Key Considerations

Design Considerations

• Load analysis – we create an Energy Profile by looking at the information of the proposed connected buildings to assess the best solution based on their energy usage and the periods of peak loads. For new build developments, we use our experience to develop an estimated Energy Profile based on previous projects we have completed
• Engine sizing – to maximise the benefits of a CHP engine, all the energy needs to be utilised and so it is essential that the engine is sized to meet the baseload requirements of the development. We need to consider the predicted usage, the type of development the CHP will be supporting and the area available to house the engine when deciding upon which unit will be the best option
• Additional plant – we use the Energy Profile to determine what additional equipment will be required to manage the energy demand efficiently. This includes the use of appropriately sized boilers and thermal stores that can generate and store the required energy levels
• Pipework – it is essential to consider the project as a whole when designing the energy centre, so a consideration of the district heating pipework is necessary. We use the Energy Profile to design the pipe size to deliver the heat load as efficiently and economically as possible
• Spatial restrictions – we use 3D modelling software to ensure our design correctly fits in the space available and that the equipment will function correctly
• Futureproofing and phasing – in some cases, we need to look at the spatial restrictions and long-term load analysis to develop a solution that can be implemented over time and provide the ability to expand in the future, bearing in mind the changing technologies

Legislation Considerations

• We input into, or where required, undertake Environmental Impact Assessments prior to design and installation to fully consider the impact the scheme may have on the local area, this includes but is not exclusive to considerations of carbon emissions, noise emissions, wildlife, surrounding buildings, traffic, and dust.
• Our design needs to consider the level of pollutants emitted to abide by environmental legislation laid out in the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Medium Combustion Plant Directive and the National Air Quality Strategy
• We consider the height of flues/alternative emission techniques when designing our energy solutions to ensure emissions have negligible or no impact to the surrounding areas
• Noise emitted from the installation and operation of the energy centre must remain low to avoid disturbances to the local area and this must comply with planning regulations
• Further Local Authority planning requirements also need to be considered when designing a new energy centre

Installation Considerations

• We are members of the Considerate Constructor Scheme meaning we prioritise minimising disruption during projects
• Plant delivery – projects may involve a significant amount of large plant and equipment so consideration needs to be made as to the delivery of these onto site. This involves the timings of deliveries to ensure minimal disruption to the local area
• Construction – it may be required to close sections of roads and pavements during installation and therefore we need to consider the best strategy to communicate and manage these well to minimise disruption
• Structural requirements – our in house team of structural engineers assess and monitor the construction of the energy centre to ensure it meets the design requirements and assist with onsite conditions
• Safety – ensuring the safety of our employees and the local community is of top priority Access – we may need access to private properties to complete our schemes, such as residential homes to install heat interface units, so we need to tailor our schedule to these requirements
• Timescales – it is essential we devise a careful implementation plan in order to comply with potentially strict timescales. This may include operating during set time periods in a start/stop nature, or maximising time onsite to achieve an accelerated programme.
• Factory testing – we attend the manufacturing factory of the CHP engines to witness the quality testing of the equipment to ensure its performance

Operation and Maintenance Considerations

• CHP engines have a life span of 15-20 years or longer dependant on how they are maintained, and require highly trained engineers to ensure their safe and effective operation
• CHP engines’ monitoring systems are linked to our own in house built monitoring systems via a SCADA or Trend system, allowing for remote operation and to make off-site amendments to improve efficiency
• Consideration as to who will maintain the energy scheme and provide planned and reactive maintenance is essential when deciding upon an energy solution
• We provide operation and maintenance solutions undertaken by our expert engineers and sub-contractors and every agreement is tailored to suit your requirements, maximising the energy centre’s equipment, district heating networks and heat interface units to provide an efficient and resilient energy supply
• Our engineers have remote visibility of the energy centres and carry out daily inspections of the CHP engines in-between scheduled visits from our specialist subcontractors
• Consideration of the operation and maintenance of schemes is recommended at the design stage to ensure KPIs are agreed and fulfilled, with a clear goal from the start