Facilities operations HVACs (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) work group of technicians manage, control, and deliver all steam to the campus from its origin at the steam plant to its destination where it heats rooms, cooks food, sterilizes in autoclaves, and heats the domestic hot water in most campus buildings. Facilities operations HVAC is over three miles of underground steam/condensate piping, including 20 steam pits, with their associated steam valves, traps, and expansion joints. HVAC also maintains condensate return pumps, more than 200 steam traps, thermostats and sensors, air handling systems, and all temperature control systems. The University also has a Honeywell energy management system which is maintained by HVAC.
Ventilation
Areas equipped with ventilation systems will be operated in the most economical way possible consistent with OSHA requirements and the comfort and safety of building occupants. During times of reduced occupancy, cycling of fans or reduced fan speeds will be employed where possible to conserve energy; and if possible, systems will be shut off entirely during periods of minimal or no use. Any deviations from these standards must be reviewed by facilities operations.
Heating and Cooling
In most instances, temperature management of indoor environments is governed by central controls monitored by the central plant. Building occupants can, however, contribute to their own comfort by wearing seasonably appropriate clothing and make sure that windows, storms, shades, and blinds work and are positioned for the season.Winter Season
The targeted temperature for most work spaces is 68 - 70°F. Due to building characteristics and control limitations, actual temperatures will vary. Wherever feasible, nighttime and weekend temperatures will be reduced to approximately 60°F. Temperatures in storerooms, hallways, stairwells, and other unoccupied areas will also be kept in the 60°F range.The only exceptions to these guidelines will be in laboratories, experimental areas, art galleries, and other spaces where there is a demonstrated work requirement for maintenance of higher or more consistent temperatures. Electric heaters to supplement central heating are allowed only with the authorization of facilities operations. These devices can be dangerously misused and will be allowed only under controlled circumstances. Windows should not be opened during the winter to cool spaces. The facilities operations department should be consulted whenever central heating is not performing adequately.
Summer Season
Except for a relatively few days during the summer season, ventilation from fans and open windows is generally a satisfactory means to maintain reasonable working conditions in most spaces. Nonetheless, individuals may have to cope as best they can with working conditions that are temporarily uncomfortable due to heat and humidity.In areas where air conditioning systems have been installed, the targeted temperature will be 76°F. Exceptions to this air conditioning guideline may need to be made to meet defined laboratory, experimental, library, or art requirements. Due to building characteristics and control limitations, actual temperatures may vary from the target.
Any deviations from the above standards must be reviewed by the facilities operations department.
Steam Plant
Last year the University’s steam plant provided approximately 75,000,000 pounds of steam heat to more than 35 buildings on campus. The steam plant burns around 125,000 mcf of natural gas annually. The plant is equipped with three Cleaver-Brooks water tube boilers, of which two are rated at 2,000 lbs/hour and another at 40,000 lbs/hour. The steam plant employs boiler tenders and skilled trades employees and is monitored 24 hours a day during an eight-month period. Also, the steam plant produces around 1,000 MW annually with the 350KW steam turbine/generator.
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