Real-Time Utility Consumption

Utility Equipment: Steam

90 lb. steam is extracted from the turbine-generators, after it has produced electricity. This process is called co-generation. Co-generation is defined as using a single fuel source to simultaneously produce electricity and supply thermal loads. The process is highly efficient and has been used at Iowa State University since 1891.

Electricity produced by the co-generation process can be produced at approximately one third of the cost of more conventional power generation methods. Power Plant operators maximize the amount of co-generated power to minimize electricity costs for the university. 90 lb steam is either sent to campus or is used to produce chilled water.