Did you know that lower Manhattan is home to the largest commercial steam system in the world? Using this system, building owners can buy centrally generated steam from ConEd to both heat and cool their buildings. The steam is usually a byproduct of electrical generation, so using steam can be both ecological and efficient.

At one time or another, you've likely noticed steam coming from the street or a manhole. This is not normal. The steam system has no normal venting process; leaking steam can burn pedestrians, or can indicate problems that can, under certain circumstances, lead to failure.

You can help make steam service in New York more safe and reliable—by reporting steam you see on the streets of lower Manhattan using your iPhone!

3
Reports of Steam Received

2
Reporting Users

How to Participate

Participating is free and easy!

  1. Download the iPhone application to your iPhone.
  2. If you see steam on the street, use the application to take a snapshot of the leaking steam.
  3. Your location and the picture you take will be uploaded to this website.
  4. Your report will be forwarded to ConEd for review and follow-up.

Q&A

Q: What is this project?

A: Steamr is a tool to allow the iPhone-carrying public to report potentially dangerous leaking steam to ConEd Steam Operations. ConEd asks the people of New York to report steam they see on the streets of lower Manhattan. ConEd provides a phone number (1-800-752-6633) for the purpose, but Steamr hopes to make the reporting process faster, easier and more accurate using the advanced capabilities of the iPhone.

Q: Why are you doing this?

A: The goal of this project is to have people like yourself become more aware of the infrastructure, people and organizations that we all rely upon, but usually go unnoticed—until they fail. Secondly, ConEd can benefit from the advanced geo-location and picture-taking capabilities of the iPhone to receive reports from the public that are more accurate and contain a better situational context than can be communicated over the telephone.

It is hoped that this project benefits both the public and ConEd alike, setting an example of how the public can help utilities maintain our increasingly aging infrastructure, and starting a dialog around public interest and concerns of aging infrastructure.

Q: Does it cost anything to participate?

A: No, participation is free (unless you are charged by your mobile provider for data service). Data from this system is provided to ConEd Steam Operations free of charge, as well. We do not aim to provide a commercial service through this project; it is not a money-making venture.

Q: How do I participate?

A: The first step is to download the iPhone application and install it on your iPhone. The next time you see steam on the streets of lower Manhattan, use the application to upload a picture of it and your location to this website! Your report will then be forwarded to ConEd for follow-up.

Q: What if I don't have an iPhone?

A: You can still file a report by calling ConEd directly at 1-800-752-6633.

Q: So, what am I looking for?

A: You are looking for steam leaking on the streets in ConEd's steam service area in lower Manhattan. Sometimes ConEd places towers over larger leaks to prevent the public from being burned; these are normal. What you are looking for are leaks that do not have such towers over them—you'll see the steam rising in small clouds from the street or manholes (see the pictures to the right). During winter months, the clouds may be larger due to the cold air.

If, like most people, you sometimes think of things besides steam(!), ask your young son or daughter to look for steam while walking down the street together. It's a fun game that can make your child more aware of the hidden systems that power our daily lives (see the links section for some good books, too!)

Q: What happens to my report?

A: Your report is forwarded to ConEd for review and appropriate follow-up.

Q: Is steam dangerous?

A: It can be. Steam can burn (it's ~400°!), which is part of the reason ConEd wants you to report it. The other reason is that steam on the street can indicate leaks or situations underground that need to be checked out to maintain safe, reliable steam service.

Q: Where does the steam come from?

A: The steam in lower Manhattan comes from one of ConEd's seven generation plants. Some (five) are "co-generation" plants, meaning that they generate both steam and electricity. Others (the other two) just generate steam. Steam is delivered to buildings via underground pipes, similar to water or natural gas.

Q: How can you cool a building with hot steam?

A: Good question! Steam can be used to drive what is called a chiller. This device moves around a special mix of water and chemicals to carry heat outside (to what is essentially a radiator), cooling the air inside. This process works through a process called absorption refrigeration.

Photos

Flickr Photo An example of a steam leak needing to be reported. Steam leaks like this can burn pedestrians or indicate problems below.

Flickr Photo Steam like this (coming from sewer grates) is typically caused by the warm temperature of sewage, and is usually not of concern. If in doubt, however, report it anyway.

Flickr Photo An example of a steam leak made safe by ConEd. These do not need to be reported; ConEd is (obviously) aware of them.

 

Links