Ford is in the midst of a massive renovation and upgrade project at its Dearborn, Michigan, campus. The 10-year transformation initiative targets a reduction in annual energy consumption by up to 50%. Construction of the Central Energy Plant (CEP) is underway to replace aging on-site boilers. The various elements of the CEP are a 34-MW and 370 k-lb./hr. steam combined heat and power (CHP) system, solar power arrays, a 16,000-ton chiller system, a 156-MMBtu/hr. hot water supply system, a 6,400 ton geothermal system, 40,000 ton-hr. of chilled water storage, and an energy distribution system.
“This new CHP facility will provide both steam and electric power,” said Michael Larson, director of business development, DTE Energy Services. “It increases the efficiency of the grid, lowers emissions, and improves the cost equation for both Ford and DTE Energy Services.”