Purdue trustees begin to implement energy plan by approving infrastructure improvements
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University's Board of Trustees on Friday (May 11) approved a combined request to install a natural gas-fired 6.5 MW combustion turbine, also known as a combined heat and power (CHP) boiler; convert a boiler from coal to gas; and upgrade a steam distribution line on Jischke Drive.
This project stems directly from the Comprehensive Energy Master Plan (CEMP) created by Purdue Physical Facilities and consultant Burns & McDonnell that was presented to trustees earlier this week. On Thursday (May 10) the board's Physical Facilities Committee approved a project to install individual utility meters in all major campus buildings. The CEMP is designed to increase energy generation capacity while containing costs and emissions.
Trustees on Friday approved a project, also part of the energy plan, to begin planning a 5 million gallon thermal energy storage tank. In addition, the board also approved a contract to install new air handler systems in a chemistry building and adjust the budget for the student fitness and wellness center renovation.
The installation of the CHP will include the demolition of the Wade Power Plant's coal-fired boiler No. 1 to make way for the cleaner energy producing CHP. The CHP's primary purpose will be to produce electricity and use the waste heat to provide steam for campus heating. This installation is complemented by the conversion of coal-fired Boiler No. 2 to gas. The project also includes upgrading steam distribution pipes along Martin Jischke Drive northward from Third Street to Tower Drive. This $33.1 million investment in production and distribution systems will transform the Wade Power Plant from a primarily coal-fired system to a gas-fired system, and it will improve distribution in the northern part of campus.
Trustees approved a $3 million contract with Stanley Consultants of Chicago and Applied Engineering of Indianapolis to design the project, which will be paid for with bond proceeds previously approved to construct a coal-fired boiler. That project has been cancelled.
The trustees also approved a $1.25 million contract with PRVN Consultants of Muscatine, Iowa, to design a $16 million thermal energy storage tank. The tank will allow Purdue to chill water at night when electricity is less expensive and use that water to cool buildings during peak daytime energy demand periods when electricity rates are higher. The tank project, which will be financed through central and infrastructure reserve funds, will also increase Purdue's overall cooling capacity.
The $5 million, three-year plan to install meters on major campus buildings will allow the university to monitor energy usage and make improvements in individual buildings. Meters will measure usage of steam, chilled water, water and electricity. The meter installation is another recommendation from the Comprehensive Energy Master Plan. Physical Facilities will do the meter installations, working from a plan to minimize any utility interruptions.
The project will be paid for from university funds, specifically infrastructure reserves.
The trustees also approved a $4.4 million construction contract with Commercial Air Inc. of Lebanon, Ind., to install the second phase of a replacement air handler unit in Wetherill Hall of Chemistry. The project includes replacement of fan coil units, fume hoods, fume hood controllers, fans and general exhaust units. Phase II affects 475 rooms in the building and will allow improved humidity control and possible usage of hoods to recover heat. The project will be paid for with bond proceeds from the repair and rehabilitation program.
Trustees also voted to alter the budget for the $98 million Student Fitness and Wellness Center renovation by using $630,000 to modify exits, improve safety and level the floor of an existing gymnasium. Funds for this change will be reallocated from the project's central account risk reserve and from money previously designated to upgrade plumbing and mechanical infrastructure.
The Physical Facilities Committee approved a $3 million plan to upgrade bathrooms on the first five floors of Harrison Residence Hall. The renovation will reconfigure the bathrooms, provide more privacy, and improve appearance and marketability. Mussett, Nicholas and Associates of Indianapolis received the $120,000 design contract for this second of nine planned phases of restroom improvements in Purdue's H-shaped residence halls.
The renovations will be paid for by University Residence funds, which are generated from housing fees and include no tuition or state dollars.
Writer: Jim Schenke, 765-237-7296, jschenke@purdue.edu
Source: Robert McMains, vice president for physical facilities, 765-494-8000, remcmains@purdue.edu