University of New Hampshire
Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Tank
Project Overview
- Design-build of a thermal energy storage (TES) tank and interconnection to the existing plant as a sustainable solution to on-campus cooling challenges
- Implementation of efficient energy storage and distribution to help the University reach goals highlighted in its Climate Action Plan, WildCAP
- Documentation of specific project deliverables to support the University in meeting the criteria for Inflation Reduction Act tax credits
In lieu of installing a new chiller plant to meet a campus need for increased cooling, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) called for the construction of a TES tank to store and deliver a minimum of 10,400 ton-hours of thermal energy as chilled water at 42°F.
The excess chilled water housed by the tank is produced by the existing chiller plant during off-peak nighttime hours, when it is less costly and more efficient to cool water. From storage, the water is released when demand is high during the day. The TES decreases the amount of additional purchased energy required to meet demand during peak hours, reducing costs and decreasing dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
Integral to the success of the pre-construction and construction phases is the project’s design-build delivery, which fostered maximized client and design-build team collaboration to efficiently analyze designs, logistics of the individual buildings and installation options before the start of construction. Consigli documented project information including domestic materials, prevailing wage information and apprentice hours for mechanical trades to help UNH meet specific criteria to collect maximum Inflation Reduction Act tax incentives.
Consigli’s design partners include Affiliated Engineers (Engineers), VHB (Civil Engineers) and Lavellee Brensinger Architects (Architect).
