Bethel Hospital Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Microgrid

The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) engaged Coffman to evaluate the technical and economic viability of installing a microturbine based combined heat and power (CHP) plant to serve a 300,000 sf regional hospital addition in the remote town of Bethel, Alaska. Coffman developed conceptual layouts to meet the site and equipment constraints for this islanded microgrid.

Coffman performed detailed energy modeling, which included developing hourly heating and electrical load projections, analyzing efficiency and heat capture rates under full and partial load scenarios, and projecting fuel use throughout a typical year for the new hospital. The energy modeling results were used to evaluate the economic impact of the CHP project, and to compare against the option of purchasing electrical and heating services from the local utility. The analysis included a review of the sensitivity to key variables such as fuel cost, heat load, and electrical load.  Coffman met the client’s aggressive project schedule and provided valuable insight to support their ‘go, no-go’ decision, to build new or purchase heat and power from the local utility provider.