GTA CONDOMINIUM

Two identical 32 story condominiums in the GTA sought the capability to produce their own power, and recover the heat from the installed engines to supply domestic hot water to the building. This particular condo corporation looked to Combined Heat & Power (CHP) as a way to reduce energy costs. This project was executed as a zero-capital Power Purchase Agreement. One of our partners (Staple Energy) provided capital for the turnkey installation and ongoing maintenance costs, providing the condo with electricity at a discounted rate vs. the utility, and free hot water.

Retrofitting a new generator into an old building can be a challenging endeavor. For this specific installation, putting one of these enclosed systems on the roof and another within an existing maintenance penthouse created unique challenges for each site. Like all facilities that can install a cogeneration unit, specifics are unique, and it takes proper evaluation to make the system return the investment costs most effectively.

OUR SOLUTION

Upon evaluation of the load profile, it was determined that a 140kW Combined Heat & Power (CHP) generator would be able to operate continuously within the electrical base load of the building, displacing 1 million kWh of electricity annually that would otherwise be purchased from the utility company.

Using natural gas, provides a reliable, efficient fuel that is readily available. This particular engine utilizes improved combustion technology, and with the help of a three way catalytic converter, reduces NOx and CO2 emissions. This engine is also able to be connected to a data logger, and can be a remotely-operated system allowing the engine to be monitored to ensure improved running capabilities, encompassing important engine parameters.

The installed units will work with the existing facility infrastructure to serve preheated water to the existing boiler system, reducing fuel costs in the heating of domestic water. Adhering to the sound attenuation specifications of residential areas, the gensets were housed in existing locations taking into account the noise created by the equipment.

From implementation to completion, the property owners and contractors were required to set stringent deadlines which we followed while solving problems along the way. In the end, this installation created cheaper power, free hot water, creating significant savings that will only continue to grow as public electricity rates continue to skyrocket.

Through communication, adhering to site-specific requirements, and sharing common goals, all members of this project benefited from the outcome. This serves as proof that when project developers work alongside T&T Power Group and energy finance specialists, energy saving solutions can be created.