Client: University of Victoria
Year: 2016 – 2019
Project Highlights
- Plant: 28 MW installed capacity; 3 x low-NOx, dual-fuel fire-tube boilers, LEED Gold Building
- Distribution Piping System: ~750 trench-metres of new pre-insulated piping
- Energy Transfer Stations: Upgrades to 12 buildings: heat exchangers, controls, heat metering
Hallmark modernization of the District Energy System for UVic
The University of Victoria operates a hot water district energy system on their campus and contracted FVB to review and rejuvenate their existing hot water district energy system and troubleshoot operating challenges. The University provided FVB with historical trend data on building and plant energy usage, pressure, temperature and other data. FVB used this data, along with information from site visits, to analyze the system and provide a clear set of recommendations for system improvement.
The project recommendations met the University’s goal of a 10% reduction in energy use. Measures included specific upgrades to building ETS, the reduction of system operating temperatures, review of multiple plant operating configurations, hydraulic improvements, and ultimately, the design of a new heating plant once funding became available.
FVB assisted UVic in establishing and prioritizing work packages to align with UVic’s capital funding plan. FVB led the consultant team through all design phases (SD, DD, and CD), value engineering, tender, construction, and commissioning. FVB interfaced with University staff, local building authorities, cost consultants, contractors and services companies to streamline the process for UVic. The project included a new LEED Gold district energy plant, energy transfer station (ETS) renewals in 12 buildings, and upgrades and hydraulic improvements for the distribution piping system. All of this work required a systems approach and a well-managed plan to transition to a modernized system that met UVic’s vision.
The modernization of the DES was a hallmark project for UVic. The project was delivered to align with the campus master plan and allows UVic to be setup for a low carbon future.
FVB Scope of Work:
- FVB is Prime Consultant & Mechanical Engineer through all phases of this major institutional capital project.
- Campus hot water system rejuvenation study and cost estimates. Analysed operational data, and multiple operating plants to determine where to focus upgrades and achieve 10% energy savings.
- Developed recommendations to save energy and modernize DES infrastructure withing the Client’s 3-year capital budget cycle.
- Design new hot water Energy Centre and to replace multiple, aging plants and achieve improved energy performance.
- As Prime Consultant, coordinate and lead planning, design, contract administration; commissioning for the Energy Centre, site services, and ETS upgrade works
More Information
Visit University of Victoria
Keywords
HW Central Plant, DPS, Energy Transfer Station