Dublin Port's Boiler House Energy Upgrades

The project works involved replacing existing boilers with high efficiency condensing units, with new headers, regulating valves and advanced control strategies to maximise condensing operation. A micro CHP was installed to generate electricity and heat. This was coupled with thermal storage vessels and the control valves configured to regulate charging and discharging in a way that extends the CHP operating hours by 40% per annum.

Gas and heat meters were installed to facilitate the measurement and verification of performance and ongoing energy reporting. In the offices, the pneumatic thermostats were replaced with BMS-connected temperature sensors. The pneumatic operation of the variable air volume boxes were replaced with BMS-controlled actuators.

The project was delivered through an Energy Performance Related Payment (EPRP) model. The standard NEC3 Engineering & Construction Contract was used but modified. The boiler house refurbishment, the consultant, and the main contractor each guaranteed that the project would achieve a 15% energy-efficiency improvement in fossil fuel use. If this guarantee was not achieved, each would lose 7.5% of their respective contract values.

For the ventilation controls retrofit, this involved a pain/gain share arrangement. Performance was measured by evaluating electrical savings. If 100% of the target electrical kWh savings are achieved, the parties receive 100% of their respective fees. For each 1% of additional savings, the consultant and contractor receive a bonus of 0.5% of their fee, up to a maximum of 5%. For each 1% savings falling short of target, the contractor incurs a penalty of 0.5% of their fee, up to a maximum of 5%.