What About My Steam-Powered Appliance?

Thanks to the Big Shift project, our campus is moving away from using natural-gas-created steam to heat our buildings to green-energy-produced hot water. So, what happens to other stuff we use that runs on steam? For decades, UC Davis has relied on steam to operate dryers, sterilizers and dishwashers as well. As Big Shift eliminates steam running through campus, the team is working to provide solutions to those using steam-based appliances.

Steam Clothes Dryers

Steam dryers used to dry athletic clothes, uniforms and towels in Hickey Gym are being replaced with electric dryers.

"I am excited to have new dryers," said Robert Jones, assistant athletic director. "Laundry machines are key to servicing our athletes."

The new, electric dryers will not only function without steam, but will also offer upgraded technology and increased capacity.

"They'll allow us more control over temperature and drying time and, with bigger capacity, allow us to move laundry more efficiently, saving time," Jones said.

Steam Sterilizers

In labs, instead of new appliances, a new steam source is being implemented. UC Davis researchers use steam sterilizers, or autoclaves, in their work. These machines run on steam piped directly from the same steam used to heat the buildings. With this source of steam removed, an alternate source needs to be provided.

“For affected lab buildings we’re installing boilers to create locally generated steam,” Alan Suleiman, Design and Construction Management project manager, said. “Not only does this ensure labs don’t lose any functionality, it’s actually more efficient than before.”

Dishwashers

Labs aren’t the only areas on campus using steam to clean. The Memorial Union uses industrial steam dishwashers in the kitchens. Like the rest of campus, these dishwashers are shifting from steam to hot water. Instead of boilers, electric booster heaters are being installed.

“Our water heaters don’t get the water hot enough for the industrial dishwashers,” Suleiman said. “The booster heaters will be able to heat the water to somewhere between 180 and 195 degrees—hot enough to sanitize without having to create steam.”

In order to determine these solutions, the Big Shift team has collaborated with staff and faculty in every building moving to hot water heating. If you have a question about one of your steam-operated appliances, contact the Big Shift team at bigshift@ucdavis.edu.