Steam/Hot Water District Heating Evaluation at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Site

摘要

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory site has a steam district heating system that was installed in the early 1940's. A large portion of the steam distribution system is buried, and recently there have been failures in the buried pipelines. This investigation compares the economics of renovating the existing east-end steam system with the economics of replacing this portion with a new hot water system. A decision must be made on the future of this portion of the system since it can no longer be considered reliable. Renovation of the east-end portion of the steam system would include replacement of approximately 6000 ft of pipe and is estimated to cost $4,160,000. It is anticipated that renovation to the east-end system would reduce the annual fuel bill by about 15% and cut maintenance costs. The new hot water system option would include installing 15,000 ft of buried piping at the east end of the plant. It would also include converting the buildings to be compatible with a new hot water system. This option would cost about $3,000,000 more than the steam renovation option; however, the hot water option has an annual savings in fuel and maintenance of about $665,000 over the steam renovation. The simple payback for the hot water option is 4.5 years. The hot water option is attractive, and it is recommended that the development of this system be pursued. (ERA citation 09:018724)