FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Honeywell and the Directorate of Public Works (DPW) at Fort Bragg, N.C. announced the completion of their cooling, heating, and power (CHP) generation system prototype. This prototype is said to be 70 percent energy efficient as compared to the current 35 percent to 40 percent efficiency obtained from centrally generated electricity sources. These figures translate to approximately $1.8 million in savings per year for Fort Bragg. The unit not only improves the energy infrastructure, but it also reduces energy consumption and increases energy security.

The $11 million CHP system is an integrated system built around a five-megawatt gas turbine generator coupled with an innovative heat recovery steam generator and absorption chiller. Waste heat produced during combustion of natural gas fuel, which drives the turbine generator, is directed to either the heat recovery steam generator or absorption chiller. The steam generator uses waste heat to produce steam for heating and hot water, and the chiller converts the waste heat to chilled water used for air conditioning.

The CHP is a modular unit. According to Honeywell, this makes it easy for engineers to design applications for large building complexes and single-building facilities using the same packaged systems and components, also reducing capital requirements and installation costs. "This has been an extremely productive relationship," said Joe Puishys, president of Honeywell Building Solutions. "Together, the U.S. Army and Honeywell have saved more than $57 million at Fort Bragg to date."

"Our success shows what can be accomplished when government and service providers share a vision," said Gregory Bean, DPW director, Fort Bragg. "This type of partnership can achieve tremendous energy savings, reduce pollution, and improve energy security."

Publication date: 09/19/2005