TRAK Smart Energy System (SES)
TRAK Smart Energy Systems (SES) optimally integrate Onsite Electricity Generation, Heat Recovery and Thermal Storage to deliver and sustain ideal environments and improve production processes. Our SES use relevant energy techniques that include GeoExchange, Centralized Heat Pumps, Internal and Exhaust Heat Recovery, Fan Coil / Radiant Distribution and Storage, Onsite Combined Heat & Power (CHP) Distributed Generation and Energy Management Controls. To the extent to which they are appropriate for each unique design, these various methods of internal energy-recycling, energy-efficiency and thermal storage can cost-effectively combine with co-generation to deliver better sustainable and resilient conditions.
SES integrates
Onsite Electricity Generation, Heat Recovery, and Thermal Storage
SES includes
GeoExchange + Hydronic Heat Pumps + CHP Co-generation + Thermal Capacitance + Energy Management
This graphic illustrates a sample installation of a TRAK Smart Energy System (SES) with some major components. Click on the numbers to see pop-up details.
GeoExchange uses the earth as a heat source in winter or as a heat sink in summer to borrow energy and put it back. Geoexchange is also used in the overall system as a load-levelling thermal capacitor. A system of vertical polyethylene pipes set deep into the ground holds circulating, environmentally-safe, water/glycol fluid pumped through the loops which absorb or release thermal energy depending on the season. It takes advantage of consistent underground temperatures to boost efficiency and reduce operating costs of heating and cooling systems. This median temperature is also used to directly heat or cool portions of the ventilation and water loads in a building or process at very minimal costs.
Hydronic Heat Pumps exchange thermal energy and heats and cools with the same work input, utilizing heat recovery and thermal storage methods. Coupled with hydronic distribution systems, instant, personalized heating and cooling are provided anytime (not just seasonal) based on the individual needs of different building spaces or processes.
Thermal Battery is a thermal mass (heat sink) that stores heat by absorbing it from a source, then releasing it slowly. In addition to GeoExchange, TRAK Smart Energy Systems utilize water storage, concrete mass in underground parking garages and foundation slabs, and the ground as “thermal batteries”.
Combined Heat & Power (CHP) Co-generation is the use of an engine (prime mover) to generate electricity and useful heat at the same time on site. CHP is a more efficient use of fuel (natural gas, propane, bio-fuel, hydrogen) because otherwise wasted heat from electricity generation is put to some productive use. Combined heat and power (CHP) plants recover otherwise wasted “high-grade” thermal energy for heating from the engine cooling jacket and exhaust.
Energy Management System (EMS) Controls are a sophisticated TRAK software and hardware platform that monitors current and anticipated energy usage, weather patterns, utility costs and seasonal trends. It integrates with other facility systems. Sensors constantly check temperatures, humidity, air and fluid flows, open and close valves, dampers, start and stop motors, circulating pumps and more. The EMS determines the way the Smart Energy System will use its various components to create and conserve energy in the most efficient way possible. It enables onsite and offsite monitoring and controlling 24/7 and anticipates and gives alarms when operational situations are outside of normal settings so corrections and maintenance can be done promptly.
