Analysis of Electrification Alternatives to Oil Fueled Low Pressure Boilers in the Commercial Sector

Large amounts of oil are consumed by low pressure utility boilers that supply steam for commercial space heat, hot water and air conditioning requirements. The historical advantages of this type of utility system includes moderate capital costs. significantly lower cost of the residual oil that can be burned in these facilities relative to lighter heating oils and capability to centralize utility operations. However, large changes in energy costs, fuel availabilities and overall energy policy objectives dictate a reevaluation of these systems relative to the alternatives. These alternatives include electric heat because of potential of substituting nuclear or coal for oil or else cogeneration because of the potential of rejecting less heat and thus saving oil by utilizing oil more efficiently. Each of these alternatives also has a range of equipment type and sizing options.