Revitalizing The Plant Room For Efficient Energy Supply
The plant room at WITS’s Barnato Hall is in need of maintenance and revitalization to ensure efficient energy supply. This essential facility is responsible for delivering civil service and hot water to the campus, with the capacity to supply multiple extensions.
As part of the expansion phase, a solar retrofit has been implemented, making the solar thermal system the core heating technology. Additionally, a cogeneration project is underway, incorporating a 160 kW natural gas generator to produce electricity and heat.
Upgrades in various aspects of the plant room are necessary to enhance energy supply efficiency and improve system isolation and control. These upgrades include the control panel, ring main circulation system, storage system, and maintenance procedures.
System Overview
The plant room overview highlights the current state of the plant room, its role in delivering civil service and hot water to the campus, its capacity for supplying multiple extensions, and the previous solar retrofit that was conducted as part of the phase 1 expansion.
The plant room is currently in need of upgrades to improve its efficiency and energy supply. Maintenance requirements for the plant room include the replacement of the old control panel and controls, as well as the rebuilding of the ring main circulation system. Additionally, the storage system and maintenance procedures need to be improved, with the inclusion of temperature gauges and regular visual checks.
It is recommended that the upgrades and maintenance be carried out by the PMD or contractors, with the assistance of the maintenance team or a plumbing contractor when necessary.
Cogeneration Project
The cogeneration project involves the installation of a 160 kW natural gas generator that produces electricity and heat, with the heat being recovered and stored in a 40,000-liter tank.
This project aims to improve the energy efficiency of the plant room by utilizing the heat generated from the generator. The recovered heat will be used to supply civil service and hot water to the campus.
The maintenance requirements for the cogeneration system will include regular checks and servicing of the generator, as well as monitoring and maintenance of the heat recovery system and the storage tank. Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the efficient operation of the cogeneration system and to maximize the heat recovery process.
By implementing this project, the plant room will be able to reduce its reliance on external energy sources and enhance its overall sustainability.
Solar Retrofit
One aspect of the solar retrofit involves the reconfiguration of the storage tanks to accommodate the new solar thermal system. The main heating technology used to be gas burners, but now the solar thermal system serves as the core heating technology. The configuration of the tanks has been changed for the solar retrofit.
Tank 1 is charged by the solar system, while tanks 2 and 3 are charged by the cogeneration system. Upgrades will include temperature gauges to improve the efficiency of the system. Maintenance of the solar system should be done by the PMD or contractors, with visual checks being conducted regularly.
The goal of these upgrades is to improve the isolation process and ensure the efficient supply of energy using solar technology.
Control Panel and Ring Main
The control panel and ring main are in need of replacement and rebuilding respectively, as they are currently old and require upgrades to improve the efficiency and functionality of the system. The control panel and controls have become outdated and need to be replaced with newer technology.
Additionally, the ring main circulation system needs to be rebuilt to ensure proper functioning. Currently, the ring main returns are not controlled, which can lead to inefficiencies in the system. Upgrades will include individual control for each ring main, allowing for better management and optimization of the system.
Furthermore, the replacement options for the control panel and the rebuilding of the ring main should also consider maintenance procedures. Proper maintenance procedures should be put in place to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the control panel and ring main.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the cogeneration project affect the overall energy efficiency of the plant room?
The cogeneration project will enhance the overall energy efficiency of the plant room. By utilizing a natural gas generator, it will produce electricity and heat, which can be stored and utilized effectively. This, combined with the solar thermal system, will optimize energy utilization.
What are the benefits of using a solar thermal system as the core heating technology?
Solar thermal systems offer several benefits as a core heating technology. They provide efficient heating by utilizing renewable energy from the sun, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. They also contribute to lower operating costs and carbon emissions, making them environmentally friendly and sustainable options for heating systems.
Can you explain the process of charging the different tanks in the storage system?
The charging process of the tank system involves the solar system charging Tank 1, while the cogeneration system charges Tanks 2 and 3. This allows for the storage of heat generated by both systems, ensuring efficient energy supply to the plant room.
How will the upgrades to the control panel and ring main improve the efficiency of the system?
Upgrades to the control panel and ring main improve efficiency through enhanced monitoring and optimized distribution. The upgraded control panel allows for individual control of each ring main, while isolating valves and supply valve shut off hot water to the building, resulting in efficient energy supply.
What are the recommended maintenance procedures for the storage system and who should be contacted for assistance?
The recommended maintenance procedures for the storage system include visual checks, temperature gauge upgrades, and assistance from the maintenance team or a plumbing contractor. These procedures ensure proper functioning and can be contacted for any necessary assistance.