Crescent Studios CHP Plant

Energas Technologies is proud to have supplied and installed two ENERGIN® M06 CHP G200 natural gas generators at Crescent Studios, a premier student accommodation facility in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. These Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units, each delivering a maximum of 189 kW of electrical power and 227 kW of thermal energy, achieve an electrical efficiency of up to 38% and an overall efficiency of 90.0%, depending on operational load. The natural gas is sourced from the nearby Egoli Gas pipeline, ensuring a consistent and reliable fuel supply.

The implementation of these CHP systems offers substantial practical and environmental benefits. By capturing waste heat from electricity generation, the units supply hot water directly throughout the building, nearly eliminating the need for conventional heat pumps. To address the mismatch between low overnight and midday electrical loads and peak hot water demand, two 30,000-liter hot water storage tanks were installed, ensuring ample supply. Heat pumps serve as a backup to guarantee adequate hot water availability. This integrated approach ensures a reliable and efficient energy supply, enhances resident comfort with consistent hot water, and translates into significant operational savings, estimated at 20% on overall energy costs. Additionally, the system substantially reduces the building’s carbon footprint by utilizing cleaner natural gas and lessening reliance on grid electricity.

The operational strategy of the CHP system is designed for optimal efficiency and reliability. When municipal power is available, the gensets operate in parallel, importing only a minimal 10 kW while generating the remainder of the building’s power needs. In the event of load shedding, the system automatically isolates from the grid, allowing the gensets to run in island mode and ensure continuous power supply. Upon restoration of grid power, the gensets seamlessly synchronize with the grid and close the breaker. During periods of low building load, one genset will shut down to maintain optimal efficiency, restarting as demand increases. If a genset is offline for maintenance, the master controller intelligently reduces non-essential loads to maintain system stability.

The building has been operational for two months, accommodating 871 students. Consumption figures indicate a 20% electricity savings compared to measurements taken at similar facilities, with expectations for further improvements during the winter months due to higher heating demands. Additionally, the gensets operate quietly, with minimal noise detectable outside the plant room, ensuring a comfortable living environment for residents.

This project exemplifies Energas Technologies’ commitment to providing innovative and sustainable energy solutions that enhance operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.