UI Cogeneration Turbine

Team UI Cogeneration is performing a feasibility study on the implementation of a cogeneration turbine at the University of Idaho Steam Plant. The turbine would use excess steam to create electricity for the grid.

=Background=

The University of Idaho Steam Plant first started operating in 1940 with 1 original boiler. The steam plants main purpose is to provide steam for heating and cooling inside the buildings on campus. As the load got higher, 3 more boilers were installed on site to help maintain the constant pressure and flow needed for the campus. The primary boiler used today is the wood boiler. It was installed in 1985 and can run a flow rate of up to 60,000 lb/hr. The highest school load recorded was ~85,000 lb/hr, therefore the other 3 boilers are natural gas fueled and are used at load amounts that exceed the capacity of the wood boiler.

=Feasibility Analysis Specifications=
 * Electrical load profiling
 * Thermal load profiling
 * New utility rate structure analysis
 * Unit sizing
 * Thermal use determination/distribution system analysis
 * Installation cost estimates
 * Permitting impacts
 * Utility interconnection requirements
 * Financial calculations(simple payback, IRR, Cash Flow Diagrams)
 * Presentation of six design/construction models to client
 * Fully develop client design preference

=Current System Model= The Current System Model is broken up into 7 stages.
 * Boilers
 * Pressure Reducing Valves
 * Condenser(Campus)
 * Condensate Tank
 * Condensate Pumps
 * Dearator Tank
 * Feedwater Pumps

EES Verification
The program Engineering Equation Solver (EES) is used to model the current steam system, and estimate boiler efficiency using inputs of steam generated and fuel usage. EES is further utilized in estimating the isentropic efficiency of several existing turbines at other universities. Finally, it will be used to predict predict power generation of both turbine system models.

=Selected Models= Below are the 2 models our client has chosen for us to model and continue looking into for the spring semester of 2014.

=Turbine Options=

Electrical Specifications
Annual Power Generation =          4,200,000 kWh  Rated Power =                      1187 HP  Rated Generator Output =           873 kW/h  Rated Steam Flow =                 50,000 lb/hr  Speed =                            3625 rpm 

Capital Costs
Turbine =                          $115,138  Base,Couplings =                   $50,000  Generator =                        $40,000  Generator Controls/Contactor =     $75,000 </li> Total Material Cost =              $280,138 </li> Install Est. =                     $70,035 </li> System Total Capital =             $350,173 </li>

Model B
Turbine Model B was chosen by the client for further investigation.The prices in Turbine B above are more accurate than the estimated prices in Turbine ModelA.

Electrical Specifications
Annual Power Generation =          5,300,000 kWh </li> Rated Power =                      1390 HP </li> Rated Generator Output =           985 kW/h </li> Rated Steam Flow =                 50,000 lb/hr </li> Speed =                            3625 rpm </li>

Capital Costs
Turbine =                           $480,000 </li> Base,Couplings,Lube System =        $85,000 </li> Generator =                         $40,000 </li> Generator Controls/Contactor =      $75,000 </li> 1800 RPM Reduction Gear Adjustment = $315,000 </li> Total Material Cost =               $1,000,000 </li> Install Est. =                      $250,000 </li> <li>System Total Capital =              $1,500,000 </li>

=Economic Analysis=



=Team Members=



Group photo of us inside the University of Idaho's Wood Boiler

=Document Archive=

EXPO Work
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Innovation Showcase
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Design Review 1
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Design Review 2
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Team Minutes
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