Scope
Schedule
2 Years
Location
Pennsylvania
Estimated Cost
$26K
Client
Power Generation Company
Project Overview
The international airport required a highly reliable, self‑sufficient power source capable of maintaining critical operations under all conditions. Conventional utility service could not guarantee uninterrupted power during grid disturbances, nor could it support the airport’s need for operational resilience, redundancy, and long‑term cost stability. To meet these demands, the airport sought a dedicated onsite generation solution that could operate independently when needed, yet remain integrated with the broader utility system. To address this challenge, LSC designed a 20 MW natural‑gas‑fueled power generation facility built around multiple combined heat and power (CHP) units. These units convert natural gas into electricity and route output through switchgear for efficient distribution. The system was engineered to operate in both Island Mode, providing full onsite power independence, and Mains Parallel Mode, enabling excess generation to flow back to the utility grid, giving the airport the flexibility and resilience it required.
Deliverables:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Structural Engineering
Project Team
Taylor Scherz
Director, Project Management
Curtis Fry
Director, Engineering
Standardized Designs That Reduced Cost and Improved Consistency
Working closely with the client, LSC standardized the overall facility design so it could be replicated at additional sites with minimal modification. This standardization effort created consistent configurations across locations, which:
- lowered construction and operating costs,
- simplified maintenance,
- improved parts interchangeability, and
- strengthened operator training and safety programs.
This repeatable design approach allowed the client to scale power solutions efficiently across their system.
Environmental Solutions That Delivered Cleaner, Safer Operations
To further enhance environmental performance, LSC supported the integration of a Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) system that significantly reduced nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from each generator’s exhaust stream. LSC designed the urea holding tank and all associated piping, supports, and heat‑trace systems required to supply the SCR injection and control system.
These improvements helped the airport achieve:
- reduced emissions and a smaller environmental footprint,
- compliance with air‑quality regulations, and
- safer, cleaner long‑term operations