Detailed Recommendations - Alternative Generation

Introduction

Our knowledge of the different proposal changes on the St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict’s campuses have lead to conclusions of the specific recommendations.  These conclusions have helped to narrow down the specifics of the certain issues of alternative generation for electricity as well as conservation options for the campuses.  Certain issues are more feasible and applicable to our campuses, and have a higher priority.  The following summarizes priority recommendations for these two institutions.

Alternative Generation

Top Priority Recommendations

Wind Powered Turbines

Wind energy is an excellent option for alternative generation.  Two 1.5 MW or two 2 MW turbines installed at CSB/SJU could supply a large amount of electricity for each respective campus.  With educational awareness of environmental benefits and public relations in upholding the Benedictine value of stewardship, the investment in wind energy is a legitimate and rational proposal.  Through a combination of turbine(s) on campus, the two institutions can demonstrate our leadership and environmental awareness as a community.

Solar Power

Solar power is a viable option for renewable energy generation. The most economical application of photovoltaic panels on campus would be at the Flynntown and Clemens bus stops.  On an educational and institutional level, the implementation of solar power sends a powerful message to other schools or businesses. 

Marginal Recommendations:

Hydro Electric

Hydro electric systems can be installed into any moving water source.  Initial tests need to be administered in order to determine the flow of the actual water source.  A hydro electric system can be installed in a location for $3000, including the installation and machinery required to operate the system.  Potential results include providing electricity to our campus via water, therefore reducing the need to purchase power from Xcel.

Biomass 

Biomass fuel could be incorporated into the current combined heat and power facility at SJU.  There are two possible options for the use of biomass as a fuel source. Cofiring would involve burning a percentage of biomass with the coal that is currently used. This option is relatively inexpensive because the same fuel handling systems could be used.  An entire boiler could be dedicated to biomass. This option would be more expensive because upgrades to the fuel handling system would be necessary. Economic savings from the installation of a biomass system would be dependant on the cost of the biomass used.  A detailed feasibility study would need to be conducted in order to determine how appropriate this fuel source would be for SJU.

Gas Microturbines 

Gas microturbines are also an alternative option at CSB/SJU.  They can be used to generate electricity and heat any building on either campus depending on the individual turbine’s capacities.  Unfortunately, the price of natural gas on these campuses is more expensive than anywhere else in Minnesota. The cost of producing electricity and heat from gas microturbines would be $.024 per kWh. The best option for CSB/SJU should be to use microturbines for heating and pumping the pools, as many other colleges have done.

Geothermal Heat Pumps 

Geothermal heat pumps are usually installed during the construction of a new building, however they can be retrofitted to current buildings if done properly.  A loop system can fit almost anywhere, from under a parking lot to under landscaped terrain.  As most geothermal systems are used in construction of a new building, it would be most viable for the institutions to implement this system in future buildings, such as the construction of the Abbey Guest House. 

Low Priority Recommendations:

Methane Digesters

Methane Digesters would provide several advantages to SJU campus.  First, they contribute a non-fossil fuel based form of electricity, reducing the campus’ dependence on power from Xcel Energy and lowering fossil carbon emissions into the atmosphere.  It also has the potential for augmenting the current heat/electricity cogeneration system used by the campus.  This would allow for the current infrastructure to remain largely the same, but reduce the amount of coal SJU uses to keep the boilers heated.  The installation of a methane digester at SJU would not be economical.  If an anaerobic methane digester were to be installed, it would be largely for the educational and environmental benefits it could bring. 

Fuel Cells

Fuel cells are not recommended for our campuses even though the technology has great potential. Hydrogen is the fuel source for fuel cells, but is expensive and not readily available in this area.  The technology is not fully developed and is uneconomical at this time.