Photography And Half-Thoughts By Mitchell Hegman

...because some of it is pretty and some of it is not.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Total Resource Cost Testing


For some odd reason, I really enjoy the field of energy efficiency.  This is likely due to a genetic defect that, in other people, would likely manifest as some form of learning disabilities.
Energy efficiency can be complicated business.
As one small example, we can look at Total Resource Cost Testing (TRC Testing).  Posed as a simple question, TRC Testing would read something like this: “Is changing your light bulb a good investment?”
Sounds simple, right?
Well, power providers have found a way to make this excessively complicated when they look at energy-saving measures.  Part of the formula for TRC Testing involves something called Net Present Value.  Net Present Value takes into account an asset’s worth at time zero.  This value must be weighed against the present cost of producing a kilowatt-hour, the future projected cost of such (including inflationary figures), the energy savings, etc.
Mind you, the above paragraph is only a small portion of Total Resource Cost Testing.  If TRC Testing was illustrated as listening to music it might go something like this:
You must begin by playing your favorite classical piece on your preferred sound system.  At 3 second intervals during the length of the entire song blast an air horn and dance a bit of a jig.  At random points during the listening session, you must modulate the volume back and forth between minimum and maximum.  On occasion, smack the speakers.  Midway through the song, find an open place and run around in a clockwise circle.  Stop.  Run the same circle in reverse.  Near the very end of the piece, find two small children and have them scream at you.
Not the same as just sitting there and listening to the music, but you have measured the resource.    
In conclusion, yes, please replace your light bulb with something more energy-efficient. 
--Mitchell Hegman

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