GALLERY: Cougars explore UH’s real powerhouse

Switchgear allows for centralized electrical equipment protection. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

Central Plant is fed by three underground feeds known as Cougars 1, 2 and 3. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

Central Plant has five new cooling towers, which protect equipment from overheating. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

Management doesn’t just happen out in the open rooms full of pipes. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

Solar panels on the roof provide one-fifth of Central Plant’s powers on sunny days. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

The Central Plant was built in 1950 and has since expanded to accommodate larger facilities and greener practices. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

Solar-powered recycling bins have become a campus staple. Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

It whirs, beeps and feels very much alive, and maybe it is — UH Central Plant is the heart that keeps energy flowing through campus facilities.

Students had the opportunity to tour Central Plant with Operations Assistant Director Michael Burriello at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday.

“The plant itself uses 100 percent of its recycled condensate as water, and, on a sunny day, 23 percent of its power is supplied by solar panels on the roof,” Burriello said.

Tours are offered at 10:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. To find out more about tours offered, visit the Plant Operations website.

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