Where do I value a self-generated fuel and how do I specify its price in FEDS?
Most fuels are valued in FEDS as delivered to the building or end-use. However, the value for district fuels at the building or end-use level are determined somewhat differently. For self-generated fuel types (e.g., central steam, hot water, or chilled water) FEDS calculates the value of the fuel from the inputs in the central plants and thermal loops module. For example, the average value of self-generated steam is calculated based on the energy price of the fuel consumed by the boiler at the central plant along with its conversion efficiency, value of auxiliary energy and chemicals and labor to operate the plant, plus thermal and leakage losses in the thermal loops that distribute the steam to the building. If the central steam plant has multiple distribution loops, the losses may be different and therefore each steam loop can have its own average value for the steam it delivers. For purchased central fuel types (purchased steam, hot water, or chilled water) the value of the fuel delivered to the installation boundary is entered on the "Non-Electric Energy Prices" screen, and then FEDS applies information on the efficiency of each distribution loop to determine the average value of the steam at the building level as delivered by each loop. Marginal values do not consider fixed O&M costs (i.e., those that do not vary with the quantity of central fuel produced/delivered) or distribution losses (which are fixed and do not vary with the amount of energy delivered). Marginal values are used to determine the value of each increment of energy consumed or saved.