Combined heat & power
www.heatingandventilating.net
Big buildings don’t always need big CHP
CHP is frequently selected as an economic tool for space heating and cold water pre-heat for domestic hot water production in high demand environments. But accurate load profile data and CHP sizing is essential for the anticipated performance and efficiency gains to be achieved, says Baxi Heating’s national sales manager CHP, Mark Gibbons
I
n buildings with high energy demand, combined heat and power (CHP) continues to offer an economic method for providing heat and power
which is less environmentally harmful than conventional methods. But, if the full benefits are to be achieved from this energy-efficient technology, it’s essential to get the balance right – and that means avoiding oversizing.
How does CHP work?
First, a recap on how CHP works. CHP generates lower carbon electricity on site at lower gas prices and utilises the heat that is a by-product of the generation process for high grade heating or cold water pre-heat for domestic hot water production. This highly efficient process can typically reduce total primary energy consumption by around 30% compared with conventional methods, driving down energy costs and environmental emissions. While CHP is frequently retrofitted to existing
building installations, it can also be used to great benefit in new build developments to comply with low carbon requirements in Building Regulations Part L. Buildings with constant, year-round demand for domestic hot water supplemented by heating requirements, such as care homes and residential properties, are well-suited to CHP.
The elephant in the plant room
But still, despite the repeated emphasis on avoiding oversizing, we hear reports of CHP units not running.
£3,500 ANNUAL REDUCTION IN ELECTRICITY BILLS
T
wo luxury new build apartment developments in Datchet, Berkshire are benefitting from the energy-
efficient micro-CHP. After carrying out the initial feasibility
survey at Melwood House and Castle View House, our specialist CHP team designed the systems to meet the heating and hot water needs while providing on-site electricity. The two identical CHP systems – which
consist of a Remeha micro-CHP 5.5kWe unit supported by a Potterton Commercial Sirius three 50 floor standing condensing boiler – have been delivering significant efficiency benefits since they were installed eighteen months ago. “We estimate that using CHP reduces
electricity costs alone by around £300 to £350 a month in each building – and that’s not taking into account the heating bills,” added Mr Gill. “We’re extremely pleased with the performance of our CHP system, the benefits it is delivering, and the service we’ve received.”
18 July 2021
DOWNLOAD THE HVR APP NOW
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
