Energy Centre
Energy Centre
CHP Unit
Mayday Hospital
Contract Value:
£300,000
Client:
Mayday Hospital and NHS Trust
Timescale:
May - Nov 03
In 1999, Mayday University Hospital Trust had a new Energy Centre complex designed and built under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) agreement. Unfortunately however, this did not perform as expected and ultimately the agreement was cancelled. The Trust was left with a plant that only partially fulfilled their requirements.
"In recent months electricity prices have risen in excess of 33%. The Trust operates two gas CHP’s to produce electricity, this reduces not only CO2 emissions but provides a cheaper energy source then purchasing electricity from external sources."
Mr Stephen Wells, Director of Estates & Facilities Mayday University Hospital NHS Trust
To rectify this, Mayday University Hospital Trust put a new contract out to tender. Vital Energi was asked to pitch for this business. Following an in-depth proposal that demonstrated our experience of designing, constructing, operating and maintaining similar solutions, we subsequently won the contract. After an in depth appraisal of the existing infrastructure, our team proposed modifications to the heat recovery systems. Following on from this, we supplied new plate heat exchangers and remodelled the heat recovery. Combined, these initiatives ensured that most of the heat given off by the CHP engines and turbo chargers is captured - and then re-used by LTHW boilers to provide heat and hot water. In addition, the CHP engines were fitted with a new lubrication oil system.
This system regularly and semi automatically changes the oil used by the engine, ensuring optimum performance at all times. Plus, exhaust flue purge fans were also installed. Representing an important safety feature, these fans blow air through the engine prior to it starting and subsequently prevent the build up of dangerous flammable gases. Once this work was completed, Vital Energi then went on to service, commission and bring on line these engines and those not already made operational when the PFI agreement was cancelled. Finally, Vital Energi installed a bespoke control system for the entire Energy Centre. This system is based on a programmable logic computer interfaced with a PC located in a control room, where a single operator can monitor and control all the infrastructure easily efficienctly.
The Benefits:
- Lower heating bills thanks to recycling of heat created by the CHP engines
- Reliable and instantly available heating and hot water
- Reduced electricity bills as the hospital can provide its own supply from the energy centre rather than buying electricity at
- commercial rates Increased control of the entire Energy Centre
Conclusion
Vital Energi helped to turn the abandoned PFI project around delivering on-going savings and welcome returns on the initial investment for the Hospital. As a direct result of our successful delivery of this project, Vital Energi has now been awarded the contract to operate and maintain the Energy Centre.
