Don’t blow off steam-microturbines make cheap, clean energy from

waste heat

Presented By:Presented By:

Ahmad Sabri El-Sayed NagyAhmad Sabri El-Sayed Nagy

By: Lindsay AudinBy: Lindsay Audin

Web Address:Web Address:http://archrecord.construction.com/features/digital/archives/0403dignews-2.asphttp://archrecord.construction.com/features/digital/archives/0403dignews-2.asp

Topic Number: 54Topic Number: 54

Date: March 2004Date: March 2004

Main ConcernMain Concern

Distributed Power(“Small scale power generation technology that provides electric power at a site closer to customers -where the power is used- Opposite of Central Power.” (DPCA))

holds promise for:• Reducing peak loads• Improving the security of the energy grid

Usual Solution

Diesel Generators

Nuisances:1. Fuel storage

2. Fire-safety concerns

3. Emissions permits

Better OptionBetter Option

Microturbines

Advantages:1. Eliminate diesel generators’ problems.2. Produce almost-free power.

However only buildings served by Utility or District Steam Systems can take advantage of them

(“District heating systems distribute steam or hot water to multiple buildings. The heat can be provided from a variety of sources, including geothermal, cogeneration plants, waste heat from industry, and purpose-built heating plants.” (District Energy Virtual Library)).

What About Microturbines?What About Microturbines?

Microturbines

are small about a yard square

They cut emissions of • nitrous oxides NOx

• carbon dioxide CO2

by 50 % or more compared to diesel-powered generators.

Microturbine

Courtesey of: Douglas Energy

What About Microturbines?What About Microturbines?

Microturbines

generate power using waste heat from high-pressure or district steam systems , in a process adapted from manufacturing facilities like pulp mills

Who Installs Microturbines?Who Installs Microturbines?

One company Douglas Energy of California,

has a grant from the Department of Energy

to install prototype systems in cities with high electricity prices.

Who Installs Microturbines?Who Installs Microturbines?

Douglas Energy ’s 150-KW unit

can handle the energy demands of a 200,000-square-foot commercial building in a moderate climate.

150-KW Microturbine unit

Courtesey of: Douglas Energy

Installed MicroturbinesInstalled Microturbines

At the Rolex Realty Building in New York City, the system feeds an absorption chiller that produces chilled water and requires no permits or emissions treatment.

Douglas Energy estimates its microturbines will last 20 years with regular maintenance.

RecommendationRecommendation

More than 100 U.S. cities and many multibuilding facilities such as colleges are served by steam systems.

With federal and state energy agencies offering grants to offset installation costs,

microturbines could pave the way to a cleaner, energy-efficient future.