University of New Mexico CHP Project
The University of New Mexico (UNM) installed a 6 MW CHP system as part of a
major energy infrastructure upgrade (involving heating, cooling, distribution,
building controls and lighting, as well as CHP) in 2004. The system helps meet
the space heating, space cooling and domestic hot water production needs for
over 25,000 students and 5,000 faculty and staff.
The CHP system is powered by a Solar Turbines Taurus 70 natural gas-fired
combustion turbine and provides 29,000 pounds of steam per hour. The CHP system
supplies approximately 50% of the total electricity demand during the winter
months, and about 30% during the summer months. It is operated on economic
dispatch, meaning it is operated when relative gas and electricity prices allow
the operation to be economically beneficial. In 2008, UNM was evaluating the
installation of additional CHP capacity.
Quick Facts
- Year Installed: 2004
- Estimated Operating Efficiency: 64%
- Estimated Energy Savings: 18% less fuel use than typical onsite
thermal generation or purchased electricity
- Estimated CO2 Emissions Reduction: 8,200 tons per year
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