 |
| Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott This biomass 4.3 million BRU; Viessmann woodchip boiler is now in full operation heating both the Caribou High School and the Regional Technology Center. |
By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
“This is not your grandfather’s woodstove,” said Frank McElwain, superintendent of RSU 39, referencing the new biomass woodchip boiler now in operation, heating the Caribou High School and the Regional Technology Center.
“In 2008 Trane, a company which provides energy conservation services as well as the design and installation of solar, solar thermal, and wood biomass technologies, was hired to perform an energy audit at the Caribou High School. Through extensive research and community input the decision was made to start the process of $2.89 million project which would encompass the installation of a woodchip boiler, steam to hot water conversion and the installation of 53 new heating units throughout the combined 128,239 square foot area of the high school, built in 1964 and the technology center which was constructed in 1975.
The entire energy project which includes not only the purchase and installation of the 4.3 million BTU; Viessmann biomass boiler but also other conservation steps taken including window replacements, new lighting, updated kitchen appliances and changes in lobby vending machines among others, is anticipated to bring about an annual cost savings equaling $234,512. Historically the combined fuel oil consumption for the two sites was 76,000 gallons per year.
According to RSU 39 officials, the infrastructure improvements were needed throughout the Eastern Aroostook RSU 39 to enhance the learning and teaching conditions, to provide better indoor air quality and lower energy costs. In addition the RSU wanted to reduce its dependence on oil as an energy source.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Mark Power, Maine Energy Services team leader, representing TRANE, explains the functions of the newly installed Bio Mass boiler at Caribou High School/Technology Center to a large number of school administrators, community representatives and contractors during the Nov. 16, open house. Seated at the table at right is Frank McElwain, RSU 39 superintendent and Mike Eisensmith representing Northern Maine Development Commission.
Woodchip consumption is estimated to be 500 tons per year, with the biomass boiler operating at 87 percent efficiency. The chips, which have been contracted through an Ashland company, will be stored in a newly constructed storage bin, which is underground complete with a walking floor feed, 8, 500 cubic feet (90 ton capacity) with heated chip bin and platform. There are also two new Smith oil-fired boilers that serve as a back- up system if necessary.
The funding for the Caribou High School project is financed strictly through energy savings. The project was completed in May of this year.
A second biomass project at a cost of $2.09 million, supported by a $750,000 Wood to Energy Grant is currently underway at the Limestone Community School.
Wood chip boilers operate at temperatures of 1,000 to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit with very low emissions. Both of the wood boilers installed in the RSU 39 schools have lower emissions than mandated by the EPA for wood biomass boilers and each is equipped with emissions control devices to regulate particulate matter.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Lois Brewer, at left, RSU 39 assistant superintendent, was on hand during the Nov. 16 BioMass Open House held at the Caribou High School/Technology Center. Guests were allowed to view the boiler operations which is housed in a 600-square foot building in the rear of the tech center.
