The Steam Leak Vandal

James Steed in Energy Management has produced a fun video with the help of Plant Operations' staff.  Take the time to watch it... I'm betting you'll laugh!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkYeogHMBXk

James better watch out now that we all know how talented he is!

Motor Pool Update

The Motor Pool manages all state vehicles for departments on campus.  They make sure that we are always in compliance with state laws, and they perform all maintenance on the vehicles.  This year, the Motor Pool took over small engine repairs on campus.  Examples would be portable generators, golf carts, and trailers.  If you think you have an item that may fall into this category, please feel free to call Dave Rees in the Motor Pool at (801) 581- 8155.

The Motor Pool has recently purchased the state fleet's first Smart Car, partly due to its small stature and efficiency on fuel.  It will be driven by Commuter Services, so don't be surprised if you see a parking enforcement officer driving around in one of these.

Finally, if you need to get a vehicle expansion request to the Legislature, make sure you call Dave Rees, who would be happy to help you through the process. Again, his number is (801) 581- 8155.  Thanks to Lilly, Tara, and the rest of the crew for making Motor Pool so easy to work with!

Custodial Conference Room

The Electronics Shop has just finished installing some updated audio in the Custodial Conference Room.  It is interfaced with a new projector, so it is very high tech now.  Please keep this room in mind now as you are scheduling meetings that require media.

Light Bulb Demonstration

Plant Operations' Energy Management department has a new gadget that can demonstrate how much power it takes to light a light bulb.  The above photo gives us a bird's-eye view of the gadget.  Along the top, you can see three light bulbs: the first is a 25-watt incandescent bulb, the second is a ten-watt compact florescent bulb, and the third is a 7-watt LED.  In the lower left-hand corner is a switch that will change which bulb is getting power.  The crank on the lower right side is the crank that you can manually turn to light each of the bulbs.  This is an old telephone hand crank from the early telephones when they had to crank their phones in order to use them. It creates a voltage (about 110 watts) and sends it out.  If you turn the crank, you can see with your eyes how much power it takes to light these bulbs.  Try it for yourself to see the powerful results (powerful, get it?).

The Energy Management department will be joining President Young tomorrow, September 16, 2010 in the Union Ballroom from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the GreenLight Kickoff for the 2010 Climate Action Plan.  They will be demonstrating this cool gadget in a booth, so please go check it out!  If you miss them tomorrow, make sure you check out their gadget at Employee Appreciation Day at Rice Eccles Stadium on September 30, 2010.

Lighting and sound system upgrade at Rice Eccles Stadium

Plant Operations has just finished up a lighting and P.A. system upgrade for the field at Rice Eccles Stadium.  This will give Plant Operations individual computerized control over each amplifier.  The tower's P.A. system upgrade will be next.

The electrical system has already been upgraded in the tower, so all the lights automatically turn off at 1:00 a.m. and are out until 6:00 a.m.  This enables Plant Operations to take control of all lighting in the stadium tower for energy conservation purposes.  If you are standing in the parking lot to the west of the stadium right before 6:00 a.m., you can watch the the lights randomly turn back on for about 15 seconds.  It's almost as good as fireworks!

Electric Vehicles

The Grounds Department has recently purchased some new electric vehicles.  You may have seen them around campus.  These cute little things take a bite out of our carbon footprint, and they take up much less room than traditional vehicles.  We hope to see more people in Plant Operations getting creative in order to solve their transportation needs!