Energy Management Solutions for Louisiana Industry - Predictive Tools and Concepts for Optimization and Emission Reduction

An industrial plant consists of an input of energy, raw materials and labor and an output of products, waste energy and waste materials. If raw material and labor costs are relatively fixed, a reduction in the plant’s energy costs and waste materials are the two best means of improving profitability. This project specifically evaluates cogeneration opportunities as a means of substantially reducing energy costs and waste materials in Louisiana’s energy intensive chemical plants, oil refineries and paper industries. As detailed, any cogeneration opportunity must consider existing utility costs, projected fuel costs and the impact of merchant power plants. This project will help bring stability and growth to Louisiana’s existing manufacturing base. In addition, the tools developed can be used by any new industry in Louisiana to help determine its optimal energy infrastructure. This IT project will rely on existing expertise in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, ISDS, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and the Center for Energy Studies, as well as key hires from outside the University.