Technologies
Energy Transition Program Components
To reach that goal, we are utilizing a complex system of innovative technologies. These components will work together to efficiently meet energy needs, provide necessary backups, and ensure our buildings and systems run efficiently for years to come.
Distribution Piping
We need to update our campus infrastructure to move hot water instead of steam so that we can use heat pump technology at the geo-exchange plant.
Building Conversions
Building conversions are necessary as we develop our geo-exchange system. One common change is replacing radiators to use hot water as a heat source instead of steam. This will improve efficiency and reduce energy waste.
Electrical Resilience
Dartmouth’s electrical grid needs updates in order to support our new heat pump equipment powered by electricity.
Solar Thermal and PV
To supplement Dartmouth’s heating and cooling load, we are using renewable technologies like solar thermal and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.
Geo-Exchange Borefields
Geo-exchange borefields are a collection of 800-foot-deep 6” boreholes. The holes are filled with water in a closed loop that is connected to a geo-exchange plant.
More about how it works
Dartmouth’s energy strategy centers around four main principles: Reduce energy demand, steam to hot water transition, carbon-free heat sources, and zero-carbon electricity.
Learn how updated distribution piping, now in progress, will improve heating and cooling throughout campus.