Date of Award
12-1-2011
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Mechanical Engineering
First Advisor
Mathias, Dr. James
Abstract
This study examines five potential improvement projects that could be implemented at the Continental Tire manufacturing plant located in Mount Vernon, IL. The study looks at insulating of tire molds, installation of variable frequency drives on circulating pumps, pressure reduction turbines, waste heat utilization used for absorption cooling, and cogeneration using a gas turbine cycle. A feasibility study and cost analysis was performed for each project to determine recommendation for implementation. The two most appealing projects are the insulation addition and the installation of variable frequency drives. Adding insulation would produce energy savings in the range of 908 kJ/s (3,097 Btu/hr) to 989 kJ/s (3,374 Btu/hr) and annual savings between $13,390 and $14,591. Installation of variable frequency drives on two 200 hp circulating pumps would produce energy savings between 74.6 kW (100 hp) and (104.6 kW (140.2 hp) with annual monetary savings in the range of $41,646 to $58,384.
Access
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