Siemens Robicon helps reduce Chicago energy and lower operating costs

Siemens Robicon helps reduce Chicago energy and lower operating costs

A new Chicago infrastructure improvement plan is underway

Siemens won a $10 million bid through the Chicago Water Management Department to support the upgrade of the Springfield Avenue pumping station, which will save approximately $7.5 million in energy and operating costs each year. As part of Chicago’s “Building a New Chicago” project, the project will cost 7 billion US dollars over a three-year period. The plant will be transformed from a traditional steam turbine and boiler to a drive connected to an electric motor. The project will last Three years.

In addition to power distribution equipment, such as switchboards, switchboards, safety switches, switch cabinets and busway systems, Siemens will also provide five ROBICON Perfect Harmony Drives for the project.

As electricity replaced steam power in the city's water supply system, three buildings were demolished at the Springfield Avenue Pumping Station in April. In a network of 12 pumping stations, Springfield Station is one of four pumping stations converted to electricity.

"Siemens is proud to be able to play a role in establishing the new Chicago comprehensive infrastructure improvement plan, which is one of the largest investments in infrastructure in the city's history," said Helms Ludwig, CEO of Siemens Industries in North America (Helmuth Ludwig) said. Ludwig added: "While we have more than 3,000 Siemens employees and 30 branches in Illinois, we are also very interested in helping the Chicago metropolitan area meet its infrastructure needs through smart technology."

According to data from the Department of Water Management, based on the current pumping rate, the renovation of the Springfield Pumping Station will reduce carbon emissions by 17,380 tons per year. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, this is equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 2,888 cars.

The new LEED-certified electrical building will house most of Siemens' equipment and will also include a green roof system for improved rainwater management and solar collection panels. The Springfield project has an investment of USD 64.6 million and is expected to be completed in July 2015.