Analysis of a small steam district heating system at Ft. McClellan, Alabama
An analysis to identify major causes for heat loss from one steam district heating system at Ft. McClellan, Alabama, has been made. Because only limited information based on measurements was available, we took measurements of condensate ejected from traps and of ground temperature profiles above buried steam pipes and combined these limited data with analyses of the building heat loads, heat loss from the buried pipelines, and the steam flow through the pipes to develop estimates of the energy efficiency of the distribution system. Based on these estimates, we concluded that the system efficiency (steam delivered to the buildings/steam entering the distribution system) is approximately 53%. Major identified sources of heat loss include conduction losses enhanced by the deterioration of the pipe insulation and flooding of valve pits and pipe conduits by the buildup of groundwater and condensate after failures of sump pumps. Leaks of prime steam do not appear to be a significant source of loss. Measures recommended to reduce the heat losses include providing better maintenance for sump pumps in vaults and reducing the operating pressure of the steam system. The latter measure is the more effective of the two. We estimate that reducing the operating pressure from its present 100 to 50 psig would reduce heat losses by 15% and would save the Army an estimated $43,000/year.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 7027280
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/CON-152; ON: DE84014421
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
320603* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Municipalities & Community Systems-- Public Utilities-- (1980-)
ALABAMA
DISTRICT HEATING
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY LOSSES
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FEDERAL REGION IV
HEAT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
HEAT LOSSES
HEATING
HEATING SYSTEMS
LOSSES
NORTH AMERICA
PIPES
STEAM SYSTEMS
STEAM TRAPS
THERMAL INSULATION
TRAPS
USA