Combined Heat & Power (CHP) Facility

Salas O’Brien partnered with the University of Tennessee to replace two 100,000 lb/hr coal-fired boilers with new 99 MMBTU input gas-fired boilers with fuel oil backup in the steam plant serving the UT Knoxville campus. We removed all existing coal and ash handling equipment and a 300-foot tall stack. Additionally, we provided fuel oil storage of 150,000 gallons with multiple tanks.

We relocated and enhanced the plant’s water treatment system. Additionally, we installed switchgear on the 2 MW diesel generator to allow it to operate in parallel with the 5 MW natural gas turbine generator. Other improvements included replacing windows in the plant, adding a screen wall around the existing diesel generator, upgrading site lighting, and improving landscaping. We also upgraded the controls for the existing 5 MW turbine generator. The project schedule required the plant to remain operational during certain construction phases.