UTMB Combined Heat & Power Feasibility Study
CLIENT
University of Texas
Medical Branch
LOCATION
League City, TX
Challenge
Our team was tasked with conducting a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) feasibility assessment for the League City UTMB Campus.
Back in 2017, the campus was planning expansion to include several additions to the existing Specialty Care Center: new administrative buildings, office buildings, academic buildings, a future clinic, a logistics facility, and additional parking. Our challenge was to identify the future campus peak utility loads and determine the future expansion requirements of the utility production facilities and distribution systems to support the planned growth.
In addition to this forecasting assessment, we were requested to examine whether implementing CHP as a power backup solution would be financially feasible for the expanded campus' heating and cooling needs, as they had already committed to a modular chilled water plant as their primary power mechanism.
Approach
We collected data on gas engine, gas turbine, and boiler performance, along with budgetary costs and fixed and variable O&M and installation expenses. Additionally, we conducted initial calculations on yearly fuel consumption as well as heat and electricity production.
Bocci then created a financial model and presented a summary of assumptions for review by the client. Our aim was to forecast the most financially feasible time for UTMB to implement a CHP power backup design that would minimize its environmental impact while maintaining efficient hospital operations.
Solution + Results
We provided the client with an initial analysis of their current situation and the market requirements for their solution to be successful. This allowed them to determine the most economically and environmentally viable time to proceed with their project. The developing campus was not limited to one or two buildings, but would eventually include seven buildings. The study acted as a tool to help them monitor energy costs and environmental impact and decide when to implement a combined heat and power solution. This projection was the ultimate outcome of our analysis.
It is important to note that this forecast was made prior to the completion of the campus build-out, which has since been finished. Electricity prices have risen in today's current market, making a CHP solution more economically and environmentally favorable. UTMB is now well poised for improving results for its resiliency and ESG goals.
Bocci delivered expertise in these areas:
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Reviewed energy usage and costs for League City campus.
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Analyzed load curves and selected gas turbine and engine options.
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Obtained performance and budgetary information.
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Calculated fuel consumption and production for Phases 1-3.
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Reviewed permit requirements and began financial modeling.
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Service Categories:
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Forecasting
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Renewable Technology
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Resiliency and Reliability
METRICS
The highest ROI CHP solution we found generates
100,000 metric tons of CO2 savings,
equivalent to emissions from:
CLIENT
University of Texas
Medical Branch
256,354,881
22,253
LOCATION
League City, TX
miles driven by an
average gasoline-powered
passenger vehicle
gasoline passenger vehicles
driven for a year
Bocci was brought in as a CHP expert, and we conducted a comprehensive analysis of their energy usage, procurement, and future building plans. We also explored available subsidies in Texas intended to support alternative energy projects. After completing a complete site review, our approach first utilized load duration curves to select gas turbines and gas engines for the study.
