Integrated Renewables, Solar Hot Water, PV & biomass – Nannerth Country Holidays, Rhayader
Client information
Located near Rhayader in Mid Wales, Nannerth County Holidays is a farm location holiday business; the buildings on site consist of the main farmhouse and 4 self catering accomodation properties. The site is located on a 200 acre farm which includes conservation areas and diverse wildlife.
Client requirements
Nannerth Country Holidays wanted to maximise sustainability, reduce the carbon footprint of the site and upgrade the existing oil-fired boilers and electric storage heating in the main farmhouse and holiday cottages. The client also wanted to protect against rising grid electricity and fossil fuel costs that could threaten the financial viability of the business.
Sustainable Energy's services
Firstly, an energy efficiency audit was carried out, resulting in recommendations for energy savings and an overall strategy outlining further energy saving measures and options for renewables. Next, a full review of the existing heating systems, heat demand profiles and site conditions. This was followed by an indepth assessment of a variety of renewable and low carbon technologies for technical and financial viability.
Next stage was to produce outline design for the installation of a small biomass district heating scheme supplying four properties from a central biomass boiler; it was important for the site that the fuel store design allowed the chipping of round wood directly into fuel store.
Finally, detailed design, specification and client engineer for tendering, system integration, construction and mechanical and electrical services for the energy efficiency measures, biomass and solar systems. Our remit extended to the integration of all renewable systems with the existing building services in each property and review of system performance and compliance with specifications.
Sustainable Energy's solution
The biomass plant is a 50kW boiler that can accept fuel with a moisture content up to 40%, at a size specification of G50. The system includes a 2,000litre thermal store and 50kW oil boiler as standby. The fuel store consists of a rotary extractor at floor level, within a chip store area that can hold up to 20tonnes of fuel. The boiler house was constructed such that roundwood could be stacked adjacent to the chip store enabling a local contractor to chip the wood fuel directly into the fuel store area. The heat distribution main is a pre-insulated PEX pipe which runs underground and enters each property to connect with the existing heating and hot water distribution system.
Two solar hot water systems totalling 12 square meters provide hot water in summer when biomass boiler is turned off.
A 3.8kW Solar PV system is installed on biomass boiler house roof.
Benefits to the client
The client has experienced a significant reduction in the cost of energy, thus increasing the profitability of the business. The installations also supports Nannerth Country Holidays' commitment to sustainability and carbon saving.
Please e-mail info@sustainable-energy.co.uk with your enquiry.
