Case Record – CHP a forgotten asset.

Details:

Date: Main Contractor:

August 2003 Carillion Services

Issue

As an energy manager employed by Carillion Services part of my remit is to develop a culture of efficient energy use. It was mentioned in passing that there was a Combined Heat and Power System “CHP” on site that had been turned off for two years, apparently it was more trouble than it was worth, furthermore they were not quite sure what the thing did.

Solution

In essence the initial Project had not been handed over and nobody had taken responsibility of care or shown any interest in the CHP. After consultation with the original installation designers a way forward was agreed, financially no costs were incurred and a maintenance regime established. At a local level ownership and responsibility for performance had been agreed. After the unit had been re-commissioned a 17hr day running cycle for the summer was introduced, increasing to 24hrs a day in the winter this had the effect of maximising the performance from the CHP. As a result of the above we are now producing 400kWhrs of electricity and 470kWhrs of useable heat an hour from 85 m3 of gas consumed an hour. This combined figure saves in the region of £35,000 per year after all maintenance and running costs are taken into account.

Business Benefits:

•	Reduced Costs A cost saving of £35,000 per year is being achieved by Electricity Production and Heat Recovery from the unit
•	Pollution risk minimized As a result of the reintroduction of the CHP the Carbon emissions have been reduced by 90,000kg per year.
•	Improve customer relations The end user now is able to appreciate a considerable cost reduction in the utility budget.
•	Employee motivation Direct involvement has resulted in savings in Energy Costs allowing investment in projects that would normally be financially unavailable.