UFC 3-440-01
14 June 2002
CHAPTER 2
REQUIREMENTS
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INTRODUCTION. In view of a history of fluctuating energy costs and uncertain
availability of fossil fuels, the economic feasibility study of any energy-related project
becomes the foundation of the design process. For the case of renewable energy, Title
10 of the U.S. Code (10 USC) requires that an economic feasibility analysis be
performed for all new military construction to determine whether the use of renewable
forms of energy will result in a net monetary savings to the government. The
methodologies and parameters required for federal energy project feasibility studies are
mandated by federal law (10 CFR 436). Furthermore, installation of a renewable
energy system is required if it is deemed economically feasible. This chapter provides
the tools necessary to perform a feasibility study in accordance with these required
procedures.
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ECONOMIC EVALUATION
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Screening Tool. To evaluate the feasibility of designing and installing an
active solar preheat system, the first step will be to use the Solar Payback screening
tool developed by the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL). The tool
is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that contains screening criteria developed by the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The program is a quick,
straightforward tool that requires minimal input (general site location as well as starting
point energy costs and system costs) to calculate numerous payback periods for the
two most common solar hot water technologies (flat-plate and evacuated tube
collectors) when used to displace either electricity or natural gas energy costs. The tool
is available for download from http://www.cecer.army.mil/swp/swp.html.
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Detailed Analysis and Study. If the results of the Solar Payback screening
tool indicate that an active solar hot water system should be considered further, then
the next step will be to perform a detailed life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) to determine
the most effective design alternative to develop. LCCA calculations and reports will be
performed in accordance with a service's economic analysis manual, such as TM 5-
802-1. Computer calculations will be performed using a service's economic analysis
program, such as the Life Cycle Cost In Design (LCCID) computer program.
Information defined in this UFC document will be used in the development of the LCCA
calculations. For additional guidance in the development of the LCCA calculations,
refer to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) publication "Active Solar Heating Systems Design Manual". The manual
was developed by ASHRAE, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the
American Consulting Engineers Council (ACEC), and the Department of Energy (DOE)
contractors and is intended to give solar designers an effective means to use the
collective knowledge of government and industry to better select options for improving
the quality and energy efficiency of solar systems.
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