DVLA takes action to reduce its own carbon emissions

Maximum use of primary energy and reduced carbon emissions are being achieved at DVLA in Swansea by a tri-generation energy system. To find a more efficient way of running the building services for all six of its administrative buildings, including the 16-storey D block building, the agency consulted Ener-G. Following competitive tender, Ener-G provided a containerised tri-generation system featuring a 1150 kW CHP unit and a 700 kW absorption chiller. These systems operate seven days a week to provide electricity, medium-temperature hot water and chilled water. The CHP unit is powered by natural gas and can provide 1400 kW of heat at full output. It is configured to match the electrical demand of the site, thereby preventing export. The 700 kW absorption chiller is driven by hot water and complements the three existing 1.2 MW electrical chillers. This enables high utilisation of the CHP heat during warm periods when there is a small demand for heating and hot water but when the demand for cooling is high. The plant is located externally in a compact area previously used for standby generators. Ener-G has installed two containers 12 m long and 3.2 m wide (one for the CHP unit and one for the absorption chiller) and two evaporative spray coolers (each 10 m long, 2.3 m wide and 2.45 m high. The heat-rejection radiator for the CHP unit is mounted on the absorption-chiller container, along with the main heat-recovery skid.
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