FAQ’s & Disclaimers
What is the source for Grid data and how are the emission factors calculated?
Here is the list of documentation, sources (API details), and emission factors for all the electricity grids whose data we utilize.
ESOAPI -
https://api.carbonintensity.org.uk/intensity/Docs - https://carbon-intensity.github.io/api-definitions/#intensity-1
We get the carbon intensity of the grid directly from the API in gCO2/Kwh
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ISO-NE & NEVPAPI - https://www.eia.gov/electricity/930-api/region_data_by_fuel_type/series_data?type[0]=NG
Emission Factors -
————-MISO
API -
https://misortwd.azurewebsites.net/MISORTWDDataBroker/DataBrokerServices.asmx?messageType=getfuelmix&returnType=jsonWe get data every from 5 minutes from this API
Emission Factors - https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/ipcc_wg3_ar5_annex-ii.pdf
We use Natural Gas Average and Coal Average emission factors. Emission factors for others is assumed to be the same as Coal Average
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ERCOT
API - Grid API's and Emission Factors | ERCOT
We get data from this API at 5 minute intervals
Emission Factors - https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/ipcc_wg3_ar5_annex-ii.pdf
We use Natural Gas Average and Coal Average emission factors. Emission factors for others is assumed to be the same as Coal Average
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AEMO
API -
https://visualisations.aemo.com.au/aemo/apps/api/report/FUELEmission factors - <todo> source for emission factors </todo>
Black Coal, Brown Coal and Natural Gas (Others assumed to have the same as Black Coal) - https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/ipcc_wg3_ar5_annex-ii.pdfBiomass - https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/ipcc_wg3_ar5_annex-iii.pdf
Liquid Fuel (assumed to be the same a Petroleum) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
How are the Avoided Carbon numbers on the dashboard calculated?
We calculate each of the Avoided Carbon Metric in the following manner:
CO2e: Metric tons of avoided carbon, encompassing grid energy not consumed, grid energy displaced by renewable generation, and carbon avoided through the use of batteries to time shift energy across hours.Cars: An estimate of the annual number of gasoline-powered passenger vehicles in the US producing emissions equivalent to those avoided. It's based on the previously calculated avoided emissions, converted to the number of cars using the average vehicle carbon footprint (4.490 tCO2e/vehicle/year).
Trees: An estimate of the number of tree seedlings grown for 10 years in the US. This calculation is based on the avoided emissions calculated above, converted to trees reflecting the average carbon sequestered per urban tree planted (0.060 tCO2e per tree planted)
Explain the calculations done for Digester Dashboards that require assumptions and show the sources for any assumed values.
The calculations done for the Digester Dashboard are as follows:
Scope 1 = (Scope 1 Emissions factor for AD) * (Tonnes Treated)
Trucks Removed = (Trucks removed per gallon of waste treated) * (Gallons Treated)
Avoided emissions - Power Generation = (Avoided emissions factor for power generation by biogas) * (Approx. Electricity Produced)
Avoided emissions - AD of waste = (Tonnes Treated) * (Reducing MSW waste in landfill due to AD)
Relevant sources are as below :
Scope 1 Emissions factor for AD
Trucks removed per gallon of waste treated
Avoided emissions factor for power generation by biogas (with natural gas as the marginal source)
Reducing MSW waste in landfill due to AD - avoided emissions factor
emission_factors_grams_per_wh = {
"Petroleum": 1079.55,
"Natural gas": 483,
"Coal": 961,
"Wind": 0,
"Nuclear": 0,
"Solar": 0,
"Hydro": 0,
"Other": 0,
} EMISSSION_FACTORS = {
"Battery": 0,
"Biomass": 60,
"Black coal": 892.59,
"Brown coal": 1174,
"Gas": 578.72,
"Hydro": 0,
"Liquid Fuel": 1274,
"Solar": 0,
"Wind": 0,
} 
Disclaimers
Data Accuracy Disclaimer: Quintrace strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data presented in its dashboards. However, due to the complexity and variability of data sources, there may be occasional errors or omissions. Users are advised to independently verify the data before making any decisions based on the information provided by Quintrace, including but not limited to avoided carbon metrics.
Liability Disclaimer: The data and insights provided by Quintrace are intended for informational purposes only. Quintrace LLC shall not be held liable for any decisions made or actions taken based on the information displayed in the dashboards. Users assume full responsibility for the use of the data and any resulting consequences.
Copyright Disclaimer: All content and materials available through Quintrace are protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this content is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of Quintrace LLC.
Third-Party Data Disclaimer: Quintrace integrates data from third-party sources, such as grid power mix and emissions factors, to provide comprehensive insights. While we make efforts to ensure the accuracy of this third-party data, Quintrace LLC does not warrant or take responsibility for its accuracy or completeness. Users should independently verify any third-party data before relying on it.
No Warranty Disclaimer: The information provided by Quintrace is made available 'as is,' without any warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including, but not limited to, warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. Quintrace does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information and shall not be liable for any errors or omissions.
Understanding the Widgets
Grid Charging an EV Widget: This widget informs users about the environmental impact of charging an electric vehicle from the grid during specific times of the day (1am-2pm, 7pm-10pm). It shows that this charging pattern results in CO2 emissions equivalent to filling 1,939 balloons, as shown in the picture, highlighting the higher carbon footprint associated with grid power compared to cleaner energy sources.
Today's Energy Usage Widget: This widget provides an overview of the building's total energy consumption for the day, such as 1 MWh, and breaks it down into the percentages sourced from the grid (92%) and from onsite solar (8%), as shown in the picture. It visually displays the building's reliance on grid power versus renewable solar energy.
Today's Energy Flow Widget: This widget illustrates the flow of energy within the building, showing how energy is distributed from the grid (93%), solar panels (3%), and batteries (5%), as shown in the picture. It helps users understand the energy mix and the contribution of renewable sources.
Grid Energy Makeup Widget: This widget breaks down the sources of the grid energy consumed by the building, showing a significant portion from non-renewable sources like black coal (79%) and contributions from renewable sources like wind (13%), as shown in the picture. It underscores the environmental benefits of increasing onsite solar usage by highlighting the current dependency on dirtier energy sources.
Solar Power Usage Advice Widget: This widget advises users on the optimal times to use appliances to maximize solar power usage, suggesting periods when solar generation is highest (12am-1am, 2pm-7pm, 10pm-11:59pm), as shown in the picture. It encourages energy consumption patterns that align with solar availability, promoting a reduction in reliance on the grid.
Solar Generation Widget: This widget tracks the amount of energy generated by the solar panels throughout the day, such as a total of 43 kWh, as shown in the picture. It provides a visual representation of solar production over the past 12 hours, helping users monitor solar performance and identify peak generation times.
Last 24 Hours' Energy Consumption Widget: This widget compares the building's energy consumption from solar and grid sources over the last 24 hours. For example, it shows solar energy usage peaking at certain hours while grid usage is higher at other times, as shown in the picture. This promotes awareness of how solar energy can offset grid consumption.
Quiz Widget: This interactive widget engages users with questions related to renewable energy, such as the role of Tasmania in Australia's renewable energy landscape, highlighting that Tasmania is a leader in hydroelectric power, as shown in the picture. It serves as an educational tool to raise awareness about renewable energy sources and regional contributions.
Avoided CO2 Emissions Widget: This widget quantifies the environmental benefits of solar generation by converting the avoided CO2 emissions into an equivalent number of balloons, such as 5,164 balloons, as shown in the picture. It visually communicates the impact of using solar power instead of the grid, reinforcing the importance of renewable energy in reducing carbon footprints.