Vicinity’s comprehensive maintenance services are offered year-round—during peak usage or before system turn-ons—to optimize steam efficiency, reliability, and cost savings.
Improve the operating performance of steam systems by taking preventive steps to avoid energy losses. Customers who have leveraged Vicinity’s preventive maintenance program have experienced the following benefits:
Conserved energy and reduced energy costs by improving system performance and eliminating inefficiencies.
Improved reliability by identifying problem areas that could cause unscheduled system outages.
Optimized capital expenditure and operating expenses by maximizing system efficiency and strategically planning for infrastructure investments with an identified budget for equipment repair or replacement.
Improved operating procedures by reviewing, refining, and documenting preventative maintenance best practices.
We partner with each of our customers to customize recurring service agreements for the summer and winter seasons, tailoring the maintenance services below to their specific needs. Reach out to your Account Manager today to understand the preventative maintenance services offered in your district.
Service description: Survey building, locate, identify, tag, and test steam trap performance.
Maintenance value: Ensure steam traps function correctly and prevent issues that can lead to energy waste, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Pressure Regulating Valves (PRVs)
Service description: Identify valves’ make, model, size, and serial number. Test pilot valve for leaks, clean orifices, check diaphragm plates, test the gauging, and set to desired system pressure.
Maintenance value: Prevent system over-pressurization and relief valves from releasing steam into the atmosphere. Failed PRVs may improperly cycle open and close, both oversupplying and then starving the downstream equipment of steam.
Strainers
Service description: Inspect screens and clean out debris, evaluate source of debris, and troubleshoot. Ensure blow-down valves are functioning properly to flush trapped material.
Maintenance value: Reduce rust and pipe scale damage to valves and pumps. Ensure heat transfer surfaces are kept free of efficiency reducing deposits.
Heat exchangers
Service description: Perform water chemistry testing, determine if leaks exist, measure tube thickness, repair or plug tubes as needed, and perform preventative maintenance, such as hydrolasing or cleaning as needed.
Maintenance value: Recover efficiency losses, optimize operation of the exchangers, and reduce energy consumption.
Steam pipe
Service description: Inspect steam piping. Check for leaking joints, watermarks on insulation, and corrosion.
Maintenance value: Deliver safe and reliable steam into the building while reducing potential for steam emissions into the building.
Condensate return line
Service description: Inspect for leaks and corrosion. Check condensate pump seals for leaks. Check vent pipes for vapor emissions.
Maintenance value: Avoid condensate water spills, ensure proper evacuation of condensate from system lines, and identify the presence of leaking steam traps in the system.
Mechanical room hot water loop
Service description: Inspect all piping, inlet/outlet temperatures, and pressures on heat exchangers and mechanical pumps.
Maintenance value: Confirm adequate operation of key energy transfer equipment, such as heat exchangers, which supply building heat, hot water, or other process loads.
Seasonal and maintenance shutdowns/turn-ons
Service description: Manage closure and opening of Vicinity’s main service valve for seasonal system curtailment or start of use. Shutdowns require draining of systems while turn-ons require both draining of systems and operating pressure checks.
Maintenance value: Ensure safe and confined operation of Vicinity’s main service valve for shutdowns/turn-ons related to seasonal changes and maintenance activities. Reduce radiant energy losses, condensate accumulation in system piping, and mechanical room air space temperature. Prevent pipes from rotting and prepare systems to be dormant for an extended period by draining the systems for shutdowns.
Melt away the challenges of winter weather. Prevent costly equipment damage and disruptions to daily operations by proactively preparing for winter weather conditions.
To enhance preparedness, we encourage you to utilize our emergency winter weather preparedness checklist. Regularly reviewing and implementing this guide ensures proactive building readiness for winter conditions. It safeguards against potential freeze-ups in steam and sprinkler systems, mitigates the risk of roof collapses due to heavy snowfall, and protects against potential flooding during extremely cold temperatures. These risks present safety concerns and entail substantial financial and time investments in repairs, with the possible consequence of building shutdowns.
Print out this emergency winter weather preparedness checklist and review it every winter to prepare staff and equipment.
Vicinity has rigorous cold weather protocols to ensure safe, reliable, and consistent operation of its facilities to prevent service disruptions. Our interconnected energy facilities offer 99.99% uptime energy delivery through multiple power supplies, backup generation, and several water and fuel sources in case of interruptions to other utilities.
Vicinity’s winter weather protocol includes:
A comprehensive cold weather plan that entails pre-season preparation, pre-storm planning, weekly winter weather readiness checks, and post-season assessment.
Identification, monitoring, and prioritization of components, systems, and other areas of vulnerability at our facilities which may experience freezing problems, pose safety risks, prevent the delivery of fuel or water, or result in other cold weather operational issues.
Validation that critical equipment is operational through function testing.
Implementing ongoing walk-downs throughout the season to ensure heat tracing is functional, sufficient pipe insulation is in place, and opportunities for continuous improvement are identified.
Strict compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) – Emergency Operations (EOP).
Annual training with specific checklists related to freeze protection panel alarms, troubleshooting and repair of freeze protection circuitry, identification of facility areas susceptible to winter conditions, review of special inspections or rounds implemented during severe weather, and fuel switching procedures.
Revolutionizing the way we heat buildings by integrating industrial-scale heat pumps to produce carbon-free eSteam™
Industrial-scale heat pumps are revolutionizing the energy industry. With the ability to produce temperatures of up to 150C, these powerful systems have become a sustainable solution across the globe. As the demand for carbon-free heating increases, the shift away from fossil fuels is finally gaining momentum.
Vicinity is transforming district energy with plans to install an industrial-scale heat complex. This innovative heat pump complex will draw heat from nearby water sources to generate steam and improve the system’s efficiency. Ensuring that the river and its ecosystems remain unharmed, the river intake system lifts heat from the river and brings it into our facilities.
Key facts
The proposed Cambridge heat pump will have a steam export capacity of 35MW (thermal)
The heat pump will occupy a space of approximately 25,000 sq ft. +/-
The heat pump will circulate through 24.5 million to 49 million gallons of water from the Charles River daily
How heat pumps work
River water is pumped into the evaporator to warm the cold refrigerant.
Renewable electricity powers the compressor to pressurize the refrigerant.
Hot, pressurized refrigerant creates low-pressure carbon-free eSteam™ from feed water.
A multi-stage steam compressor increases the pressure of the eSteam™ for distribution.
The refrigerant is cooled and depressurized for the next cycle.
Cooled water is returned to the river, and the process repeats.
How Vicinity is using heat pumps
Industrial-scale heat pumps will be installed in cities around the country where Vicinity’s facilities are located near water sources and already employ water intake systems. These heat pumps will extract heat from adjacent water sources, like the Charles and Schuylkill Rivers, to generate steam and improve the system’s overall efficiency.
Across all of our operations, heat pumps will be used with electric boilers and thermal storage technologies to fully decarbonize our operations.
This first planned heat pump complex in Cambridge will be powered by renewable electricity to efficiently harvest energy from the Charles River and return the water to a lower temperature.
Early design of the industrial-scale heat pump Vicinity Energy is developing in partnership with MAN Energy Solutions.
Why industrial heat pumps are important for Vicinity, our customers, and the environment
The global energy transition can only succeed with decarbonizing heat. Why? Heating in buildings is responsible for four gigatons (Gt) of CO2 emissions annually—10% of global emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The heating sector accounts for 30-40% of CO2 emissions globally.
Water-source heat pumps are a proven solution to fossil- fuel-driven heating because they can efficiently harness the renewable power of water sources.
In 2021, approximately 10% percent of the global demand for space heating was satisfied by heat pumps. In some countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland, heat pumps are the most widely used heating source and have already begun integrating with district energy systems. The district system in Glasgow will leverage heat pumps to extract cold water from the adjacent River Clyde. This will cover over 80% of building heat demand and will deliver immediate carbon reductions of 50%.
By installing industrial-scale heat pumps at our central facilities, Vicinity is one step closer to instantly decarbonizing millions of square feet of building space for the good of our customers, communities, and the cities we operate. The impact of this plan is substantial: by 2035, Vicinity’s investments at our Kendall, MA facility will reduce the carbon intensity of our steam by 50%, the equivalent of 400,000 tons.
Maximize steam efficiency, safety, and cost savings with preventative maintenance
Improve the efficiency and safety of steam systems with steam trap inspections by Vicinity’s qualified technicians. Our team will diagnose and identify issues to keep steam systems operating safely and efficiently 24/7.
Steam traps are critical components of steam systems and play a vital role in maintaining their efficiency and safety. Steam traps collect condensate to prevent corrosion caused by built-up moisture and ensure high-quality, dry steam flows through the steam system. Steam traps also block the escape of live steam, minimizing energy waste. Regular maintenance and monitoring are essential to ensure they function correctly and prevent issues that can lead to energy waste, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Vicinity’s steam trap inspections offer the following benefits:
Reduced energy costs: Steam traps in good condition help conserve steam, reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
Improved equipment reliability: Properly maintained traps extend the lifespan of steam-related equipment.
Enhanced safety: Reducing energy waste and water hammer incidents improves workplace safety.
Environmental benefits: Energy conservation through steam trap maintenance can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
How it works
Partnering with our customers, Vicinity tailors each approach specifically to the unique needs of the building. The process of performing steam trap inspections typically includes the following steps:
Vicinity coordinates an initial walkthrough of the building and provides a quote showing the cost and scope of work.
Once the customer returns a signed quote, Vicinity’s account manager schedules the work.
A Vicinity technician conducts the steam trap inspection using an ultrasonic digital detector. If this is the first survey, the technician tags and catalogs each trap for future surveys.
After the inspection, the customer receives a report detailing:
The status of each trap.
Recommended action items and the potential savings associated with recommended action items.
Efficiency and system performance
When steam traps fail and steam escapes, systems demand more steam to operate. Steam trap inspections improve the overall operating performance of steam systems, minimizing the amount of energy waste and the associated carbon emissions.
Cost savings
Leaking steam traps result in significant lost capital over the life of the equipment. Analysis by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Boiler Efficiency Institute shows that repairing a faulty steam trap could save thousands of dollars annually. Steam trap inspections represent an opportunity for customers to reduce energy consumption and operating costs.
Safety considerations
Safety is our primary focus. With Vicinity’s trained technicians conducting the inspections, customers can rest assured that the proper measures are in place to safely conduct and identify any steam trap hazards that can lead to a water hammer event. A water hammer event occurs when a failed steam trap allows condensate to build in the steam main. As steam passes over and combines with the excess condensate, it creates a pressure event that can lead to undesirable noise, damaged equipment, and—in worst cases—injury.
Founded in 1844, the Maryland Historical Society, now known as the Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC), educates future generations about Maryland’s rich past. Serving more than 80,000 students and teachers annually, MCHC is based in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood and houses an impressive collection of over 7 million historic documents and 350,000 objects in its museum, library, pavilion, and exhibit storage space. As the organization preserves and celebrates the state’s history, MCHC continues to evolve and expand its space to achieve its mission.
The challenge
Due to its increasing popularity and expansion efforts, MCHC needed a reliable heating solution to keep its visitors comfortable and historical contents preserved. Additionally, the organization was focused on reducing its carbon footprint and repurposing resources wherever possible, including city water.
The solution
For more than three decades, Baltimore’s district energy system has supplied thermal energy to the institution to power onsite heat exchangers and hot water tanks. Vicinity’s green steam reliably provides heat and hot water to the institution, a more sustainable and economical alternative to onsite boilers.
A history of reliability and precision
With 99.99% reliability, the institution is safeguarded against interruptions of service—enabling it to provide a comfortable experience to its increasing number of annual visitors. This level of reliability also supports preservation efforts. As the organization houses important documents, artwork, and exhibits that require specific temperatures, MCHC relies on district energy to provide steam at the precise level needed to maintain the delicate and historic objects.
Recycling with purpose
Within the process of converting steam to energy, a portion of this steam reverts to condensate, which is often cooled with city water and discarded as waste. However, in 2014, the institution devised a creative solution to pipe the condensate into an adjacent, outdoor reflecting pool—saving on sewer charges and city water costs. By recycling the condensate, instead of discarding it, MCHC not only reduces costs, but also minimizes its impact on the planet and surrounding community by conserving water, a limited and important resource.
Committed to a greener tomorrow
Not only has this historic facility made strides in conserving water, MCHC has made strides in reducing its carbon emissions by utilizing district energy. Because approximately 50% of the steam delivered to Baltimore customers is generated through renewables, MCHC has access to a green energy solution that contributes to a cleaner future. MCHC pays homage to the state’s vibrant history while simultaneously forging ahead into the future by educating young generations and actively adopting environmentally responsible practices.
Located in the heart of Baltimore with extensive views of the harbor, 10 Light Street is one of the most architecturally significant buildings dominating the city’s skyline. Built in 1929, the 34-story, 482,000-square-foot Art Deco building has a long history of leveraging district energy for reliable heating and domestic hot water.
The challenge
Originally used for banking and commercial offices, 10 Light Street was renovated into 400 luxury apartment units by the building owners, Metropolitan Partnership, in 2014. As part of the renovation project and effort to accommodate the growing housing market, Metropolitan Partnership sought a creative cooling solution to address its antiquated chilling and cooling towers—all while reducing capital costs and carbon footprint.
The solution
Because of its longstanding partnership with Vicinity, Metropolitan Partnership removed the building’s failing chilling and cooling towers and seamlessly tapped into Vicinity’s district chilled water network. This network incorporates thermal storage systems that produce chilled water from ice made using off-peak electricity—taking pressure off electrical grids during summer peak capacity periods and helping reduce electric capacity charges.
Removing bulk and adding cutting-edge amenities
By converting to Vicinity’s chilled water system in 2014, the building removed onsite chillers and cooling towers and freed up valuable space no longer needed for large onsite mechanical equipment. As a result, residents could enjoy new amenities, including a roof-top pool, skyline lounge, a 42,000-square-foot Under Armour Performance Center, and indoor and outdoor dog parks. These amenities are essential in attracting and retaining residents by making the building a desired, premium-level living experience.
Achieving a greener future
Because Vicinity leverages renewables to generate approximately 50% of the steam delivered to Baltimore customers and 100% carbon-free electricity via emission-free energy certificates (EFECs), 10 Light Street benefits from 99.99% reliable thermal energy that provides uninterrupted service to tenants while also contributing to a greener future. District energy not only helped reduce the building’s carbon footprint, but also its impact on the surrounding Baltimore community and planet.
Located in Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, the Walters Art Museum was established in 1934 and has served as a valuable resource for the local and regional community and visitors ever since. The museum’s collection spans seven millennia, from 5,000 BCE to the 21st century, and encompasses 36,000 objects across a 5-building campus.
The Walters Art Museum aims to bring art and people together for enjoyment, discovery, and learning. The museum’s strategic plan outlines the Walters as a transformative force in the Baltimore region, with sustainability playing a big part in achieving this vision.
The challenge
Deteriorating infrastructure threatened the museum’s capacity to maintain the stringent humidity levels necessary to conserve its invaluable collections. With the prohibitive costs of modernizing and maintaining the current boiler system, the Walters was confronted with a critical decision: to replace one of its boilers or to connect to the district steam network.
The solution
Given district energy’s long history of providing reliable energy to buildings in Baltimore, the Walters Art Museum’s leadership team decided to partner with Vicinity to meet their essential heating and humidification needs. Vicinity helped replace the museum’s traditional boiler system and transitioned the remaining functional boilers to provide backup energy. Over this 20-year partnership, the Walters Art Museum receives approximately 12,000 pounds of clean steam per hour (pph).
“In order to preserve the historic artifacts housed in the Walters Art Museum, our buildings must meet precise humidification requirements. The reliability of district energy, in addition to its ability to meet the specifications of the museum’s exhibitions while also reducing our carbon footprint, makes Vicinity an excellent solution for Walters’s energy needs,” states Andrea B. and John H. Laporte Director Julia Marciari-Alexander.
Achieving substantial cost savings
Rather than investing in a new boiler, Walters benefited from the minimal up-front capital costs associated with connecting to Vicinity’s district energy network. Immediately, the museum could reallocate these capital funds to support its exhibitions and other core business operations. In addition to this capital avoidance, the museum has seen reduced energy costs due to enhanced operational efficiency.
Driving reliability and resiliency through uninterrupted service
Reliability is paramount for the Walters Art Museum to continuously protect thousands of historic art objects with precise humidity control. In contrast to the museum’s failing boilers, district energy provides 99.99% reliability. In the event of a power outage, extreme climate event, or supply interruption from the public grid, Vicinity can continue to provide uninterrupted energy operations due to its ability to black start and isolate issues. In addition, the museum can rely on Vicinity’s licensed and trained energy experts with experience responding to various emergencies.
This level of resilience is essential to Walters’ overall success, enabling seamless museum operations, constant protection of the museum’s collection, and positive experiences for visitors.
“Daily, we have noticed improved control over our environmental conditions. This is due to the reduced downtime we previously experienced with our aging boilers and related equipment,” states Senior Director of Building Operations Evander Toney.
Reducing environmental impact
As Walters Art Museum’s programs, exhibitions, and resources aim to strengthen and better the local community, leveraging a sustainable energy solution helps support this initiative. Vicinity leverages renewables to generate approximately 50% of the steam delivered to Baltimore customers and 100% carbon-free electricity via emission-free energy certificates (EFECs), enabling the museum to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, the Walters Art Museum reduced over 4,000 dekatherm of natural gas in December 2023.
Even better, Vicinity enables Walters to switch to future carbon-free, renewable energy sources in the future. As Vicinity advances its net zero carbon plan across all its operations, customers like Walters will continue to receive greener energy solutions and make strides towards decarbonization.
Vicinity Energy has been recognized by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce for its commitment to innovation in the launch of eSteam™, the first renewable, carbon-free thermal energy product in the United States. Vicinity and IQHQ team members talk about the impact eSteam™ is making in Boston and Cambridge in this video highlighting Visionary award winners.
