User:Yhlim

Heat and power system of the University of British Columbia

On March 24 2010, Climate Action Plan has been announced by the president of the University of British Columbia, Stephen Toope, which commits UBC’s reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. Currently UBC is working with Nexterra Systems Corp and General Electric Jenbacher to transform heating and powering system of campus to advanced clean and carbon neutral system. A unique system has been completed in the campus and heat and electricity will be generated from carbon neutral wood-based biomass to support the campus. Local wood processing companies provide wood fuel for the plant. With usage of wood-based biomass thus reduction of fossil fuels, approximately 9,000 tones of decrease in GHG is estimated. Elimination of 9,000 tones of GHG has the equivalent effect of removing more than 1,800 cars from the road.

'''1. Goal of the system ''' Through this project with Nexterra, UBC is aiming reduction of GHG. UBC has achieved reduction of GHG by 6 percent below 1990 levels and met its Kyoto protocol targets in 2007. UBC targets further reduction of GHG:
 * By 33 per cent by 2015
 * By 67 per cent by 2020
 * By 100 per cent by 2050

2. Principle of biomass system

Wood-based biomass is used to fuel the system. Then ultra clean synthesis gas is created to be injected to combustion engine. Electricity is generated and eventually heat and power are provided to the campus.

3. Benefits


 * Environmental benefits

Approximately 20,000 pounds of steam is produced in an hour by the biomass fuel system, which fulfills 25 per cent of UBC’s base requirement. At the same time, 9,000 tonnes of UBC's greenhouse gas emissions are eliminated.
 * Social and economical benefits

With the system, significant amount of energy cost will be saved. Also, reduction of GHG in UBC will affect directly the Lower Mainland of Vancouver as UBC shows commitment to bring change.

References

http://sustain.ubc.ca/research/signature-research-projects/bioenergy-research-and-demonstration-facility

http://www.canadianconsultingengineer.com/awards/pdfs/F-2_UBCCampusAlternateEnergy.pdf

http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science/story/6523

http://www.sustain.ubc.ca/steam-hot-water/ubc-energy-conversion-saves-4-million-year-cuts-ghgs

http://www.aashe.org/resources/case-studies/implementing-ubcs-climate-action-plan

http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-sustainability/getting-hot-water

http://ubyssey.ca/features/ubc-biomass432/

http://sustain.ubc.ca/campus-initiatives/green-buildings