Project Background
Barony College Project Background
Barony College commissioned a rapid appraisal, delivered at the end of 2006, which will be (in part) the basis for further work in our own project. The report provided information on the current heating situation at the College, outlined renewable technologies and some of the potential funding available, and made recommendations for further study. The principal outcome of the report was a proposed woodchip fuelled 600kW heating system. Based upon this and our own research, reading and knowledge the following areas and tasks have been identified as key, in order that work at Barony College should progress in the right directions.
Demand Side – Energy Use and Reduction
Barony College requires a new main heating system as an immediate priority. Their current installation comprises an unconventional wet electric system; components of which need to be swapped between boilers for it to keep running. The following requirements have been identified:
• Detailed quantification of Barony College’s energy needs at present to verify the 600kW figure – heating, lighting, peak and minimum loads, seasonal variation etc.
• An assessment of demand reduction measures
• Quantification of Barony College’s greenhouse gas emissions
These tasks, once completed, will give the team the basis upon which the rest of the project will be built; after the demand side has been quantified strategic and technical solutions can then be recommended.
Supply Side – Effective, Efficient, Economical and Equitable Delivery
A very wide range of technologies appeared in the rapid appraisal; the broad recommendation at that time was the establishment of a renewable energy training centre. The most recent Scottish Parliament report noted no significant gaps in renewable energy skills; therefore our own project will focus on areas in which Barony College is strong and seek to build on those strengths:
• Although the report was highly focused on woodchip Barony College has experience of dairy farming and of other agriculture. There are fuel sources available which would support both anaerobic digestion and biomass combustion. All potential fuel sources will be investigated in more detail. A wet(digester)/dry(combustion)/dual fuel system will be considered
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP) solutions were not considered as part of the rapid appraisal. The College has significant electrical consumption; our group will examine whether CHP would be viable
• Depending on the effectiveness and economy of the systems, an optimised solution will be recommended for efficient operation
• An assessment of greenhouse gas reduction will be undertaken to provide the basis for grant/loan applications
• A financial assessment of the optimum solutions will be provided
At this point the project principals will be able to assess the systems that our project has recommended in the context of the wider operation of the College.
Clarify
Standpoint of Organisation |
Quantify
Demand Requirements |
Assess
Potential Biomass Supply within Local Area |
Match
Demand & Fuel Supply to Available/Suitable Technologies |
Check
Relevant Legislation |
Apply
for Funding |