Project Clearinghouse

Thimann Autoclave

Sustainability Problem and Proposed Solution: 

The Biology Teaching Laboratory (BTL) autoclave in Thimann labs is one of the most resource intensive equipment set-ups per value of service on campus. Currently, there is an old and inefficient steam boiler on the first floor that is only being used to power the existing old and inefficient autoclave on the second floor. This project will purchase a smaller, more efficient, standalone unit that will not require use of the boiler or any natural gas.

Jump to: Contact | Project Description | Funding Sources | Metrics for Success | Results
Project Categories: 
Buildings & Facilities
Energy & Climate
Water
Project Status: 
Completed
Project End Date: 
11/01/2020
Campus Organization: 
Carbon Fund
Sustainability Office
Affiliated Department, Unit or College: 
PBSci
Project Location: 
On campus

Thimann Laboratories

New Thimann Labs Autoclave


Stakeholder Contacts: 
Contact NameEmail AddressContact NumberDepartment
Ellen Vaughan
elvaugha@ucsc.edu
831-502-7086
Sustainability Office
Julio Harvey
jharvey@ucsc.edu
4153171983
Funding Sources: 
MCD Biology department IER funds
Carbon Grant

Project Description: 

The Biology Teaching Laboratory (BTL) autoclave in Thimann labs is one of the most resource intensive equipment set-ups per value of service on campus. Currently, there is an old and inefficient steam boiler on the first floor that is only being used to power the existing old and inefficient autoclave on the second floor. This project will purchase a smaller, more efficient, standalone unit that will not require use of the boiler or any natural gas. The purchase of this new autoclave will reduce the use of the existing inefficient system by 40% or more.

Currently, PPDO is working to do a similar deferred maintenance project in Sinshemier and has completed a feasibility study that helps highlight the benefits of this upgrade. For example, the study highlights that installation of dedicated, stand-alone steam generators offers the following advantages over the current use of centralized steam generators:

All Electric/Electricity Use: This upgrade will reduce Thimann’s combustion of natural gas on-site. Because of the size and advanced efficiency technology of this new unit, it will save on overall energy use and utility costs. Implementation of this project will save a minimum of 78585 kWh, resulting in a 20 year project energy savings of over $200,000, and a reduction in atmospheric CO2 emissions of 374 tons. GHG cost savings and CO2e reduction calculations include reduction of current energy use by the existing autoclave and energy use by the proposed supplemental autoclave. Even given the latter, projected energy use reduction is sufficient to realize a Simple Payback Period of less than two years. Please see attached “Autoclave Pictures” which help to visualize present energy waste by the existing system.

Water Savings: Due to current building occupancy restrictions as a consequence of the COVID19 pandemic, we are unable to determine specific water use by the existing Thimann autoclave system at this time. Nevertheless, based on estimates for similar systems in a neighboring building (Sinsheimer Labs), we project that water savings for this project would be significant. In 2017, Dan Miceli, Physical Plant HVAC/EMS Superintendent, conducted a metered study of autoclave upgrades in BioMed and found a savings of approximately 173,300 gallons of water per year. If we are able to purchase this new, smaller, and more efficient autoclave, we are predicting a comparable savings of 69,200 gallons of water per year.

Lower Cost: Installation of a standalone unit will be significantly less costly than replacement of the steam boiler, condensate/steam piping, and the autoclave.

No Condensate Collection: Standalone units do not capture condensate from the jacket or chamber so the maintenance associated with condensate piping, collection and pumping systems is eliminated. Condensate systems are notoriously maintenance intensive components of plant steam systems.

Redundancy: When the existing Thimann autoclave and boiler go down for repairs, this will provide a back-up unit, reducing the impact to teaching and student research.

Metrics for Success: 

This project is on track to save ~18.7 tons of CO2 emissions annually and will reduce current water use by Thimann Labs autoclaves by 30-40%.

Success can be measured in reduction of electricity and water used by autoclaves in Thimann Laboratories.

Next Steps: 
This project has been completed. The new autoclave was thoroughly researched, purchased, received and installed. We are currently testing the unit—this unit will be online as of February 2021.
Results: 

This autoclave will be used in the teaching lab. Thousands of students will pass by or use this equipment over its lifetime. It’s currently an embarrassing sustainability eye sore to have students, faculty and staff see and utilize the existing, inefficient system. Therefore, any reduction of use of this system until it can be replaced will be highly beneficial. Purchase of a supplemental autoclave will provide a better educational service to our campus community and demonstrate our commitment to sustainability.

Principles of Community:
It is a culturally and socially diverse group of individuals that will benefit mutually if the project is funded—the responsibility of evolving to greener and cleaner operations falls on the shoulders of all group members equally. Clean glassware is a requirement for successful laboratory operations and our community universally supports steps toward greater water and energy efficiency.

Our project supports social justice for local and global communities by decreasing CO2 released into our collective atmosphere, benefiting everyone on Earth.

Our project promotes fair and equal access to water and electricity resources by using less of each than we do currently. As UCSC collectively moves toward using electricity and water more efficiently, the local community benefits because those resources become available for common use.

Our project promotes UCSC’s Principles of Community because it will serve a very culturally and socioeconomically diverse group of individuals (Diverse). Through steps to reduce carbon emissions, we are strengthening our commitment to better preserve the natural environment (Purposeful). Through reducing unnecessary resource use our project will help to better care for local communities (Caring), and in doing so, we demonstrate discipline in not settling for the status quo, but rather, striving to advance sustainability objectives (Disciplined).