Water Use at the U of I : Abbott Power Plant and the Water Chiller Plant

University of Illinois, Champaign, IL

UMS WaterWorks students visited the University of Illinois to find out how the institution uses water. They received a tour of Abbott power plant, a coal and natural gas fired power plant that supplies the university with power, and the water chiller plant. The water chiller plant cools water and supplies the entire university with chilled water for labs, air conditioning, and other needs.

(Left) UMS WaterWorks visits Abbott Power Plant at the U of I; (Right) Safety talk before entering the coal fired plant

(Left) A view of the complexity in the plant; (Right) Steam turbines generate power.

(Left) Our guide explains about the coal furnace; (Right) A peek inside the coal furnace.

(Left) A gas turbine uncovered; (Right) A view of the ash silo.

(Left) Gypsum is a byproduct of the emissions control; (Right) A view up a coal conveyor belt.

(Left) The stacks; (Right) Students get informed at the water chiller plant.

(left) Waterworks at the water chiller plant. (Right) Say cheese!

(Left) Huge pumps and water distribution lines; (Right) Distribution works (see student in lower left for scale).

(left) Students learn about online control programs for the chilled water;