Baxi-SenerTec CHP products Commercial heating Baxi heating Baxi boilers News 011111

	Subscribe to newsletter
	Submit Article

Editors Note: Baxi-SenerTec UK provide:

CHP products
Commercial heating
Baxi heating
Baxi boilers

	Home
	Advertise Here
	Request Quote
	CPD Seminar

	Advertise Job
	Terms & Conditions
	Contact Building Design
	e-mail Building Design

Request Product Information

	Facilities / Interiors
	Architectural External
	Architectural Internal
	Mechanical / HVAC
	Electrical Services

- Building Design - Services & Construction Products Index

	Request Information
	Links Page

BAXI-SENERTEC UK - Substantial Energy Savings For London Home With Mini-CHP

Although best known in the commercial heating sector, Baxi-SenerTec UK combined heat and power technology has recently been employed to save energy and cut carbon emissions in a residential property in London. A Dachs mini-CHP unit generates electricity whilst, at the same time, producing heat which feeds into the central heating system, supplemented by two newly installed condensing boilers. The property is a substantial Victorian detached house with a modern extension housing an indoor swimming pool and this makes it an ideal project for mini-CHP. For maximum operational efficiency, it is important to ensure that there is a constant demand for heat in order to ensure continuity of power generation - and this is provided by the pool.

The heating system was designed by consulting engineers Michael Popper Associates and a spokesman commented: “We selected the Dachs unit as it was ideally suited to the project in terms of capacity and size. We have had no problems with the unit and, indeed, we have gone on to use the same product in a subsequent project.” An innovative solution has been found to house the equipment which avoids any visual impact on the property. The Dachs unit, together with a condenser and a buffer vessel, are installed in the garage, mounted at high level on a specially designed platform which still allows adequate room for the householder to park his car underneath. To provide access to the unit as well as light for maintenance work, a domed roof light has been installed above the units.

Thanks to the unique exhaust gas condenser, the Dachs unit generates up to 15.5kW of heat which feeds into a 750 litre buffer vessel. This is connected to the heating circuit, also served by two condensing boilers, which supplies both the radiator system within the original property and the swimming pool in the extension. The heating system was newly installed and work involving the Dachs unit and ancillaries was overseen by technical support staff from Baxi-SenerTec UK. Particularly important in a residential location, the Dachs unit is extremely quiet in operation, avoiding any noise issues for neighbouring properties.

Power generated by the Dachs unit is used to supply household demand and this displaces an equivalent amount of expensive grid electricity. In addition to the substantial cost savings provided the electricity produced makes CHP a highly effective carbon reducing micro-generation technology.

After an initial ‘bedding in’ period, Baxi-SenerTec UK carried out a number of tweaks to the system, taking the operational hours up to a full 24 each day. Subsequently, in a seven month period from October 2010 the unit has generated 143,257kWh of heat and 26,265 kWh of electricity. Commenting on the cost benefits to the householder, Paul Brookes, Technical Manager for Baxi-SenerTec UK remarked: “Calculating cost savings hasn't been entirely straightforward, due to a rise in fuel costs and a change in running conditions since the system was installed. However, based on the original fuel prices and with the unit running on average for around 18 hours per day, nett annual savings would have been in the region of £1,042.00. Now that the unit is running 24 hours per day and based on the latest fuel tariff, nett annual savings are projected to be in the region of £2,048.00 – a figure which can only increase year on year, given the constant upward movement in fuel prices.

Dachs gas-fired units have an electrical output of 5.5kW and a minimum heat output of 12.5kW or up to 15.5kW using a condenser. In installations where heat demand is unreliable, use of a buffer vessel can keep the unit running and maintain the electricity supply whilst avoiding wear and tear on the engine due to unnecessary shut-downs. Baxi-SenerTec UK is part of Baxi Commercial Division.