UNH THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM
DURHAM, NH
OPPORTUNITY
The University of New Hampshire (UNH) sought to expand the capacity of its campus chilled water system to support future building growth while reducing peak electrical demand and advancing campus sustainability goals. The project centered on the installation of a new Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system adjacent to the Philbrook Chiller Plant and its integration with the university's existing chilled water infrastructure.
The TES system needed to operate as a seamless extension of the campus cooling network, maintaining reliable chilled water service while supporting demand response strategies, improving operational flexibility, and minimizing impacts to campus operations. Additional project goals included integrating the system with existing plant controls, enhancing energy monitoring capabilities, and designing a solution that complemented the surrounding campus architecture.
CHALLENGE
UNH developed a new chilled water Thermal Energy Storage system capable of storing and delivering 10,400 ton-hours of cooling capacity. The system was designed to produce and store chilled water during off-peak utility periods and discharge stored cooling during periods of peak campus demand, reducing electrical demand while increasing overall system capacity.
The project included:
Integration with the existing Philbrook Chilled Water Plant and campus cooling network
Installation of chilled water pumps, variable frequency drives, control valves, and electrical distribution equipment
New underground chilled water piping connecting the TES system to the existing campus infrastructure
Advanced controls, metering, and monitoring systems
Integration with the university's central plant control system
Capability to participate in utility and ISO New England demand response programs
B2Q Associates served as the Commissioning Agent, providing construction-phase commissioning, startup verification, controls integration review, functional performance testing, systems validation, trend analysis, and owner training. Working closely with the owner, design-build team, contractors, and controls specialists, B2Q helped verify that all systems operated together as an integrated campus cooling asset.
RESULTS
The completed TES system provides UNH with a flexible and resilient cooling resource that supports both current campus needs and future expansion. By shifting cooling production to off-peak periods, the system reduces peak electrical demand while enhancing the overall efficiency and operational flexibility of the campus chilled water network.
Through comprehensive commissioning and performance testing, B2Q helped verify successful operation of the TES system, including charging and discharging modes, controls integration, electrical systems, chilled water distribution equipment, and campus-wide system coordination. The project also enhanced the university's energy monitoring capabilities and supports ongoing participation in demand response initiatives.
Today, the Thermal Energy Storage system serves as a key component of UNH's long-term infrastructure and sustainability strategy, providing additional cooling capacity, improved operational flexibility, and a foundation for future campus growth.
Market:
Colleges and Universities
Services:
Building Commissioning
Functional Performance Testing
Controls Verification
Systems Integration
