Stanley Consultants performed detailed engineering and construction support for Michigan State University’s T.B. Simon Power Plant renewal using reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE) technology. The project included three natural gas-fired RICE units, three selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, 100-foot exhaust stacks, a large radiator farm, a new medium-voltage switchgear lineup and a new 11,000-square-foot engine hall.
Because of the plant’s proximity to campus residences, noise was a significant design concern. Baseline ambient noise testing and 3D noise modeling were performed to establish project noise-level goals and evaluate sound-attenuation measures that could fit within the compact plant footprint.
Project buildings and structures required deep foundations and sulfate-resistant concrete due to the project area’s legacy use as a coal-storage and landfill area. Collaboration among the owner, contractor, owner's engineer and engine supplier allowed the project team to meet budget constraints and remain on schedule despite multiple site constraints and a month-long COVID-19-related stop-work order.
The $47 million project added flexible power generation capacity of up to 27 MW to MSU’s East Lansing campus.