Full Title: Evaluation of Future Strategic and Energy Efficient Options for the U.S. Capitol Power Plant
Author(s): National Academy of Sciences
Publisher(s): National Academy of Sciences
Publication Date: January 1, 2009
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
The U.S. Capitol Complex in Washington, D.C., comprises some of the most historic, symbolic, and heavily used buildings in the nation. Among these are the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the House and Senate office buildings, the U.S. Botanic Gardens, the Capitol Visitors Center, and various support facilities. Within these buildings, public policy is made, legislation is enacted, and priceless artifacts and documents are stored and displayed. They are the workplaces of 535 congressional representatives, the justices of the Supreme Court, their staffs, the staff of the Library of Congress, and others and are the destination of millions of people from around the world. Reliable, secure utilities to heat, cool, and power these buildings are essential to the functions carried out within them.
The steam and chilled water required to heat and cool these buildings and related equipment are generated and distributed by the Capitol Power Plant (CPP) district energy system. The CPP system includes a steam plant, two refrigeration plants, administrative buildings, a coal yard, and more than 3 miles of tunnels and trenches located beneath city streets and neighborhoods. Steam is generated through seven boilers that burn a combination of low-sulfur coal, natural gas, and fuel oil.