2007-07-18 23:50:09 · 9 answers · asked by esboy 1 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ New York City
The steam distribution system in NYC dates from before electricity. It was (and still is) a very efficient way to distribute energy throughout the city. Steam pipes are a public utility and steam is produced in several huge city-owned buidlings in Manhattan. Building owners can buy the steam from the city. The steam is used to heat and cool buildings (yes, steam can be used to cool buidlings as well as heat them).. Steam is also used to power subway signals and switches in the subway system (much of which also pre-dates the electric grid) which is why the subway in NYC is always so hot and humid in the summer. Today, most of the steam produced is is not used directly, but drives steam generators that provide electricity to the NYC area.
2007-07-19 13:53:55 · answer #1 · answered by JC R 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
New York City Steam System
2016-10-19 03:43:08 · answer #2 · answered by pippenger 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Why are there steam pipes under New York City streets? What are the steam for?
2015-08-07 18:52:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heat, man, Heat.
They heat buildings, railways, concourses... now why were they on during the summer...
Apparently the system was built by Con-Edison 100 about years ago...
There are power stations all over New York. Water is used to cool the stations, the system delivers the steam to where they want it, where it is used not just to heat buildings, but to heat the water in the buildings so people have hot water in their taps.
2007-07-18 23:57:13 · answer #4 · answered by whatotherway 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's the colon of the city. Of course, the end comes out in New Jersey.
2016-03-19 08:08:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Energy to heat the buildings or energy to run the air conditioners.
2007-07-19 00:53:23 · answer #6 · answered by mac 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the pipe that exploded was installed in 1920
2007-07-19 07:27:17 · answer #7 · answered by Christy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They heat and cool the buildings.
2007-07-19 16:41:12 · answer #8 · answered by kadel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is used to give heat and hot water to the buidings in the area.
2007-07-19 02:06:07 · answer #9 · answered by karma 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
various engineering sub systems i.e. heaters, ac 's
2007-07-19 01:50:02 · answer #10 · answered by Robert B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋