Hamworthy boiler provides peak-load support for biomass boiler in school
The rebuilding of Sinfin Community School in Derby after a major fire includes a host of sustainable features. They include a biomass boiler supported by a Hamworthy Wessex ModuMax high-efficiency modular boiler, a wind turbine, natural ventilation and rainwater recycling.
The plantroom merges into a hill to provide ease of access for deliveries of wood chips for the biomass boiler. The Wessex boiler was selected to fit into the tight space remaining after the biomass boiler and its fuel-handling equipment had been allowed for.
Phil Johnson of consulting engineers Pick Everard, which set out the performance specification, explained, ‘Plantroom space is always at a premium, and we required a boiler that fitted the size and yet had sufficient output to meet the school’s needs at particular times. The Wessex ModuMax was deemed to be the perfect choice for this installation, with its extremely small footprint, whilst not compromising on output and efficiency. The ability to achieve excellent turndown was also a key decider.’
A Wessex ModuMax manifold was also installed. These kits are factory tested and part assembled for ease of installation. They include valves to isolate individual boilers and sockets to accommodate instrumentation and control sensors — all making boiler installation simpler and quicker.
The £20.5 million school has around a thousand pupils and a specialist engineering school. It included funding from the Government’s Building Schools for the Future Pathfinder programme.