The Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP) includes a system designed to meet the electric load required by the Casino. The system operates in parallel with the electric utility grid, so that during generator outages or peak electrical demands in excess of the cogeneration plant capacity, the utility will provide backup power for the casino complex.

The plant utilizes three (3) 2000 kW (nominal) natural gas fueled reciprocating engine generator sets. The engines are equipped for recovery of waste heat from the engine jacket water system. The jacket water leaving the engine is directed to heat exchangers, where it is used to preheat the boiler feedwater. The engine cooling system is controlled by a thermostatic control valve, which maintains engine cooling water temperature at its design condition under all operating conditions.

The engine exhaust emissions meet SOTA air quality requirements through the use of low emissions engine technology, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and CO catalysts.

The system has an integrated monitoring and control system for the generator set, and electric interconnect with the plant bus. The gas engine generator set control console is free-standing and includes engine control, engine protection and generator protection systems. The system is fully electronic and includes sequencing, alarm and shutdown communication, and readout of critical parameters.

All systems for the engine generator will be monitored and controlled by a digital control system incorporating programmable logic controllers (PLC's) and/or distributed controllers. The system is capable of trending and performing historical data storage. Redundant controllers and uninterruptible power supplies are provided in critical areas to maximize and assure control system availability.

The cogeneration plant was designed to generate power at 480 volts, and the plant includes a switchgear lineup to distribute power at the appropriate voltage. The switchgear include a new fused disconnect switch section, a circuit breaker feed to the existing facility switchgear, a generator circuit breaker and the with necessary paralleling and protection equipment.