New York City steam system

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The New York City steam system is a district heating system which carries steam from central power stations under the streets of Manhattan to heat, cool, or supply power to high rise buildings and businesses. Some New York businesses and facilities also use the steam for cleaning and disinfection.

The New York Steam Company began providing service in lower Manhattan in 1882. Today, Consolidated Edison operates the largest commercial steam system in the world, now known as Con Edison Steam Operations, providing steam service to nearly 2,000 customers and serving more than 100,000 commercial and residential establishments in Manhattan from the Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan to 96th Street uptown. Roughly 30 billion pounds (14 million tonnes) of steam flow through the system every year.

Contents

[edit] Effects on the environment

Cogeneration significantly increases the efficiency of fuel usage and thereby reduces the emission of pollutants, such as NOx, SO2, CO2, and particulate matter, and reduces the city's carbon footprint. Con Edison is promoting the use of steam for cooling in the summer months, something that can be accomplished with the installation of absorption chillers.[1] Such trigeneration systems result in additional energy and pollution savings.

Clouds of condensation can sometimes be seen rising from manholes in Manhattan, although this is usually caused by external water being boiled by contact with the steam pipes, rather than leaks in the steam system itself.

More than 12 steam pipe explosions have occurred in New York City since 1987.[2]

[edit] Plants

[edit] See also

Other steam companies:

  • American District Steam Company
  • Boston Heating Company
  • Compagnie Parisienne de Chauffage Urbain

[edit] External links

 This New York City-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.