Installing Natural Gas-fueled Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Systems

A Guide to Required Permits, Inspections and Available Incentive Programs for Property Owners and the Construction Industry

Contents Commissioner’sWelcome 2

Property Owners

I. WhatIsCHP? 3

II. HowDoIDecideifCHPisRightforMyBuilding? 4

Construction Industry

III. CHPInstallationProcess 7

IV. GasConnection:Application,ApprovalandInspection 8

V. ConEdisonElectricInterconnections 10

VI. NewYorkCityDepartmentofBuildings:PermitApplicationsandInspections 12 •ReciprocatingEngines •Microturbines •SpecialRequirementsforHigh-PressureGasService

VII. NewYorkCityFireDepartment:PermitApplications 16 •Capacityof500kWandLess •CapacityGreaterthan500kW

VIII. NewYorkCityDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection:PermitApplicationsandInspections 19 •AirPermits •EnvironmentalQualityReview

IX. Installation,InspectionandSignOff 20 •DOBInspection •GasActivation •DOBFinalInspection •FirePermanentPermitSignOff •ConEdisonElectricalInterconnectionTesting

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Commissioner’s Welcome

December2010

DearFellowNewYorker:TheDepartmentofBuildingsishelpingmakeNewYorkCityanationalleaderinsustainability.We’recommittedtoimprovingtheenergyefficiencyofbuildings,sincetheygenerate75%ofourCity’sgreenhousegasemissions.Byfocusingonsmallandlargebuildings–andnewandexistingconstruction –we’remakingiteasierfortherealestateindustryandhomeownerstogogreen.

Propertyowners,homeowners,theindustryandtheDepartmentcandothistogether.TheDepart-ment’sBuildingsSustainabilityBoarddetermineswhichnewgreenproductsandmaterialsaresafeandwhatsafetyimprovementsareneededtobringthemtoNewYorkCity.WearealsoworkingwithutilitycompaniesandcoordinatingoureffortswiththeNYCFireDepartmentandNYCDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectiontomakeiteasiertoembracegreentechnologies–includingcombinedheatandpowersystems.

Thisguideto installingCHPsystemsis justonetoolwe’reprovidingtomakegoinggreeneasier.Together,wecanmakeNewYorkagreener,greaterCityforusandforgenerationstocome.

Sincerely,

RobertD.LiMandriCommissionerNewYorkCityDepartmentofBuildings

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I. What Is CHP?Generatorsheatupwhentheyproduceelectricity.Combinedheatandpower–orCHP–systemscancapturethisheatanduseittoregulateabuilding’stemperatureorheatwater.Thiscansavemoneybycuttingtheamountofenergyneededfromautilitycompany.CHPsystemsalsoimproveourenvironmentbyloweringthedemandonNewYorkCity’selectricalgrid–helpinglocalpowerplantsbemoreefficientandreducingourcarbonemissions.

WhileCHPsystemsmayuseanykindof fuelor renewablesource, thisguideaddresses turbinesandreciprocatingenginesthatusenaturalgastogenerateelectricity.Turbinesandreciprocatingenginescapturewasteheat,buttheygenerateelectricitydifferently.AmechanicalengineerskilledinCHPsystemscanrecommendtheappropriatesystemtypeforyourbuilding.

ThisguideprovidesasummaryoftherequirementstoinstallaCHPsystem.PleaserefertotheNewYorkCityConstructionCodes,theNewYorkCityFireCode,andtherulesandregulationsoftheNewYorkCityDepartmentofEnvironmental Protection for complete information,andconsult with aNewYorkStatelicensedprofessionalengineerwithexpertiseinCHPsystems.

Combined Heat and Power SystemsCHPenergyismuchmoreefficientthannon-renewablepowersources.

20%ofenergyislostthroughflueandradiation

50%oftheenergyisconvertedtoheatforhotwater,furnaceorsteam

30%oftheenergyisconvertedtoelectricity

80% fuel efficiency

Gas

Heat Exchanger

Engine or Turbine

Generator

Exhaust Heat

Exchanger

DISCLAIMER:Thisisaguidancedocumentfortheconvenienceofthepublic. Itdoesnotsubstituteforanyapplicablelaws,rulesorregulations,andinformationinitregardingproceduresissubjecttochangewithoutnotice.

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PROPERTy OWNERS

II. How Do I Decide if CHP is Right for My Building?Notalloftheenergyinthefuelusedbyaturbineorengineprovidespowertodrivethegenerator.Muchofthefuelenergybecomesheat.It’sradiatedofftheengine,islostormustbetakenoutoftheenginetoprotecttheequipment.Thisiscalledwasteheat.Systemsthatcanusewasteheatarereferredtoascombinedheatandpower(CHP)systems,otherwiseknownascogenerationsystems.Thisguideaddressestwotypesofcogenerationsystems:turbinesandreciprocatingengines.

Thepercentageoffuelthatcanbeconvertedintoenergyisthesimplecycleefficiencyofthesystem.Dependinguponthetypeandsize,thesimplecycleefficiencyofaturbineorengineconvertingnaturalgastoelectricitycanrangefrom15%to45%.Whenthewasteheatisputtouse,thesystemcycleefficiencycanreach80%.

Acquiring a Cogeneration SystemIfyourbuildingrequiresheatandelectricitysimultaneously,thenacogenerationsystemcouldbeawiseinvestment.The Department of Buildings highly recommends that any building owner retain the services of an independent, third-party NYS licensed and registered professional engineer with expertise in cogeneration systems to evaluate any product and the building’s site-specific conditions.Theprofes-sionalengineercanaidindeterminingtheappropriatesystemforyourbuildingandcanguidethebuildingownerthroughthepermittingprocessandutilityinterconnection.

Theselectionprocessforacogenerationsystemwilldependuponthesizeofthefacilityandthecapabilitiesoftheorganizationthatwillownandoperateit.Theconsumerhasmanyoptions:

•Pre-engineered,factory-manufactured; •Purchased;or•Customdesignedforthesite; •Leased.

Hereareafewpreliminaryconsiderationstogetyoustarted:

EconomicsThecurrentCHPsystemsavailableprovidethegreatestbenefittobuildingswithelectricbillshigherthan$100,000peryearandwheretheCHPsystemwillruncontinuously.Thiscanhelpyoudeterminetheappropriatesizeandtypeofsystem.CHPsystemsizesaremeasuredintermsofkilowatts–kW –ofelectricityproduced.

EfficiencyYoushouldconsiderhowmuchyouwouldusetheheatproducedbythecogenerationsystem.Themoretheheatwillbeused,thebetterthecandidateforCHP.Whendeterminingthis,onlycontem-platetheheatthat’sproducedbythegenerationofelectricity.IfyourbuildingwilluselessthanhalfoftheheatthattheCHPsystemwillgenerate,cogenerationmaynotbepractical.Forthefastestreturnoninvestment,agoodgeneralruleistosizetheCHPsystemaccordingtoyourtypicalelectricandthermalconsumption.Yourbuilding’senergyuseshould–atminimum–meettheCHPsystem’sminimumoutputofthermalandelectricenergy.

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PROPERTy OWNERS

SpaceCHPequipmentcomesinvariousshapesandsizes,sosomemakesormodelscouldbemoreappro-priatethanothersforyourbuilding.Determinewhetheradequatespaceisavailabletohousetheequipmentandprovidesupplyairforcombustion.Plus,youmustcomplywiththeNewYorkCityBuildingCodeandZoningResolution,whichmaylimitthelocationofmechanicalequipment.CHPsystems also include external components, including gas lines and meters entering the system,electricallinesandequipmentexitingthesystem,ventsandotherdistributionfortheheat–andstackstocarryawaywasteproductsofcombustion.Thesecomponentsarenotnecessarilyconfinedtooneroomwithinabuilding.

Type of CHP SystemAn owner has the option of installing an inductive (also called asynchronous) or a synchronoussystem.Inductivegeneratorsusethepowergridtoexcitethem,andtheyoperatewhilethegridisactive.Thesesystemsstopworkingifthere’sablackout.Aninductivegeneratoriseasiertointercon-nectandoperateinparallelwiththegrid.Asynchronoussystemself-excitesandstartsonitsown.Thesedon’trequiretheelectricgridtooperateandwillworkduringablackout.Synchronousparal-lelinginstallationsmaybepermittedforinstallationbytheelectricutility,buttheinterconnectionmaypresentgreaterchallengesinbeingapprovedbytheutility.Consultwiththelocalutilitybeforeproceedingwithanygridinterconnection.

Fuel Source and PressureThisguideonlyaddressesCHPsystemsthatutilizenaturalgasasthefuelsource.Somecogenera-tion systems require elevated gas pressure to operate efficiently. Different zones within the Cityaresuppliedwithdifferentpressures,anddifferentCityagencieshavevaryingstandardsforwhatconstituteshigh-pressure.Consultwithyourlocalnaturalgasutilitytodeterminetheappropriatesystemforyourfacility. It isrecommendedthatyoudonotpurchaseanyCHPequipmentuntilacompleteevaluationhasbeenmade.The infrastructure investmentrequiredtodeliveradequatevolumesofnaturalgastoyourbuildingmaymakeaCHPsystemimpractical.

MaintenanceMostsmallcogenerationfacilitiesdonotrequirecontinuouson-sitesupervision,butallCHPfacili-tiesrequiremaintenance.Muchofthemaintenancecanbecontractedthroughtheenginevendors.Therewillbeeasy–but important–minormaintenancerequiredthroughthe lifeof theequip-ment,suchasoilandfilterchanges.YoumustconsiderthemaintenancecostwhenanalyzingtheeconomicfeasibilityofinstallingaCHPsystem.

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How Can I Offset the Costs?NumerousincentiveprogramsareavailableforownerswhoinstallandoperatecertaintypesofCHPsystems.Utilitycompaniesandpublic-sectorgroupsoffertheseincentives.Thefollowinginforma-tionisasampleofCHPincentiveprograms,thoughbesuretocontacttheseorganizationsdirectlyforthemostup-to-dateinformation.

Con Edison •Incentiverate(gasRiderHrate)

•Ability to participate in Targeted, Economic, and Emergency Demand Side Management andEnergyEfficiencyPrograms

•SpecificationsunderdevelopmentforparticipationinNYISOAncillaryMarkets

•NetmeteringextendedtoCHPandFuelCellsunder10kWforresidentialcustomers

Visitwww.coned.com/dg/incentive_programs/incentivePrograms.aspformoreinformation.

National GridTolearnmoreaboutNationalGrid’senergyefficiencyprograms,pleasevisittheirwebsiteathttp://www2.nationalgridus.com/pshome/energy/index_ny_kedny.jspforhomesandhttp://www2.nationalgridus.com/psbusiness/energy/index_ny_kedny.jspforbusinesses.

New york State Energy Research and Development Authority (NySERDA) Numerous CHP programs address specific needs at various points in the process – from beforeinstallationandthroughtheequipment’smaturity.Adetailedlistofcurrentprogramsisavailableathttp://www.nyserda.org/funding/funding.asp.

ManyofNYSERDA’sprogramscovermorethanonecategoryofproject.NYSERDAcurrentlysupportsthefollowingfiveprojectcategories:

1. Developmentprojectstoassesstheviabilityofnewtechnologiesandbusinessplans;

2. Demonstrationprojectstoselectpromisingtechnologiesforin-fieldtesting;

3. Deploymentprojectstoacceleratetheadoptionofproventechnologies;

4. Feasibilitystudiesforsite-specificevaluations;and

5. TechnologyTransferStudiestoprovidemarketintelligencetoabroaderaudience.

Visitwww.nyserda.org/programs/dgchp.aspformoreinformation.

Federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit  The2009AmericanRecoveryandReinvestmentActallowstaxpayerseligibleforthefederalrenewableelectricityproductiontaxcredit(PTC)totakethefederalbusinessenergyinvestmenttaxcredit(ITC).ThoseeligibleforthePTCorITCcanreceiveagrantfromtheUSTreasuryDepartment,insteadoftakingthetaxcreditfornewinstallations.Thecreditisequalto10%ofexpenditures.Eligiblepropertyincludes:

•Uptoatwo-megawatt(MW)capacitywithanelectricity-onlygenerationefficiencyof26%orhigher;and

•Uptoa50-MWcapacitythatexceeds60%energyefficiency.

UsetheDatabaseofStateIncentivesforRenewablesandEfficiencyathttp://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=US02F.

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III. The CHP Installation Process InstallationoftheCHPunitmustsatisfyDEP,DOBandFDNYpermitandinspec-tionrequirements.Thegasconnectionutility approval is up to the outlet ofthe meter. The electric utility will beinvolved with the initial start–up andinterconnection testing to ensure thattheCHPequipmentdoesnot interferewiththelocalgrid.

Once you have received sign off forpermitsfromallagenciesandthefinalinspection is completed, the Build-ings Information System – or BIS  – onthe Department of Buildings’ websitewill display the permit and will state“Testing phase completed and finalauthorizationforofficialstart-upoftheCHPunitinstallation.”

Submit a gas connection application. Submit an electric interconnection application.

Secure all required permits from City agencies.

•DOB Permit

• FDNY Permit and Certificate of Fitness

•DEP Air PermitDetermineifaSEQRA/CEQRanalysiswillalsoberequired.

Install the unit according to approved plans, manufacturer’s specifications and the utility company’s inspections and standards.

Have final inspections performed by the City agencies.

• DOB Inspection • Gas Inspection

• FDNY Inspection • Electric Inspection

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IV. Gas Connection: Application, Approval and InspectionAdedicatedconnectiontonaturalgasservicemaybenecessarytooperateagas-firedCHPsystem.Twocompaniesprovidethisservice inNewYorkCity:ConEdisonandNationalGrid.ConEdisonprovidesnaturalgastotheBronx,ManhattanandQueens’First(LongIslandCity/Astoria)andThird(Flushing/Bayside)Wards.NationalGridservestheremainingQueenswards,BrooklynandStatenIsland.IfyourbuildingislocatedontheborderofanyQueensward,contactbothutilitycompaniesbeforeproceeding.

Con EdisonConEdison’sEnergyServiceswebsiteatwww.coned.com/esgivesaccesstotheresourcesnecessarytoprocessrequestsfornew,additional,removalorrelocationofgasserviceprovidedbyConEdison.CustomerscanalsoaccessexistingrequeststhroughtheProjectCenter.

ConEdwillassignaCustomerProjectManager(CPM)totheapplication.TheCPMwillactasthesinglepointofcontactthroughoutthepermitprocess.Youshouldexpectthefollowingsteps:

1. LoadLetter:SubmitaloadlettertoConEdisonEnergyServicesdivision.

2. Specifications:ConEdwillinformtheapplicantoftherequiredgasspecificationstofollowforservice.

3. PlanningGroupMeeting:Allpartiesinvolvedshouldmeettodiscussallconstructionaspectsoftheproject.Timelinesandmilestonesshouldbeset.

4. CPMFollow-up:CPMwillfollowupwiththeowner,consultantandcontractorwithacompletepackagesotheprojectcanbeworked.

5. GasMeterAuthorization:TheCHPunitrequiresadedicatedgasconnectionline,andasepa-ratemeterisnecessarytoapplyfortheCogenerationRate.(UsetheConEdRiderHapplica-tion.)ADepartmentofBuildings’gasauthorizationisrequiredforallnewgasmeters.

6. Notification:TheutilitymustbenotifiedpriortoanyCHPunitbeingboughtorinstalledbyabuildingowner.

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National GridThecustomershallsubmitagasloadletterforreviewandprocessing,anditmustdetailtheproposedinstallation’smanufacturer,modelnumber,firingrateandrequiredpressure.TheGasEngineeringdivision will determine the impact of the proposed additional load on the National Grid systemanddetermineifitcanbesuppliedbyhigh-pressureservice,low-pressureserviceorlow-pressureservicewithabooster.

Thecontractorshallobtainallnecessarypermitsandcertifications.ADepartmentofBuildingsgasauthorizationisrequiredforallnewgasmeters.

Allmetersetsshallbelocatedontheoutsideofanybuilding,unlessit’simpracticalorunsafe.TheyshallbeinstalledfollowingtheclearancerequirementsindicatedintheappropriateNationalGridConstructionStandard.

NationalGridshallnotbeobligatedtobeginconstructiononthegasserviceortosupplygastothecustomeruntiltheapplicant:

1. ProvidesallrequiredpermitstoNationalGridwithproofofanynecessaryeasementsand/orrightsofway;

2. Hasanapplicationthathasbeenapprovedbyproperofficersordulyauthorizedrepresenta-tivesofNationalGrid;

3. Makesallnecessarypayments;and

4. Providesacopyofthesignedcontractbetweenthecustomer/ownerandthecontractor.

ForinformationonNationalGrid’stechnicalrequirements,engineersshouldcheckthesectionofNationalGrid’swebsiteforBusinessPartnersathttp://www2.nationalgridus.com/partners/index_ny_kedny.jsp. They should also read National Grid’s Blue Book“Specifications and Requirements for GasInstallations”at www.nationalgridus.com/bluebook.

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V. Con Edison Electric Interconnections FormostcustomerswithaCHPsystem,theirmonthlyenergyusewillbereducedbytheamountofelectricitygeneratedandused.CHPsystemscanalsoproduceexcesselectricalenergythatcanbesoldbacktotheelectricgridinaprocesscalledDistributedGeneration(DG).ConEdisondefinesatypicalDGfacilityasasmallelectricproductionfacility–upto20megawatts–that’sdedicatedtosupportthecustomer’selectricload.Itmustconformtotheutilitycompany’sstandardswhenconnectedtotheutility’selectricsystem.

Inlimitedcases,electricitycanbedirectedtothelocalelectricgridwithanelectricalinterconnection.Toinstallanelectricalinterconnection,ConEdcustomersmayapplythroughtheEnergyServicesportalatwww.coned.com/es.Electricalinterconnectionsshouldbefiledasdistributedgenerationprojects.Gasandelectricalconnectionsrequireseparateapplications.VisitConEdison’sdistributedgenerationwebsiteatwww.coned.com/dgformoreinformation.

Net Metering & Account CreditsCustomerswhogeneratemoreelectricitythantheyneedmayqualifyfornetenergymetering,ornetmetering.Anetmeterregistersthedifferencebetweentheelectricitysuppliedbytheutilitycompanyandtheelectricityprovidedtotheutilitycompany,soitwillruninreversewhentheCHPequipmentgeneratesmorepowerthanthecustomerisusing.

Withnetmetering,monthlyelectricbillsreflectthenet–oroverallamount–ofelectricityusedorsupplied.Whencustomersgeneratemoreelectricityfortheutilitycompanythanwhattheytakeduringabillingperiod,they’llreceiveacredit.Attheendofeachyear,customersmaybeeligibleforapaymentorcredit.Theamountisbaseduponthewholesalerateatwhichtheutilitywouldhaveotherwisepurchasedtheenergy.SeetheeligibilitydetailsoutlinedinRiderRoftheElectricTariff,availableathttp://www.coned.com/dg.

Installation Applications Installingan interconnectinggenerationsystemupto2megawatts requiresanadditionalappli-cation.ThePSCStandardizedInterconnectionRequirement(SIR) laysoutthestepsandexpectedtimelines. It’s available at http://www.dps.state.ny.us/Modified_SIR-July2010-Final.pdf ). Applica-tionscanbeexpeditedforsystemsunder25kilowatts.NYPAcustomersmustalsoapplyforaninter-connection,andtheNYPAwilldeterminetherate.

Thefollowingisalistofitemstobesubmittedwithaninterconnectionapplication:

1. Authorizationletterauthorizingthecontractortorepresentthecustomerintheinterconnection;

2. EquipmentDetailApplicationForm,foundintheNYSPublicServiceCommission’sStandard-ized Interconnections Requirements (SIR) or filled out through the Online Project Centerapplicationprocess;

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3. StandardizedContractsignedbythecustomer,availableintheNYSPublicServiceCommis-sion’sStandardizedInterconnectionsRequirements;

4. ThreeLineDiagramattachedtotheapplication;

5. Copyofthemanufacturerdatasheets;

6. OperationsandVerificationTestProcedures;and

7. Applicationfee,whichiswaivedforprojectsunder25kilowatts.

Application Approval Process1. ConEdwillreviewtheapplicationtodetermineifit’scompleteandmeetstherequirements

outlined in the Standardized Interconnections Requirements (SIR) and by the utility. (SeeEO-2115.)

2. CostestimatefortheCoordinatedElectricSystemInterconnectionReview(CESIR),typicallyforprojectsover300kilowatts

a)ApplicantcommitstoCESIR

b)UtilitycompletesCESIR

c)Customercommitstocompanyconstructionofpowerdistributionsystemmodificationsandconstructionofitsownplantbasedonthe“final”companyapproveddesign

3. Customergenerationfacilityistestedaccordingtostandardizedinterconnectionrequirements

4. Interconnectionandoperation

5. Finalacceptanceandcompanycostreconciliation

Please note that different protection requirements apply (as spelled out in Con Ed’s EO-2115),dependinguponwhetherthegeneratorisasynchronous,aninductionorhasaninverterinterface.

Other utility Companies Electric customers in Far Rockaway, Queens are serviced by the Long Island Power Authority(LIPA). For more information on the programs offered by LIPA, please visit their website athttp://www.lipower.org/.

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VI. New york City Department of Buildings: Permit Applications TheDepartmentapprovesCHPapplications,issuespermitsforinstallationandinspectsthembeforeoperation. All CHP installations must comply with NewYork City’s Construction Codes, ElectricalCodeandZoningResolution.Together,theseregulationscoverfuelgaspiping,egress,fireprotec-tion,firedetection,electricalpowerandventilation.

TheDepartmenthasdifferentapplicationandfiling requirements for turbinesand reciprocatingengines.ThissectionaddressestheregulationsforeachofthesetypesofCHPs.Amechanicalengi-neerskilledinCHPsystemscanrecommendtheappropriatetypeofsystemforyourbuilding.

Reciprocating Engines ReciprocatingenginesmustcomplywiththeNYCMechanicalCode,FuelGasCodeandNFPA37,exceptwheretheCodesaremorerestrictive.

Application Submission. ThePW1permitapplicationmustbefiledwiththeDepartmentofBuild-ings’ ScheduleC(PW1Cform)forheatingandcombustionequipment,andaplumbingpermitforgasservice.

Equipment Locations. Reciprocating engines may be located outside of buildings or inside andhousedinfire-resistanceratedconstruction,aspertheseparationrequirementsofChapter5oftheNYCBuildingCode.

Filings and Inspections. Thetypeofheat recoverysystemdetermines the filingand inspectionrequirements:

• Low-pressure Heat Recovery: Nootherfilingisneeded.

• Heat Recovery Systems Employing Steam: Thesystemisdeemedtobelow-pressureifthereliefvalveissetat15psigorlower,sonootherfilingisneeded.

• Heat Recovery Systems Employing Hot Water: Thesystemisdeemedtobelow-pressureifthereliefvalveissetbelow160psig,sonootherfilingisneeded.Itisnotnecessarytofileforaboilerpermit and conduct inspections for low-pressure heat recovery devices, though a plumbingpermitisstillrequired.

• High-pressure Boilers: Water-basedheatrecoverysystemsexceeding160psiglimitsareconsid-eredtobehigh-pressureboilers.Theserequire24/7coveragebyalicensedNYChigh-pressureboiler operator.When the CHP system is installed and ready to be put into service, the DOB’sBoilerunitwillinspectpriortooperation.Ifallrequirementshavebeensatisfied,theinspectorwillissueaboilercardforhigh-pressuredevices.

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MicroturbinesMicroturbines with a maximum capacity of 500 kilowatts per single unit must also comply with1 RCNY §50-01 (available at http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/rules/1_RCNY_50-01.pdf )andNFPA37–unlesstheCodesorRulesaremorerestrictive.

Application Submission.ANewYorkStatelicensedprofessionalengineermustsubmittheDepart-ment’sPW1formandconstructiondocumentstoinstallamicroturbine.Designprofessionalsmaynotprofessionallycertifyamicroturbineapplication.

Service Contract.AtthetimetheDepartmentapprovesthemicroturbineinstallation,thepropertyownermusthaveaservicecontractfromthemicroturbinemanufactureroraservicecompanyquali-fiedbythemanufacturer.Thiscontractmustbeinplaceduringthelifeoftheunit.

Fire Alarm and Suppression Systems.TheCHPequipmentroomshallbefullysprinkleredorhaveanequivalentfiresuppressionsystemthatisacceptabletoDOB.TheFireDepartmentmustalsobesatisfiedwiththefirealarmsystem.

Structural Analysis.Aregisteredprofessionalengineermustevaluatethestructuralsystemthatwillsupporttheequipmentincludingmeasuresnecessarytomitigatevibrations.

Outdoor Locations.Microturbinesmaybelocatedoutdoorsongrade,onarooforsetback,orwithinaweatherproofenclosureacceptabletothemanufacturer.

MinimumClearanceRequirementsforAllSystemComponents:

•4feetfromawallorparapet

•5feetfromanyexhaustterminationorchimney

•8feetfromanybuildingopening,includingdoors,operablewindowsorintakeopenings

MinimumClearancesforAnySystemLocatedOutdoorsonGrade:

•50feetfromanysubwayentrance,exit,ventorotheropening

•20feetfromanyabove-groundflammableorcombustibleliquidstoragetank

•10feetfromanylotline(or4feetifinoradjacenttoaManufacturingzoningdistrict)

•5feetfromanyventorfilllineofanyflammableorcombustibleliquidstoragetank

•5feetfromanymotorvehicleparkingspace

Indoor Locations. CHP equipment must be enclosed within a minimum 2-hour fire-resistanceratedenclosure,andtheroommustbesprinklered.Theroommusthaveventilation,gasdetectorsandalarms.Thesealarmsmustalertalocationthatisconstantlyattendedandmusttripthemicro-turbine.NocombustiblestorageispermittedintheCHPequipmentroom.Adedicatedmechan-icalequipmentpenthousehousingtheequipmentshallbeclassifiedasOccupancyGroupF-2andventilated,andnocombustiblematerialsmaybestoredthere.

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Special Requirements for High-Pressure Gas ServiceDedicatedgaspipingisrequiredforaCHPsystemthatuseshigh-pressuregas.Thisistopreventaccidentaltappingintoanelevatedpressurepipethathasotheruses,suchasfordomesticappli-ancesthatoperateatalowerpressureanduseafour-inchwatercolumn.

AsinglebuildingmaynothaveCHPsystemswithatotalnominalelectricalcapacity(atstandard-izedoperatingconditions)thatexceeds2,000kilowatts.Thenaturalgasinletpressuretothesystemcannotexceed3psig,butthepressurecanbeboostedtogreaterthan15psigwithintheunitorroomenclosure.DOBconsidershigh-pressuregas tomeanpressuregreater than15psig. (FDNYconsidershigh-pressuregastobegreaterthan6psig.)

Low-pressure Gas BoostersSomesystemsthatrequiremorethanthefour inchesofwater inletpressuremusthavea low-pressuregasboostertoreachtheirnecessary½to1psigtooperate.Inthesecases,thisequip-mentwillonlyrequirethetypesofcontrolsandinstallationcomponentsneededforlow-pressuregasboosters.

External CompressorsThefollowingrequirementsmustbemetforsystemsutilizinghigh-pressuregaswithanexternalcompressor:

•Solid welded joints.GasconnectionsbetweenthecompressorandtheCHPequipmentmustbesolid-welded;threadedjointsarenotpermitted.

•Flame arrestor. Aflamearrestormustbeinstalledupstreamofthegascompressortopreventflamestravelingtothenaturalgasdistributionlines.

• Limits to length of pipe.Thegascompressorandcombustiondevicemustbeinthesameroom,andthegaspipingthatconnectsthemshallnotexceed12feet.

•Site-specific approval.Externalcompressorsmustobtainasite-specificapprovalfromOTCR.TolearnmoreaboutOTCR,visithttp://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/forms/forms_otcr.shtml.

Gas Detector and Alarm.The gas detector’s alarm must sound at a supervised location on thepremisestoalertpeopleofanyabnormalconditionsinthesystem.Thedetectormustalsotripthegenerator.

Automatic Gas Shut-off Valve.Anautomaticshut-offvalvemustbeinstalled.Itmustbeactivatedbyamalfunctionalarmfromanycomponentoftheturbinesystem.

Emergency Gas Shut-off Valve.Anormallyclosedsolenoidgasshut-offvalveisrequired.Itmustbe located immediately after the equipment connection that provides dedicated service to thevalve.Thisemergencygasshut-offvalvemusthavemanualandremotecontrolsoutsidethedoor(s)totheCHPequipmentroom–andattheon-sitesupervisedlocation.Signsmustclearlyidentifythegasshut-offvalveandcontrols.

Shut-off Valves.NYCFuelGasCode§409requiresthatpipingsystemsshallbeprovided.Adedi-cateddistributionpipeoramaingasshut-offvalveservingmultiplegassystemsisusuallylocatedatthegasmeterandmustbeprotectedfromdamage.Itmustalsobereadilyaccessible,allowing

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emergency responders to shut the flow of gas in an emergency. The Department of Buildings’commissionermustapproveanoutsidegasservicelineshut-offvalveorothershut-offdeviceormethodbeforeinstallation.

Security.LockeddoorsmustpreventunauthorizedaccesstoCHPsystemsthatusehigh-pressuregas,buttheequipmentmustbereadilyaccessibletotheFireDepartmentandformaintenanceandrepair.CHPsystemsshouldalsobeprotectedfromvehicularimpact.

Signage.Signsclearlystating“HIGH-PRESSUREGAS”mustbepostedonorinfrontofsystemsthatareservedbyhigh-pressuregas.Signsmustalsobeontheoutsideofalldoorsthatgiveaccesstoanyequipmentroomhousingequipmentthatuseshigh-pressuregas.

Fuel Shut-off Diagram.AdiagramshallbeconspicuouslypostedonanydoororgateleadingtoaCHPsystemutilizinghigh-pressuregas.Thediagrammustindicatethelocationsofallmanualandautomaticfuelshut-offvalves.

Listing RequirementTheNYCConstructionCodesrequiresCHPequipmenttobe listed,orapproved,byanapprovedagency,suchasUnderwritersLaboratories.ThisrequirementappliestothecomponentsofaCHPsystem,includingheatrecoverydevices,electricalpowerdistributiondevices,gasvents,turbines,andengines.Alllistinginformationneedstobeindicatedontheconstructiondocuments.

Electrical Interconnection DocumentationTheapplicantmustsubmitthefollowinginformationwiththeCHPapplication:

•Documentationfromtheutilitycompanyconfirmingthattheproposedelectrical interconnec-tionrequirementshavebeenpreliminarilysatisfied;or

•Anaffidavitfromthepropertyownerthattherewillbenointerconnectionwiththeelectricalgrid.

CHP Systems Greater Than 500kW Capacity Per unit TheDepartmentofBuildingsmustreviewandapproveanyCHPsystemcapableofproducingmorethan500kilowattsperunit.Thisreviewwillbebaseduponsite-specificconditionsbeforethepermitisissued.Forfurtherinformation,pleasecontactOTCRtoinitiateareview.

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VII. New york City Fire Department: Permit Applications The NewYork City Fire Department reviews proposed plans and issues permits for CHP units inwhich natural gas is compressed on-site to a pressure greater than 6 psig.The Fire Departmentconsidersthistobehigh-pressuregas.Forthesesystems,theremustbeapersonatthelocationduringbusinesshourswhoholdsaFireDepartment-issuedCertificateofFitness.TheCofFholderistrainedbythemanufacturer(oritsauthorizedagent)toshutdowntheequipmentinanemergency.

CHP Systems - Capacity of 500 kW and Less Per unitOncetheinstallationiscompleteforamicroturbineorreciprocatingenginethatuseshigh-pres-suregasandproduceslessthan500kilowattsperunit,theapplicantshallmailthefollowingdocu-mentstoFDNY:

1. DOB-approved plans, which include: a. Localandremoteannunciationsystem; b. Automaticshut-offvalveinitiatedbymalfunctionalarm; c. Remote-andmanual-controlledemergencygasshutoff; d. Signageindicating“emergencygasshutoff”atthefail-in-placegasshut-offvalveandcontrols; e. RestrictedaccesstoCHPequipmentbylockeddoors; f. Signageindicating“high-pressuregas”; g. Firesuppressionsystem; h. VerificationthatnocombustiblesarestoredinCHPequipmentroom; i. Flamearrestorinstalledupstreamofthegascompressor;and j. Pipingconnectingthegascompressorwiththecombustiondevice12feetorlessinlength.

2. Copy of DOB PW1 form

3. Proof of CHP service contract

4. A copy of FDNy Certificate of Fitness

5. Inspection request letter

Mailthesedocumentsto:FDNYDistrictOfficeHeadquartersAttn:ChiefInspector9MetroTechCenterBrooklyn,NY11201-3857(718)999–2457/2458

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CHP Systems - Capacity Greater Than 500 kW Per unitForCHPunitsthatgeneratemorethan500kilowattsofelectricity,theFireDepartmentwillevaluatesubmitteddocumentsbaseduponsite-specificconditions.Duringthedesignphase,theproject’sapplicant–theNewYorkStatelicensedprofessionalengineer–shouldmakeanappointmentwithFDNY’sTechnologyManagementUnit.Duringthismeeting,theapplicantshouldpresenthisorherconceptualdesignanddemonstratecompliancewithNYCConstructionCodes,NYCFireCodeandapplicableNFPAstandards.

UponsubmissionoftheapplicationtotheDepartmentofBuildings,theapplicantshouldsubmitthefollowingtoFDNY:

1. Mechanical PlansA. Gasmeterroom,compressor,turbineandductburnerinstallation:

1. FDNYplanexaminationformTM-1 2. CopyofDOBPW1 3. CopyofanyCommissioner’sDeterminationapplicationsapprovedbyDOB 4. CopyofapprovalletterfromDOBElectricalAdvisoryBoard 5. Installationlayout 6. P&Idiagrams 7. Processdescription 8. Testreportsforcompressor,turbineandductburner 9. Hazardanalysis 10. Emergencyshutdown(ESD)procedure

B. TheenclosurefiresuppressionsystemforturbinesandCHPsystemsutilizinghigh-pressuregas:

1. FDNYplanexaminationformTM-1 2. CopyofDOBPW1 3. Installationlayout 4. Hydrauliccalculations

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2. Electrical and Alarm Plans Afirealarmriserdiagrammustbeprovided.ItmustindicateallalarmsystemsservingtheCHPsystemarea,including,butnotlimitedto:initiatingandannunciatingappliances;gasdetectionsystems;heat;smokeandflamedetectionsystems;alarmportionofthefiresuppressionsystem;andpre-actionalarm,ifapplicable.TheapplicantmustalsosubmitthefollowingdocumentstotheFireDepartment:

A. ForfirealarmsystemsforcompressorandCHProoms(includinginterfaceswithbuilding’sfirealarm):

i. FDNYplanexaminationformTM-1; ii.CopyofDOBPW1; iii. Installationlayout;and iv.Riserdiagram.

B. Forfireandgasdetectionsystems:

i. FDNYplanexaminationformTM-1; ii. CopyofDOBPW1; iii. Installationlayout;and iv. Riserdiagram.

C. Forpre-actionsprinklersystems:

i. FDNYplanexaminationformTM-1; ii. CopyofDOBPW1; iii. Installationlayout;and iv. Riserdiagram.

D. Forthealarmportionofaturbinefiresuppressionsystem:

i. FDNYplanexaminationformTM-1; ii. CopyofDOBPW1; iii. Installationlayout;and iv. Riserdiagram.

3. Emergency Action Plans, Fire Protection Plans and Fire Safety PlansFire protection, fire safety and Emergency Action Plans (EAP) shall be filed with the Fire Depart-mentandshalladdressCHPsysteminstallation.FDNYmayrequirethatadditionaldocumentationbesubmittedandadditionalstudiesbeperformed.TheFDNYletterofapprovalwillindicatewhichappropriateinspectionunit(s)shouldbecontactedforinspection.

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VIII. New york City Department of Environmental Protection: Permit Applications and Inspections

In regulating CHP systems, NewYork City’s Department of Environmental Protection is primarilyfocusedontheemissionsproducedbythecombustionofnaturalgasandthestackusedtoventtheequipment.DEPseparatelyaddressesCHPelectricgenerationandheatcapture.

Air PermitsApplicantsmustobtainaDEPairpermittooperateaCHPsystem.SeetheNYCAirCodeforventstack standards. Obtaining an air permit may require taking measures to mitigate the impact ofemissions.Forexample,DEPmayrequireastackbelocatedinaspecificlocationormayrequireabackhousebeinstalled.Sincethisworkmayentaillargecapitalcosts,itishighlyrecommendedthatpropertyownersthoroughlysatisfyDEP’srequirementsbeforecontinuingwithaCHPinstallation.TheapplicantmustalsoobtainaDEPnoticeofnoobjectionwhensubmittinganapplicationforaconstructionpermittoDOB.

SubmitthefollowingdocumentstoDEPtoobtainanairpermit:

•Constructiondocumentsdetailingconnectionstothestack;

•Constructiondocumentsdetailingtheventstackandexhausttermination;and

•Calculationsofemissionsproduced.

State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) & City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR)ForCHPsystemsthatproduceemissionsexceeding12.5tonsofnitrogenoxideperyear,DEPwillrequire a SEQRA/CEQR analysis. The applicant must complete an environmental assessment todetermine whether the proposed activity will have an impact on the surrounding environment,includingair,water,noise,humanandanimalhabitats,andtraffic.Iftheenvironmentalassessmentdeterminesthataprojectmayhaveenvironmentalconsequences,anEnvironmentalImpactState-ment(EIS)mustbeprepared.TheEISshouldfullydescribethepotentialimpactsandthemeasuresthatwillbetakentoavoidorminimizeanydetrimentaleffectstheprojectmighthave.OncetheEISiscomplete,DEPwillactastheleadagency,anditwillworkwithotherCityagenciesto:(i)allowtheprojecttoproceed;(ii)allowtheprojecttoproceedwithactionstoreduceoreliminateharmfuleffects;or(iii)denyapprovaloftheproject. Becausethisprocessmayrun6to12months,it’simpor-tanttoconsultwithDEPearlyintheprojectplanningphasetodetermineifaSEQRA/CEQRanalysiswillberequired.

DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionCustomerServiceCenter59-17JunctionBoulevard,13thFloorFlushing,NY11373311or(718)595-7000www.nyc.gov/dep

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IX. Installation, Inspections and Sign Off

InstallanyCHPsystemaccordingtotheplansapprovedbytheDepartmentofBuildingsandpermitsissuedbyCityagencies–andfollowthemanufacturer’sspecifications.

Onceinstallationiscomplete,propertyownersmustbesuretohavetheproperinspectionsandfinalsign-offtooperatetheinstalledCHPsystem:

DOB Inspection GaspipingforCHPsystemsusinghighpressuregasover15psigmustbeinspectedbytheDepart-ment.Noself-certificationofinspectionispermitted(exceptforlow-pressuresystems,upto1psig).Theinspectionmustincludeapipeintegritypressuretestofalldistributionpiping.InstallationandassemblyofallsystemcomponentsissubjecttoSpecialInspection.FormoreinformationonSpecialInspections,seetheDOBrule:http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/rules/1_RCNY_101-06.pdf.

To schedule an appointment, contact the Plumbing Inspection Call Center at (212) 227-2004,MondaytoFriday,8amto4pm.

Gas ActivationThegasutilitywillauthorizethegas tobeturnedononlyafter theCHPsystemhassuccessfullycompletedalltests.PriortotheinitialtestingoftheCHPinstallation,theunitmustbeseparatedbyalock-wingvalve.

Upon satisfying the NYC Fuel Gas Code’s leakage test requirements under §406.6, the unit mustbelockedintheoffposition.Thebuildingownerortheagentresponsibleforthebuilding,suchasthesuperintendantorfacilityengineer,mustmaintaincontroloverthelock.Theproject’sNewYorkStatelicensedprofessionalengineermustscheduleallinspections.

Thescopeofthegasconnectionutilityapprovalendsattheoutletofgasmeter.Thegasutilitywillbeinvolvedwiththeinitialstart–uptoensureadequatepressurereachestheCHPsystem.

DOB Final InspectionOnce sign off has been performed by all parties involved and the final inspection is completed,theDepartmentofBuildingswilldisplaythepermitonline.ThisisaccessiblethroughtheBuildingsInformation System (BIS) at nyc.gov/buildings. BIS will state,“Testing phase completed and finalauthorizationforofficialstart-upoftheCHPunitinstallation.”

Fire Department Permit Sign OffUponcompletionofFDNYinspectionofinstallation,aftertheownerpaystherequiredfeesandaCertificateofFitnesshasbeenissuedtotheresponsibleparty,FDNYwillissueapermittooperatetheCHPunit.Thesepermitsareissuedtothepropertyownerandmustberenewedannually.

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Con Edison Electrical Interconnection TestingCon Edison performs electrical interconnection testing when the CHP installation is completedandallinspectionsandapprovalsbyDOBandFDNYhavebeensatisfied.ConEd’sassignedprojectrepresentative–theCPM–willscheduletheinterconnectiontesting.

Thefollowingitemsmustbesatisfied:

•The generation equipment is successfully tested according to standardized interconnectionrequirements;

•Theinterconnectionisoperatingproperly;and

•Finalacceptanceandcompanycostreconciliation.

APPENDIXNyC 2008 Construction Codes – the Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code and the Fuel Gas Code.

Youmayviewchaptersofthe2008ConstructionCodesathttp://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/model/construction_code.shtml.Youmaypurchasethe2008ConstructionCodesathttp://a856-citystore.nyc.gov/productslist.aspx?CategoryID=86&NavID=2.

The NyC Fire CodeViewtheNYCFireCodeat:http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/pdf/firecode/2009/fire_code_ll26_2008_amended_ll37_41_64_2009_final_complete.pdf

DEP Air Quality RequlationsFormoreinformationontheNewYorkCityAirPollutionControlCode,visitDEP’swebsiteat:http://nyc.gov/html/dep/html/air/index.shtml

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Contributors:

NYCDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionNYCFireDepartment

ConsolidatedEdisonNationalGridNewYorkPowerAuthority

Special thanks to:

BruceBeckwithScottFrank,PESheldonSteiner,PEDonWinston,PE

GraphicDesign:BuiStudioPhotographer:SamanthaModell