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
To do this, the produced energy must be in phase with the rest of the grid. Additionally, the turbines must have a power source to start producing energy from blackstart conditions. Behavior in blackout conditions must be determined. Most importantly, the economics of the project must be determined. The purpose of this project is to save the University money through power conservation; therefore, the most economic option will be pursued.

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?

Minutes
[20 Feb 2018]

[27 Feb 2018]

[8 March 2018]