30 MWe - Dual Fuel Gas Combined Heat and Power Plant - Cornell University - Case Study

OWNER
Cornell University

PROJECT ENGINEERING
GIE Niagara Engineering, Inc. PC

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
LeChase Construction Services

PRODUCT
Two (2) Titan 130 Dual-fuel Gas Turbine Generator Sets With Heat Recovery Steam Generators

CUSTOMER VALUE
Reliable, Efficient, Environmentally Friendly Power

To improve efficiency and reduce emissions, Cornell University replaced coal-fired boilers in 2009 with two (2) 15 MWe Titan™ 130 gas turbine generator sets for its combined heat and power plant. Previously, the campus in Ithaca, New York, purchased 80 percent of its electricity from the local utility. The dual-fueled turbines now fulfill 80 percent of the campus power and steam needs. With each steam generator producing steam at up to 150,000 pounds per hour, the plant also provides all heating needs to 150 buildings covering 14 million square feet. The turbines run to satisfy thermal load—both in winter, one in summer and one cycled for peaking power during the shoulder months. The generators can operate independent from the utility grid (island mode) to ensure stable and reliable power and heat supply at any time. They also can operate in parallel with the grid, allowing the export of 5 to 6 MW of power to the grid in the winter.