A Big Operation in the Cold
Cause and effect: What started with a water pressure failure led to a loss of electric power—but where? Then, when the location was found, Facilities & Services professionals were ankle-deep in new, cold challenges. During a mid-afternoon shift on a frigid Sunday, F&S Utilities & Energy Services (UES) professionals observed a loss of pressure in the Campus Chilled Water System. The system which typically operates … Continue reading A Big Operation in the Cold
Saving Air Now for Energy Later
F&S’ power production on campus is really great due to the incredible array of production services on campus with the two solar farms, the off-campus wind power purchase agreement, and at Abbott Power Plant. The Abbott combined heat and power facility provides both electric and thermal energy across campus. It has existed for over 80 years, and has a long history of supporting research collaborations. … Continue reading Saving Air Now for Energy Later
Abbott Produces Power… and Data
In March 2021, Dr. Mohamed Attalla, executive director of F&S, presented a paper at the 15th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies (GHGT-15) on the vital role of Abbott Power Plant on campus, not just as an energy generation facility, but as a place that embraces current and future research collaborations. Dr. Attalla was a co-Principal Investigator for Enabling Technology Maturation in Carbon Capture: … Continue reading Abbott Produces Power… and Data
Findings at the Farm
A team of researchers will be measuring the impact of natural vegetation at the Solar Farm 2.0 grounds. Below the 31,122 bi-facial solar panels lie 54 acres perfect for pollinator-friendly plantings. But how exactly does one calculate the plants’ effectiveness? How about: count the bugs. Ben Campbell, an energy engineer at the University of Illinois Chicago, is part of a research effort that will do … Continue reading Findings at the Farm
Heat Rising at Campus Instructional Facility
Water matters at the new Campus Instructional Facility (CIF). Whether heating or cooling the new 4-story, 122,000-square-foot building at the corner of Main Street and Wright Street in Urbana, a water-glycol mix will hold the key to cutting operating costs and offering a living laboratory of geothermal energy capabilities. The concept is easy: the temperature underground is more consistent throughout the year than air temperature. … Continue reading Heat Rising at Campus Instructional Facility
Campus Connection
Cold winter nights, accumulated snow and ice, overwhelming heat, wind, and rainstorms can bother any pedestrian on the U of I campus. Soon, individuals on north campus will avoid the weather and move between the Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Building and the Newmark Civil Engineering Laboratory thanks to a new pedestrian bridge. This bridge allows easy passage three stories up, but it will also … Continue reading Campus Connection
F&S Vital to Building Energy Efficiency Study
Properly and efficiently heating buildings is an instant way to reduce cost, and electrical and thermal energy use. Measuring those savings versus the impact it makes on building occupant satisfaction is an important balance, one that a civil and environmental engineering research team hopes to make easier for building managers now and in the future. Thanks to F&S, the team, including Dr. Nora El-Gohary, associate … Continue reading F&S Vital to Building Energy Efficiency Study
F&S Insider SPECIAL EDITION: F&S An Active Partner in Collaborative Research on Campus
As the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the rest of the world, ramps up to a post-COVID reality, F&S can once again support a campus filled with students, faculty, and staff returning to on-site learning and living. Our mission is to provide and maintain a physical environment, like the Urbana campus’ facilities and grounds, conducive to supporting learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development. Simply put, … Continue reading F&S Insider SPECIAL EDITION: F&S An Active Partner in Collaborative Research on Campus