// How an experienced industrial constructor benefits energy plant projects

How an experienced industrial constructor benefits energy plant projects

Cleaner, more efficient, improved infrastructure with financial savings is possible with a proactive team

Central energy plant upgrades, renovations or new builds are major undertakings for companies.

In many cases, aging plants have produced for 30+ years, meaning decades of updates can be utilized to provide a cleaner, more efficient facility and provide a reduction in operating cost.

But that also means bringing a trusted constructor – one with solid experience in central energy plant projects and proven experience to be a valued partner.

Recent work with DTE at the company’s Dearborn Central Energy Plant was designed and built to be a significantly cleaner source than the existing infrastructure to generate electricity and distribute chilled water, hot water, and steam to serve buildings at Ford’s Dearborn Research and Engineering Campus.

“Our project faced many challenges, but with the experience and teamwork exhibited by the Walbridge team we are able to meet 100 percent of our contractual milestones and were ready for commissioning and start-up as scheduled,” DTE Senior Project Manager Craig Sielaff said. “With support from Walbridge’s experienced trades, the commissioning process was one of (if not) the best start-ups we’ve had. Given the complexity of the project we needed every person involved to be on the ‘A-game.’ Our vendors, sub-contractors, engineers, and the Walbridge team all took ownership of the project and the resultant project speaks for itself.”

The Result For Our Client:

A project completed under budget through early involvement and close collaboration
(Savings allowed for further project betterments)
A CHP system capable of generating 35 megawatts and capable of producing up to 250 kilopounds per hour (KPPH) of 200 PSIG saturated steam
A vast amount of low-E, energy-efficient glazing to ensure access to natural light and views to the exterior
Much of the building materials were sourced within 500 miles of the project site, lessening the impact of shipping and transportation on a large scale
Substantial design consideration was given to the mechanical and electrical systems, which reduced the overall Energy Performance by 30 percent from the baseline for typical buildings of this type
Gas-fired electric turbines that generate both power and steam, that will use significantly less natural gas than the existing boilers serving these facilities.
The system will replace 5 existing, up to 60-year-old low-efficiency boilers that currently provide steam to this complex
Advanced chiller technology providing a 35 percent reduction in energy use as well as the corresponding reduction in greenhouse gas emissions versus traditional chillers.
A Thermal Energy Storage system that will reduce peak electric system requirements by up to 3 MW during peak demand periods.
98 percent reduction in carbon monoxide emissions
66 percent reduction in NOx emissions
18 percent reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions

Walbridge's unparalleled resume provides effective budgeting, safety and VA/VE solutions for customers

“As a construction manager, Walbridge is an effective partner and offers opportunities for savings and efficiencies,” Tom Guise, Walbridge’s Assistant Vice President of Operations, said. “Our work with DTE and many other clients completing central energy plants gives us an unparalleled resume to help customers effectively and safely complete their project while bringing cost savings to the table.”

That’s the Walbridge difference – we understand hard industrial work and love working hand-in-hand with a client to provide solutions that make a difference in your daily life.

As the top manufacturing and industrial constructor in the United States, there is a lot we can do for you!