The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is currently the largest single user of electrical energy in the SouthCoast region of Massachusetts. The local utility that provides the campus with electricity generates its electrical supplies at outmoded coal- and oil-burning plants that contribute to air pollution in the region and consume large volumes of fossil fuels.
By reducing energy consumption on campus we can improve air quality and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. We can also serve as a model for public and private organizations in the region by showcasing strategies and new technologies that are environmentally successful and economically beneficial. Follow these links to learn more:
Steam Plant Efficiencies
Over the past several years the campus has taken significant steps to improve the operating efficiencies at our steam plant while reducing emissions. Our campus steam plant, a dual-fuel operation burning oil or natural gas depending on current costs, produces the energy we use to heat and cool most of our buildings. Since this plant produces emissions and consumes fossil fuels, we must also make sure that it is operated in the most efficient manner possible.
Major steam leaks in our underground steam distribution system have all been repaired. The two projects we implemented to do the corrective work resulted in our being able to provide for the heating and cooling needs of our new Oak Glen and Pine Dale Residence Halls without any increase in costs and without the need to increase our fuel consumption on campus.
We are currently upgrading steam plant boiler controls to optimize efficiency and provide more flexibility in meeting campus heating and cooling needs. For instance, we recently repaired and reactivated a small boiler that we will be using to help us meet fluctuating steam demand without having to fire a large boiler.
We have implemented a program mandating systematic review by management of all emissions violations to help us pinpoint problem areas. As a result of attention to emissions problems over the past year, we have been able to reduce emissions violations by 90%.
Energy Management System
Modern heating and cooling plants are controlled by a network of environmental sensors tied to programmable actuating devices. The network reports back to a central monitoring station making temperature adjustments and actuation of fans and valves and other elements of heating and cooling systems controllable from the monitoring point. Such systems are called Energy Management Systems (EMS). When EMS's are installed, better comfort control is possible for occupants since a response to a cold or hot complaint can be addressed immediately without having to send out a technician to physically adjust a thermostat. But, since systems can be easily "turned down" during unoccupied hours and "pre-programmed" to meet our known class and special events schedules, considerable monetary savings and significant reduction of overall energy usage becomes easy to achieve.
While the UMass Dartmouth campus was built before these systems were available, money has been allocated in the Campus Master Plan and in the Trustee's Capital Plan for the campus to install such a system within the next five years.
Energy Performance Contracting
Also included on the 5-year Campus Master Plan and in the Trustee's Capital Plan for the campus is the initiation of an Energy Performance Contract Project. To implement an Energy Performance Contract (with the help of the Commonwealth's Division of Capital Asset Management), the campus sends out Requests for Proposals to Energy and Water Conservation Contractors. These contractors study our utility bills to determine current usage and develop proposals to make improvements. The campus then reviews all proposals and awards a contract to the company who best meets our preferences for saving money, saving water, and saving energy. Upon award of the contract, the chosen contractor implements his/her proposal at no cost to the University. The contractor is then paid back for his/her investment by being given a portion of the economic savings accruing to the campus as a result of the beneficial work done by the contractor. Basically, we pay nothing up front, we get a variety of energy and water conservation technologies installed, and, after paying back the contractor for the initial investment, we are able to operate the campus in a more environmentally benign way with reduced operating expenses.
Typical improvements that we can expect from such a contract will include the installation of variable frequency drives, energy-efficient lighting, improvements in building insulation, occupancy sensors to control lighting and heating/cooling equipment, low-volume plumbing fixtures, more efficient chillers and boilers, and, perhaps, some more innovative measures such as ice-storage (to reduce summer cooling demands) or reuse of hot condensate return water to decrease the demand for heat in other processes on campus.
Alternative Steam Plant Fuels
Over the past several years we have begun to investigate the use of biomass fuels at our steam plant. Biomass fuels are renewable energy sources and modern biomass plants have significantly reduced air emission problems when compared to traditional technologies. We have looked into burning cellulose-based products (yard waste and wood chips and paper) and liquefied biologic fuels (produced from livestock waste). While none of the technologies we have considered have yet shown much promise for meeting our needs, we will continue to consider alternative fuels for the steam plant.
Geothermal Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning
An environmentally attractive and cost-efficient alternative to using our steam plant to provide the energy for heating and cooling is possible using geothermal energy. A geothermal system consists of a well tapping into ground water that remains at constant temperature throughout the year and, taking advantage of the differential temperatures between the ground water and the ambient air, to produce heat or cooling as needed. The groundwater used is then returned to the aquifer completing a cycle that has virtually no environmental repercussions.
Geothermal systems have extremely beneficial life-cycle costs but the costs to install them initially can be high. Geothermal systems have been operating successfully at hotels, churches, private businesses and homes for years but the higher initial costs have been an impediment to widespread adoption of this technology.
The first geothermal project on our campus will be installed for the Solar Decathlon Project on site near the new Charlton Building. We feel confident that this proven technology will become an inspiration for future building projects on campus.
Last Updated On: 3/16/06
