UCI breaks ground for CHP at Central Plant

The Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system, to be completed by years end, installs a gas turbine generator (13.5 MW) with a steam turbine generator (5.6MW). The waste heat from the gas turbine generates steam, which will produce more electricity, generate hot water for campus heating, or run a steam turbine driven chiller for campus cooling.

Emissions of NOx and CO may be reduced from our conventional boilers to produce the same amount of steam. Emissions will also be reduced for the electricity produced compared to the power plants that produce electricity for Edison.

At the present time the LEED Green Building Council recognizes the value of CHP and is evaluating how LEED points will be assigned to buildings served by CHP.

CHP will help UCI reach our goal of being the most energy-efficient campus in the UC system by 2011.