Jenbacher Gas Engine Performance and Operation Test Exceeds Requirements
Following construction activities, Cogen Power Technologies (CPT) successfully completed the first of multiple operational tests for its 2.65 MW natural gas GE Jenbacher reciprocating engine cogeneration facility at the UMass Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) in Worcester, MA.A 21-day operational test was started on November 5, 2018 and successfully completed on November 26, 2018 during which the cogeneration plant was required to operate in “automatic” control (no operator action during normal operation). Over the course of the three-week test, the cogeneration system achieved a 96% availability – exceeding the required 92% – while supplying the customer with electric and thermal energy.
Remote Proactive Support
Engine and system performance were monitored by CPT and customer staff to confirm proper operation and expected outputs. The system (engine, controls, and balance of plant equipment) was also monitored remotely to facilitate ongoing and proactive support for the operations group. Heat recovery equipment, including a heat recovery steam generator and an absorption chiller, utilized the engine exhaust gas heat to produce steam and chilled water for various hospital loads and processes.Additional performance and operational tests will continue over the next month with anticipated project completion in late 2018/early 2019. The current and future successes are a direct result of the valued partnerships between all the project participants: Northeast Energy Systems (engine supplier), Dagle Electric Corporation (electrical contractor), NB Kenney (mechanical contractor), Rovisys (controls and integration contractor), Siemens (chiller controls contractor), CHA (project designer), and the UMMC project team and staff.
