sustainability cover - National Association of Counties

SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS
County of Alameda
June 2007
ALAMEDA COUNTY
SUSTAINABILTY PROGRAMS
Saving Taxpayer Dollars
Energy Efficiency Retrofits
$ 6,000,000/yr
Onsite Renewable/Ultra Clean
Power Generation
$
820,000/yr
$
86,000/yr
Composting Landscape & Jail Food Waste $
65,000/yr
67 Gas/Electric Hybrids
Reuse Office Equipment & Furniture
(16,000 items)
$
84,000/yr
Sell Used Equipment & Furniture
$
135,000/yr
Recycle Paper & Metals
$
65,000/yr
Generating Revenues
Receiving Energy Incentives
Energy Incentives & Grants
$ 17,100,000
___________________________________________________________________
ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS
County of Alameda, California, USA
ENERGY
•
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2007 Crown Community Award from American City and County Magazine
Fuel Cell Project
2005 & 2002 Green Power Leadership Awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency & U.S.
Department of Energy
On-site Power Generation
2002 Challenge Award from the California State Association of Counties (CSAC)
Energy Program
2002 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award from the State of California
Energy Conservation
2002 Flex Your Power Energy Award from the State of California
Energy Conservation
GREEN BUILDING
•
•
2007 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification (anticipated)
Juvenile Justice Center
2002 Energy Efficient Building Award from Energy User News
Best Institutional Project: Santa Rita Jail
RECYCLING & SOURCE REDUCTION
•
1998 Recycling at Work Leadership Award from the US Conference of Mayors
SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS
County of Alameda, California, USA
GLOBAL WARMING LEADERSHIP
Promote clean energy, energy and resource efficiency, and alternative fuels
•
•
•
•
•
Saving taxpayers $820,000 per year with 3.1 megawatts of solar panels
and a one-megawatt natural-gas fuel cell cogeneration plant
Saving $6 million per year through energy efficiency retrofits
Driving 67 gas-electric hybrids; operating 183 vehicles on B20 biodiesel
Providing employees a pre-tax deduction for public transportation
Measuring, setting targets for, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, ROT
Conserve resources, reuse County assets, recycle, and compost
•
•
•
•
Converting paper processes to electronic
Reusing and selling 16,000 items; saving $84,000/yr, selling $135,000/yr
Recycling 1.6 million lbs/yr paper, metals, computers; earning $65,000/yr
Composting landscape waste and 1400 tons of jail food waste
ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PURCHASING
Procure goods and services to minimize global impact and expand markets
•
•
•
Purchasing over $14 million in goods with environmental specifications
Achieving comparable cost and product performance
Including paper, janitorial products, furniture, vending machines
GREEN BUILDING
Mandate high-performing, healthy buildings and construction debris recycling
•
•
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Constructing $176 million LEED Gold Juvenile Justice Center
Achieving >75% recycling of construction/demolition debris (6000 tons)
Greening large volume construction and maintenance commodities
TOXICS REDUCTION
Reduce the use of products containing toxics
•
•
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Specifying low-mercury lighting and building components
Implementing integrated pest management, such as goats for weed control
Using Green Seal janitorial cleaners
WATER CONSERVATION
Conserve with operating practices, equipment selection, and landscape design
•
•
•
Minimizing evaporation with watering schedules and drip irrigation
Using waterless urinals, low-flow toilets, time-out flushing in detention cells
Planting drought-resistant plants and groundcover to minimize evaporation
GREEN OPERATIONS
Seek opportunities for sustainable operating practices
•
•
•
Printed on 25% post-consumer content recycled paper
Piloting 4 waste vegetable oil powered vehicles
Using only re-refined motor oil and antifreeze in fleet vehicles
Buying low-polluting paints and recycled-content carpet
5/2007
CLIMATE LEADERSHIP RESOLUTION
County of Alameda, California, USA
HIGHLIGHTS
The County of Alameda passed a Climate Change Leadership Resolution in
2006 requiring:
• completion of a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and establishment of
emissions reductions targets;
• a cross-agency approach to planning and implementation for mitigation
and adaptation;
• integration of climate action strategies into County planning and
budgeting.
BACKGROUND
Climate change threatens the long-term human and environmental health, social well-being, and economic vitality of our
community. Along with 12 cities in the County, the County has launched the Alameda County Climate Protection Project
to coordinate climate action on a regional basis, with technical support from ICLEI Cities for Climate Protection and
StopWaste.Org. In making smart choices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we generate cost savings and enhance
quality of life for County residents. In addition, early action supports our future compliance with the State of California’s
greenhouse gas reduction targets to reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and to 80 percent below 1990 levels by
2050.
REQUIREMENTS – PROCESS
•
•
•
Join ICLEI Cities for Climate Protection and progress through five milestones of inventory, target-setting, plan
development, plan implementation, and monitoring.
Integrate mitigation and adaptation strategies into general plans, strategic plans, capital planning, budgeting, and
training as appropriate.
Report annually to Board of Supervisors.
REQUIREMENTS – PARTICIPATION
•
•
•
•
Administrative oversight from County Administrator.
Cross-agency Sustainability Executive Committee to provide resources and guidance.
Cross-agency Climate Action Team to meet within six months to carry out milestones.
Active participation of all agencies and entities associated with the County.
COMPLETE TEXT
County Climate Change Leadership Strategy Resolution: http://www.acgov.org/gsa/warming.htm.
Printed on 25% post-consumer content recycled paper
6/2007
GREEN BUILDING ORDINANCE
County of Alameda, California, USA
HIGHLIGHTS
The County of Alameda passed a Green Building Ordinance in
2003 requiring:
• green building design for construction projects;
• construction and demolition debris diversion;
• green building practices for traditional public works projects.
BACKGROUND
Buildings consume 40% of the world’s energy. Construction debris accounts for 21% of material disposed in Alameda
County landfills. By building high-performing buildings and treating waste into a resource, we significantly reduce our
contribution to global climate change. Locally, green practices in the demolition, construction, and maintenance of
buildings and structures positively affect the health and productivity of occupants, builders, and residents. In addition,
debris diversion contributes to our compliance with the State of California Waste Management Act of 1989 requiring all
jurisdictions to divert 50% of discarded materials from landfill by 2000 and 75% by 2010.
REQUIREMENTS – COUNTY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
•
•
•
Applies to County projects initiated on or after July 1, 2003.
Requires LEEDTM Silver rating under LEED rating system.
o Projects exceeding $5 million will obtain formal USGBC certification.
o Project under $5 million will obtain a County-approved equivalent.
Requires minimum 50% diversion from landfill for construction projects over $100,000 and demolition projects
over $25,000 via reuse and recycling, excluding hazardous materials.
REQUIREMENTS – PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
•
•
Within one year, Public Works will submit proposed regulations for the application of appropriate green building
practices for traditional public works projects.
Requires minimum 75% diversion of asphalt, concrete, and earth debris from landfill via reuse or recycling and
minimum 50% diversion of all other debris, excluding hazardous materials.
COMPLETE TEXT
Title 4, Section 38 of Alameda County Administrative Code: http://www.acgov.org/admin/admincode/
Printed on 25% post-consumer content recycled paper
6/2007
Facility Design and Construction
Alameda County
Juvenile Justice Center
GENERAL SERVICES AGENCY
Facts at a Glance
• New 379,000 sq. ft. facility located in
Design/Build Project Delivery
• Integrated team of architect, contractor, and owner
• On time and on budget within 31 months and $176 million
• Flexibility to address location and size changes
Business & Youth Outreach
• Aggressive local business outreach with bond assistance
and mentoring programs benefiting 14 small, local contractors
through $10.7 million in contracts
• Youth internship program with three participants hired to
work on project full-time
Healthy and Efficient Green Building
• Indoor environmental quality through daylighting, green cleaning,
low-emitting materials, and comfort sensors
• Climate protection with 60% of electricity from on-site renewable
solar power, 94% of construction debris recycled, and open space preservation and wetland restoration
• High efficiency design beats energy code by 46% – saving taxpayers
$350,000 each year – and conserves 7 million gallons of water annually
San Leandro, California
• Nine agencies provide integrated ser-
vices
• 360-bed juvenile detention facility
• LEED® Gold green building rating
anticipated
Project Background
Alameda County needed to consolidate
its youth services to provide an integrated therapeutic environment for the
community’s at-risk youth. The
County’s General Services Agency
(GSA) was tasked with delivering a new
Juvenile Justice Center. As part of its
mission to provide high-quality and costeffective support services, GSA managed
the design and construction – and will
oversee the operations and maintenance
– of the new facility. The project demonstrates Alameda County’s commitment to building and maintaining healthy
and efficient facilities that meet community needs while preserving the environment for future generations.
PROJECT CONTACT
Alameda County
General Services Agency
James Kachik, Deputy Director
Technical Services Division
(510) 208-9515
[email protected]
Printed on 25% post-consumer recycled-content paper
2/2007
Facility Design and Construction
Alameda County
Juvenile Justice Center
GREEN BUILDING
PROJECT PROFILE
Challenges
• Providing a healthy and com-
fortable indoor environment
• Minimizing environmental im-
pacts including climate change
• Delivering a resource-efficient
and cost-effective building
within existing budget and
schedule
Solutions
• Maximize daylight, purchase
low-emitting materials, and
automate environmental controls
• Install solar power for 60% of
building’s electricity
• Design to outperform energy
and water building codes by
over 40%
Background
Challenges
Alameda County’s General Services
Agency (GSA) was tasked with delivering a new Juvenile Justice Center.
County agencies needed to consolidate services to provide an integrated therapeutic environment for
the community’s at-risk youth. To
facilitate this, the Center was designed to provide a healthy indoor
environment while also reducing
global warming impacts and saving
taxpayer dollars through conservation and waste reduction.
Creating a healthy space with daylight and fresh air for facility youth
and occupants was a top priority.
Requirements and regulations for
detention and courts facilities
make many typical green features
inappropriate. For example, security requirements limit choices for
materials and continual building
operation is energy intensive.
With no additional funding, green
features had to be integrated into
the overall design.
The Board of Supervisors adopted
the Green Building Ordinance in
2003, directing the County to build
capital projects to a Silver level under
the nationally-accepted US Green
Building Council’s LEED® standard.
GSA designed the facility to reach the
Gold level, making it the nation’s
greenest juvenile detention center.
Facts at a Glance
• New 379,000 sq. ft. facility located
in San Leandro, California
• Nine agencies provide integrated
services
• 360-bed juvenile detention facility
• LEED® Gold green building rating
anticipated
• Completed on time and on budget:
$176 million and 31 months
Benefits
• High indoor air quality for
youth residents and other occupants
• Renewable energy generation
equivalent to powering 750
homes
• Annual energy savings of
$350,000 and water savings of
7 million gallons
2/2007
SOLUTIONS
PICTURE
HERE
Alameda County’s General Services Agency used an integrated team approach with
its project partners, including architect HOK, Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Vanir
Construction Management, and other County agencies. The team used LEED as a
tool, not a checklist, to deliver a facility that met the occupants’ needs while addressing operations and maintenance from the design forward.
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY
IN THEIR WORDS
This project demonstrates to
our region that local government can utilize green building
to address climate change in a
realistic way.
Keith Carson
Alameda County Supervisor
The ACJJC showcases opportunities for waste reduction and green
purchasing at all stages of a building’s life, from demolition to construction and maintenance.
Karen Smith
Executive Director, StopWaste.Org
PROJECT CONTACT
Alameda County
General Services Agency
Carolyn Bloede
Sustainability Program Manager
(510) 208-9521
[email protected]
In juvenile detention residential areas, skylights and two levels of windows facing an outdoor courtyard
provide natural light without compromising security. The design team
integrated the external exercise
area with the housing unit to take
advantage of natural lighting.
Finishes, carpet, and furniture were
selected to give off little or no volatile organic compounds that can be
toxic and reduce indoor air quality.
A two-week building flush-out
cleaned air after construction. Ongoing cleaning with GreenSealcertified non-toxic janitorial cleaners also promotes healthy indoor
air quality.
Carbon dioxide and temperature
sensors as well as lighting systems
that adjust to occupancy and daylight maintain a comfortable environment. The County is developing
new occupant orientations, postoccupancy surveys, and crossdepartment Green Teams to keep
operations green and comfortable.
CLIMATE PROTECTION
Building construction and operation
create over 40% of U.S. global
warming emissions. To address this
critical issue, 60% of the power
needed to operate this facility
comes from an 880-kilowatt rooftop solar system.
During construction, several innovations reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Site-grading equipment used
biodiesel fuel, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 200 tons.
Structural concrete units were
prefabricated with fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion which
not only creates a stronger structure, but also saves energy and
landfill space. 93% of construction
and demolition debris was reused
rather than landfilled to save the
energy involved in extracting and
manufacturing new materials.
Six acres of open space were preserved. Existing wetlands were
restored in conjunction with the
use of retention ponds and
bioswales for natural stormwater
filtration. The facility’s location
near BART, preferential carpool
parking, and bicycle storage and
showers encourage sustainable
commuting.
HIGHLY-EFFICIENT DESIGN
The secure area of justice facilities
is not subject to the State of California’s stringent Title 24 energy
code. However, through wellinsulated roof, walls, and windows
as well as efficient lighting and ventilation and a central plant for
heating and cooling, the facility is
designed to outperform a codecompliant building by 46%. To ensure the facility performs as designed, all systems were tested by
a third-party commissioning agent.
Low-flow fixtures will use 41% less
water than federal code requires.
Drought-resistant plants, drip irrigation, and using lawn only for a
playing field uses 52% less water
than typical landscaping.
Printed on 25% post-consumer recycled-content paper
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County of Alameda
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®
S O L A R
E L E C T R I C
S Y S T E M S
Background
Home to over 1.4 million people,
Alameda County, California
encompasses a land area of 738
square miles on the east side of San
Francisco Bay. Alameda County has
been a leader in smart energy
strategies for years. The vision and
leadership of the County’s Board of
Supervisors and General Services
Agency has led to reduced annual
energy usage and costs.
Challenge
As a leader in smart energy strategies,
Alameda County wanted to evaluate
solar electricity as a possible solution
to further reduce operating costs.
How could Alameda County achieve its
vision of becoming a leader in solar
energy?
"The combined solar electric power
and energy efficiency solutions we
implemented with PowerLight illustrate
the future of energy and facility
management. Our solar array
combines the environmental benefits
of solar energy with the ability to
provide on-site power. This helped
Alameda County lower overall energy
costs, reduce pollution and conserve
natural resources. Because the energy
generation and cost savings from our
system at Santa Rita Jail exceeded
expectations, we made the
commitment to double our County’s
solar deployments with these new
projects.”
Matt Muniz, P.E.
Energy Program Manager
Alameda County
Solution
By leveraging one of California’s most plentiful resources – abundant sunshine
– and embracing renewable solar photovoltaic (PV) technology to generate
clean, reliable power, Alameda County is significantly reducing operating
costs and helping California achieve its sustainability goals.
Since the mid-1990s, Alameda County implemented a broad range of energy
efficiency and renewable energy projects. The County installed its first solar
electric system atop the Santa Rita Jail in April 2002. By August 2005, Alameda
County had installed eight photovoltaic systems totaling over 2.3 Megawatts,
making Alameda the largest solar-powered county in the nation. This system
provides the equivalent electricity during the day to power over 2,200 homes.
The eight photovoltaic systems include: six rooftop arrays on County-owned
facilities and two innovative solar tracking carport systems. In addition to the
solar electric systems, the project included a comprehensive energy efficiency
retrofit of the Santa Rita Jail.
Benefits
By integrating solar power generation with energy efficiency measures,
Alameda County has demonstrated its leadership in defining both clean and
cost-efficient energy solutions. The solar generation system is enabling
Alameda to meet 6% of its electrical needs at its facilities with clean, renewable
solar power. The grid-connected system reduces the County’s electrical load,
especially during peak demand times when the utility grid is the most strained
and electricity is most expensive. Alameda County anticipates saving $700,000
annually in avoided electricity purchases.
Alameda County’s solar installations spare the environment from thousands
of tons of harmful emissions, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and
carbon dioxide. Over the next 30 years, the solar-generated electricity will
reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by 20,500 tons. These environmental
savings are equivalent to planting over 5,800 acres of trees or not driving
50 million miles on California’s roadways.
c a s e
s t u d y
County of Alameda
California
Specifications
Santa Rita Jail
Location: 5325 Broder Blvd., Dublin, CA
Date Completed: April 2002
System Type: Rooftop
System Size: 1.18 MW
PV Surface Area: 3 acres
Office of Emergency Services
Location: 4985 Broder Blvd., Dublin, CA
Date Completed: October 2004
System Type: Rooftop
System Size: 117 kW
PV Surface Area: 9,000 square feet
Winton Avenue Government Building
Location: 224 W. Winton Ave., Hayward, CA
Date Completed: September 2004
System Type: Rooftop
System Size: 234 kW
PV Surface Area: 17,000 sq. ft.
Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse
Location: 661 Washington St., Oakland, CA
Date Completed: April 2005
System Type: Rooftop
System Size: 85 kW
PV Surface Area: 7,200 sq. ft.
Environmental Health Services
Location: 1131 Harbor Bay Pkwy., Alameda, CA
Date Completed: August 2005
System Type: Rooftop
System Size: 97 kW
PV Surface Area: 12,000 sq. ft.
Hayward Public Works
Location: 399 Elmhurst St., Hayward, CA
Date Completed: April 2005
System Type: Rooftop & Solar Tracking Carport
System Size: 53 kW Rooftop, 250 kW Carport
PV Surface Area: 36,200 sq. ft.
Fremont Hall of Justice
Location: 39439 Paseo Padre, Fremont, CA
Date Completed: March 2005
System Type: Solar Tracking Carport
System Size: 250 kW
PV Surface Area: 36,966 square feet
About PowerLight
PowerLight Corporation is the nation's
leading designer, manufacturer and
installer of grid-connected solar
electric systems and energy efficiency
services. Founded in 1991,
PowerLight's solar products produce
reliable, affordable clean power for
businesses and government agencies
worldwide. Inc. Magazine has ranked
PowerLight Corporation among the
top 500 fastest growing privately held
companies for the past five years.
Today, PowerLight has worldwide
offices and a full line of commercial
solar electric products and services.
PowerLight's Mission
PowerLight is committed to making
clean power a mainstream and
affordable source of the world's
energy supply. Our solar products
enable companies to reduce operating
costs by transforming clean, abundant
solar energy into electricity.
®
S O L A R
E L E C T R I C
S Y S T E M S
2954 San Pablo Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
main 510.540.0550
fax 510.540.0552
www.powerlight.com
© 2005 PowerLight Corporation
COUNTY OF ALAMEDA,
CALIFORNIA
SANTA RITA JAIL
FUEL CELL POWER PLANT
Sustainability Context
Fuel cells are among the cleanest, most reliable sources of
power generation today. They provide continuous high-quality
power 24 hours a day, with ultra-low emissions and quiet
operation; and the exhaust heat byproduct can be used for
combined heat and power (CHP) applications using hot water,
steam or chilled water to heat or cool buildings. Running the
fuel cell reduces the Jail’s demand for power from the local
utility, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions from conventional combustion-engine power plants.
The Santa Rita Jail fuel cell is the first megawatt-class fuel
cell cogeneration plant in California and one of the largest in
the United States. Alameda County has demonstrated that
employing sustainable energy technologies is a smart way
for public agencies to revitalize and modernize their facilities
while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Project Goals
The Santa Rita Jail is the third largest county detention
facility in California and the fifth largest in the nation. It
holds approximately 4,000 inmates and consumes more
energy than any other County government building. Alameda
County’s goal was to reduce its peak electricity demand and
to improve the security and reliability of power supply at
the Jail. This was the third major project aimed at improving
efficiency and employing sustainable energy sources at
the Santa Rita Jail. Previously, the County had completed
comprehensive energy retrofits and improvements and had
installed the nation’s largest rooftop solar power system
(1.2 megawatt) at the Jail.
Results
• Annually generates 8,000,000 kWh of electricity (50% of
Jail’s needs)
• Produces 1.4 MM Btu of waste heat (18% of Jail’s needs)
• Overall system efficiency of 58%
• 98.5% reduction in NOx emissions compared to standard
power plants
• CARB certification as an ultra-clean distributed generator
• Expected life: 25 years
The project was completed on budget. This megawatt-class
fuel cell cogeneration power plant underscores Alameda
County’s commitment to its Climate Change Leadership
Strategy by demonstrating the real-world application of
ultra-clean power generation. Also, it has garnered interest
from various public and private parties statewide, adding to
positive exposure for the County.
Enhanced Construction Outreach Program and subcontractor
selection applied to this project resulting in a subcontracting
participation of 60% small and local businesses, 44%
minority-owned businesses, and 14% women-owned
businesses.
Location and Dates
Santa Rita Jail, Dublin, California
Construction began November 2005
Startup completed May 2006
Dedication held August 2006
Project Components
• One-megawatt DFC1500, molten carbonate fuel cell power
plant (single module with four 400-cell internal stacks)
used as base load power in parallel with utility grid and onsite solar power system
• Associated heat recovery cogeneration equipment used to
pre-heat hot water system
• UtilityVision® Control System for measurement and verification of performance
Lead Department
General Services Agency, Energy Services Division
Finances
Total Project Cost: $6.1 million (Incentives: $2.4 million)
Gross Savings over 25 Years: $21.6 million ($864,391/yr)
Net Savings over 25 Years: $6.6 million ($266,825/yr)
Annual Net Electricity Savings: $266,825
Internal Rate of Return: 10.4%
Environmental Impact Reduction
The 1-MW fuel cell is a source of ultra-clean power at the
Santa Rita Jail. This installation combined with the previously
installed rooftop solar power array and energy efficiency
upgrades will reduce power purchases as much as 80%
during peak-demand summer months. This translates to
avoided greenhouse gas emissions of 3,200 tons annually,
equivalent to planting approximately 900 acres of trees.
Ultra-clean, on-site power benefits Alameda County and the
surrounding region by reducing grid power purchases from
conventional, combustion-engine power plants, especially
during peak summer months, when demand is the highest.
Exhaust
Project Process
2e-
Overall reaction:
H2 + 1/2O2
Air
Chevron Energy Solutions developed and constructed
the project. The DFC1500 fuel cell power plant was
manufactured by FuelCell Energy.
Catalyst
The project involved careful planning and management
of utility interconnection applications and construction
targets in order to meet financial incentive
requirements, which essentially meant that all nonfuel-cell infrastructure had to be complete before
the arrival of the fuel cell equipment at the project
site. This work included the concrete equipment pad,
underground piping for gas and water lines, and high
voltage electrical service.
Oxidant:
O2 & CO2
Fuel: H2
H2O
CATHODE (+)
1/2O2 + CO2 + 2eCO3 =
ELECTROLYTE CO =
3
K2CO3, Li2CO3
H2 + CO3
2e-
H2O + CO2 + 2eANODE (-)
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Reactions and Gas Flows
Chevron Energy Solutions managed all of the time-sensitive
activities associated with obtaining funding through PG&E’s
Self-Generation Incentive Program, including completing all
applications and working closely with utility staff.
In compliance with Alameda County’s Enhanced Construction Outreach Program, local companies were employed for
various design engineering and construction services. On-site
training for operations and maintenance personnel was also
provided as part of the contract.
The fuel cell’s performance will be continuously monitored
through UtilityVision®, Chevron Energy Solutions’ web-based
energy tracking and reporting system. UtilityVision® offers
County and Jail staff immediate access to all fuel cell output
information including electricity production, waste heat
recovery, and fuel consumption.
How It Works
Fuel cells convert chemical energy from fuels containing
hydrogen directly into electricity and heat without combustion. Fuel cells are composed of many individual cells grouped
together in a stack. Molten carbonate fuel cells are designed
for continuous operation, as they provide little or no generation during the multi-day process of gradually raising internal temperatures to the 1,000 degree F in order to melt the
electrolyte.
2e-
Highlighted Infrastructure
FuelCell Energy integrated all of the fuel cell components
within the power plant. Chevron Energy Solutions ensured
that all utility interconnection points were integrated with the
fuel cell and the rest of the Jail’s infrastructure. Chevron ES
designed the heat exchanger equipment, which captures the
fuel cell’s exhaust heat byproduct for water and space heating purposes at the Jail.
The fuel cell plant is connected to the utility grid and operates
in parallel to the grid. It has a continuous output of one megawatt of power with a 45% efficiency rate. It has a 20-year
design life, excluding routine maintenance and overhauls.
Related Projects
Prior to installing the 1-MW fuel cell, Alameda County
completed an integrated solar power system project and
comprehensive energy efficiency improvements at the Santa
Rita Jail. This work consisted of a 1.2 MW rooftop solar
array, chilled water plant retrofit, cool roof membrane on 18
housing units, and a Demand Response Smart Control System
(UtilityVision®).
With solar electric generation, the Jail reduced its overall
energy cost and specifically reduced purchases of expensive,
peak energy from the local utility. With energy efficiency and
demand-side management technologies, the Jail maximized
the value of its solar investment while modernizing the
facility.
HEAT & WATER
These improvements, combined with the clean fuel cell power
generation, are removing 3,200 tons of greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere each year. This is equivalent to
planting 900 acres of trees.
CLEAN
EXHAUST
USEFUL HEAT
FUEL
FUEL
PROCESSING
HYDROGENRICH GAS
POWER
SECTION
DC
POWER
POWER
CONDITIONER
AC
POWER
For More Information
http://www.acgov.org/srjp
AIR
To extract hydrogen (H2) fuel from natural gas (CH4), natural
gas is combined with steam to create hydrogen and carbon
dioxide. (Natural gas and water are purified in the plant
onsite.) The oxidant gases (O2 and CO2) react with electrons
returning from the DC circuit to produce a carbonate ion
(CO32). Hydrogen is fed into the anode where it reacts with
the negatively charged carbonate ion (CO3-2) that has traveled through the electrolyte and reacts with H2 in the anode
to produce steam, CO2, and electrons that feed the DC circuit
that generates electricity.
Alameda County:
Matt Muniz, P.E.
(510) 208-9518
matt.muniz.acgov.org
www.acgov.org
Chevron Energy Solutions: Bruce Dickinson
(415) 733-4517
[email protected]
www.chevronenergy.com
FuelCell Energy:
Steven P. Eschbach
(203) 825-6000
[email protected]
ww.fce.com