ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE


electricity to a greater or lesser extent depending on the system chosen. These factors point towards an increasing requirement for electrical capacity.


Implementing a decarbonisation plan Determining this capacity will require the application of a decarbonisation plan such as the TGA Net Zero Carbon 10-point plan (see Figure 9), which works through the stages to minimise energy demand by installing energy-efficient components and improving the building performance through fabric improvements, etc. Exploring the detail of how to apply the decarbonisation plan is worthy of a separate future article. Nevertheless, it is also important to take account of the need for appropriate ventilation, infection prevention and control measures, and the growing need for cooling. The resulting thermal energy capacity required may well be less than the existing capacity, but either way it will be rigorously arrived at, and should include capacity for future growth and agreed climate data. The next stage is to select the method of thermal energy


Above. Figure 6: The red and green rings within the RVH Belfast sub-station.


Right. Figure 7: The red ring at the RVH Belfast boiler house.


production, which will be influenced by site conditions. For instance, not all sites are suited to ground source heat pumps. If air source heat pumps are favoured, is there space for centralised plant, or is decentralised plant favoured; is there a continuing requirement for steam generation and – if so, is this to be decentralised? All these considerations will lead to decisions about the nature and arrangement of thermal plant, and, therefore, the electrical capacity and distribution that will be required.


5: Ensuring capacity to supply electric vehicle charging systems


Below. Figure 8: The main building at the Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast.


Below right. Figure 9: The TGA Net Zero Carbon 10-Point Plan.


fuels. Many hospitals use combined heat and power (CHP) to make more efficient use of the fossil fuel and reduce overall energy costs. With advances towards Net Zero Carbon, the carbon savings from CHP are no longer as attractive, and do not compete with the carbon content of grid electricity. Carbon-free alternative methods of producing thermal energy use


Hospitals have been familiar with electric vehicle fleets for many years, with electric tugs being used to haul trolleys for supplies and waste through corridors and service tunnels. It is a natural step to adopt electric vehicles across the rest of the fleet. While EV technology has advanced, the operating principles remain similar. Scheduling charging during lower demand periods will minimise the additional capacity needed. Establishing the working hours required of each element of the fleet, and the optimum location for stabling and charging, are key. Decarbonising travel to work is an important part of the


overall NHS decarbonisation programme, and Trusts are incentivising staff to adopt electric vehicles for their own use. It therefore makes sense to provide facilities for staff to charge their vehicles while at work. This could be essential for staff who may not have a charging facility at home;


58 Health Estate Journal October 2024


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