716-693-7954
Project: Government Buildings – Smithsonian Institution
History:
Congress created the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC in 1846. It stemmed from the bequest of James Smithson, an English scientist.
Today, the Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. Comprising 21 museums ( 11 of which are located on the National Mall) it also includes 14 education centers and the National Zoo. The Smithsonian Institution now has historical holdings of over 157 million items, and in its mechanical rooms Shannon GES insulation products.
The Steam Boiler System:
The Washington DC Central Heating Plant is an Art Deco building built in 1933-34 and by 1936 supplied steam heat to 71 public buildings and continues to be in operation heating the Smithsonian Buildings.
Mechanical equipment has been continually repaired and replaced since the plant opened in 1934. Originally running on coal, the plant now runs on natural gas and uses oil only as an emergency fuel source. The two remaining original boilers were significantly modified during the mid-1990s and converted to firing of natural gas and distillate fuel oil. Today, the plant services about 100 Washington buildings, including the Smithsonian Institution.
Via underground mechanical rooms, the steam piping system provides heat and hot water to this complex. When the Smithsonian needed more energy efficiency it called upon Shannon Global Energy Solutions.
Smithsonian Energy Efficiency
Proper heating and temperature control is very important in the storing and display of historical artifacts and art at the Smithsonian. Bare, uninsulated Valves and fittings on PRV station produced unacceptable heat loss.
Old conventional insulation had to be ripped apart (destroyed) to get to the equipment.
The Reusable Insulation Blankets created and installed by Shannon Global Energy Solutions enable Maintenance Repair and Operations staff to easily remove and re-install each blanket as needed for inspection and repair to the fittings and equipment.
Energy Efficiency in Government Buildings
Insulation of heating plant components, such as tanks, gate valves, strainers, control valves, economizers, heat exchangers, and feed water piping, will reduce heat loss to the environment and thereby reduce cost.
Implementing energy efficiency measures in government buildings reduces costs, stabilizes costs amid energy price volatility, and supports environmental goals. Combining strategic energy management with proven technologies and practices is essential for ongoing improvements. Government agencies should assess the feasibility and benefits of these measures tailored to their facilities.
Benefits include reductions in fuel usage needed for energy production, conservation of natural resources, reduction of GHG emissions, and safer worker exposure conditions.
Financial Rewards
It’s important to recognize that investments in insulation for reducing energy consumption will be recovered in one to two years, after which annual savings continue at no cost for life of the insulation asset.
Free Poster Download
Washington DC Central Heating Plant–
Landmark Status: National Register of Historic Places. Poster for Download
Ask About A Shannon Energy Survey:
Since 1988, Shannon Global Energy Solutions has saved more than 400 Million Therms and 3.1 Million Metric Ton of CO2 using easy to use and long-lasting Reusable Thermal Insulation blankets providing 50-75% Energy Reduction and reduced fuel costs and GHG Emissions. Shannon is proud to be a National Grid ProNet Award Winning Partner and Con Ed Trade Ally Partner since 2022.
Whether you call them Valve Jackets, Blankets or Covers, Shannon’s Removable Reusable Insulation Blankets for valves are an important part of your energy efficiency and sustainability program.