Resilient Energy Solutions to Withstand Disasters

After integrating a 48-MW combined heat and power (CHP) plant and comprehensive storm hardening, Thermal Energy Corporation (TECO) now provides uninterrupted steam and chilled water services to 18 medical institutions in the Texas Medical Center, even during extreme weather conditions. Discover how strategic engineering and expansion plans are future-proofing energy solutions for Houston’s critical infrastructure. hubs.li/Q02BPcyz0 #CentralUtilityPlant #CombinedHeatandPower #StormHardening
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Realizing their aged infrastructure would soon be unable to support its growing energy needs for medical services, especially in an emergency, Thermal Energy Corporation, TECO, brought in Burns & McDonnell to help upgrade its aging system. When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017, the region faced record-setting rains and widespread flooding, severely impacting the community and putting those upgrades to the test. For years, TECO, a nonprofit service cooperative jointly owned by nine Texas Medical Center institutions, operated two plants that supplied steam and chilled water services for 18 world-renowned medical institutions.
As part of the expansion, TECO's system capacity needed to double to meet projected emergency peak loads. Our team provided engineering services to develop a master plan and help with TECO's planned expansion to strengthen overall system reliability, add site flood mitigation and increase emergency operating capacity, which is vital for the hurricane-prone region. Hurricane Harvey slammed Houston with more than 60 inches of rainfall and caused nearly $125 billion in damages. TECO's system upgrades proved effective during Hurricane Harvey, with steam and chilled water services remaining uninterrupted, even as energy needs skyrocketed for those requiring medical care in a time of widespread community power outages and heavy flooding.
Texas Medical Center was able to maintain critical infrastructure support for Houston, even during the time of crisis Hurricane Harvey proved to be. Our experienced team can help you overcome your critical infrastructure challenges.