Introduction
Crystal Leisure Centre is owned and operated by Dudley MBC to provide leisure and fitness opportunities for local people. The centre demonstrates how renewable energy technologies and power factor corrector equipment can be applied in large buildings.
What was involved
This project involved the identification of opportunities to improve energy efficiency at the Centre.
Power Factor Corrector
A power factor corrector system comprising of capacitors was installed on the incoming mains in 1992 to ensure the electricity coming into the buildings is used as efficiently as possible to reduce the buildings demand for electricity and therefore reducing electricity bills.
Combined Heat and Power
Combined heat and power systems are a simple way to generate heat and electricity at the same time meaning the heat and electricity can be captured and used on site. A gas fired engine generates electricity and some surplus energy is used to heat the buildings and swimming pools. This process generates electricity more efficiently and any surplus electricity is sold back to the national grid to generate income for the Council. The system was installed without capital outlay through Discount Energy Purchase Scheme and has reduced energy used at the centre by approximately 40%.
Building Management Systems
A Building Management Systems comprising a central computer programmed to regulate the space heating, water temperature and ventilation of the centre to pre-set levels. This system was installed in 1990 and ensures the three variables are kept at a constant level and energy is used effectively.
Passive Infrared Sensors
Passive infrared sensors (PIR) are electronic devices that are used to detect motion in buildings though sensing differences in temperature when a person passed in front of a sensor on a wall. This principle is used to ensure lights are not left on for more than 15 minutes in low occupancy areas such as meeting rooms and toilets, meaning energy is used as effectively as possible. PIR devices were installed in 2010.
Outcomes
The installation of the energy saving measures has reduced the energy used at the centre.
The Combined Heat and Power plant reduces the centre's carbon foot print by 612 tonnes per annum equivalent to removing 204 cars off the road and reduced electricity costs from 2.12p per kilowatt. The power factor corrector has reduced monthly energy demand from 480 to 385kWh. The building energy certificate has come down from 56 in 2008 to 34 in 2011.
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