Engie NA Activates Helios TCS on Two 3,700-Ton Chillers at Georgetown University
Innovas Technologies is proud to announce the successful commissioning of two Helios Automatic Tube Cleaning Systems at Georgetown University’s Central Plant, marking a major step forward in the university’s strategy to improve cooling efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and streamline plant operations. The newly installed Helios TCS system is now actively maintaining peak performance on two 3,700-ton chillers—critical assets in supporting the campus’ large and complex cooling demands.
A Strategic Upgrade to Protect Chiller Performance
Georgetown University’s Central Plant plays a pivotal role in delivering reliable cooling across its historic campus. With rising expectations for operational resilience and sustainability, plant leadership sought a proactive solution to eliminate tube fouling, reduce manual maintenance, and ensure that chiller performance remains consistently at design conditions.
The Helios TCS installation includes 24-inch traps engineered specifically for the chillers at Georgetown, enabling continuous cleaning during operation without interruption. With the system now fully commissioned and running, Helios is actively preventing fouling before it forms—keeping heat-transfer surfaces clean and ensuring energy efficiency is maintained day after day.
Real-Time Benefits From Day One
With both systems now in operation, Georgetown’s facility team can expect several immediate advantages:
- Fouling Prevention at All Times
Helios continuously removes biofilm and sediment, preventing the efficiency losses that typically build up between manual cleanings. - Improved Energy Efficiency
Clean tubes transfer heat more effectively, reducing chiller lift and lowering electricity consumption, especially during peak loads. - Reduced Maintenance and Labor Costs
With the Helios system automatically cleaning the chiller tubes, the need for scheduled downtime, manual brushing, and related labor is significantly reduced. - Greater Reliability Across the Cooling Season
Continuous tube cleanliness helps stabilize performance and reduces the risk of unexpected fouling-related performance issues, especially during high-demand cooling periods.
Supporting Georgetown’s Sustainability and Operational Goals
Georgetown University has a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and efficient campus operations. The addition of Helios TCS aligns with the university’s broader effort to reduce energy consumption, optimize existing assets, and extend equipment life—without sacrificing reliability or comfort for students, faculty, and researchers.
By eliminating the ongoing degradation caused by tube fouling, the Helios TCS helps the Central Plant operate more efficiently, ultimately supporting lower carbon emissions and a reduced environmental footprint.
A Significant Milestone in a Growing Partnership
The commissioning of these two Helios systems deepens the relationship between Innovas Technologies and Engie North America, which operates and maintains Georgetown’s district energy systems. This project reinforces our shared commitment to delivering advanced, American-made technologies that strengthen cooling performance and provide long-term operational value.
With the Helios systems now live and working on Georgetown’s 3,700-ton chillers, the university is positioned to benefit from cleaner tubes, lower energy costs, and more efficient cooling for years to come.
