Vital Energi, the UK's leading provider of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and District Energy (DE) Community Heating (CH) schemes, is playing a lead role in the regeneration of a local Scottish community, with a design, manufacture, installation and commissioning project for the Glenshellach biomass community heating scheme in Oban.
Vital Energi became involved with West Highland Housing Association's Glenshellach Scheme after their initial provider withdrew before installation began. The whole design-to-implementation project was planned to take place over a 16 week period, however the change of contractors meant deadlines became much tighter and a time-efficient strategy was required.
As a result, Vital Energi organised for the complete boiler house installation to be manufactured as a packaged unit (wood chip boiler, oil fuelled back-up boiler and all associated mechanical and electrical controls). The pre-fabricated and pre-tested unit is being lowered into the boiler house through the top of the building. The roof is being pre-manufactured on-site and will be assembled the moment the boiler house is installed to guarantee a secure and watertight facility.
Installation of the CH network requires the use of 1km of Alstom Power Flowsystems AluFlex piping, which works to reduce heat loss and is flexible so it can be used to bend round corners and obstacles, reducing the need for joints and consequent maintenance. The mains infrastructure was also further enhanced by the use of the patented Alstom Band Muff fusion welded joints, a system which reduced the number of joints in the network and extended the design lifespan from 30 to 50 years.
As part of the new scheme, residents in the 90 dwellings will benefit from a continuous heat and hot water supply and make use of 'Vital Aqua Varm' hydraulic interface units, which give additional heat control and a new heat metering scheme, which includes a pre-payment option to help spread the cost of fuel bills.
A state-of-the-art alarm/surveillance system, designed to complement the CHP network has been included in the network to aid on-site maintenance teams. This system continually monitors the network for moisture in the pipe insulation and is able to accurately pinpoint it to within one metre. By providing pre-emptive alerts, the operator is then able to take corrective action before serious problems occur, resulting in less disruption for the residents and minimal maintenance costs for the Housing Association.
Gregor Cameron, Development Officer from West Highland Housing Association: “The Association are very happy with the service we have received from Vital Energi on the project. They have played a very important role in the Association reaching its ultimate goal of providing our tenants with a reliable and very efficient heating system.
“We look forward to the commissioning of this innovative heating system and continuing our good working relationship with Vital Energi.”
Comments Ian Whitelock, Commercial Director from Vital Energi: “Modern CHP and Community Heating solutions, including wood-chip fuelled systems are proving to be an increasingly effective option for the public sector and social housing organisations such as the West Highland Housing Association. They provide a highly flexible and reliable energy resource that not only saves money across its lifespan, through lower heating bills and reduced maintenance costs, but also significantly reduces CO2 emissions, regenerates the local community and provides safe, reliable and instantly available heating and hot water.”