Hydrogen Learning Center Partners
 - The College of New Jersey

The College of New Jersey in Ewing Township has three new fuel cells that are the main energy sources for a new student housing facility open since the Fall Semester of 2004. The natural gas fuel cells cost over $3 million, most of which came from grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and the NJ BPU. The college was responsible for funding $770,000. The installation of the fuel cells will mean a cost savings of $259,000 annually in energy costs.

The fuel cells are part of a comprehensive "Energy Master Plan" the college has developed for itself. The following excerpt defines the goals and objectives of the plan for the energy use of the College:

"The mission of The Energy Master Plan is to effect a reduction in The College's energy and fuel consumption, minimize the annual energy budget through reduced consumption, and maintain indoor environmental comfort and air quality. All energy conservation improvements are justified using life cycle cost methods, specifically net present value analysis that weigh initial capital cost and future operating and maintenance cost. Sources of external funding and rebates will be sought after and included as cost offsets in the net present value analyses.

The College of New Jersey is committed to conservation in the use of electricity, natural gas, and fuel oil. All new facilities, additions, or major renovations are required to meet or exceed State standards for energy conservation (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1-1999). In addition, funds are allocated from operating budgets annually for energy improvements.

All new construction and renovations will include, where practicable, relevant energy conservation technologies designed to utilize the central utility plant and underground steam and chilled water distribution systems within the confines of life cycle cost analysis." (source: http://www.tcnj.edu/~powplant/masterplan.html)

Fuel Cell Manufacturer: United Technologies Company

Power Capacity: 200 kw each, 600 kW total

Age of Units: new

Type of Fuel Cell: PC 25

Number of Units: 3

For more information contact Joe Sullivan at jsulliva@tcnj.edu