Birmingham University reduces CO2 emissions with CHP plant
Dalkia has delivered a 375 kW(e) CHP system to the University of Birmingham. It supplies accommodation on the main campus with electricity and heating. The university, which endeavours to make a significant contribution to sustainable development, is part of the Higher Education Carbon Management programme, a voluntary scheme overseen by the Carbon Trust, which aims to achieve CO2-reduction targets by 2020.
The CHP system was installed by Cogenco, Dalkia’s specialist packaged-CHP team. The system is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 550 t a year.
Other measures taken by the university to help meet CO2 targets include enhancing the fabric of buildings to improve thermal performance and ensuring the efficient operation of equipment. A campaign to change behaviour has also been implemented to encourage building users to help conserve energy and reduce energy consumption.
While installing the CHP system, Cogenco was faced with a space constraint. It was quickly resolved using a crane to lower the engine at an angle of 45°into the plant room.