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ICF provides consulting services in the Distributed Generation (DG) and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) arena to a variety of public and private clients, evaluating technology readiness, identifying product opportunities, analyzing regulatory and legislative change, and assessing the market for distributed generation.
Our distinguished professionals have diverse and rich capabilities grounded in actual technology, project development, and operations related to distributed energy and on-site generation. In 2007, ICF acquired
Energy and Environmental Analysis (EEA), Inc., which enhanced ICF's capabilities in all aspects of DG/CHP technology, policy, and market analysis and brought several nationally recognized experts in the field to the ICF team.
We offer a wide range of innovative professional services to the distributed energy marketplace including:
Technology Characterization, Assessment, and Evaluation
Distributed Generation Benefits Validation and Quantification. ICF prepared a case study of a communications and control system to aggregate customer generation for use by the local electric utility for peak power generation. The Gas Technology Institute (GTI), the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), and Public Service of New Mexico funded the work. The project evaluated a third-party aggregation program based on advanced communications and control technology.
Database and Best Practices Surveys. ICF assisted the Distributed Resources Group at EPRI in the development of a distributed resource technology database and in surveys of customer power systems to develop a best-practices guide for distributed generation.
DG Reliability Characterization. ICF developed an operational reliability and availability database of on-site generation technologies. Improved information on DG system reliability and availability is a critical element in fostering the DG market. Project sponsors included the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), GTI, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and the Industrial Center.
EPA Technical Support. ICF is providing analytical and technical assistance to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Change Division in support of its CHP Partnership Program. ICF is preparing technology characterizations and developing emissions comparisons of CHP technologies.
CHP Technology Characterizations. For DOE, EPA, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), ICF prepared a series of CHP technology characterization reports covering CHP systems based on fuel cells, microturbines, small gas turbines, steam turbines, and reciprocating engines. Each report addresses applications, technology description, performance characteristics, emissions, critical technology advances, and advanced technology projections. CHP system performance parameters for a set of typical commercially available systems in each prime mover category are included, as well as capital cost estimates. The advanced technology discussion summarizes current efforts and likely developments in equipment and component research, development, and demonstration (RD&D), and presents projections of advanced systems cost and performance.
Biomass Power Generation Technology Characterization. ICF completed a parallel detailed technology characterization of biomass power generation technologies and systems for the EPA CHP Partnership. The characterization summarizes biomass resources, availability and costs; details cost and performance of biomass preparation, conversion, and power generation technologies; and provides economic case studies of integrated systems.
Thermally Activated Technology Characterization. ICF developed technology characterizations for Oak Ridge National Laboratory for absorption cooling and desiccant dehumidification technologies in both stand-alone mode and as part of an integrated CHP system.
DG Emission Control Performance and Cost Analysis. For the Energy Foundation, ICF assessed natural gas and dual fuel distributed generation and emission control technologies for cost and performance capabilities over a 10-year horizon. Technologies evaluated included gas turbines, microturbines, reciprocating engines, and fuel cells. California Air Resources Board Guidelines for DG were used as benchmarks for technology.
Market Research, Analysis, and Characterization
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
Dual Fuel Market Assessment. ICF evaluated a dual-fuel retrofit product for existing standby diesel engine gensets for a major engine manufacturer. This study evaluated the economic market potential, user attitudes, and market impediments to converting customer diesel standby generation for economic peak-shaving use. The study detailed the technical requirements for increasing the utilization of converted engines.
Combined Heat and Power Market Assessment. ICF evaluated the potential market for CHP in the industrial and commercial sectors for DOE's Energy Information Agency (EIA). The effort provided background data and updated technology assumptions to improve CHP market projections in EIA's Annual Energy Outlook.
Industrial Cogeneration Potential. ICF conducted detailed industrial sector market assessments for the food processing, chemicals, forest products, and refining industries for the Department of Energy.
Cost Analysis of NOx Control Alternatives for Stationary Gas Turbines. ICF prepared a comparative cost analysis of alternative gas turbine NOx control technologies over a range of sizes for DOE. Control technologies included catalytic combustion, lean premix (DLN), selective catalytic reduction, SCONOx. and water/steam injection.
CHP Assessment and Strategy Development. ICF developed detailed CHP market estimates for California, New York, Texas, and Florida and assisted NYSERDA in the development of a proactive CHP deployment strategy for the state.
Development of a CHP Facilities Database. For Oak Ridge National Laboratory and DOE, ICF developed and maintains a database of existing CHP facilities in the U.S. The database contains information on existing CHP facilities including location, market application (2- and 4-digit SIC classifications), technology type, fuel type, thermal use, and electric capacity. In a parallel effort, we developed a detailed performance reliability database for a subset of representative CHP systems, profiling performance, availability, and outage details over a three-year period.
Combined Heat and Power Market, Products, and Regulatory Issues Assessment. ICF assessed the opportunities for enterprise-wide energy management systems, analyzed specific markets for combined heat and power, and provided a review of the deregulation of wholesale energy markets in the United States for a major Japanese natural gas company. This project was performed in support of assessing pending wholesale electric restructuring in Japan. We provided recommendations for efficient wholesale market designs for the Japanese market based on experience in the U.S. in several key regional power pools and independent system operators.
CHP Market Characterization. For a private CHP developer, ICF developed CHP market characterizations for new and retrofit projects and acquisitions of existing CHP facilities. The characterizations identified the best such markets within the developer’s size range by region and industry grouping within the commercial and industrial sectors. The analysis also included pro-forma calculations of the economics of projects in the various categories.
National Accounts Energy Profiles and Integrated CHP Assessment. For ORNL, ICF prepared a two-part study of opportunities for innovative CHP systems featuring gas absorption cooling and/or desiccant dehumidification among five groups of national customers: big box retail, hospital/nursing home, hotel/motel, restaurant, and supermarkets. The reports for each sector cover
- Industry trends and projection
- Typical energy equipment and load profiles
- Energy equipment decision-making process and players
- Current and anticipated use of DG/CHP
- Identification of potential Integrated Energy Wystems (IES) applications
As part of this study, we conducted interviews with energy customers, manufacturers, energy service companies (ESCO), and utilities to understand which systems and applications present real opportunities for integrated CHP systems, given the decision-making structure, financial criteria, expansion trends, and other characteristics of customers in each sector.
Distributed Generation (DG)
Distributed Generation Forum (DGF). ICF served as the lead analytical contractor for the Distributed Generation Forum. The DGF was an independent group of electric and gas utilities and equipment manufacturers interested in monitoring the development of Distributed Generation in North America.
American Gas Association (AGA) Analytical Support. ICF assisted the AGA in understanding the developing distributed generation market and its potential impact on natural gas utilities. We prepared a series of technology assessments, market evaluations, and policy analyses.
Distributed Power Generation Trend Analysis. ICF provided a distributed generation market review for a major U.S. gas utility company that defined the current activities related to distributed power, the market potential, and potential business strategies for the gas industry.
Market Analysis for Advanced Reciprocating Engine System (ARES). ICF evaluated the market position of the Advanced Reciprocating Engine System. We completed a report that compares the competitive status of the ARES technology with conventional engines, turbines, microturbines, and fuel cells in baseload electric, peaking, and CHP applications. We also prepared a second report—Comparative Market Assessment of ARES Technology—that forecasts the market penetration of the ARES technology in the same applications in the commercial and industrial sectors.
Regulatory Analysis
CHP Assessment and Strategy Development for New York. ICF developed a CHP market estimate for New York and assisted NYSERDA in the development of a proactive CHP deployment strategy for the state.
California Interconnection Guidelines, Municipal Siting, and Permitting. ICF provided technical and policy support to the California Energy Commission's (CEC) Order Instituting Investigation (OII) on interconnection of distributed generation to the electrical grid.
DG Permit Streamlining Strategies. ICF worked on behalf of both the CEC and NYSERDA to evaluate permitting procedures for distributed generation projects in California and New York, and to outline strategies to streamline (cost and time mitigation) associated regulations and processes.
Combined Heat and Power Market Barriers. For the CEC, ICF developed a detailed estimate of the market opportunity for combined heat and power in California and a comprehensive review of the regulatory and institutional barriers.
Project Development Support
Energy Audit for a Refinery. ICF performed an energy audit of major process equipment including steam boilers, direct-fired heaters, motors, and cooling towers. We investigated integration of fluid heating processes with combined heat and power.
Screening of Federal Facilities for CHP Potential. ICF screened regions of the U.S. to identify federal facilities with potential for cost-effective CHP. We conducted the screening at the bequest of DOE's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) through Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
International Project Support. ICF selected by the California Energy Commission's International Energy Technology Export Program to provide engineering and technical assistance in the areas of energy efficiency and cogeneration project development overseas.
Cogeneration Environmental Impact Analysis. ICF prepared an environmental analysis of alternative power generating systems for the Department of Energy. This analysis compared the environmental signature of cogeneration systems with other power generation technologies and emission control options.
Product Commercialization and Market Support
Advanced Turbine Commercialization Support. ICF was retained by a major gas turbine manufacturer to conduct targeted market assessments and competitive analyses, develop an initial product commercialization plan, and provide an analysis of installation costs for alternative advanced industrial turbine system configurations and competing technologies.
Market Analysis of Gas Turbine Product Line. ICF evaluated the potential market in the United States for a major gas turbine manufacturer's product line. We quantified the market opportunity in environmentally constrained areas and estimated the impact of advanced materials plans on market size and customer acceptance.
Market Analysis of Distributed Generation Products. ICF was retained by several North American engine manufacturers to evaluate the distributed generation market for proposed new product lines, analyze market position and advantages compared to competing products and technologies, and assess the critical risks to market acceptance.
North American Market Introduction Strategy. ICF developed a North American market entry strategy for an international microturbine manufacturer, analyzing potential near-term market opportunities, identifying economically viable regions, and recommending market entry paths and potential partners.
Catalytic Combustion Market Study. ICF is working with a major catalytic combustion system developer to identify critical commercialization issues, quantify key public and customer benefits, and provide recommendations for demonstration planning and market entry strategies.
Market Assessment for Advanced Microturbines. In parallel independent studies for two competing microturbine manufacturers, ICF provided an assessment of the economic value proposition for combined heat and power, peak-shaving, power quality and reliability, waste and renewable fueled applications, and oil industry applications.
Industrial Energy Efficiency Project in Mexico. With support funding from the California Energy Commission and the International Utility Energy Partnerships (IUEP), ICF is developing a large energy efficiency and steam reduction program for a major petrochemical group in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Gas Turbine Packager Survey. ICF conducted a survey of domestic and foreign gas turbine packagers regarding products, scope of supply, and pricing information. The work was conducted for an international gas company.
CHP Market Analysis and Strategy Development. ICF is supporting the U.S. EPA CHP Partnership in the development and implementation of CHP market development strategies for specific industries (ethanol, dairy processing, and hospitals) and regions. We have provided technical CHP evaluations of industry applications, evaluated the market opportunities for CHP in specific applications and areas, and contributed to the development of both the overall CHP marketing strategy and detailed industry strategies for ethanol production, hotels and casinos, and waste water treatment facilities.
Sales Training for New CHP Product Introduction. For an international manufacturer, ICF developed a comprehensive sales training module for use with the salesforce of a new CHP product. We conducted initial on-site “train the trainer” course for leaders of international sales team.
Environmental Assessment
Combined Heat and Power Environmental Impact Analysis. ICF prepared an environmental analysis of alternative power generating systems for the Department of Energy. This analysis compared the environmental signature of cogeneration systems with other power generation technologies and emission control options.
Environmental Regulatory Challenges and Emission Control Technology Options for DG Technologies. This report for a DG industry working group organized by EPRI and GRI examines the air permitting requirements for DG and the emission control technologies available to meet them and identifies the key challenges to the industry. It includes background material on the generating technologies, emission control technologies, and the air regulations.
Tracking of DG Regulations. ICF developed and maintains an Internet-based regulatory tracking system for air regulations affecting small distributed generation. It provides information on air permitting requirements for small generators in each state and for some local air agencies. It summarizes the structure of air regulation for each state and provides information on likely emission control and procedural requirements for small generators.
Feasibility Studies and Application Engineering
Economic Screening Analysis. ICF personnel have conducted numerous technical and economic screening analyses of distributed generation for a variety of industrial and commercial applications. As an example, our personnel completed the initial technical and economic screening of CHP feasibility for more than 70 federal facilities as part of an effort for DOE’s Federal Energy Management Program FEMP and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
CHP Feasibility Studies. ICF personnel have conducted numerous detailed feasibility studies of CHP at commercial and industrial facilities including lumber and paper mills, ethanol plants, chemical plants, hospitals, colleges, and data centers. In each case, we made a preliminary analysis of the facility’s electric and thermal loads, including identifying peak and base load demands and evaluating the coincidence of thermal and electric needs. We reviewed utility bills covering the previous 12 to 24 months to understand the current operation and energy costs. We then evaluated prevailing gas and electric rates and projected them over the potential life of the project. CHP technology fit was evaluated on the basis of seasonal and hourly electricity and thermal demand and thermal quality (i.e., hot water, low-pressure steam, high-pressure steam). We reviewed local permitting and emissions requirements and assessed the servicing utility’s attitude toward CHP. We then developed preliminary cost estimates based on system type, size, regional installation costs, and site-specific facilities. ICF developed preliminary economics based on the conceptual design, resulting in an estimate for simple payback or internal rate of return (IRR). In some cases, alternative financing vehicles and the resultant impact on economics were evaluated.
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