Eden
District Council (EDC) has selected a Remeha R-Gen 20/44kWe Combined Heat and
Power (CHP) unit to provide low carbon heat and power at Penrith Leisure
Centre, located in the heart of Eden.
The
move comes as part of EDC’s wider commitments to reduce its energy consumption
and environmental impact across its estates.
In
addition to a state-of-the-art gym, studios and a sports hall, Penrith Leisure
Centre boasts a 25-metre swimming pool and 13-metre studio pool. Open almost
every day of the year, the site has a high, constant demand for heat and power.
Previously
the Centre had been heated by a turbine CHP, boilers and water heaters.
However, due to oversizing, the CHP had failed to achieve the anticipated
performance levels and savings benefits.
When
the failing plant came to the end of its lifetime, EDC’s requirements were to
implement a new high-efficiency renewable or low-carbon solution that would
improve the Centre’s energy performance and reduce emissions. Increasing
operational efficiency was a further consideration for GLL who manage the
leisure complex.
Mechanical
& Electrical engineers Thomas Armstrong recommended replacing the old plant
with a new ultra-low NOx condensing CHP unit operating in conjunction with high
efficiency condensing boilers.
CHP is effectively a super-efficient micro power station
that generates heat and power in a single process at the point of use. Instead
of rejecting the ‘waste’ heat to atmosphere like traditional power stations,
the heat generated by CHP can be re-used to provide high grade heating and hot
water.
Sites with year-round requirements for electricity and heat
are well suited to using CHP. Swimming pools provide the perfect circumstances
for this, making it a particularly effective solution for Penrith Leisure
Centre.
Stephen
Clarkson at Thomas Armstrong was familiar with Remeha’s R-Gen CHP range and its
reputation for high performance at other leisure centres, supported by Remeha’s
dedicated CHP team.
The
design scoped by Thomas Armstrong identified a Remeha 20/44kW ultra-low NOx
condensing CHP unit working in conjunction with three Remeha Gas 310 Eco Pro
high-efficiency condensing boilers.
The
R-Gen condensing CHP unit can achieve total gross efficiencies of up to 98.7%,
meeting EDC’s requirement for optimum efficiency. As such, it is capable of
reducing primary energy costs by around 40% compared with traditional heating
plant and electricity supplied solely from the grid.
Accurate
sizing of the CHP unit was critical to maximise the energy and carbon saving
benefits. Remeha’s CHP team worked closely with Thomas Armstrong throughout the
project.
“The
Remeha team are extremely knowledgeable about CHP technology and have provided
valuable advice and support at every stage,” said Stephen. “At the initial
design stage and during the installation, they have been there to offer help
and backup.”
The
CHP system was commissioned by Remeha and has been operating non-stop ever
since.
“The
Remeha R-Gen CHP produces 44kW of heat per hour and it’s been using it all,
even in the summer months, at Penrith Leisure Centre,” Stephen continued. “It’s
heating the constant temperature circuit, feeding radiators, fan convectors,
air handling units, providing hot water for shower facilities and, of course,
heating the two swimming pools.”
The
Remeha R-Gen CHP is closely monitored by Remeha’s remote monitoring service. A
Remeha CHP service plan is also in place which includes inspections at regular
intervals – typically at 6,000 CHP operating hours for a 20kWe unit.
Remeha
is also providing the Council with monthly reports for evaluation purposes.
“The
CHP installation went smoothly,” said Doug Huggon, Leisure & Community
Services Manager at EDC. “We’re pleased to see that the CHP is running well,
meeting our requirement for low carbon heat and power and we’re anticipating
significant energy cost savings in the months ahead.”
