Scaling Up Efﬁciency: District Energy at Penn State Harrisburg

A Two-Phase Installation for High-Temperature Hot Water Supply & Return.

Case Study Nº

174 Customer

Penn State University — Harrisburg

USA

2021

Working Conditions

Temperature: 98°C / 210°F | Pressure: 130 psi

Pexgol Pipes

Pexgol 9″ & 14″

Application

District Energy Network

Lenght

Significant

The Challenge

Penn State University Harrisburg required a reliable and efﬁcient solution for its High-Temperature Hot Water Supply & Return (HT-HWS&R) system. The university needed a durable piping system capable of withstanding continuous high temperatures of 210°F at 130 psi while ensuring long-term performance with minimal maintenance. The solution had to be implemented underground, with direct burial, making resistance to environmental and operational stress a key requirement.

The project was executed in two phases, with Phase 1 completed in 2021 and an expansion (Phase 2) successfully implemented in 2023. With the growing infrastructure needs of the campus, further installations are anticipated in the future.

The Solution

For Phase 1 of the project, the university selected Pexgol 225 mm (9” Nom.) SDR 6 piping. The pipes were supplied in coils, allowing for efﬁcient installation with minimal joints. The system was buried directly, with ﬁeld-applied closed-cell spray foam insulation to ensure energy efﬁciency and temperature retention. Since its commissioning in 2021, the system has provided reliable service.

Following the success of Phase 1, Phase 2 was initiated in 2023, incorporating larger Pexgol 355mm (14” Nom.) and 225mm (9” Nom.) SDR 6 pipes. Like the ﬁrst phase, the pipes were delivered in coils for direct burial, reducing installation time and costs while maintaining the same high-temperature and pressure resistance. The ﬁeld-applied spray foam insulation continued to enhance thermal efﬁciency.

Penn State Harrisburg continues to expand its district energy network with Pexgol solutions, with additional phases expected in the near future. This project showcases Pexgol’s ability to meet demanding, long-term district heating requirements with efﬁciency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.