Technology Streamlines Energy Use

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Warren Wade
  • 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The Air Force is the largest consumer of energy in the federal government. In order to optimize mission capability and practice responsible stewardship of resources, its members continuously seek ways to reduce consumption wherever possible, said Francis Sheridan, 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron resource efficiency manager.

Sheridan's job is to oversee projects to reduce Elmendorf's energy use, many of which capitalize on energy-saving technologies.

The Advanced Metering Reading System is one such project that will be fully integrated by Sept. 30, 2011.

"The AMR System will allow us to compare the energy performance of like facilities, and a building's improved performance against its baseline after upgrades are installed, such as energy-efficient lighting or improvements to the heating system. Perhaps most importantly, we'll be able to identify any "energy hogs" and take appropriate action," said Sheridan.

Measuring energy use alone isn't enough. In an effort to conserve, Sheridan is currently helping to revamp two compressed air systems. An oversized compressor will be replaced with a smaller unit at aerospace ground equipment, while an old unit will replaced with a new, more energy-efficient compressor at the Snow Barn. The combined savings are estimated at $28,000 per year.

Projects like revamped compressors have already been put into place on Elmendorf.

In October 2008, solar walls were installed on the west and east ends of the south-facing wall of the main 3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron building. These walls serve to heat outside air before entering the facility, this reduces heating costs. They've already saved the base $15,000 in energy bills.

Future projects are planned for the installation, and additional emerging technologies are being studied for future implementation to ensure Elmendorf AFB continues conservation acts.

"Reducing energy consumption is an Air Force priority, and it makes absolute sense in order to save scarce resources. That's while improving performance in meeting mission requirements. It's exciting to be studying and implementing cutting edge technologies to accomplish this goal," said Lt. Col. Dean Hartman, 3rd CES commander.