed using the
AVEC automated meter reading (AMR) system. A special system to monitor energy transfers is
not required.
During the summer most of the current fuel consumption is for heating washeteria water.
Mekoryuk does not have significant water storage at boiler temperatures so additional water
storage has been included in the proposal. The additional storage will smooth out the energy
received from wind and make it available as needed at the washeteria. This will ensure that the
maximum fuel savings possible is obtained, even if the wind is blowing at 3 AM on an August
night.
There are no anticipated land use issues with this proposal.
There are no anticipated regulatory issues with this proposal.
There are no anticipated environmental issues with this proposal.
There is no current technology ready for implementation in Alaska Villages that would provide a
mechanism for economically time shifting generated energy from a time of abundant wind to a
time of no wind. While such a technology may be obtainable in the future, this proposal should
still be deemed economic as it will fully pay back the investment before any future technology
could be reasonably implemented.
THE BENEFIT ANALYSIS
The analysis of available surplus wind energy for use at the Mekoryuk WTP was calculated with
Homer software, and a check was done based on actual wind data for the period January
through July 2011. The actual wind data was retrieved from the Northern Power Systems
Smartview monitoring system. As a requirement for system stability, the diesel engines are not
allowed to fall below 50 kW of load and so this requirement was included in the Homer analysis.
Energy in excess of village needs was estimated on an hourly basis and exported from Homer.
Once the hourly data was available from Homer, a spreadsheet was used to determine the
effect of changing the size of the water heater. Based on this sensitivity check, a water heater
size of 120 kW was determined to be a reasonable compromise.
Monthly estimated kW-hrs were converted to gallons of diesel by using 132,000 BTUs / gallon
and 75% boiler efficiency.
Month
Potential Energy
available
(Gallons)
Current Usage
at the Mekoryuk
WTP
Actual
Estimated
Savings
(Gallons)
January 1601 1000 1000
February 1311 1000 1000
March 1402 750 750
April 1357 500 500
May 1196 500 500
June 683 500 500
July 724 500 500
August 697 500 500
September 598 500 500
October 911 500 500
November 1248 750 750
December 1617 1000 1000
TOTAL 13345 10500 8000
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The estimated project cost is $278,378 and the estimated fuel savings are 8,000 gallons. Using
a projected fuel price of $4.96/gallon results in estimated fuel savings of $39,680. The electricity
required to replace 8,000 gallons of fuel utilizing a 75% efficient heating system would be
232,054 kilowatt-hours. The cost of this electricity at $0.05 per kilowatt-hour would be $11,603.
The annual savings would then be $39,680 minus $11,603 or $28,077. This would result in a
simple payback of 9.9 years.
ITEMHRS, AllUNITLaborTravelMaterialsTotal CostDisciplinesCOSTProject Work Plan15 120 $1,800$1,800Project Scoping30 120 $3,600 $4,000$7,600Preliminary Design45 120 $5,400$5,40065% Design120 120 $14,400 $400$14,800Permit Applications8 120 $960$960Negotiated InterruptiblePower Sale Agreement8 120 $960$96095% Design60 120 $7,200$7,200Engineers Cost Estimate24 120 $2,880$2,880Final System Design40 120 $4,800 $1,200 $400$6,400Subtotal$48,000Contingency 15% $7,200Subtotal Design 350 $42,000 $5,200 $800 $55,200