CooperOstlund has completed the repair and calibration of a 100KW MAN natural gas combined heat and power (CHP) engine at Powys County Council’s headquarters in Llandrindod Wells.
Generating cost-effective hot water, heat and power, the CHP setup will dramatically reduce the Council’s utility spend. In addition, thanks to lower CO2 emissions, the system will also help to minimise environmental impact.
Tim Madeley, Energy and Engineering Manager at Powys County Council, commented: “As part of a Council-wide strategy to streamline overheads, we chose to invest in natural gas CHP to replace our central heating system. Capable of lowering utility bills and improving our environmental credentials, it seemed a sensible – and cost-effective – utility solution.
“Unfortunately, after specifying, acquiring and progressing our CHP installation, the company contracted to deliver the project fell into financial difficulties and soon after entered insolvency. As such, the engine sat unused for a number of months – a considerable financial drain.
“After researching CHP experts, we turned to CooperOstlund to calibrate and repair the installation. After replacing the alternator and undertaking a full health-check, our engine was finally up-and-running – helping to dramatically reduce utility bills.”
Stuart Cooper, director at CooperOstlund, added: “As a leading provider of gas engine specification, installation, commissioning and maintenance services, we work with companies nationwide, helping them to embrace highly-efficient alternative energy solutions.
“Working with the Powys County Council team to get their CHP engine up-and-running was an unusual contract for us. However, we were able to problem solve the situation and repair the engine and alternator, helping to make the most of a challenging situation.
“The engine is now operating at close to 100% efficiency, generating a reliable stream of electrical power and minimising environmental impact for the council.”
Going forward, CooperOstlund will provide ongoing servicing and maintenance provision for Powys County Council’s CHP installation. In addition to remote monitoring capability, this will include milestone servicing and regular re-calibration to ensure optimum energy generation.