COLUMBUS - Aging boilers at the McCracken Power Plant, stricter emissions standards and uncertainties regarding electric rates in a deregulated environment make installing a 59MW cogeneration plant a viable option to fulfill future energy needs of Ohio State's Columbus campus, Associate Vice President for Physical Facilities James E. Stevens told the university's Board of Trustees on Friday (7/7).

Trustees approved a request for architectural and engineering firms to be hired to proceed with a detailed study and schematic design of a McCracken Power Plant-Cogeneration Project and a detailed analysis of the Columbus campus electrical distribution system. The cost for this phase of design and analysis is estimated to be $1.3 million, with funds to be generated through University bond proceeds.

Ohio State's utility division has been exploring energy alternatives since July 1997, when the federal government declared the state of Ohio a high nitrous oxide producer and mandated replacing existing systems that were noncompliant by 2005. Stevens, noting that that action is under appeal by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, said four of the six boilers at McCracken will not be compliant under the new regulations.

"We're looking at replacing 1950s technology with the best technology of the 21st century," he said.

Similar cogeneration power plants have been successful at MIT, the University of Florida and Rutgers University, and are being built at other universities across the country, Stevens said.

Cogeneration, the simultaneous production of electricity and steam, harnesses waste heat that would normally escape through smokestacks. Thus, exhaust gases are not allowed to escape until all thermal energy has been removed. Experts say these cogeneration units produce electricity and hot water or steam more efficiently than conventional power plants with much lower emissions.

In August 1999, the consultant firm of Sebasta Blomberg was hired to conduct a feasibility study to determine whether cogeneration is a viable option for the University. After studying three plans to make the McCracken Power Plant compliant with the latest emission standards and meet all campus steam requirements and a majority of its electric needs, Stevens said the consultant recommended a 59MW cogeneration plant.

In recommending cogeneration, Blomberg pointed out key advantages to the University, asserting that cogeneration:

· provides a second point of delivery for the campus electrical load and therefore increases the reliability of electrical service to the University;

· reduces overall operating costs;

· provides leverage for electric rate negotiating; and

· has high thermal efficiency.

Further study of the cogeneration option will focus on identifying total costs associated with the system, identify all necessary electric work, and generate a schematic design that shows placement of equipment, relocation of existing systems, any required building modifications and an alternative boiler replacement design, Stevens said.

Board hears proposal for SciTech funding

In other business, trustees heard a proposed resolution for continued support for SciTech, the Science and Technology Campus Corporation at Ohio State. Begun in late 1997, SciTech is an innovative effort to bring together university faculty, businesses and corporations, and entrepreneurs to harness research efforts for the benefit of Ohio's citizens. The first of SciTech's proposed research facilities is under construction on the university's West Campus.

"I think the Science and Technology Campus is making excellent progress on completing our original plan," explained Ora Smith, president of the STC. "We're proving the validity of our belief that we can develop an economically viable research park on campus that is tightly connected to the university."

The resolution presented today asked board approval for a revised comprehensive development plan for the project, continuing operating funding of $300,000 per year for the next two years, and extension of the lease agreement with the university. The board is expected to act on the resolution at its August meeting.

Board approves construction work

Trustees authorized the employment of architects and engineers and a request for construction bids for a Rock Repository at the Byrd Polar Research Center. A new single-story building is needed to house the center's Antarctic rock collection. Total estimated cost of the project is $692,526, with funding provided by the research center, National Science Foundation, Board of Regents, Office of Research and the Department of Geological Sciences.

Property purchases approved

Trustees granted approval for the university to purchase two parcels of land and transfer title and issue payment for another.

· Approximately 17 acres of land at 2825 Dublin-Granville Road owned by the Ohio National Guard will be purchased for $1.8 million. The property will become part of the University Airport, with future use planned for aircraft hangars in accordance with the 1992 Master Plan for Don Scott Field.

· Property at 2000 Kenny Road is to be purchased for $3.8 million. Acquisition of this property fulfills the West Campus Master Plan's purpose of assembling all properties between the C&O Railroad and Kenny Road north of Kinnear Road.

· Authorization has been granted for the transfer of, and payment for, approximately 1,718 acres of agricultural and wooded property in Apple Creek from the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities to Ohio State's Agricultural Technical Institute. Price is not to exceed $1.2 million.

Easement requested

Trustees approved an easement of university property at 1381 Kinnear Road to be granted to American Electric Power. The 25-year easement consisting of .028 acres is to accommodate the installation of electric service to the Science Village.

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