Our approach is to begin at a "high level." That is, our engineering and financial experts analyze the large, critical factors that are key determinants of a project's economic success first-before expending time on optimizing a particular scheme. Using "rules of thumb" and basic cost factors, we quickly analyze whether the savings opportunity justifies further investigation and expenditure.

Stage I screening study. Initial level, or "Stage I," facility screening determines if cogeneration is a viable option by examining a facility's annual energy usage and costs, and the relationship between electricity costs, fuel costs, and thermal energy consumption, using computer models. A site visit by Apex Cogen's technical experts may be involved to preliminarily review electrical grid interconnection data, and tie-in possibilities for fuel, water, and other utilities.

Deal-killers. In any initial study, Apex Cogen's objective is not only to quantify the business opportunity, but to search for any "deal killers" - the fatal flaws in the scheme - so that development expenditures are minimized. We answer early the key questions: What, if any, savings can be realized? Under what circumstances will the savings be achieved? Will the returns justify the capital investment? And, is it financeable?

Screening analysis typically progresses in several stages, with "go/no-go" decisions following the end of each stage of the study. As analysis proceeds, equipment selection, financial modeling, heat balance calculation, and cost estimates become progressively more focused.