Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: Grid Friendly Appliance for Hot Water Heater Control

Slides from a presentation that provides analysis of grid friendly appliances for hot water heaters that employ autonomous controllers to regulate voltage. Reviews possible applications, device components, installation options and product life cycle

Evaluation of Performance Management Systems for Knowledge Workers

Almost every company has a performance management system or conducts performance reviews with employees. However there is little research that demonstrates the performance management system is effective at modifying performance, especially in knowledge workers. The intent of this paper is to provide a reference and set of case studies for management to use to better understand the process of performance management within their organization. The paper provides a summary of the guidelines laid out in current literature, which we found had considerable consistency. Based on three companies analyzed the paper provides recommendations to managers for how they can work within the boundaries of their system to conduct more effective performance reviews

Bridging the Gap in the Energy Workforce: Final Report

The aging workforce is a common theme in most large industries in America due to the ‘baby boomer’ generation retiring. However, this theme most affects the energy industry as we see an increase in demand for renewable energy that requires new knowledge of new technologies, and the need to repair an aging infrastructure while continually meeting today’s energy demands. With that said, there exist a gap of knowledge in the energy industry as the baby boomer generation quickly retires only to leave the younger generation untrained and unprepared for what lies ahead of them. A great deal of research looking at the gap in the energy workforce was conducted on a national level; however, we decided to look at what is happening on the local level. Our focus was not only on the workforce gap that exists in the local energy companies, but the gap that exists between the local university and the energy companies. From our research we have come up with a few key recommendations to address the gaps between the local energy companies and university. Our first recommendation is to develop more technical programs in universities that cater to energy jobs because there is currently a lack of programs in the local universities. Our second recommendation is to develop a local energy-training center that will cater to new people entering the energy industry. This center will also educate people who are currently working in the energy industry that need to advance their knowledge and skills of their current careers. Our last recommendation would be to market jobs more effectively. With an effective marketing plan, students in universities and people who are looking to switch careers can better understand the rewarding and competitive careers offered within the energy industry

Valuing Energy Efficiency Projects using Cost Benefit Analysis

Energy efficiency reduces the amount of electricity and/or fuel required to power or heat homes, offices and industries. It is one of the most important, effective, and inexpensive ways of working to reduce the effects of global warming in our communities. The energy efficiency industry uses total resource costs models to calculate the benefit cost of a project to decide whether to use public funds to incent implementing energy efficiency projects through a monetary rebate given to the end user

Decision Model to Select the Best House

This paper describes a decision model that can be used to help first time home buyers select a home that will provide the best living experience. A hierarchical decision model (HDM) was selected as the basic form for the decision model. Criteria are focused on the quality of the living experience of the purchaser. Sub criteria further refines judgment opportunities for the purchaser. Strategies are identified that can be mapped to attributes of a candidate house to facilitate measurement. The model, process and methodology are described and examples of the use of the model are provided