Hines Energy Complex

Duke Energy’s Hines Energy Complex boasts North America’s largest turbine inlet air chilling (TIAC) system with thermal energy storage (TES) as well as the continent’s largest thermal energy storage tank. Stellar Energy designed the custom solution for Duke Energy to boost plant capacity when hot and humid ambient conditions degrade turbine performance at peak demand, and to increase available power during peak demand through the use of thermal energy storage. In addition, the system makes use of clean condensate water to reduce the environmental impact typically associated with cooling tower makeup water, including minimizing externally sourced water use and related chemical treatment. The plant consists of 12 modules, fabricated in Stellar Energy’s 49,000 square-foot facility, featuring a centralized, low-voltage electrical room flanked by chiller rooms on each of the outer wings. The overall design provides enhanced accessibility for operators and maintenance staff with wide walkways and roll-up doors at the end of each chiller module.