Dr.
Som Karamchetty
Sole
Member, SomeTechnologies LLC
MathTech Inc.,
As project manager, senior consultant, and senior systems engineer,
I managed and conducted technical and economic studies in advanced energy
systems for DOE, GRI, EPRI, and other customers. Working with my team of
analysts and programmers, I developed Fuel Use Tables for cogeneration
exemption, which were published by DOE in the Federal Register.
DOE Energy Research Fuel Use Tables Development:
While working for Mathtech, Incorporated
in the late 1970’s, on a Department of Energy
(DOE) Economic Regulatory Administration (ERA) contract, the customer asked us
to develop a set of tables that show the fuel use by electric utilities. The
tables were for use by developers of cogeneration power plants in their
applications for exemption to use natural gas, which was then a restricted-use
fuel. The solution of such a task required the application of knowledge of
science and technology in addition to the economic and regulatory policies.
Here is a brief background on cogeneration. Normally, the exhaust
heat from thermal power plants goes up the stack as waste heat. Instead, when
that waste heat is converted to useful purposes, such as heating buildings or
industrial processes, this dual power (thermal and electric) production is
called cogeneration. In another arrangement, steam producers can pass the steam
first through a steam turbine and then use the exhaust steam for heating
purposes in an industrial plant or in space heating. Cogeneration is more
efficient than separate generation of heat and electric power. Electric power
utilities use a mix of fuel inputs, namely, nuclear, hydro, coal, oil, and gas
to generate electric power. When a producer, such as a cogenerator,
applies to the regulators for approval to produce power at a higher efficiency,
the initial uninformed reaction is to grant a waiver and to let the applicant
use a premium fuel such as natural gas. However, the reality is that different
combinations of fuels are used at different utilities, at different days of the
week, and at different times during a day. Typically, oil and gas power plants
are dispatched during peak periods while nuclear, hydro, and coal are used as
fuel during base load. The actual type of fuel and the amount of it displaced
(saved by operating a cogeneration plant in stead of a conventional power
plant) can therefore be determined by developing and running a utility dispatch
model.
I led the effort at Mathtech in
formulating the models, and in running those models. We developed tables of
fuel usage for various regions in the
During the performance of the project, I collaborated with senior
DOE officials to reconcile economic and national security positions. As
scientists and engineers, we could be tempted to aim for high efficiency alone.
But the national interest dictated that due consideration be given to freedom
from foreign suppliers of oil and natural gas. In the late 1970’s, the nation was almost held hostage to pressures from oil
cartels. This is an example of my ability to combine science and engineering
principles with economic and regulatory issues in providing analysis results of
national importance.
Fuel Cell Cogeneration for Residential Use:
In a
Energy Component Modeling for use in Mathematical Models of
Cogeneration Systems:
Mathematical modelers (Linear Programming and Integer Programming)
needed engineering models for power generation system performance
characteristics. They would apply component models into larger Cogeneration
systems models and determine optimum designs for systems. I developed
mathematical models for engines, gas turbines, and heat exchangers.
Consulting:
In addition to these specific projects, I served as a senior
consultant on several other projects.