Page 348 - Sustainable On-Site CHP Systems Design, Construction, and Operations

CHAPTER 19

Case Study 1:

Princeton University District

Energy System

Edward Borer

he Princeton University central plant and energy systems shown in the picture
(Fig. 19-1) above are considered “best in class.” The systems exemplify the effi-
Tciency, reliability, and responsible financial and environmental stewardship that
can be achieved by well-integrated energy systems. They are recognized as a model of
excellence.
Princeton uses cogeneration, steam- and electric-powered cooling, thermal storage,
district energy, and economic dispatch to deliver reliable energy at a minimum life-
cycle cost while greatly reducing the university’s carbon footprint. While some existing
university buildings date prior to the American Revolution, the facilities staff takes a
proactive approach for testing and implementing the most modern methods and tech-
nologies. They have pioneered economic dispatch techniques, the use of biodiesel in
boilers and gas turbines, the use of modern backpressure steam turbines, reduced bio-
cide use, and optimized combustion turbine controls. The plant itself is frequently used
as a teaching tool and is a key component of the university’s sustainability plan. Cur-
rent projects in progress include exhaust heat recovery, venturi steam traps, heat recov-
ery from returning chilled water, and real-time equipment dispatch based on economics
and environmental impact. The university is a recognized leader in environmental
stewardship winning many notable honors including the Governor’s Environmental
Excellence Award and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star CHP
Award.

History
Princeton’s energy plant serves over 9 million square feet of residential, administrative,
academic, athletic, and research space dating from the 1760s to today. Over a million

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