Thermogenics recently teamed up with the Greening Health Care program to co-author its Best Practices Guide for Energy Efficient Boiler Plant Design, Operation and Control.
Based on examining 15 GHC member hospitals, the study identified several areas of focus for hospital facility managers to improve their overall operations. The following are five key takeaways:
- Install an external flue gas economizer and increase efficiency by 3-7%This will allow for the extraction of additional heat from the hot flue gases and transfer it to the boiler feedwater or water return. Look for high make-up water applications for maximum results.
- Install a ‘Summer Boiler’ to reduce gas consumption and extend the life of the main boilerThese smaller efficient boilers are sized for the actual summer daytime loads. This is an extension of high turndown ratios for not just the boiler but the system as a whole.
- Location, Location, LocationTraditionally, hospitals set up one central steam plant. However, to maximize efficiency, boilers should be located as close to their respective loads as possible. A combination of hot water and steam plants can help achieve this objective.
- Switch to a linkage-less control system to generate efficiencies of 5-15% and payback on investment of less than 2 yearsWhile most newer boilers have this standard, for older units this retrofit will provide quick and cost effective results.
- Retrofit FD FansForced draft fans are the largest electricity consumers in the boiler plant. To significantly lower electricity consumption, FD fans should be retrofitted with variable frequency drives (VFDs). In addition, VFDs provide precise combustion air volume control. Be sure to investigate energy incentives, particularly on larger fans.
To learn more about these suggestions and the steps you can take immediately to improve your boiler room efficiency please contact us at: info@thermogenicsboilers.com
