Cornell's steam plant was built in 1922 to provide steam heat to the endowed campus. When the heating plant pressure was doubled in 1985 it became feasible to look into the possibility of cogeneration electricity systems. Cogeneration uses the high pressure of the steam (now 400 psig) to run back pressure steam turbine electric generators. Two turbine generators were installed in 1986-7. Now the heating plant is not only generating heat for campus, but also supplying 30 million kWh of electricity per year (nearly 15% of total campus use).
Nearly all steam generated to heat the campus is passed through the turbines to generate electricity before it flows to the buildings and is condensed as a heat source. A conventional power plant throws away this "heat of condensation" which is why our "cogenerated" electricity (generated together with steam which is used for heat) requires only half the normal energy input. Typical power plant efficiency is 35-45%, while the Cornell cogenerated electricity is made at about 70% efficiency.
For more information, check out the link in the sidebar above or contact Tim Peer, Energy Plant Manager: tsp1@cornell.edu.
Of Related Interest
- sustainability@cornell.edu p. 607-255-6375, f. 607-255-5377
