OIL AND GAS FIRED HEAT GENERATION SYSTEMS IN ALASKA. VOLUME 1

This study was initiated to assess the state of the art for widely used building heat generation systems and determine the potential for energy conservation through increased heating system efficiency. Research performed by Brookhaven National Laboratories on burners, stack dampers, auxiliary heat exchangers, set-back thermostats and other heeat generation system additions and modifications is summarized herein. The results of a recent study by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities on field testing of a cross section of public and private oil-fired furnaces and boilers are also incorporated into this report. The study indicates that major improvements in fuel use economy are not possible in ADTPF facilities, since their heat generation systems are generally quite modern and well maintained. Some significant improvements are possible, however, in specific locations where oil or gas is not being used as the primary fuel or where antiquated furnaces or boilers have not been replaced with modern, high efficiency equipment. The section on economics gives examples that can be used by project engineers to determine the payback of proposed improvements in heat generation systems. Newer gas burning technologies were found to result in furnaces with significantly improved fuel use efficiencies, but the improvement is generally not high enough to justify replacement of older equipment that is still in good operating condition. Addition of economizers for heat removal from furnace and boiler stack gases must also be evaluated carefully. Significant improvements in heating system efficiency were indicated for the private sector through improved maintenance of boilers and furnaces. Additional education and training for maintenance personnel in both the private and public sectors was one recommendation of the study. Because of its length, the report has been divided into two volumes. This volume, Volume 1, contains the body of the report.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwddes/research/assets/pdf/ak_rd_84_15.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

  2301 Peger Road
  Fairbanks, AK  United States  99701
• Authors:
  • JOHNSON, R
• Publication Date: 1984

Media Info

• Pagination: 68 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Boilers; Economic efficiency; Economics; Energy conservation; Facilities; Furnaces; Heating equipment
• Uncontrolled Terms: Efficiency; Replacing
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Energy; Environment; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00488181
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
• Report/Paper Numbers: AK-RD-84-15
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Sep 30 1989 12:00AM