Trigeneration precinct at Frankston Arts Centre

Simons Green Energy is approaching completion of the installation of a trigeneration system at Frankston Arts Centre Precinct in Victoria. The theatre and art gallery, which aims to educate the community by becoming a leader in sustainability, will feature a technology demonstration site to showcase various energy-efficiency technologies.

In May 2014, Simons Green Energy was engaged to design, supply, install and commission a complete trigeneration solution for the centre. This will comprise a 125 kWe ENER-G gas-fired cogeneration unit; a 135 kWt Shuangliang absorption chiller; a 5 kWe BluGen fuel cell generator; a 7.5 kWe Qnergy Stirling engine micro-cogeneration unit; and a 5 kWe Yanmar micro-cogeneration unit.

The system is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 450 tonnes per year, providing on-site electricity with free heating and cooling for air conditioning. In doing so, it will save the centre around $50,000 a year. The suite of micro-generation technologies will also form part of the first sustainable energy showcase plant room, allowing for community access and inspection.

The trigeneration installation started in September 2014 and is expected to be commissioned by January 2015.