NYC to Get Its First Synchronous Cogen Project

Staff -- Consulting-Specifying Engineer, 3/1/2005

A midtown office building will be the location of New York City's first cogeneration project to be synchronously connected to the grid of local utility Con Edison. The system is designed to supply 60% of the electrical load and 65% of the heating and cooling load for a 450,000-sq.-ft. building located at 717 Fifth Avenue.

The system, which includes two 820-kW lean-burn generator sets, heat exchangers and a 289-ton hot-water absorber, is intended to provide electricity during on- and mid-peak hours, as well as chilled water in the summer and hot water in the winter. The system can also provide additional backup power, in conjunction with the building's existing standby diesel generator. The building will remain connected to the larger grid during operation.

Company managers at Equity Office, owners and operators of the building, say the new cogen system will give their building a competitive edge in the Manhattan market by providing the ability to provide below-market energy rates and backup power to building tenants. The system is being designed and installed by Waitsfield, Vt.-based Northern Power Systems.