A combined Babcock-MoD team has developed and implemented a
number of energy saving initiatives at Devonport, generating
savings of £335,000. The project is part of an on-going energy
management programme at the site, within a broader sustainability
drive.
Key to these energy savings have been efficiency improvements to
the steam system used to heat the majority of buildings on the
Devonport site. The system uses steam generated by two boiler
houses and distributed via over 10km of pressurised steam pipes.
The improvements were identified by the joint, cross-functional
team, which included Babcock and MoD representatives from various
departments, who reviewed the system for opportunities to improve
efficiency and reduce gas usage in the boiler, in turn reducing
emissions and costs.
Five key goals for efficiency improvements were identified by
the team, including: to produce steam in the boilers with as little
input fuel as possible; to distribute steam with minimal heat loss;
to control the steam demand in buildings; to ensure that when the
steam cools and condenses into water it is returned to the boilers
with as little loss of water and heat as possible; and to ensure
the steam distribution system is correctly sized. Initiatives were
then developed and implemented to achieve these goals, and deliver
savings.
One such initiative has seen boiler economisers reinstated, so
that boiler exhaust gas is diverted to pre-heat the feed water
going into the boilers, resulting in a reduced gas requirement in
the boiler to raise the water temperature and generate steam. This
is expected to generate savings of some £100,000 when the heating
is used this winter.
A further initiative has involved a massive programme to renew
insulating lagging on the steam distribution pipes, reducing heat
loss and generating savings in the region of £75,000. New steam
traps have also been installed, enabling condensed steam (water) to
be bled from the steam main and recycled for re-use in the boiler,
resulting in £50,000 savings.
Additionally, installation of new control systems and valves to
provide computer control of the heating in ten key buildings,
enabling them to be heated to the appropriate degree and only when
occupied, will yield anticipated annual savings of £60,000. And a
full site survey has been undertaken, and disused sections of steam
mains and redundant lengths of pipework have been disconnected from
the system, so that steam is directed only where it is needed,
producing savings of a further £50,000.
Commenting on the heating system efficiency improvement
programme, Babcock Devonport energy manager Chris Piper says: "We
are delighted with the results, and the team's efforts were
recognised at national level earlier this year at the prestigious
Procurement Leaders Awards, where the Babcock team gained a 'highly
commended' award in the Best Cross Function Project category."
Energy management and reducing energy consumption is a major
focus area for Babcock and the MoD/RN at the Devonport site, to
lower costs and minimise emissions and environmental impact.
Babcock appointed a dedicated senior level energy manager last
year, and a joint energy strategy has been developed by Babcock and
the MoD/RN, including an Energy Reduction Plan covering the entire
Devonport site. This brings together areas and initiatives to
optimise resources and ensure best practice, with a view to
operating the Devonport site in the most efficient and sustainable
way.
Similar ventures to the heating system project are being
undertaken by multi-functional Babcock/MoD teams looking at areas
such as lighting and motor controls. Additionally, the MoD and
Babcock are jointly working to support local councils address waste
disposal issues and are working with one of the bidders on a
proposed Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant for the Devonport
site. The CHP project involves the build and operation of an
energy-from-waste plant, converting household municipal waste into
a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly alternative energy
supply.
Piper comments: "We are making significant progress in our
on-going energy management programme, although there is always more
to be done to reduce both consumption and emissions. Our
partnership with the MoD here at Devonport under the WSMI
arrangement is key to our achievements within a joint
approach."
John Meaken, Nuclear Services and Support Manager of the Naval
Base, said: "To reach our vision of a greener, more sustainable
Devonport we need everyone to do their bit. The energy team has set
a great example of how a partnership approach can make a
difference: they will continue with their energy saving and green
power plans, enabling us to cut costs, protect the environment and
support the fleet."