Aberystwyth University - Phase 1 RE:FIT Project

We have developed “Vital View”, a bespoke software package which can interface with client’s energy systems and assess the performance of each and every energy asset.

Once we have this baseline performance, we can then check it against more modern technologies which have come to the market and assess the improvement in efficiency.  Once the upgrades have been made, Vital View will continue to monitor the system, including the new assets, to ensure they continue to perform optimally.

We upgraded the Building Energy Management Systems at 18 buildings to ensure they were using energy as intelligently as possible.  By understanding how the buildings are used, their occupancy times and historical usage, we can programme the building to use energy more efficiently.

The system is completely programmable and understands core elements such as occupancy and dormancy times, setting heating, lighting and ventilation to be used optimally as it is required.

By automating these processes, and programming the BEMS to account for seasonal variations, we were able to help the University reduce their carbon emissions by almost 290 tonnes per year.

One of the largest parts of this project was the installation of almost 4,000 light fittings, along with improved controls, across 9 buildings.  We removed old fluorescent and incandescent bulbs with modern LED units which can be 90% more efficient and last 25 times longer. An additional benefit is that the units chosen are self-testing, which eliminates the lengthy process of each of the 4,000 units being manually tested by an engineer.

One unusual element of this process came about through the University’s sports pitch.  We identified that by  replacing the old flood lights with new LED alternatives we could generate 750kWh of electricity savings.

By revolutionising the Penglais lighting infrastructure we not only saved over 330 tonnes of carbon, but significantly reduced the workload of the staff who need to replace bulbs much less frequently.

We surveyed 42 of the University’s air handline units, noting that they were older belt driven units, many of which had simple “on/off” controls, with no option for variable control.  We calculated that 23 of these were ideal for replacement by more modern Electrically Commutated fans.  These not only deliver improved motor efficiency, but have greater levels of control, allowing the BEMS to control them more precisely and more accurately maintain comfort levels.

All new fans had their own integrated Modbus network card which seamlessly integrated them into the BEMS, allowing their performance to be monitored.

This solution can be underappreciated in favour of higher profile technologies, but reducing heat losses from uninsulated pipework can be one of the “quick wins” for organisations as they require very little preparation.

We installed over 900 pieces of pipework installation at 12 buildings on the Penglais Campus.  This not only reduced the emissions by almost 60 tonnes per year, but has a payback period of under 4 years, making it extremely cost effective.

We designed the system to be efficient and for the BEMS to operate it optimally. We originally estimated that the scheme would save the university 802 tonnes per year, but after analysing the data for the first full year the project has reduced emissions by 1,042 tonnes per year.

This has seen the University reduce their electricity demand by 2.16 million kWh of gas and 2.32 million kWh of electricity.  This makes a significant contribution to the University meeting its net zero obligations.

This electricity reduction was a key as Phase 2 saw the installation of a new 2.5MW solar farm and the energy conservation measures in phase 1 ensured that this would supply a greater percentage of the University’s electricity needs.