IAC: University of Utah

IAC Center of the Year: 2020

Student Research Award Winner: 2019, 2020, 2023

The University of Utah Industrial Assessment Center (UU-IAC) provides free energy, productivity, and waste assessments to small and medium-sized industrial facilities through funding provided by the US Department of Energy.

262	Assessments
1,634	Recommendations
6.38	Tbtu Energy Saving*
$45.66	million Cost Savings*
130	Students Trained

*Recommended Savings

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Energy Engineering related programs, degrees, etc:

Chemical Engineering with Energy Engineering Emphasis
Graduate Certificate in Sustainability
Mechanical Engineering Emphasis in Sustainable Energy Engineering

Related Papers & Publications

View All IAC Relate Papers & Publications

2023

7 Papers / Publications

Mohamed T. Bahr, Jake Immonen, Blake W. Billings, and Kody M. Powell, " Intelligent Control of Thermal Energy Storage in the Manufacturing Sector for Plant-Level Grid Response, July 2023, | UU-IAC

Elaheh Safaei Kouchaksaraei, Ali Khosravani Semnani, Kody M. Powell & Kerry E. Kelly, " Regional impacts on air quality and health of changing a manufacturing facility’s grid-boiler to a combined heat and power system, | UU-IAC

Yunzhi Chen, Blake W Billings, Kody M Powell, " Industrial processes and the smart grid: overcoming the variability of renewables by using built-in process storage and intelligent control strategies, | UU-IAC

A Ho, M Memmott, J Hedengren, KM Powell, " Exploring the benefits of molten salt reactors: An analysis of flexibility and safety features using dynamic simulation, | UU-IAC

Matthew R.T. Williams, Michael Reynolds, Chris Parker, Jianli Chen, Kody Powell, " The impact of the electrification of buildings on the environment, economics, and housing affordability: A grid-response and life cycle assessment approach, Digital Chemical Engineering, Jan 16, | UU-IAC

Ali Khosravani, Elaheh Safaei, Michael Reynolds, Kerry E. Kelly, Kody M. Powell, " Challenges of reaching high renewable fractions in hybrid renewable energy systems, Energy Reports, Dec 19, | UU-IAC

Yunzhi Chen, Lizzie Pinegar, Jake Immonen, Kody M. Powell, " Conversion of food waste to renewable energy: A techno-economic and environmental assessment, Journal of Cleaner Production, Jan 20, | UU-IAC

2022

7 Papers / Publications

Yunzhi Chen, Blake Billings, Sammy Partridge, Brittany Pruneau, Kody M. Powell, " Grid-Responsive Smart Manufacturing: Can the Manufacturing Sector Help Incorporate Renewables?, IFAC-PapersOnLine, Oct 26, | UU-IAC

Jake Immonen, Kasra Mohammadi, Kody M. Powell, " Simulating a solar parabolic trough collector plant used for industrial process heat using an optimized operating scheme that utilizes flexible heat integration, Solar Energy, Mar 28, | UU-IAC

Blake W. Billings, Philip J. Smith, Sean T. Smith, Kody M. Powell, " Industrial battery operation and utilization in the presence of electrical load uncertainty using Bayesian decision theory, Journal of Energy Storage, Jun 28, | UU-IAC

Jake Immonen, Kody M. Powell, " Dynamic optimization with flexible heat integration of a solar parabolic trough collector plant with thermal energy storage used for industrial process heat, Energy Conversion and Management, Jun 30, | UU-IAC

Blake W. Billings, Kody M. Powell, " Grid-responsive smart manufacturing: A perspective for an interconnected energy future in the industrial sector, AIChE Journal, Oct 11, | UU-IAC

Blake W. Billings, An Ho, Mostafa Sahraei-Adrakani, Kody M. Powell, " System benefits of industrial battery storage: A comparison of grid and facility control and dispatch, Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks, Nov 26, | UU-IAC

A Ho, D Hill, J Hedengren, KM Powell, " A nuclear‑hydrogen hybrid energy system with large-scale storage: A study in optimal dispatch and economic performance in a real-world market, | UU-IAC

2021

5 Papers / Publications

Kasra Mohammadi, Jon G McGowan, Kody Powell, " Thermoeconomic analysis of a multigeneration system using waste heat from a triple power cycle, Applied Thermal Engineering, May 25, | UU-IAC

Moataz Sheha, Kasra Mohammadi, Kody Powell, " Techno-economic analysis of the impact of dynamic electricity prices on solar penetration in a smart grid environment with distributed energy storage, Applied Energy, Jan 15, | UU-IAC

A Ho, K Mohammadi, M Memmott, J Hedengren, KM Powell, " Dynamic simulation of a novel nuclear hybrid energy system with large-scale hydrogen storage in an underground salt cavern, | UU-IAC

Kasra Mohammadi, Saber Khanmohammadi, Jake Immonen, Kody Powell, " Techno-economic analysis and environmental benefits of solar industrial process heating based on parabolic trough collectors, Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, Jun 16, | UU-IAC

Anne Dougherty, Blake Billings, Nestor Camacho, Kody Powell, " Improving the economics of battery storage for industrial customers: Are incentives enough to increase adoption?, The Electricity Journal, Sep 21, | UU-IAC

2020

12 Papers / Publications

Kasra Mohammadi, Mohammad Saeed Efati Khaledi, Mohammad Saghafifar, Kody Powell, " Hybrid systems based on gas turbine combined cycle for trigeneration of power, cooling, and freshwater: A comparative techno-economic assessment, Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, February, | UU-IAC

Kevin Ellingwood, Kasra Mohammadi, Kody Powell, " A novel means to flexibly operate a hybrid concentrated solar power plant and improve operation during non-ideal direct normal irradiation conditions, Energy Conversion and Management, January 1, | UU-IAC

Derek Machalek, Aaron Young, Landen Blackburn, Pratt Rogers, Kody M Powell, " Mine operations as a smart grid resource: Leveraging excess process storage capacity to better enable renewable energy sources, Minerals Engineering, January 1, | UU-IAC

Kasra Mohammadi, Yazhou Jiang, Soheyl Borjian, Kody Powell, " Thermo-economic assessment and optimization of a hybrid triple effect absorption chiller and compressor, Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, April, | UU-IAC

Kasra Mohammadi, Saber Khanmohammadi, Hossein Khorasanizadeh, Kody Powell, " Development of high concentration photovoltaics (HCPV) power plants in the US Southwest: Economic assessment and sensitivity analysis, Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, Dec, | UU-IAC

Landen D Blackburn, Jacob F Tuttle, Kody M Powell, " Real-time optimization of multi-cell industrial evaporative cooling towers using machine learning and particle swarm optimization, Journal of Cleaner Production, Oct 20, | UU-IAC

Kevin Ellingwood, Kasra Mohammadi, Kody Powell, " Dynamic optimization and economic evaluation of flexible heat integration in a hybrid concentrated solar power plant, Applied Energy, Oct 15, | UU-IAC

Kasra Mohammadi, Kevin Ellingwood, Kody Powell, " A novel triple power cycle featuring a gas turbine cycle with supercritical carbon dioxide and organic Rankine cycles: Thermoeconomic analysis and optimization, Energy Conversion and Management, Sept. 15, | UU-IAC

Moataz Sheha, Kasra Mohammadi, Kody Powell, " Solving the duck curve in a smart grid environment using a non-cooperative game theory and dynamic pricing profiles, Energy Conversion and Management, Sept. 15, | UU-IAC

Kasra Mohammadi, Kevin Ellingwood, Kody Powell, " Novel hybrid solar tower-gas turbine combined power cycles using supercritical carbon dioxide bottoming cycles, Applied Thermal Engineering, Sept, | UU-IAC

Khalid Rashid, Kasra Mohammadi, Kody Powell, " Dynamic simulation and techno-economic analysis of a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant hybridized with both thermal energy storage and natural gas, Journal of Cleaner Production, March 1st, | UU-IAC

Derek Machalek, Moriah Henning, Kasra Mohammadi, Kody M Powell, " Economic and environmental impacts of a non-traditional combined heat and power system for a discrete manufacturing facility, Journal of Cleaner Production, August 20, | UU-IAC

2019

14 Papers / Publications

Thomas Tran, Amanda Smith, " Stochastic Optimization for Integration of Renewable Energy Technologies in District Energy Systems for Cost-Effective Use, Energies, | UU-IAC

Khalid Rashid, Seyed Safdarnejad, Kody Powell, " Process intensification of solar thermal power using hybridization, flexible heat integration, and real-time optimization, Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification, | UU-IAC

Moataz Sheha, Kody Powell, " An economic and policy case for proactive home energy management systems with photovoltaics and batteries, The Electricity Journal, | UU-IAC

Landen Blackburn, Aaron Young, Pratt Rogers, John Hedengren, Kody Powell, " Dynamic optimization of a district energy system with storage using a novel mixed-integer quadratic programming algorithm, Optimization and Engineering, | UU-IAC

Kevin Ellingwood, Seyed Safdarnejad, Khalid Rashid, Kody Powell, " Leveraging Energy Storage in a Solar-Tower and Combined Cycle Hybrid Power Plant, Energies, | UU-IAC

Khalid Rashid, Seyed Safdarnejad, Kody Powell, " Dynamic simulation, control, and performance evaluation of a synergistic solar and natural gas hybrid power plant, Energy Conversion and Management, | UU-IAC

Kasra Mohammadi, Mohammad Saghafifar, Jon G McGowan, Kody Powell, " Thermo-economic analysis of a novel hybrid multigeneration system based on an integrated triple effect refrigeration system for production of power and refrigeration, Journal of Cleaner Production, November 20, | UU-IAC

Khalid Rashid, Seyed Safdarnejad, Kevin Ellingwood, Kody Powell, " Techno-Economic Evaluation of Different Hybridization Schemes for a Solar Thermal/Gas Power Plant, Energy, | UU-IAC

Moataz Sheha, Kody Powell, " Using real-time electricity prices to leverage electrical energy storage and flexible loads in a smart grid environment utilizing machine learning techniques, Processes, Nov 21, | UU-IAC

Derek Machalek, Kody M Powell, " Model predictive control of a rotary kiln for fast electric demand response, Minerals Engineering, Dec, | UU-IAC

Kevin Ellingwood, Seyed Mostafa Safdarnejad, Helga Kovacs, Jake F Tuttle, Kody Powell, " Analysing the benefits of hybridisation and storage in a hybrid solar gas turbine plant, International Journal of Sustainable Energy, July 11, | UU-IAC

Moriah Henning, Derek Machalek, Kody M Powellv, " Integrating a microturbine into a discrete manufacturing process with combined heat and power using smart scheduling and automation, Computer Aided Chemical Engineering, | UU-IAC

Derek Machalek, Kody Powell, " Automated electrical demand peak leveling in a manufacturing facility with short term energy storage for smart grid participation, Journal of Manufacturing Systems, July, | UU-IAC

Paige Brimley, Derek Machalek, Kody M Powell, " Smart Scheduling of a Batch Manufacturer’s Operations by Utilization of a Genetic Algorithm to Minimize Electrical Demand, Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing Systems, October 15, | UU-IAC

2018

5 Papers / Publications

Thomas Tran, Amanda Smith, " Thermoeconomic analysis of residential rooftop photovoltaic systems with integrated energy storage and resulting impacts on electrical distribution networks, Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, | UU-IAC

Thomas Tran, Amanda Smith, " Incorporating performance-based global sensitivity and uncertainty analysis into LCOE calculations for emerging renewable energy technologies, Applied Energy, | UU-IAC

Moataz Sheha, Kody Powell, " Dynamic Real-Time Optimization of Air-Conditioning Systems in Residential Houses with a Battery Energy Storage under Different Electricity Pricing Structures, Computer Aided Chemical Engineering, | UU-IAC

Brody Westberg, Derek Machalek, Stephen Denton, David Sellers, Kody Powell, " Proactive Automation of a Batch Manufacturer in a Smart Grid Environment, Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing Systems, | UU-IAC

Moataz Sheha, Khalid Rashid, Kody Powell, " Dynamic Real-Time Optimization of Air Conditioning Systems in Residential Houses under Different Electricity Pricing Structures, Proceedings of the American Control Conference, Minneapolis, MN, | UU-IAC

Noteworthy Feedback

"The energy manager Aaron Sprague, was pleased and he praised the team's performance and efforts in providing the assessment recommendations and calculations."

- Source: 07/26/2024

"The IIAC team was complimented highly, noting their professional conduct throughout the entire process as well as their efficient and quick communication."

- Source: Brad Clark, Regulatory Affairs Manager, 07/02/2024

"The facility appreciates the team's efforts and support. Lonnie liked the recommendations provided by the team especially, the ones related to the cooling towers."

- Source: 05/24/2024

"The facility manager liked the recommendations provided by the team and he commented on the simplicity of the recommendations during the implementation process."

- Source: 03/22/2024

"The client praised the team's effort in providing the assessment recommendations, especially the chiller and pasteurizer assessment recommendations."

- Source: 03/20/2024

"The facility is satisfied by the team's effort in recommending the first two energy recommendations. The facility also liked that the team based the calculations on the lowest savings that could be achieved."

- Source: 04/18/2024

"The installation of solar panels was included in the IAC report as an additional consideration. With our help, Vox was able to take this recommendation, receive an implementation grant, and start the installation."

- Source: Lindsey Estes, Chief Experience Officer, Vox Nutrition, 03/20/2024

"The IIAC team had a CHP idea and listed that as the first AR. We received this compliment from a CHP vendor about the CHP idea and how we reported that idea. Below is the feedback: " We really like the report that you received from the University. We wish everyone came to the table with this much Information. We were impressed with the professionalism and quality of work""

- Source: Mark McCarville, Sale & Business Development Manager Hybrid Energy, Clarke Energy, 07/05/2023

"The person who analyzed the IIAC report got back to the team with the following feedback: " We really liked the ideas you listed in the report; they were written professionally and easily understood. We appreciate the list of the vendors you mentioned for different ideas, and we made effective connections with them.""

- Source: 07/06/2023

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Center Director	Dr. Kody Powell
Email	kody.powell@utah.edu
Phone #	+18015813957
Fax #	+18015813957
Mailing Address	50 S. Central Campus Dr. Rm 3290 Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Assistant Director	Julie Sieving, P.E.

University of Utah has trained 130 students

The following students have participated in IAC assessments with University of Utah since 2017.
The 60 students (in BOLD) have also been awarded IAC student certificates for exceptional participation.

Aaron Chambers

Aaron Czop

Abby Hall

Abe Kearl

Alex Jackman

Alexander Leopardi

Alexis Jenson

Ali Khosravani

Allen Neicosup

Andrew Hatch

Andrew Meldrum

Anne Dougherty

Anthony Vance

Ari Yue

Athan Varszegi

Ben Collier

Blake Billings

Brie Crofts

Brie Esplin

Brittany Pruneau

Brody Westberg

Brooke Yardley

Caleb Wray

Cameron Kelly

Carleigh Plate

carver booth

Chris Landes

Christopher Hillam

Connor Clay

Connor Watson

Conrad Duerr

Creed McCord

Dan Youngberg

Daniel Luis Moreno

Debbie Gale

Derek Machalek

Doug Crawford

Doug Voss

Elaheh Safaei

Ember Chadwick

Erik Mollinet

Faith Magda

Giovanna Roth

Grant Jimenez

Haley Feten

Harrison Rea

Hyrum Davis,

Isaac Hale

Jace Callor

Jake Immonen

James Gessel

Jared Strebel

Jason Flynn

Jesse Reeves

Jesse Sorenson

Jessica Padron-Loredo

Jim Parry

Jiwei Yao

Joel Kongolo Ilunga

Kaden Plewe

Kari Keddington

Kathy LeBlanc

Kenneth Smith

Kevin Ellingwood

Kortney Shorts

Kristopher Issac Rydalch

Kyle Day

Landen Blackburn

Landon Crowther

Lesslie Moposita

Lizzie Pinegar

Mar Diehl

Mark Biesinger,

Mark Henry

Mark McPherson

Marla Aime Perez-Loredo

Mateo Ismodes

Matt Millburn

Matthew DeHaan

Maxim Balitskiy

Micale Ward

Michael Christensen

Michael Reynolds

Mike Chambers

Moataz Sheha

Mohamed Bahr

Moriah Henning

Nathan Jensen

Nathaniel Fairchild

Nestor Camacho

Paige Brimley

Paola Beltre

Parker Thomas Bodily

Pete Horseth

Quin Smith

Quinn Alleman

R.T. Williams

Radhika Bhakta

Raimoana Tinirauarii

Rashid Bakare

Raul Rodriguez

Reed Ogden

Rick Walker

Ron Carrasquel

Russel Olsen

Russell Flynn

Russell Foster

Ryan Hart

Ryan White

Sai Pandit

Samantha Protopapas

Samuel Partridge

Shoko Imamura

sovit bhetwal

Stephen Denton

Susan Philyaw

Talon Townsend

Tess Jorgensen

Thomas Kuhrke Limia

Thomas Tran

Tofigh Sayahi

Tom Fairbanks

Tommy White

Treyton Shumway

Will Chatwin

William Brett Graham

Yunju Lee

Yunzhi Chen

Zachary Freedman

Zella Aspengren