Turbine Generator

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2014 | Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation

Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation is connected to the University of Alberta’s district energy system. The system delivers superheated steam under high pressure to the buildings on campus for heating and process use, but these extreme conditions degrade mechanical equipment at accelerated rates. This turbine generator reduces the temperature and pressure of the steam, decreasing mechanical equipment maintenance costs, while also generating electricity.

Environmental Impact

  • Equivalent of 705 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided annually.
    Equivalent to taking 255 cars off the road each year.
  • Lower carbon footprint compared to electricity from Alberta's electrical grid because it is generated with natural gas-fired steam instead of coal.

Innovation & Technology

  • 250 kW steam pressure-reducing turbine generator.
  • Helps maximize energy utilized from the district energy heating system.
  • No other commercial building on a post-secondary campus in Canada has such an installation.

Estimated Savings

  • $70,000–80,000 per year in energy cost savings.
    Based on March 2016 energy rates.
  • Reduces maintenance costs for mechanical equipment, freeing limited resources for other deferred maintenance.