Long Beach Unified School District

Client/Owner: Long Beach Unified School District

Project location: Long Beach, California

Construction cost: $5 million

DMJM Harris installed cogeneration systems at three of the biggest high schools in the Long Beach Unified School District. In addition to preparing the original energy analysis that recommended the project and securing the substantial utility incentives, we implemented the project on a turnkey design-build basis.

 

DMJM Harris provided the District with a turnkey project to install six 60-kW microturbine combined heat and power (CHP) plants at three District high schools: Lakewood, Millikan and Wilson. The CHP Plants provide heating for the pool hot water year round, and they are sized to meet the base electric load for the facilities.

 

The project work involved running additional natural gas service and the installation of a gas booster pump to provide adequate pressure for the microturbines. Additionally, we provided all required electric distribution and upgrades to the facility’s electrical system to allow for the use of the complete electrical output of the microturbines.

 

The new cogeneration systems will allow the District to make their own electricity and to avoid gas purchases or heating the pools. This will essentially act as a hedge against future energy price volatility.