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AirtimeAficionado t1_j1jcb88 wrote

Reply to comment by OneDwarfTwoSocks in PJM asks to conserve power by LGP214

Most large and significant buildings Downtown generate their own power with the steam system, same with Oakland and portions of the North Shore. They are still a part of the same grid, but not necessarily drawing energy in the same way a traditional home does.

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UnaffiliatedOpinion t1_j1je91i wrote

One could argue that all capacity should be used to keep homes and hospitals heated and lit. Then again, one could argue that that capacity only exists to keep these places powered when the rest of the grid fails, so they would just not build it if they won't be able to use it.

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AirtimeAficionado t1_j1jem4g wrote

It’s also not as simple as just moving that power to homes, the capacity for distribution is also a factor, and sometimes there are limits on how capacity can get from point A to B. And the major hospitals, fortunately, are on the steam network, which is why they almost never lose power.

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Snoo-35041 t1_j1jfy5c wrote

I don’t believe that is correct, and the downtown plant is closing down soon. They usually just generate heat, and most newer buildings, after the 70’s don’t use the steam plant, hence it shutting down in town. (And the damage from the last flood didn’t help)

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AirtimeAficionado t1_j1jjkkz wrote

PACT is consolidating their operations with Clearview (the system on the North Side), it is not going away. Many, many buildings use the steam, and there is no real better energy solution as of right now. Most systems that use the steam system also generate power. Steam also powers the A/C turbine systems for most buildings. The only buildings that do not use it are the newest PNC towers, to my knowledge.

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PGHENGR t1_j1mhbwu wrote

I’ve done HVAC design work in 20+ buildings downtown and I’ve never seen one that uses steam to generate electricity or A/C.

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6nop_ t1_j1n5sg8 wrote

Duquesne University generates their own Steam to use for Electricity (4MW) , Heating, and Cooling. This video talks about their system, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKqR7_ZQRwY

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PGHENGR t1_j1n6373 wrote

Yeah that’s a college campus, makes sense. It’s not economically feasible for regular building owners to do.

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AirtimeAficionado t1_j1nq1rd wrote

I am almost 100% sure several buildings at Pitt use steam for HVAC turbines and power generation, as well as water and building heating. I just assumed it was the same downtown, but I could be wrong!

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PGHENGR t1_j1nwn0a wrote

Yup Pitt does use steam for some of that. It’s just really expensive so you’ll typically just see it in sectors that are subsidized in some way. It’s definitely a cool idea it’s just not cheap b

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Ntovorni t1_j1k7nau wrote

And the majority of them take part in demand response, which usually is in the summer but functions for this as well. Elevators, HVAC limited, etc etc.

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PGHENGR t1_j1mgqhs wrote

Huh? They do not generate power through the steam. They use steam to convert to hot water and use the hot water to heat the building.

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