December 22, 2003—The Utah Department of Corrections has installed a wind meter at Utah State Prison’s Draper Facility to determine the wind’s potential for saving the prison valuable energy resources. The Department of Corrections worked with Johnson Controls, Inc., on the installation, which kicks off the last stage of a three-phase pilot energy efficiency project.
Because of the prison’s proximity to Point of the Mountain in Salt Lake City, the facility is well situated for renewable energy resources. These include a 185-degree geothermal source below the prison and an above average Utah wind resource. Johnson Controls will perform a technical audit of energy use and potential savings that includes an analysis of renewable options. If after a year of monitoring, the wind speed averages over 13 mph, the company will install a wind turbine to offset energy use at the prison.
The first phase (July 2003-May 2004) of the draper Prison project includes connecting four of the facilities to a renewable geothermal heating source. Phase one will overlap with phases two and three. Phase two of the project involves expanding the geothermal system to other buildings. Phase three entails installing wind-powered generation.
Johnson Controls is providing engineering analysis and design, installation, and financing for energy improvements throughout the prison complex. Through a performance contract, the Department of Corrections pays for the improvements over time from the energy cost savings. From phase one alone, according to Johnson Controls, the prison will realize an estimated $6.5 million in cost savings that will be used to pay for the improvements. The savings from phases two and three are not yet known, but benefits include added upgrades and retrofits to the Draper Prison complex of more than 112 buildings.
For more information contact Johnson Controls .
