Trigeneration system at university

MPower has recently completed the design, supply and installation of a trigeneration plant for the Tyree Energy Technology Building at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). The trigeneration system helped the University to achieve the Six Star Green Star design rating for the building. As the power generation equipment is located on the roof of the building, space plus noise and vibration levels were challenging.

The integration of the trigeneration plant also needed to be considered when sizing the system because it was important to ensure that the most efficient solution was integrated. By correctly sizing the plant, it not only increased the efficiency of the building but also meant it will be the most cost effective to maintain and will provide years of reliable service.

MPower’s solution was to integrate an 800 kWe MWM gas generator, which drives a single-stage Thermax absorption chiller.

The gas generator is connected to the UNSW ring main system and exports power to the main system when the electrical load is lower than the 800 kWe that the generator can provide, ensuring the system is running at maximum capacity and efficiency.

The gas generator’s waste heat supplements the building’s hot water boilers during cooler months. When the building requires cooling, the gas generator waste heat is used to drive the absorption chiller, which provides chilled water for the building’s cooling requirements. The result is a building that meets the Six Star Green Star design rating and demonstrates the trigeneration technology working in conjunction with other energy-efficient technologies.