Purdue News

July 21, 1998 Purdue chiller breaks; temperature to rise WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The turbine drive on the second largest of four chiller units at the Purdue University Wade Utility Plant today (Tuesday, 7/21) apparently threw a blade, significantly reducing air-conditioning capacity for the campus for at least the next several days. Joseph D. Mikesell, director of utilities, said his area is assessing critical cooling needs and will meet those first. "First priority for cooling will go to areas that house critical research and laboratory animals," Mikesell said. "We will shut off cooling to all unoccupied areas, adjust thermostats in others and encourage faculty and staff to turn off unnecessary equipment and lights to minimize the heat load." The areas furthest from the power plant, which is on the south edge of campus, will feel the effects the most, he added. The faulty, four-year-old, 4,500-ton chiller cost $3 million to purchase and install. "We suspect the steam turbine drive threw a blade, which is a very serious problem," Mikesell said. "It created a severe vibration. We will need to call in outside contractors, and it could take days, if not weeks, to repair it." In addition to students enrolled for the summer session, 6,700 Presbyterian youth from around the world are on campus through Sunday, occupying most of the residence hall facilities, said John A. Sautter, vice president for housing and food services. Most of the residence halls do not have air-conditioned sleeping rooms, but the few that do -- Hillenbrand Hall and the graduate houses -- along with Union Club in the Purdue Memorial Union, will be less cool than normal. "Our dining rooms and central lounges, however, are air-conditioned and will be available, so they can get out of the heat there," Sautter said. "Also we will have air conditioning in many of the large meeting areas they will use, such as Elliott Hall of Music." Sources: Joseph D. Mikesell, (765) 494-7327 John A. Sautter, (765) 494-1000 Writer: Jeanne V. Norberg, (765) 494-2084; e-mail, jeanne_norberg@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page