Steam
The University’s cogeneration facility is one of the most modern energy production facilities of its kind and has been nationally recognized throughout the years for its accomplishments and superior environmental performance.
The primary purpose of the central plant is to generate and distribute steam which is used for heating, humidification, domestic hot water heating, sterilization and making distilled water. Steam is distributed through an extensive network of underground steam and condensate return piping in excess of 50 miles.
During the cogeneration process, the steam passes through a controlled extraction pressure and condensing steam turbine generator. As a result, up to one-third of the electricity used on campus can be produced as a byproduct. This combination results in an overall thermal efficiency of twice that of any plant built solely for the purpose of power generation.