Trigeneration

Trigeneration is the use of a CHP unit in conjunction with an absorption chiller to provide electricity, heat and cooling. Buildings with continuous or seasonal cooling demands can install trigeneration as a cost effective and low carbon way to achieve their heating and cooling needs. The waste heat produced by the CHP unit provides the required energy to produce chilled water. 

Profile: MediaCityUK

MediaCityUK is a £500 million project delivered by the Peel Group at Salford Quays in Manchester. The 37 acre waterfront site provides a new home for BBC North, as well as an education centre for Salford University. It also offers commercial and retail space, including a hotel, residential accomodation and seven state of the art studios.

Cofely was commissioned to design, build and operate a CHP tri-generation scheme to meet the energy needs of the flagship development. 

Electrical power used in the scheme is produced by a CHP engine using natural gas while the heat generated, lost in a conventional system, is recovered as hot water. This is then circulated around the MediaCityUK complex through a hidden network of pipes. Surplus heat is also used to chill water, providing a cooling service to buildings.

Provision of cooling alongside heat and power, ensures the development is able to maximise the benefit of the low-carbon energy provided across MediaCity throughout the year. It also extends the environmental benefit of the scheme, displacing the need for separate air-conditioning, in turn reducing overall CO2.

The installation of the CHP energy centre will result in a saving of £560,000 each year in energy costs. It also delivers a minimum 29% saving in CO2 emissions when compared to supplying the power, heat and cooling through conventional separate sources.

Watch this video to learn more.