Milwaukee Regional Medical Center – Thermal Power Plant

The Milwaukee Regional Medical Center’s Thermal Power Plant produces steam and chilled water for hospitals and other buildings on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center (MRMC) campus. The MRMC consists of five major healthcare institutions, including a Level-1 trauma center, biomedical research facilities, medical college and nationally recognized children’s hospital. Boldt was selected to assist in the planning and construction of the upgrades to the entire district energy system to improve their service and reliability.

The project included construction of a transitional plant to house four 70,000 lb/hr steam-generating gas boilers, allowing existing boilers to be taken offline. The transitional plant includes a 700 ft. pipe bridge transporting steam to the main plant’s distribution tie-in points and treated water back to the transitional plant. After the demolition of the coal boilers, including coal / ash handling equipment, electrostatic precipitators and stacks, Boldt renovated the existing plant, replacing four existing boilers. Additionally, three new chillers were added and three chilled water pumps replaced. A new four-cell cooling tower was constructed and new office space, locker facilities and control rooms added.

The distribution system was expanded and an additional 5,100 feet of chilled water piping and 3,100 feet of steam piping installed. Lastly, the transitional plant was upgraded to handle two permanent boilers with water treatment facilities for self-sufficiency.