History of District Heating in the United States

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District Heating in Springfield, Illinois

The Springfield Electric Company installed an exhaust steam heating system in the fall of 1890.

The People's Hot Water Heating & Electric Co. installed a hot water district heating system in 1902.  The two systems came under common ownership in 1903.

The hot water system was discontinued in 1956 and steam heating in 1968.


References
1891  "Distribution of Steam From Central Station," Proceedings of the National Electric Light Association 9:73, 75 (February 1891)
Another illustration of this use of exhaust steam can be quoted from the Springfield Electric Company, and I am glad to see the president of that company here. This pipe was laid last fall. The President informed me last week that it worked perfectly. They deliver the steam through nearly 2,000 feet of mains at two and three pounds back pressure. They are so pleased with this saving of exhaust steam that they propose an extension of the mains the coming season.
Since reaching the city I have had the pleasure of asking Mr. Ide, of Springfield, the amount of their heat. He does their heating now upon nearly 1,000,000 cubic feet of space, and using but little to exceed one-half of 100 horse power boiler; so that would fully sustain me in these figures.
MR. IDE: My experience in heating has not been very long or extensive. Last fall we put in about 2,000 feet of main, about one-third eight inch, the balance six inch. Our station is favorably located in the central business portion, and we conceived the idea of selling our exhaust steam. We have a five year contract for furnishing power for an electric railway. At present they are running 10 cars. We also run a motor circuit that is now using about 50 horse power.  We made contract with seven store buildings to heat them for five years with exhaust steam at a price averaging about $200 a year. The buildings contain about 100,000 cubic feet of space each. We did not contract for any more at that time, because we wanted to be sure to have sufficient exhaust steam to supply them. We have now given about four months' service, which have been very satisfactory in every respect, warming the buildings satisfactorily in the coldest weather. We have never exceeded four pounds back pressure.  Ordinarily we carry two ounds back pressure, and the gauge shows a reduction of about one pound at the extreme end of the mains. We estimate that the expense of furnishing this exhaust steam is trifling. We do not notice any difference in the consumption of coal required, and we now find that with the surface exhaust steam we do not utilize over half. Next summer we expect to add about a thousand feet more main. We think our present steam will be sufficient to double our capacity. We estimate that the receipts we get from steam are about one-half profit. It does not require any additional attendance. It is simply the interest on the investment on the plant, and the slight additional fuel it requires.

1892 "Utilization of Exhaust Steam for Heating by the Springfield, Ill. Electric Light and Power Company's Plant," The Safety Valve 6(1):16-17 (May 15, 1892)

1893 "Exhaust Steam Heating," The Street Railway Journal 9(7):446-447 (July 1893)

1903 "Springfield, Ill.," The Street Railway Journal 21(24):xxiii (July 13, 1903)
The Springfield Railway and Light Company has been organized.  Springfield Electric Light & Power Company, People's Hot Water Heating & Electric Company

1911 "Results of Measuring Station Load with Venturi and General Electric Flow Meters," Proceedings of the National District Heating Association 3:64-74 (June 1911)
Description of plant, steam and hot water systems.

1953 Annual Report Central Illinois Light Company
Page 6:  Necessary action has been taken toward the termination of hot water heating service in Springfield by July, 1956.  About 460 customers are affected, and it is expected that the majority may substitute gas space heating, which will result in operating economies for both the Company and the customers.

1965 Proceedings of the National District Heating Association 56:87 (June 1965)
Page 87:  Springfield, Ill.  Central Illinois Light Co. will discontinue steam heat service effective July 1, 1968.


© 2024 Morris A. Pierce