Cogeneration`s role in the emerging energy markets: A report from the University of Colorado

Journal Article · Wed Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1997 · Cogeneration and Competitive Power Journal

OSTI ID:532995

Swoboda, G J ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States). Engineering and Utilities Div.

The utilities required to satisfy the university`s electrical, steam and chilled water needs are generated at the cogeneration facility located in the center of the main campus. The building housing this cogeneration facility was constructed in 1909, at this time it contained a cogeneration facility. The original facility produced 1/100 the capacity of the new facility, yet it was housed in the same area. This existing facility burned coal until April 16, 1932, when the last coal train to pass through the campus on the Colorado and Southern tracks whistled at the campus crossing at 8:45 in the evening. This signaled the end to the cogeneration era at the Boulder campus until September 27, 1992, when once again the university began commercial operation of the new cogeneration facility. Implementation of the Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act of 1978 (PURPA) encouraged the development of cogeneration facilities due to their inherent energy efficiency. The federal government encouraged the development of cogeneration facilities by removing several major obstacles that historically deterred its full development. It was because of this act, coupled with the fact that the university is interested in energy conservation, reliable energy supply, has a large utility load and wishes to save money that they proceeded with their project. The paper describes the cogeneration system process and power options.

• OSTI ID: 532995
• Journal Information: Cogeneration and Competitive Power Journal, Journal Name: Cogeneration and Competitive Power Journal Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 12; ISSN CCPJE8; ISSN 1066-8683
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
COGENERATION
DESIGN
DUAL-PURPOSE POWER PLANTS
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
NATURAL GAS
RETROFITTING
US PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORY POLICIES ACT