Plant brings $800K savings

In the spirit of sustainable stewardship, Messiah College has been working with UGI Utilities to build a combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) system, one of the largest and most complex in Pennsylvania colleges.

The goal of the $7.5 million project is to lower energy costs, increase energy reliability and eliminate the use of propane.

 “At the end of one full year of operating, we conservatively project an $800,000 savings,” said Kathie Shafer, vice president of operations.

The project will reduce annual emissions equal to 1,354 passenger vehicles being taken off the road; 723,000 gallons of gasoline saved; and 15,000 barrels of oil saved.

The installation includes electrical distribution and water piping to connect to the Sollenberger Sports Center and the Eisenhower Campus Center along with the Frey Hall heating and cooling system.

The Frey, Jordan and Kline halls system will include a 1-megawatt generator of 5,200 kilowatt turbines (similar to jet engines) to power the campus center. The waste heat from the turbines’ exhaust will heat water for the campus center and the three halls along with supplying electricity for Frey.

The system also includes a 288-ton absorption chiller through which the waste heat will make chilled water for air conditioning. Water will be piped to the campus center, Frey, Kline, Jordon, Hostetter Chapel and Murray Library.

“The CCHP system and natural gas conversion will reduce the overall campus emissions by about 25 percent,” said Brad Markley, director of facility services.

— Adela Antal ’16