Expanding for efficiency without hurting the environment

University of Calgary - District Energy Improvements

As part of a long term capital expansion program for the University of Calgary’s 45-year old main campus to accommodate nearly 7,000 more students, our team worked closely with the university to help it realize its power and energy goal - to expand the campus footprint without increasing the carbon footprint.

In 2007, with campus expansion plans in full swing, we completed a feasibility study to identify the most responsible and cost-effective means of meeting the campus’ current and future energy needs while utilizing substantial investment in the existing central utility system. The plan included multifaceted "Energy Performance Initiatives" programs for conservation measures and energy efficiency improvements to lower operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions. In 2010, the University turned to us once again for the detailed design of a key component of the plan, a 13MW cogeneration plant capable of cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 80,000 tonnes per year, far below national and global standards. Our work included modernizing the central chiller and heating plant and designing the installation of the following: one nominal 13 MW Solar Titan combustion turbine generator; chilled water inlet air cooling system; 2 MW black start diesel generator; 200 MMBtu/hr high temperature (400ºF) water boiler; expansion and modernization of the existing campus 13 kV electrical switchgear lineup and power distribution system including new SCADA system.

The plant successfully achieved commercial operation with the ability to operate both in parallel with the utility as well as in "island mode".