The latest addition to the plant came last year, when all of its control systems were computerized. Spring said that the new controls have helped to increase the plant's efficiency, but the plant is fighting a losing battle because the equipment operated by the controls is so old. He said the plant is well maintained, but worn out from long, hard service. The plant operates 24 hours a day, all year long. Spring said it is shut down for 10 days every summer for upkeep, but is brough back on line as quickly as possible.
Many buildings require hot water or steam during the summer.
The plant heats more tham 100 buildings on campus, and more than 3.5 million square feet, said Berrett. The pipes run as far north as the Spectrum and as far south as the Ray B. West building. The Fine Arts Building is on the system, and so is Old Main. Every building on the main campus is connected to the main line that runs from the heating plant. Berrett said the main steam lines are as big a concern as the boilers themselves.