At MIT's cogeneration power plant, preparations are underway to maximize the combustion turbine generator output by cooling the gas turbine inlet air. A gas turbine's output declines as inlet air temperature increases, so by cooling the air with chilled water during the hottest summer days, additional capacity can be delivered to campus, reducing MIT's draw from the regional power grid. We believe that it's better to pursue behavior changes that will save energy all summer long, even if the call to reduce never comes. We can centrally control building temperatures, but the most effective load reduction is done by individual researchers, staff and students, who are in the best position to conserve without disrupting their work. Shut down computers and lab equipment when not in use.
Significant energy is required to provide cooling to spaces and equipment.
Shutting off electrical devices saves electricity and also saves the cost of removing the heat generated by the device. For every dollar saved in electricity by a computer being turned off, another 50 cents in chilled-water savings is achieved due to the reduced heat load.