Wishing you, your teams, and your
families a great Labor Day Weekend!
In celebration, our offices will be closed
on Monday, September 2nd.
All of us at PowerCalc
Electrical Design goes Green
"The idea is novel, in that it adds an energy savings dimension past standard Codes for envelope, HVAC efficiencies, and LEED requirements. No Code I am aware of addresses optimization of electric delivery and distribution systems that can be quantified by a similar method. If successful, the electric design industry can add a powerful tool to electric energy optimization even before a building is completed."
What happened?
In our last two articles, we discussed our application to the US Department of Energy for a grant to incorporate PowerCalc's energy savings module into the Whole Building Energy Savings platform. This is a global initiative moving the earth forward to save energy in buildings addressing smart buildings and cities as well as net zero energy and carbon buildings. Our application was approved, but did not make the priority for funding based on the project's specific objectives (sensors, etc.) The above quote is from the DOE reviewer's assessment.
Prior articles: At Least 7% Energy Savings; Data Centers
How can PowerCalc save at least 7% in energy use?
Unlike other electrical design software, PowerCalc designs from the bottom-up, i.e. from the circuit to the service entrance / power grid inside a facility. For the first time, the ability to calculate and specify the exacting detail of conductor sizes is easily possible. No need to just use the same conductor size throughout the design. This added design feature can save at least 7% in energy use and very likely a lot more.
In this article, let's look at the numbers to assess PowerCalc's unique focus: on the conductor / wires that transmit electricity..the single largest link between the generation and end-use consumption of electricity. It is effective in designing any power distribution system in a facility with electricity generated from any power source (solar, wind, coal, etc.).
ERASE(tm)
PowerCalc's Energy Savings Module (ERASE) reduces energy lost during the transmission of electricity because electrons bump into other electrons and atoms. In other words, there is "friction". This "friction" is reduced when a larger conductor is used allowing more room for movement resulting in the reduction of heat generation / energy loss. ERASE(tm)
PowerCalc automatically calculates and re-calculates for changes and conductor sizes circuit-by-circuit to minimize energy loss and maximize energy savings. It also calculates the Return-on-Investment (ROI) to determine the economic costs and benefits of increasing these sizes. Significant savings are achieved by minimizing energy wasted through heat loss and maximizing energy saved.
The Calculations
Assume the following: L = 100 ft., voltage 208Y / 120, 8 hours of operation at $0.20 per kWh. Note: You can adjust both hours of operation and cost of kWh to suit any project.
Per the NEC, the design of a typical 20 amp circuit with 1.9 kVA load requires #12 AWG Branch Circuit Conductors installed in 1/2" conduits. Applying the engineering equation below, 4.22% of the energy delivered to the load will be dissipated per 100 ft. of branch circuit conductor.
If the #12 AWG is modified to #10 AWG and installed in the same 1/2" conduit, then only 2.53% of the energy delivered to the load will be dissipated through the same 100 ft. of branch circuit conductor. This is a reduction in energy loss of approximately 40%. The Simple Return on Investment is 1.92 years per the calculation below.
Energy Losses = I2 x R
Where R is the conductor resistivity and I is the electrical current in amps.-
Design of Circuit without using ERASE
Energy Losses = 0.100 kW
Modified Energy Losses with ERASE
Energy Losses = 0.06 kW
Comparison = 0.04 kW saved with ERASE
Annual Energy Loss Cost "as designed" without ERASE = $41.62 per circuit
Annual Energy Loss Cost "modified" with ERASE = $24.97 per circuit
Annual savings "modified" with ERASE = $16.65 per circuit
The cost increase for #10 wire = $32.00 per circuit
Simple Return on Investment (ROI) = $32.00 / $16.65 in 1.92 years
Just these simple steps and PowerCalc automatically generates a power distribution system that saves energy and reduces the building's carbon footprint.
Is this commercially viable?
Return-on-Investment is at most 2 years for new construction and retrofits.
In new construction projects, resistivity is applied as part of the engineering process using PowerCalc's integrated system to design the power distribution system in a building.
In new construction projects, resisitivity is applied as part of the engineering process using PowerCalc's integrated system to design the power distribution system inside the facility.
And in retrofits, the process is easier than you think. Just re-calculate the feeders and branch circuits, and then pull new conductors / wires in existing conduits. There are no expensive energy audits and no significant design time. Design time for any project is likely reduced by at least 40% using PowerCalc.
Note: It is unlikely that new conduits are necessary as the NEC requires that conductor / wire fill not exceed 40% of the conduits' cross sectional area...and that is a lot of space. NEC Chapter 9 Table 1 "Percent of Cross Section of Conduit and Tubing for Conductors". But to make certain there is no issue, PowerCalc calculates the conduit size needed and directs it to be increased as necessary.
Listed on US DOE's Building Energy Software Tools Directory
PowerCalc is listed on the US Department of Energy's Building Energy Software Tools Directory.
What's next?
PowerCalc is applying for more grants. As part of this process, we are looking for partners to work with on relevant projects. If you'd like to work with us, it would be great to speak with you. See my contact information below.
Join us for lunch on Friday, September 6th, for a free demonstration of PowerCalc: software that automatically designs the power distribution system inside a facility and simultaneously generates the 1 Line Diagram.
Electrical Design goes Green
"The idea is novel, in that it adds an energy savings dimension past standard Codes for envelope, HVAC efficiiencies, and LEED requirements. No Code I am aware of addresses optimization of electric delivery and distribution systems that can be quantified by a similar method. If successful, the electric design industry can add a powerful tool to electric energy optimization even before a building is completed."
Last article: Save at least 7% in energy use
In our last article, we discussed our application to the US Department of Energy for a grant to incorporate PowerCalc's energy savings module into the Whole Building Energy Savings platform. This is a global initiative moving the earth forward to save energy in buildings. Our application was approved, but did not make the priority for funding based on the project's specific objectives (sensors, etc.) The above quote is from the DOE reviewer's assessment. https://www.powercalc.co/article-1-of-3-commit-to-green-at-least-7-energy-saved-1
In this article, let's discuss the impact PowerCalc's energy savings module could have on the design and operation of data centers.
How does this apply to a data center?
Without a doubt, reducing energy use at data centers costs is a driving force in the "green" movement. While acres of servers exist, this equipment is just a pile of junk metal without the electricity necessary for operation. In today's world, the need for energy savings at data centers is one of the most compelling in the universe of facilities.
To give you an idea: US data centers used more than 90 billion kilowatt hours of electricity back in 2017. Globally, this number was more than 416 terrawatts. That's about 3% of the total global consumption of electricity.
With the world's increasing use and dependence on computers, continuously expanding with the explosion of streaming video, internet connected devices, and artificial intelligence, the demand for electricity is expected to double every four years. This rapid expansion will not only require massive increases in the number of data centers, but also require more and more power plants to meet this ever increasing demand for electricity.
And the expense for powering the data center is likewise out of control. As of 2017 and according to Wikipedia, "the cost of power for the data center is expected to exceed the cost of the original capital investment." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_center#Electrical-power
What's been done to date?
Efforts to reduce energy consumption at data centers have been heroic - from improving server power draw to reducing energy use in storage, network, and infrastructure.
These efficiency efforts include monitoring and improving average server utilization, server power scaling at low utilization, average power draw of hard disk drives, average power draw of network ports, and average infrastructure efficiency.
This initiative has not only been successfully implemented, but accomplished while minimizing any negative impact on advances in performance: speed, electrical efficiency, storage capacity, and port speeds. https://eta.lbl.gov/publications/united-states-data-center-energy
What else needs to be done?
Despite this progress, has the need for energy efficiency at data centers been solved?
Clearly, the efforts cited have optimized energy efficiency by addressing "low hanging fruit". In fact, the power usage effectiveness (PUE) of data center, i.e., the ratio of total power required to run a facility versus the power involved, has continued to be reduced.
But the growing crisis at data centers continues: an insatiable need for energy. Without a some major improvement in efficiency, how can the need for more and more processing powered by more and more electricity ever be met?
The solutions appear to be either (1) a disruptive change in technology or (2) construction of many more power plants typically using fossil fuels.
PowerCalc's Solution
As discussed in our July 12th newsletter, PowerCalc's energy savings module provides the disruptive technology to save 7%+ of energy use by optimizing the design of the power distribution system inside the facility. In this case, inside the data center.
PowerCalc's approach is unique: it focuses on the conductor / wires that transmit electricity...the single largest link between the generation and end-use consumption of electricity.
As further discussed, PowerCalc's patented bottom-up approach to the design of the power distribution system in a building allows for the most detailed calculations to be performed: the size of the conductor.
For the first time, the ability to calculate and specify the exacting detail of conductor sizes is easily possible. No need to just use the same conductor size throughout a facility's design. This added design feature can save at least 7% in energy use and very likely a lot more. Energy Savings Module
PowerCalc's automation of the design of the power distribution system finally allows for the specification of such exacting details. PowerCalc's energy savings module is a first in saving energy prior to a facility even being built or renovated by focusing on how electricity is transmitted / distributed.
What's next?
PowerCalc is applying for more grants. As part of this process, we are looking for partners to work with on relevant projects. If you'd like to work with us, it would be great to speak with you. See my contact information below.
Wishing you, your teams, and your
families a great 4th of July celebration!
In celebration, our offices will be closed
on Thursday, July 4th.
All of us at PowerCalc
Electrical Design goes Green
"The idea is novel, in that it adds an energy savings dimension past standard Codes for envelope, HVAC efficiiencies, and LEED requirements. No Code I am aware of addresses optimization of electric delivery and distribution systems that can be quantified by a similar method. If successful, the electric design industry can add a powerful tool to electric energy optimization even before a building is completed."
What happened?
This past spring, PowerCalc applied to the US Department of Energy for a grant to incorporate its energy savings module into the Whole Building Energy Savings platform. This is a global initiative moving the earth forward to save energy in buildings. Our application was approved, but did not make the priority cutoff for funding.The above quote is from the DOE reviewer's assessment.
How can PowerCalc save at least 7% in energy use?
Unlike other electrical design software, PowerCalc designs from the bottom-up, i.e. from the circuit to the service entrance / power grid inside a facility. For the first time, the ability to calculate and specify the exacting detail of conductor sizes is easily possible. No need to just use the same conductor size throughout the design. This added design feature can save at least 7% in energy use and very likely a lot more. Energy Savings Module
What's the science?
Energy is lost during the transmission of electricity because electrons bump into other electrons and atoms. In other words, there is "friction". This "friction" is reduced when a larger conductor is used allowing more room for movement resulting in the reduction of heat generation / energy loss. This law of physics is called resistivity.
Why is this important?
In the power grid, cables are large to insure that all buildings in an area have power even during peak use times. As the conductors are oversized to accommodate all electricity transmitted, it probably does not run "hot" as its maximum capacity is not used. But inside the building, there is a single conductor / wire for each load or circuit (a light, a copy machine, etc.). When a light is on, its associated conductor is distributing the maximum amount of current, using its maximum capacity, and running "hot" due to "friction". Increasing the size of the conductors will reduce this friction, heat generated, and energy loss.
Compelling?
Whether in the power grid or a building's power distribution system, the conductors / wires which transmit our electricity are the single largest link between the generation and end-use consumption of electricity. And for business owners, the implementation costs in the building's power distribution system are low in terms of engineering and labor / material costs, but the potential savings in reduced energy use are substantial.
What's next?
PowerCalc is applying for more grants. As part of this process, we are looking for partners to work with on relevant projects. If you'd like to participate, it would be great to speak with you. See our contact information below.
PowerCalc(tm) easily saves over 40% in design time.
In this 3rd newsletter of our series, the need for faster design response for increasingly complex buildings and equipment continues. In the 1st article, the multiple ways that PowerCalc(tm) meets this need for speed was discussed: automated calculations instead of manual, one integrated and bundled calculation, automatic / simultaneous 1 Line Diagram, and more. Need for Speed
Next, PowerCalc's patented approach to automation was reviewed: calculations, NEC compliance and integration.No Problems / Only Solutions
In this article, PowerCalc's equipment schedules and cloning function show how design time is reduced even further.
1. Equipment Schedules
Each piece of equipment has its own schedule. The table above outlines PowerCalc's process for a 20 HP motor at 480 volts/3 phase.
With just 3 inputs, all electrical characteristics/requirements for each piece of equipment is calculated taking a few minutes at most. In contrast, the typical way of doing these calculations takes about 45 minutes. Again, just this improved process alone illustrates that PowerCalc saves at least 40% in total design time.
And even more time is saved due to the equipment schedules tracking all the characteristics and electrical requirements for each piece of equipment, even the most sophisticated in a single location due to the software's interoperability, i.e. integration.
PowerCalc's interoperability is more than simple data transfer. Instead PowerCalc provides for the exchange of information enabling the instantaneous and simultaneous performance of load and fault current calculations, voltage drop and even updates for the 1 Line Diagram. The inputs for the equipment instantaneously populate the entire design - upstream and downstream.
Can't get much better than this process in terms of the quality, usefulness and speed of your design and process.
2. Cloning
Design one floor and you've designed them all. This function really speeds up the design of high rise buildings, multiples of the same building such as greenhouses, etc. Works for any facility with multiples.
So, if you are tired of a tedious repetitive process of duplicating floors,etc., realize that such a process is unnecessary. Today, why would any electrical professional not demand that one floor's design be cloned for all 50 floors?
All of PowerCalc's functions move the electrical professional to faster design with more accurate results, fewer lawsuits, change orders and building department comments. Couple all of these benefits with the acceleration of the PowerCalc process, and at least 40% is saved in design time.
On June 28th, voting for Consulting Specifying Engineer's "Product of the Year 2019" ends. Our competitors in the software category are Lutron, Schneider and Eaton.
But against these giants in corporate size, PowerCalc is the giant in ideas. Ideas that make the work you do every day easier, faster, smarter, and greener.
Why and How? Because we aren't just a group of coders, but electrical professionals who work with coders / facility engineers.
Now, the PowerCalc team has invented the 1st ever simultaneously generated 1 Line Diagram, selected as a finalist in the "Product of the Year 2019". See for yourself at https://gspplatform.cfemedia.com/pe/productProfile/5c5387873d75cb180049e4fa
Our patented technology calculates the values for the Incredible 1 Line Diagram with PowerCalc's 7+ million equations automatically designing the entire power distribution system in a building, all in compliance with the National Electrical Code.
The Incredible 1 Line Diagram is best in class: fully graphic, automatic and simultaneously generated. Use a split / double screen and watch your Incredible 1 Line Diagram generate in sync with your design. So now, for the first time, you have a visual reference throughout the design process.
With PowerCalc, changes are automatic and instantaneous upstream and downstream across your design, and the Incredible 1 Line Diagram keeps up with every input. Your power distribution design is always up to the minute ending fuss over this tedious task at the end of a project.
The Incredible 1 Line Diagram is a simplified notation representing a single or three phase power system required for posting in commercial buildings and for building permits. All electrical elements are indicated with standard symbols: distribution panel, panels, building equipment, circuit breakers, transformers, disconnects, buss bars and conductors. The block diagram indicates the flow of power between the electrical elements showing feeder sizes, trip /amp, fault current analysis, equipment AIC and % Voltage Drop.
In new construction, the Incredible 1 Line Diagram summarizes the entire power distribution system. In renovation, the Incredible 1 Line Diagram is the starting point to determine the project's impact on the existing power distribution system.
We need your vote. PowerCalc is about electricals designing for electricals. Back in 2016, we won the "Product of the Year" contest for being the 1st electrical engineering software in the cloud. And here we are again, with technical advances for you. We promise to continue to develop the applications you need...with lots more pm their way.
So, please take the time to vote for us. You can check out the Incredible 1 Line Diagram for free below. It's easy to vote...here are the steps:
1. Go the showcase: csemag.com/NP4E
2. Create an account at the register button on the menu bar or sign into your existing account
3. Select Product Voting from the menu bar
4. At the Product Award Voting Page, select Consulting Specifying Engineer 2019 Product of the Year
5. Scroll to the last category: System Software, Controls and Management Tools
6. Vote for the Incredible 1 Line Diagram - PowerCalc
Thank you for your support!
Last newsletter, we discussed the need for speed in response to increasingly complex buildings and equipment. In this 2nd article of this series , we focus on PowerCalc's unique patented approach to automation - calculations, NEC compliance and integration.
1. The Power of the PowerCalc Algorithm.
PowerCalc is based on a new approach. PowerCalc aggregates values from the bottom-up (from the circuit to the power grid) ensuring that all electrical load calculations are accurate.Then, the calculations are integrated as a single, bundled calculation tied to a proprietary database instead of approaching the calculations one-at-a-time or in segments. Patent
2. The Power of the PowerCalc Panel.
As you know, each engineering company has its own panel schedule. Generally, these schedules are completed manually or using "home made" Excel spreadsheets. In contrast, PowerCalc's panel is used as an "engine" for the calculations and not just as a "placeholder".
3. The Power of the PowerCalc Process.
The user calculates the Branch Circuit (with 3 easy inputs: load kVA, # of poles and load type per circuit) and multiple circuits form a Branch Circuit Panel. The Branch Circuit Panel is then connected to a Distribution Panel and finally these multiple panels are connected to the Main Distribution Panel. Equipment, such as HVAC, pumps,etc can be connected to any of the panels.
PowerCalc's approach of moving from downstream to upstream, results in an accurate and well-designed Power Distribution System. PowerCalc's 7 million + equations do all the calculations.
Then, because all the equations are integrated, any change at any time and for any value is instantaneous. That's instantaneous propagation across the entire power distribution system,including the addition or deletion of loads, voltage, phase and any engineering value. And same holds true for PowerCalc's automatic and simultaneously generated 1 Line Diagram...the first on the planet.
4. The Power of PowerCalc for NEC compliance.
PowerCalc tabulates loads by type and automatically applies the NEC's demand factors The user can manually override demand factors to meet their specific project needs. Over 300 NEC outputs per circuit. See outputs.
5. The Power of the PowerCalc Wizard.
Become proficient with PowerCalc in minutes with its Wizard. The Wizard is your guide to entering your project's requirements into PowerCalc. You are minutes away from completing your next project with the PowerCalc Wizard.
The best way to see how PowerCalc can speed up your design process is to see it in action. View our video "How to PowerCalc" and sign up for a free trial.
At recent demonstrations of PowerCalc(tm), electricals have discussed concerns, projects, and the changing needs of their clients.
What's going on? (i) the world has speeded up, (ii) the client expects fast response with increasingly quick turns on engineering designs, including electrical designs, and (iii) these changes are combined with increasingly complex buildings such as hospitals (pictured), data centers, and manufacturing facilities all with sophisticated equipment. Theonly way to meet these challenges is through automation of the design process.
In this 1st of 3 articles, we are going to start the discussion: how PowerCalc meets and exceeds the challenges of today's technical world. Through five (5) unique functions,PowerCalc not only automates the electrical design process, but materially slashes design time.
1. Automated calculations instead of manual ones. Put your calculator and those Excel spreadsheets away. As patented, with just 3 inputs per circuit (load kVA, load type and number of poles), PowerCalc produces over 300 NEC compliant outputs. No need to keep doing lots of different calculations. No need to use the NEC lookup tables. Once these values are input, then at the same time and using these same inputs, all calculations across the design are performed in a single calculation. This is a one time only process...automation is now set up for the life of the design project in your office and afterwards...it is forever bundled (see #3).
2. Equipment Schedules track all the characteristics and electrical requirements for all equipment, even the most sophisticated. All in one place with inputs again populating the entire design.
3. One integrated system and bundled calculation. This is the real secret: everything in PowerCalc is connected so the result is one integrated system with instantaneous updates for changes. Any input or change in one place and the entire design changes automatically.
4. As part of the bundled calculation and like magic, the 1 Line Diagram is automatically and simultaneously generated. Gone are the continuous changes to this required graphic and laborious task at the end of the project's design. Plus, the user has a visual reference throughout each step of the design process.
5. Finally, there is cloning of multiple floors or buildings. Design one floor and you've designed them all. This really speeds up the design of high rise buildings, multiples of the same building such as greenhouses, etc...any facility with multiples.
Couple all of these factors with impeccable accuracy that results in fewer lawsuits, change orders, and building department comments, to save at least 40% in design time. That puts the PowerCalc user way ahead of their competition and earns your business more revenue and client satisfaction. Today's client is not waiting around, but instead, like today's technical world, expects immediate results.
In the next 2 articles we will discuss the specifics of these points. But, it is important to recognize (i) how the electrical design world has changed and (ii) what today's client expects and needs.
Hello Colleague:
You are invited to our Free Demo of PowerCalc - the 1st automatic electrical engineering design software in the cloud with simultaneously generated 1 Line Diagram!
When: Friday, May 3, 2019 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this Zoom meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Our software is a fully integrated design application that saves you time and money. This is PowerCalc...an incredibly powerful tool that's unexpectedly easy to use.
