Power saving IDEA earns big bucks

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  A Team Dover member received $10,000 Sept. 2 for his contribution to the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program.

The IDEA program was developed to assist in the foundation of ideas in all areas of the Air Force to constantly improve and streamline processes.

"It's amazing to see how ideas can save thousands, even millions of dollars," said Mike Prystajko, 436th Force Support Squadron Manpower and Organization chief. "Even something like a change in technical orders can save us thousands, and that's what the IDEA program is about, making things better. I encourage each and every member of the Eagle Wing to go out to the web-site, review the current ideas out there, and if there is something that you feel will improve a process or can help overall efficiency, submit it as an IDEA."

The web-site for the IDEA program is https://ipds.randolph.af.mil/ipds/landing_page, said Mr. Prystajko.

The installation of the power saving capacitors at Dover Air Force Base, Del., can lower the energy usage of facilities up to 25 percent which averages to about 15 million kilowatt hours a year. This reduction in energy usage will save about $1.5 million annually, said April Steward 436th Civil Engineering Squadron.

"I saw an advertisement for these power-saving capacitors about three years ago," said Bob Bunch, 436th Civil Engineering Squadron maintenance mechanic. "I decided I'd get one for my home, and I saw a 21 percent savings on my electric bill. Dover spends about half a million dollars on energy, so I decided to look into the capacitors and see if they could reduce it. After some research I found that they made them for industrial and commercial use as well, so I decided I would make the suggestion."

The capacitors are designed to store electricity so that when a motorized device is activated it draws the energy needed for start up from the capacitors and not from the main line, lowering the load on the electrical system and saving on energy costs. With the reduction in energy usage, the system can run more efficiently.

"It's an honor to receive this award," said Mr. Bunch. "It feels really good knowing that I am helping the mission with my suggestions."