East Irondequoit, NYSERDA unveil new combined heat and power system

The East Irondequoit Central School District and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) officially unveiled the combined heat and power (CHP) system recently installed at Eastridge High School, located at 2350 E Ridge Rd. CHP, also known as "cogeneration," is the simultaneous production of heat and electricity generation. This allows the CHP system to achieve high levels of fuel efficiency, and with its localized generation, eliminates the need to transport electricity over distribution systems. "This is the perfect fit for the Eastridge High School - something that can not only save money today, which is a top priority, but something that can also help create a better world for our students to live in," said East Irondequoit superintendent of schools Susan Allen. "It's a pleasure to join the East Irondequoit Central School District and NYSERDA to mark the installation of this important technology," said state senator Ted O'Brien. "This CHP system will help reduce energy costs for the district while improving our environment through energy efficiency, and a win for all involved." NYSERDA contributed $666,000 toward the $1.6 million cost of this 325-kilowatt system. The technology will provide power for up to half of the building, depending on the season, as well as heating or cooling. The CHP system will also operate as a stand-alone generator during a grid outage, turning the school into a Red Cross Facility of Refuge. "Given the one-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, it is especially fitting to highlight this CHP system. It is not only an efficient heat and electricity source for the school, but will also be a resource for the community at large during emergencies," said John Rhodes, president and CEO, NYSERDA. "Governor Cuomo has called for increased resilience in the power infrastructure to offset the risk of future storm damage, and NYSERDA is pleased to partner with East Irondequoit to bring this project to Rochester." In the past several years, New York State has invested more than $100 million in CHP projects across the state that has resulted in generating more than 150 megawatts (MW) of power. In the case of Eastridge, the CHP system generates electricity with gas-fired turbines, and the waste heat from the turbines is captured and used to provide space heating, chilled water for air conditioning, and heating the pool. Because there is little wasted energy, the CHP system provides a much higher level of efficiency and helps to reduce energy costs.