COMBINED HEAT & POWER


CHP GENSET OVERHAUL


BENEFITS UK-BASED ANAEROBIC DIGESTION (AD) FACILITY


Located in Cambridgeshire, the AD facility was built to convert energy crops into biogas to fuel on-site CHP gensets. Needing an overhaul of these, the company turned to Finning UK & Ireland


F


inning UK & Ireland has overhauled two of the three


combined heat and power (CHP) gensets operating at the anaerobic digestion (AD) facility of Shropshire Energy (UK), located near Ely in Cambridgeshire. The 3 MW facility was purpose-


built to convert energy crops and vegetable outgrades into biogas, which fuels three on-site CHP gensets. These units convert methane-rich biogas into low- carbon electricity and heat for 48 climate-controlled mushroom-growing tunnels on site, with any surplus power exported to the national grid. Commenting on this, Fred Clark, managing


ONCE THROUGH STEAM GENERATOR FOR MODULAR THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS LAUNCHED


Power-to-heat systems have the potential to significantly reduce


CO2 emissions from process industries, enabling the use of renewable solar and wind energy for heating purposes instead of burning fossil fuels. When available, renewable energy is used to generate heat, which is stored in molten salt and later converted into steam when needed in the production process. Small-scale, modular power-to-heat systems that can be installed


locally at plant sites are particularly promising, as they require minimal CAPEX and installation work. To help, Alfa Laval has launched compact once through steam generators. The Alfa Laval once through steam generator is said to feature a


unique, integrated water separation and recirculation system that enables stable operation at loads as low as 5%. It also helps minimise the hold-up volume, which in turn reduces response times and enhances system flexibility. “Efficient, compact steam generation is essential for the viability of small-scale power-to-heat storage,” explains Gregory Derderian, energy storage business developer at Alfa Laval. “Our once through steam generators offer a highly compact, all-in-one solution, with high performance and outstanding reliability under cyclic operating conditions. The spiral-wound design not only maximises the heat transfer surface, but also absorbs thermal expansion, thereby minimising mechanical stress.”


Alfa Laval www.alfalaval.co.uk/


director of Shropshire Energy (UK), said: “Finning first rebuilt these engines in 2021, giving them a new lease of life. Since then, two of the units had clocked up over 90,000 hours and were due an overhaul to ensure reliable performance. “With the mushroom farm’s energy systems


relying on biogas produced by the AD plant, it is critical that our power generation equipment is dependable and well maintained. Finning provided technical expertise and responsiveness, and its ability to manage complex overhaul projects has proven invaluable in keeping the system running at full capacity.” Daniel Newman-Smith, customer account


manager at Finning UK & Ireland, added: “As part of our long-term support of these CHP gensets for Shropshire Energy, we undertook an E60 overhaul on two of the three units. This type of overhaul is carried out in-between major rebuilds and is conducted in-situ with the engines still in their containers. “The overhaul was conducted over a three-


week period for each engine and involved replacement of worn components including pistons, liners, big-end bearings, cylinder heads, filters and spark plugs with genuine replacement parts. This gives the units a fresh lease of life for years to come and improves oil consumption.” Alongside the overhaul, the company continues to support Shropshire Energy with a flexible service contract that includes monthly site visits, preventive maintenance, and management of third-party alternators. All servicing is performed by factory- trained engineers using genuine parts, with each intervention covered by a 12-month warranty.


Finning www.finning.com/en_GB/


34 ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Winter 2025 www.essmag.co.uk


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