UI Steam Turbines

Summary
The goal of this project is to draft a plan for integrating one to three Microsteam(TM) turbines into the University of Idaho steam plant for the purposes of reclaiming energy from backpressure steam produced by the boilers. These turbines will convert waste steam back into electric power which can be used to offset electricity costs to the University, saving money.

Goals
Tasks for this project are divided into two phases. In Phase One, multiple turbine packages will be analyzed from an economic standpoint. The two best options will be presented to Facilities. This will be done over the course of the spring semester. Phase Two will begin over the summer and through the fall semester. A more in-depth economic analysis and study of implementation options will be developed during this phase.

Phase One consists of an analysis of the economics of one, two, three, or four turbines installed at the University of Idaho steam plant. The two most optimal turbine packages will be presented to Facilities. An analysis based on historical steam production trends and research of similar projects will be included in this phase. Additionally, preliminary research into grid connection options will be performed towards the end of the semester.

Phase Two begins with research into integration options for the turbines in the University of Idaho electric grid. Electric consumption of campus buildings and control system options will be considered in the beginning portion of Phase Two. A much more in-depth economic analysis of the chosen turbine package and its implementation options will be performed.

Background
To integrate the turbines properly into the grid, the turbines will need to be producing power in phase with the rest of the grid. The grid has a certain phase inertia, meaning the comparatively small amount of power produced by the turbines will have relatively little impact on the overall phase of the grid.

The University of Idaho Steam Plant primarily burns wood chips for steam power. It has three backup natural gas fired boilers that it periodically runs on particularly cold days. Natural gas is much more expensive than wood chips for producing power. These factors affect how many turbines would be economically feasible to install. Would it be more economic to burn more wood chips to produce extra power? Would purchasing three boilers and burning extra natural gas result in net savings? What times of the year would this be feasible?

Specifications
To be considered a success, the final project needs to receive University of Idaho Facilities' approval and either initiate or influence installation of turbines on campus. To achieve this approval, the top two turbine installation packages will be presented to Facilities at the end of the first semester; work over the summer and second semester will be a more in-depth analysis of the economics and actual implementation of their chosen package.

In addition to the primary goal of satisfying Facilities on an economic scale, the proposed implementation should also be compatible with a future microgrid project and be able to accommodate future steam production loads out to 20 years.

Minutes
[20 Feb 2018]

[27 Feb 2018]

[8 March 2018]

[20 March 2018]

[27 March 2018]

[3 April 2018]

[17 April 2018]