District Steam Life Cycle Cost Factors
District Steam Life Cycle Cost Factors
(OP)
I am performing a life cycle cost comparison for various heating mediums for a building and have hit a small snag. The facility has an existing district steam system, but I am having trouble getting the information I need to calculate the real cost of steam.
Does anyone have a reasonable way of estimating the cost of district steam on a military base on a $/lb basis?
I know that the cost is a function of the thermal efficiency of the plant/distribution piping and the cost of fuel, but I am unable to get all of these numbers. I was wondering if there are any generally accepted factors that are based on size, age, and type of steam plant and length of distribution piping. Any references you could provide would be much appreciated.
Does anyone have a reasonable way of estimating the cost of district steam on a military base on a $/lb basis?
I know that the cost is a function of the thermal efficiency of the plant/distribution piping and the cost of fuel, but I am unable to get all of these numbers. I was wondering if there are any generally accepted factors that are based on size, age, and type of steam plant and length of distribution piping. Any references you could provide would be much appreciated.





RE: District Steam Life Cycle Cost Factors
If you're just going to guess, I've seen costs to generate steam around $14/lb to $18/lb on district systems. That's an 'all-in' number that includes operator costs as mentioned above.
Another method to guess would be to assume a 70% efficient system, which would give you a start if you knew the fuel being burned and the probable cost of that fuel.
RE: District Steam Life Cycle Cost Factors