Energy Centres
PureGlo specialise in the design of energy centres. An energy centre is a self contained unit designed to supply heat.
An energy centre may include a number of elements
- fuel store - a hopper, silo or bunker depending on the fuel type and space considerations
- boiler - fuelled by either wood pellet or wood chip
- heat store - the start of the heat supply network or DHS
- control system
- ash disposal system
- back up boiler
Energy Centres must also have full fire safety systems including automatic shut down and warning alarms.
The most important element of a PureGlo energy centre is the biomass boiler. This runs on either wood pellet or wood chip fuel - we will advise on the most suitable fuel source according to the specific conditions.
An integral component of the energy centre is the fuel store. This can be either a hopper, silo or a bunker, depending on the fuel type, boiler equipment and space considerations. Fuel can be transported to the boiler automatically on demand through a system of augers, moving floors or suction feed mechanisms.
Heat delivered by the boiler is passed through an insulated heat store prior to being circulated to a heat interchange unit. In smaller heating schemes this can be an existing central heating system. For larger heating systems such as in a housing development or large commercial building, the energy centre is linked to a system of insulated underground pipes to supply heat to multiple heat interchange units. The heat store ensures that the system always maintains sufficient heat to meet peak demand.
All PureGlo energy centres are electronically controlled to ensure maximum efficiency. For larger installations, we also recommend installing a highly efficient second boiler running on mains gas, to provide back up and coverage during service and repair intervals.
Location
Energy centres can be housed in a purpose designed building or designed to fit within an existing refurbished plant room or other space to save on building costs.
Kirkdale Manor Energy Centre
The unique design for the Kirkdale Energy Centre was developed to allow easy access for fuel deliveries and improve the building's appearance. The energy centre is constructed partially below ground with a sliding roof design for the fuel bunker which allows large articulated vehicles to approach from a level access and unload wood chip straight down into the bunker. The exterior of the building has been clad in pine so that it blends in with its woodland surroundings.
As the residential development is in a rural setting in extensive grounds allowing good access, the choice of fuel was locally sourced wood chip. The boiler is also 95% efficient and therefore produces very little wood smoke and the energy centre is also situated so that the prevailing winds will carry away any wood smoke away from residences in the development and the neighbouring village.
