UI Steam Power
As an interdisciplinary engineering capstone senior design team our objective was to perform a feasibility analysis for implementing such a cogeneration system at the Steam Plant. We brought together the combined engineering knowledge from the fields of Bio-Agricultural, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering.
UI Steam Plant | |
Sponsors : | |
Team Name : | UI Steam Power |
Academic Year : | Fall 2013 - Spring 2014 |
Faculty Advisors : | |
Consultants : |
Background[edit | edit source]
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 ~70,000 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[edit | edit source]
- 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[edit | edit source]
The Current System Model is broken up into 7 stages.
- Boilers
- Pressure Reducing Valves
- Condenser(Campus)
- Condensate Tank
- Condensate Pumps
- Dearator Tank
- Feedwater Pumps
Model Options[edit | edit source]
Turbine Model | Description |
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Simple Turbine Model | This Turbine option will consist of 1 turbine that runs alongside the current PRV's. It can operate at current system pressures and will generate from 1/2 - 1 MW |
Two Turbine Model | The first turbine will use steam directly out of the wood boiler with the second turbine down stream of the main header using steam from all boilers. |
Plummer Model Non-Superheated | This Turbine will condense the steam after it flows through the turbine. It will require a condensing tank and cooling tower. |
Plummer Model Superheated | The same set up as the Plummer Model, but it includes super-heated steam. |
Reheat Two Turbine | This generation setup works by recirculating the super-heated steam after it goes through the first turbine back into the boiler and then into the second turbine. |
Max Generation Model | Includes two turbines, max pressure, super-heated, and reheat turbine system. |
EES Verification[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Below are the 2 models our client has chosen for us to model and continue looking into for the spring semester of 2014.
Model Diagram | Specifications | Methodolgy |
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Simple Turbine Model
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Plummer Superheated Model
The Plummer Superheated model will be analyzed to see if it is a viable option for the University of Idaho. The Plummer Model is a condensing turbine that will require a condenser and cooling tower. It's pros are that it can generate a large amount of power but this comes at a higher need for fuel. Also, the steam in this system will require superheating to get max efficiency from our turbine. Superheating steam will require much more safety and preventative maintenance for the plant as well.
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Team Members[edit | edit source]
Picture | Bio | Discipline | ||
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BAE | |||
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EE | |||
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BAE | |||
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EE |
Group photo of us inside the University of Idaho's Wood Boiler (Somewhat blurry but a great photo)