Greentech Lead U.S: Eastern Connecticut State University
has partnered with UTC Power of South Windsor, Conn., and the Clean Energy
Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) for a fuel cell project to increase
energy efficiency at the university.
Under a 10-year Energy Services Agreement (ESA), UTC
Power has furnished and installed a PureCell system combined heat and power
fuel cell at Eastern’s Science Building, made possible by a federal American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant through CEFIA.
“We have a campus-wide commitment to sustainability
at Eastern, evidenced by campus conservation programs, the sustainable energy
studies curriculum, and our outreach across Connecticut in support of
local energy efficiency efforts,” said Eastern president Elsa Nunez.
The PureCell system, a stationary phosphoric acid fuel
cell, produces 400 kilowatts of continuous electric power while generating
usable by-product heat. Eastern will use 100 percent of the energy produced by
the fuel cell system to provide a majority of the power required for the
Science Building, while maximizing the use of the heat output available.
By generating and using power on-site with a PureCell
system, Eastern will prevent the release of more than 1,356 metric tons of
carbon dioxide annually – the equivalent of planting more than 313 acres of
trees. In addition to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the
PureCell system saves nearly 3.8 million gallons of water each year.
Joe Triompo, vice president and general manager of UTC
Power, said, “Our PureCell system is a great fit for Eastern because it
delivers efficient, affordable energy to the University, while reducing the
impact on the environment.”
Bryan Garcia, president of CEFIA, said, “The fuel
cell at Eastern provides a clean and reliable source of energy and an
opportunity for students and faculty both today and for years to come to
realize the benefits of distributed generation.”