The Need
Kuhn Tool & Die Co. is a family owned and operated manufacturer located in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Kuhn Tool recently purchased a new building and plans to move into the new space. The new space is currently heated by three natural gas heaters and has no air conditioning. The building has 400-watt metal halide bulbs as the main source inside the facility. The exterior lighting consists of high-pressure sodium lights. Further, Kuhn Tool plans to upgrade the heating and lighting systems, as well as add air conditioning to the space. Kuhn Tool wanted to determine the energy savings that would result from the upgrades.
The PennTAP Connection
PennTAP technical advisors and PennTAP’s Penn State Greater Allegheny engineering student intern visited the facility to collect data and assess potential heating, air conditioning, and lighting energy efficient upgrade opportunities.
The Project
This project was supported and funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program. PennTAP performed data review and calculations and analyzed the options for replacing the lighting and heating systems with newer more energy efficient models. In addition, PennTAP calculated the energy savings for adding energy efficient air conditioning in place of a conventional air conditioning unit. The results of this analysis served as a basis for applications for financial assistance under the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Energy Assistance Program. PennTAP provided assistance with completing the grant applications for $46,000.
The Outcome
The technical analysis determined an overall savings of 15% of the site’s total energy use and saving $14,200 annually. The REAP application was submitted, with a decision on funding to be determined in the near future.
About the Company
Kuhn Tool & Die Co.
21371 Blooming Valley Rd
Meadville PA 16335
814-671-0212
Bonnie Kuhn
County: Crawford
Employees: 25
Industry: Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing