Performance Monitoring for Power Plants

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Performance Monitoring for Power Plants

June 4, 2026
mike@standardsmichigan.com

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“A View of Murton Colliery near Seaham, County Durham” (1843) / John Wilson Carmichael

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has registered a Project Initiation Notification with ANSI to launch a revision to its consensus product ASME PM-202x, Performance Monitoring for Power Plants.  This product should interest stakeholders in involved in college and universities with district energy plants — facility management staffs, consulting engineers, operations and maintenance staff.

From the project prospectus:

These Guidelines cover fossil-fueled power plants, gas-turbine power plants operating in combined cycle, and a balance-of-plant portion including interface with the steam supply system of nuclear power plants.  They include performance monitoring concepts, a description of various methods available, and means for evaluating particular applications.

Since the original publication of these Guidelines in 1993—then limited to steam power plants—the field of performance monitoring (PM) has gained considerable importance.  The lifetime of plant equipment has been improved, while economic demands have increased to extend it even further by careful monitoring.  The PM techniques themselves have also been transformed, largely by the emergence of electronic data acquisition as the dominant method of obtaining the necessary information.

These Guidelines present:

• “Fundamental Considerations”—of PM essentials prior to the actual application, so you enter fully appraised of all the requirements, potential benefits and likelihood of tradeoffs of the PM program. 

• “Program Implementation”—where the concepts of PM implementation, diagnostics and cycle interrelationships have been brought into closer conjunction, bringing you up-to-date with contemporary practice.

• “Case Studies / Diagnostic Examples”—from the large amount of experience and historical data that has been accumulated since 1993.

Intended for employees of power plants and engineers involved with all aspects of power production.

From ANSI’s PINS registry:

Project Need: This document is being developed in order to address performance monitoring and optimization techniques for different power generating facilities. The latest trends and initiatives in performance monitoring as well as practical case studies and examples will be incorporated.

Stakeholders: Designers, producers/manufacturers, owners, operators, consultants, users, general interest, laboratories, regulatory/government, and distributors.

This document will cover power generation facilities including steam generators, steam turbines, and steam turbine cycles (including balance of plant of nuclear facilities), gas turbines, and combined cycles. The guidelines include performance monitoring concepts, a description of various methods available, and means for evaluating particular applications.

No drafts open for public consultation at this time.   The PINS announcement was placed on October 11th*.   The PINS registry is a stakeholder mapping platform that identifies the beginning of a formal process that may interest other accredited, competitor standards developers.   Many ASME consensus products may be indirectly referenced in design guidelines and construction contracts with the statement “Conform to all applicable codes”

The landing page for the ASME standards development enterprise is linked below:

ASME C&S Connect

Note that you will need to set up a (free) account to access this and other ASME best practice titles.

We maintain all ASME consensus products on the standing agenda of our periodic Mechanical and Energy teleconferences.   See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting; open to everyone.

University of Michigan

Issue: [19-148]

Category: District Energy, Energy, Mechanical

Colleagues: Richard Robben, Larry Spielvogel


LEARN MORE:

ANSI Standards Action

Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code

Acceptable Performance Standard for District Cooling Systems

June 4, 2026
mike@standardsmichigan.com
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Standards Actions | July 2024

Thermal load on large campus power systems interact with electrical energy systems.  We track ASHRAE 245P described below:

PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 

District Cooling

Rewind: District Energy

June 4, 2026
mike@standardsmichigan.com

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University of California Merced

Lucas Hyman is the co-author of “Sustainable On Site CHP Systems:  Design, Construction and Operations” published by McGraw-Hill 2010 ISBN 978-0-07-160317-1, Co-Editor Martin Meckler is a graduate of the University of Michigan.  Mike Anthony contributed Chapter 23 — Government Mission Critical – A combined FMECA and time value of money study on Critical Operations Power Systems.

Goss Engineering was one of the engineers for the University of California Merced; the first university campus with an energy infrastructure begun from “scratch”.  Here, Lucas offers his insight into the subtle energy economic trade-offs between centralized and de-centralized systems.


LEARN MORE:

Backgrounder from 2007 ASHRAE conference presentation by Goss EngineeringDesigning Sustainable CHP Systems

Top Deck View

June 3, 2026
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Grand Pump Room

University of Bath: Department of Estates

BSI Group Standards Catalog

BSI Group Standards Catalog

*After the Roman period, Bath remained a small town until the 18th century, when it became a fashionable spa destination for the wealthy. The architect John Wood the Elder designed much of the city’s Georgian architecture, including the famous Royal Crescent and the Circus. Bath also played an important role in the English literary scene, as several famous authors, including Jane Austen, lived and wrote in the city.   During the 19th century, Bath’s popularity declined as other spa towns became fashionable. In the 20th century, the city experienced significant redevelopment and preservation efforts, including the restoration of its Roman baths and the construction of a new spa complex.

Today, Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination known for its historical and cultural significance.

Fences & Zoning

June 3, 2026
mike@standardsmichigan.com
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Colkett, Victoria Susanna; King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, as Seen from Clare Hall Piece and Crotches; National Trust, Anglesey Abbey;

Best practice discovery and promulgation for land use between colleges and universities and their host municipalities in the United States is hastened by a combination of codes, standards, and government regulations. Here are some key ones:

  1. Zoning Codes: Zoning ordinances dictate land use within municipalities, including where educational institutions can be located and what activities they can undertake.  
  2. Building Codes: These are regulations that govern the construction and maintenance of buildings. Educational institutions must comply with these codes for the safety and welfare of their occupants.
  3. Fire Codes: Fire codes ensure that buildings meet safety standards regarding fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and firefighting equipment. Compliance is crucial for the safety of students and staff.
  4. Health Codes: Health codes set standards for sanitation, food safety, and other health-related matters. Colleges and universities, especially those with dining facilities and student housing, must adhere to these regulations.
  5. Environmental Regulations: These regulations govern environmental protection, waste management, and pollution control. Educational institutions may need to comply with federal, state, and local environmental laws.
  6. Parking and Transportation Regulations: Municipalities often have regulations concerning parking, traffic flow, and public transportation. Colleges and universities must consider these factors when planning campus infrastructure and events.

  1. Land Use Regulations: Beyond zoning codes, municipalities may have additional land use regulations that affect educational institutions, such as restrictions on expansion or development in certain areas.
  2. Permitting and Licensing Requirements: Colleges and universities may need permits or licenses for certain activities, such as hosting events, serving alcohol, or operating transportation services.
  3. Taxation Laws: While educational institutions often enjoy tax-exempt status, they may still be subject to certain taxes, such as property taxes on non-educational properties or sales taxes on commercial activities.
  4. Student Housing Regulations: Some municipalities have specific regulations governing student housing, including occupancy limits, safety standards, and rental property inspections.
  5. Noise Ordinances: Municipalities may have ordinances regulating noise levels, particularly in residential areas. Colleges and universities must consider these regulations when planning events or construction activities.
  6. Community Relations Agreements: In some cases, colleges and universities may enter into agreements with their host municipalities to address specific issues or concerns, such as traffic management, public safety, or community engagement initiatives.

During today’s colloquium we explore the catalogs of the dominant standards developments whose titles are most frequently incorporated by reference into local statues.   Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.


Chesterton’s Fence is a simple rule of thumb that suggests you should never destroy a fence, change a rule, or alter a tradition if you do not understand why it was created in the first place. China’s Four Pests Campaign during the Great Leap Forward shows the tragic consequences of meddling with things we do not fully understand.

Several organizations set standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of sports fences. Some of the key organizations include:

1. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International)

ASTM International develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services, including those related to sports fencing. Relevant standards include:

2. American Sports Builders Association (ASBA)

ASBA provides guidelines and specifications for the construction and maintenance of sports facilities, including fencing for various sports. They offer resources, best practices, and certification programs for sports builders.

3. International Code Council (ICC)

The ICC publishes the International Building Code (IBC), which includes guidelines for the construction and safety standards for sports facilities. The IBC is widely adopted by jurisdictions across the United States and provides a comprehensive set of regulations for building construction.

4. National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

NRPA sets standards and best practices for the design, construction, and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities, including sports fences. They provide resources and training to professionals in the field.

5. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA sets and enforces standards to ensure safe and healthful working conditions. This includes guidelines for workplace safety during the installation and maintenance of sports fences.

6. Fencing Industry Association (FIA)

The FIA provides industry-specific standards and best practices for the fencing industry. They offer resources, training, and certifications for professionals involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of fences.

Zoning

More Crowding, Fewer Babies: The Effects of Housing Density on Fertility

June 3, 2026
mike@standardsmichigan.com
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International Zoning Code

June 3, 2026
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2025 Group B Proposed Changes to IZC | Complete Monograph for Changes to I-Codes (2630 pages)

National Association of County Engineers

The purpose of the code is to establish minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of health, safety, property protection and welfare by controlling the design, location, use or occupancy of all buildings and structures through the regulated and orderly development of land and land uses within this jurisdiction.

CLICK IMAGE

Municipalities usually have specific land use or zoning considerations to accommodate the unique needs and characteristics of college towns:

  1. Mixed-Use Zoning: Cities with colleges and universities often employ mixed-use zoning strategies to encourage a vibrant and diverse urban environment. This zoning approach allows for a combination of residential, commercial, and institutional uses within the same area, fostering a sense of community and facilitating interactions between students, faculty, and residents.
  2. Height and Density Restrictions: Due to the presence of educational institutions, cities may have specific regulations on building height and density to ensure compatibility with the surrounding neighborhoods and maintain the character of the area. These restrictions help balance the need for development with the preservation of the existing urban fabric.
  3. Student Housing: Cities with colleges and universities may have regulations or guidelines for student housing to ensure an adequate supply of affordable and safe accommodations for students. This can
    include requirements for minimum bedroom sizes, occupancy limits, and proximity to campus.
  4. Parking and Transportation: Given the concentration of students, faculty, and staff, parking and transportation considerations are crucial. Cities may require educational institutions to provide parking facilities or implement transportation demand management strategies, such as promoting public transit use, cycling infrastructure, and pedestrian-friendly designs.
  5. Community Engagement: Some cities encourage colleges and universities to engage with the local community through formalized agreements or community benefit plans. These may include commitments to support local businesses, contribute to neighborhood improvement projects, or provide educational and cultural resources to residents.

This is a relatively new title in the International Code Council catalog; revised every three years in the Group B tranche of titles.  Search on character strings such as “zoning” in the link below reveals the ideas that ran through the current revision:

Complete Monograph: 2022 Proposed Changes to Group B I-Codes (1971 pages)

We maintain it on our periodic I-Codes colloquia, open to everyone.  Proposals for the 2026 revision will be received until January 10, 2025.

2024/2025/2026 ICC CODE DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE

We maintain it on our periodic I-Codes colloquia, open to everyone with the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

The City Rises (La città che sale) | 1910 Umberto Boccioni


Related:

“What Happens When Data Centers Come to Town”

Signs, Signs, Signs

  1. Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015): This Supreme Court case involved a challenge to the town of Gilbert, Arizona’s sign code, which regulated the size, location, and duration of signs based on their content. The court held that the sign code was a content-based restriction on speech and therefore subject to strict scrutiny.
  2. City of Ladue v. Gilleo (1994): In this Supreme Court case, the court struck down a municipal ordinance that banned the display of signs on residential property, except for signs that fell within specific exemptions. The court held that the ban was an unconstitutional restriction on the freedom of speech.
  3. Metromedia, Inc. v. San Diego (1981): This Supreme Court case involved a challenge to a San Diego ordinance that banned off-premises advertising signs while allowing on-premises signs. The court held that the ordinance was an unconstitutional restriction on free speech, as it discriminated against certain types of speech.
  4. City of Ladue v. Center for the Study of Responsive Law, Inc. (1980): In this Supreme Court case, the court upheld a municipal ordinance that prohibited the display of signs on public property, but only if the signs were posted for longer than 10 days. The court held that the ordinance was a valid time, place, and manner restriction on speech.
  5. City of Boerne v. Flores (1997): This Supreme Court case involved a challenge to a municipal sign code that regulated the size, location, and content of signs in the city. The court held that the sign code violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, as it burdened the exercise of religion without a compelling government interest.

 

Land Measurement

June 3, 2026
mike@standardsmichigan.com
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In the United States, land surveying is regulated by various professional organizations and government agencies, and there are several technical standards that must be followed to ensure accuracy and consistency in land surveying.

The best practice for land surveying is set by the “Manual of Surveying Instructions” published by an administrative division of the United States Department of the Interior responsible for managing public lands in the United States. The manual provides detailed guidance on the procedures and techniques for conducting various types of land surveys, including public land surveys, mineral surveys, and cadastral surveys.

George Washington, Surveyor of Western Virginia

Manual of Surveying Instructions

Another important set of model standards for land surveying is the Minimum Standards for Property Boundary Surveys* published by the National Society of Professional Surveyors. These standards provide guidance on the procedures and techniques for conducting property boundary surveys, including the use of appropriate surveying equipment, the preparation of surveying maps and plats, and the documentation of surveying results.   Land surveyors in the United States are also required to adhere to state and local laws and regulations governing land surveying, as well as ethical standards established by professional organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers.


* Local variants

California: Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys

Michigan: Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys

 

The Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1862 granted each state 30,000 acres of federal land for each member of Congress from that state to establish colleges that would teach agriculture, engineering, and military tactics. This legislation led to the establishment of many public universities, including the Texas A&M University, the University of Wisconsin and Michigan State University.

International Zoning Code

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