BESA TR 37 - Technical Report 37 Guide To Good Practice - Installation of Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

Building Engineering Services Association
BESA
BUILDING ENGINEERING
Guide to good practice:
SERVICES ASSOCIATION
INSTALLATION
OF COMBINED
HEAT AND POWER
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TR/37
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Table of contents
Symbols and abbreviations ......................................................................................................... 7
1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................11
1.1 Why you need to know about combined heat and power ........................................... 11
1.2 Why it matters for contractors .............................................................................................. 12

1.3 Application of this guidance ................................................................................................... 12
1.3.1 Standard of workmanship ......................................................................................... 13
1.3.2 Quality assurance ......................................................................................................... 13
2 Understanding CHP ...............................................................................................................15

2.1 What is CHP? ................................................................................................................................ 15
2.2 Benefits of using CHP, and disadvantages ....................................................................... 19

Improved energy efficiency .................................................................................................... 20
Overall energy costs can be reduced .................................................................................. 20
Environmental improvements ................................................................................................ 20
Increased security of power supply..................................................................................... 21
Flexibility and reliability ........................................................................................................... 21
CHP for existing buildings as a replacement / refurbishment option ..................... 21
Delivering the benefits ............................................................................................................. 21
Disadvantages ............................................................................................................................. 22
2.3 Government policy, legislation and incentives ................................................................ 23
2.4 Applications................................................................................................................................... 23
Tri-generation .............................................................................................................................. 24
2.5 Siting of CHP plant ..................................................................................................................... 25
2.6 Case studies ................................................................................................................................. 25

Small-scale systems .................................................................................................................. 25
District heating ............................................................................................................................ 26
Industrial applications .............................................................................................................. 26
Hospitals ........................................................................................................................................ 26
3 CHP and the project ..............................................................................................................27

3.1 Types of project .......................................................................................................................... 27
3.2 The decision process and timeline ....................................................................................... 28
3.3 Project team responsibilities for CHP scheme ................................................................. 28
3.4 Contractor responsibilities ...................................................................................................... 30
3.5 Specification ................................................................................................................................. 30
Demarcations between CHP contract and others ........................................................... 30
CHP capacity................................................................................................................................. 31
Voltage generated ...................................................................................................................... 31
Heating circuit temperatures ................................................................................................. 31
INSTALLATION OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

BES$ Good Practice Guide TR37 --`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
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Copyright Building Engineering Engineering
Services Association Services Association
Heat rejection requirements .................................................................................................. 32
Ambient temperatures.............................................................................................................. 32
Space available, internal or external siting ...................................................................... 32
Fuel supply .................................................................................................................................... 32
Exhaust termination .................................................................................................................. 32
Acoustic constraints................................................................................................................... 32
NOx limits ...................................................................................................................................... 32
Other planning conditions ....................................................................................................... 32
Fire detection/suppression and interface with main fire detection system .......... 33
Controls and mode of operation ........................................................................................... 33
Monitoring and BEMS interface ............................................................................................. 33
Metering ......................................................................................................................................... 33
Lubricating oil system ............................................................................................................... 33
Delivery .......................................................................................................................................... 33
Commissioning ............................................................................................................................ 33
Off-site testing............................................................................................................................. 33
On-site testing ............................................................................................................................. 33
Documentation ............................................................................................................................ 34
Maintenance contract ................................................................................................................ 34
Training .......................................................................................................................................... 34
Requirements to liaise with the DNO .................................................................................. 34
Requirements to liaise with others ...................................................................................... 34
3.6 Compliance with regulations .................................................................................................. 34
Health and safety ....................................................................................................................... 35
Environmental protection ........................................................................................................ 36
Building regulations and energy conservation ................................................................ 37
Electrical installation ................................................................................................................. 38
Plumbing installation ................................................................................................................. 39
4 Installation practicalities ..................................................................................................40

4.1 General requirements for installation ................................................................................. 40
Mechanical installation ............................................................................................................. 40
Electrical installation ................................................................................................................. 40
4.2 Ancillary equipment and requirements .............................................................................. 41
Fuel supply, storage and handling ....................................................................................... 41
Ventilation ..................................................................................................................................... 41
Combustion air ............................................................................................................................ 42
Exhaust system ........................................................................................................................... 42
Pipework ........................................................................................................................................ 43
Water treatment ......................................................................................................................... 43
Plant room safety ....................................................................................................................... 43
4.3 Controls, monitoring and metering ..................................................................................... 44
CHP controls ................................................................................................................................. 44
Monitoring ..................................................................................................................................... 45
Heating system controls .......................................................................................................... 46
Metering ......................................................................................................................................... 46

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4.4 Testing and commissioning .................................................................................................... 46
CHP package or system ........................................................................................................... 46
Fuel system................................................................................................................................... 47
Electrical systems ....................................................................................................................... 47
Heating systems ......................................................................................................................... 48
Commissioning documentation ............................................................................................. 48
4.5 Handover ....................................................................................................................................... 48
4.6 Post-installation audit and lessons learnt ......................................................................... 49

Lessons learned .......................................................................................................................... 49
Commissioning ............................................................................................................................ 50
4.7 Key points checklist ................................................................................................................... 50
Pre-installation and construction .......................................................................................... 51
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Installation .................................................................................................................................... 51
Final connections ........................................................................................................................ 51
Testing, flushing and filling..................................................................................................... 52
µ*ROLYH¶VWDJH .............................................................................................................................. 52
5 Further guidance and help ...............................................................................................53

5.1 Websites......................................................................................................................................... 53
5.1.1 Websites and freely downloadable resources .................................................... 53
5.1.2 Links .................................................................................................................................. 54
5.2 Publications ................................................................................................................................... 54
5.2.1 References to buy or borrow .................................................................................... 54
6 References and bibliography ..........................................................................................55

BES$ publications ...................................................................................................................... 55
BSRIA publications ..................................................................................................................... 55
CIBSE publications ..................................................................................................................... 55
Other ............................................................................................................................................... 56
The Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers ............................................................. 57
Legislation and compliance ..................................................................................................... 58
Health & Safety Regulations .................................................................................................. 58
Other British Standards ........................................................................................................... 59
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BES$ Good Practice Guide TR37
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Symbols and abbreviations
Some key terms are given below. For further guidance, the ADE has a useful
online glossary of terms related to CHP. CIBSE AM 12 also has a useful
glossary of terms in Appendix A2.
ACOP Approved code of practice

ADE Association for Decentralised Energy
B&ES Building & Engineering Services
BEMS Building energy management system
BS British standard
BS EN British publication of a European standard
BS EN ISO British publication of an international standard
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BSRIA BSRIA
(formerly Building Services Research and Information Association)
CCL Climate charge levy
CDM Construction (Design & Management)
CHP Combined heat and power
CHPQA Combined heat and power quality assurance programme
CIBSE Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
CO2 Carbon dioxide
CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme
(previously known as the Carbon Reduction Commitment)
DCLG Department for Communities & Local Government
DECC Department of Energy & Climate Change
DNO Distribution Network Operator
ECA Enhanced capital allowance scheme
ESCo Energy services company
kW Kilowatt
kWe Kilowatt - electrical
HSE Health & Safety Executive
IGEM Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers
IET Institution of Engineering & Technology
LPG Liquefied petroleum gas
M&E Mechanical and electrical
MWe Megawatt - electrical
MWh Megawatt hours
Nbs national building specification
NOx Mono nitrogen oxides
PED Pressure equipment directive
QI Quality index
SO2 Sulphur dioxide

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This online Good Practice Guide provides a practical overview of the
use and installation of CHP for a variety of applications including micro-
CHP for domestic and small commercial buildings. It updates the
previous BES$ publication TR37 and moves it online enabling quick
cross-referencing to other useful guidance.
It will help to give you an understanding of the technology and factors

involved in the application of CHP.
This guidance will give the key outline and link you directly to
fuller explanations on the internet (these are not official BES$ endorsed
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links), and downloadable documents (in case you want to know more about
any aspect). Additionally there will be references to key books and
pamphlets that can give you better understanding of the subject - many
freely available.
Read this to find out:
x ³What is CHP?´
x ³Where is it used?´
x ³What expertise on this can/should I offer my clients?´
x ³What is the responsibility of the MEP contractor?´
x ³What information do I need to have and to produce?´
x ³Where can I find more information?´

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Services Association Services Association Page 9 of 59
What is CHP?
Combined heat and power (CHP) is the production of both useful heat and
electrical power from the same energy source.
Growing market
CHP is a growing market. In 2011 there were 303 new schemes - 140
registered with the CHPQA programme and a further 194 small-scale
schemes (ranging from 30 to 600 kWe) reported by suppliers but not
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registered under CHPQA. This increased the total UK CHP schemes to

1880 schemes with capacity of 6111 MWe.1
How CHP helps
Current major UK energy issues are climate change, the cost of energy
and security of energy supply. CHP can help address these by reducing
CO2 emissions, giving greater efficiency of fuel utilisation, and can
enhance the security of electricity supply. Primary energy savings of 23-
30% are possible from CHP usage rather than conventional ways of
providing heat and power.
CHP is widely used
CHP has been used for many different building and projects varying from
small domestic installations to large scale housing schemes utilising
district heating, from a National Trust tearoom to large industrial
applications such as chemical manufacture, from leisure centres to large
teaching hospitals.
1
Data from Combined Heat and Power in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the regions
of England in 2011

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1 Introduction
Combined heat and power is the production of both useful heat and
electrical power from the same source. It is increasingly popular and
is recognised as a technology that can reduce CO2 emissions.
Therefore, an awareness of CHP and the installation and operating
needs for these systems is essential for those involved in the design
and installation sectors of construction. The UK Government has
encouraged the use of CHP via various schemes, and the drive towards
low and zero carbon technologies is increasing the consideration of CHP
for projects.
CHP is a proven and reliable technology that has been in use for over
100 years, with numerous successful installations throughout the world.
In the United States, it is widely used in the industrial sector, with CHP
accounting for 9% of total US electricity generating capacity in 2008.
Within Europe as a whole, approximately 11% of electricity is
generated from CHP plants, with the highest CHP users being Denmark,
Finland and the Netherlands.
1.1 Why you need to know about combined heat and power
Quite simply because clients are increasingly considering CHP for the
benefits it offers in terms of CO2 and energy cost reductions, and
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therefore expect their design and build teams to be aware of these
systems and the implications of their installation requirements.
CHP is becoming increasingly widespread in the UK, with around 2,000

schemes already in existence. In addition, the UK Government is
encouraging the use of CHP schemes as a means to achieving the
carbon reduction targets set by the Climate Change Act of 2008, and
offering incentives to do so. To qualify for financial incentives the CHP
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programme, managed by DECC.
It is a misconception to think CHP can only be used for large projects,

as it can be used for any size of scheme from domestic or small
commercial right up to large commercial and industrial projects. The
question for projects is then not why use CHP, EXWZK\VKRXOGQ¶WZH"

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1.2 Why it matters for contractors
There are a number of practical requirements associated with the
installation of CHP systems that will fall within the remit of the
contractor, which will therefore form part of the allocated
responsibilities within the project.
These include issues such as:

x the need to co-ordinate the construction input around the
specialist input from the specialist CHP installers
x the required sequencing of construction operational steps
x sequencing of related trades - for example for plinths,
insulation, gas and electrical connections etc
x the need for additional resources, for example to provide
storage during construction and for help with moving and
locating plant into position
x the requirements for connection and testing
x the need to have a clear identification of who is responsible for
commissioning - the contractor or the supplier
x the need to have a clear identification of who is responsible for
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the later maintenance of the system - the contractor, supplier
or CHP owner
x the need for adequate controls to ensure the CHP system is the
lead heat source
x whether any surplus power will be sold back to the grid or if
there will be heat storage
x construction needs
x control of emissions to achieve air quality requirements
x limitation and control of noise and vibration.
It is essential to clarify the division of responsibilities for the design,

installation, operation and maintenance of the CHP scheme at an early
stage, prior to writing the specification.
1.3 Application of this guidance

This guidance provides a practical overview of CHP, focussing on the
information needs of building services engineers working on projects
involving the installation of CHP systems. It does not cover the design
or commissioning of CHP systems in detail, for which there is other
guidance available, but aims to place the installation requirements in

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the context of the overall construction process and enable effective
delivery of an efficiently functioning system and building to the client.
It has been produced to assist professional building services engineers

to follow a good practice approach when specifying the installation of
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CHP systems for buildings and district heating schemes.
This guidance covers the installation of:

x micro-CHP packages for housing and small commercial
applications
x small to medium scale packaged CHP systems for commercial
and public buildings
x larger systems for district heating schemes.
This guidance relates to construction practice and projects in the UK

and the Republic of Ireland. It is not intended for overseas work;
however, some of its provisions will be appropriate or may form a basis
for overseas work.
1.3.1 Standard of workmanship

The standard of workmanship set by this publication is intended
to be appropriate to most normal domestic and commercial
installations and relates to good practice in installation
and energy use without unnecessary elaboration. BES$
intends this to be a significant aid in producing installations
that will, given correct operation and with proper
maintenance, provide satisfactory service over many years.
For large buildings and those with unusual or special

requirements, the particular requirements shall be agreed
between customer and designer.
1.3.2 Quality assurance

This publication can be used as one criterion that will assist
customers, in performing the important role of defining
the standard of installation they require. BES$ anticipates that
this publication will be complementary to quality assurance
schemes and quality assessment schedules. Where forming
the basis of an independent certification scheme, it represents
Good Practice in standards of installation.
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when prescribing procedures:

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of publication.
2. 7KHWHUP³VKDOO´SUHVFULEHVDprocedure, which it is intended
to be complied with, in full and without deviation.
3. 7KHWHUP³VKRXOG´SUHVFULEHVDprocedure that it is intended
to be complied with, unless after prior consideration,
deviation is considered to be acceptable.
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2 Understanding CHP
2.1 What is CHP?
This section is limited to providing an overview of CHP, covering the
basic principles and some typical simple systems. It is intended to
explain the basic operation of the systems but it does not address the
design process in detail. Some excellent material providing more
information on types of CHP and details of systems is given in a number
of sources including:
x CTV044 An Introduction to Combined heat and power, from the
Carbon Trust
x the CHP focus website from DECC
x CIBSE AM12 2013 - Combined Heat and Power for Buildings,
and
x Greater London Authority (GLA) District heating - Manual for
London.
Combined heat and power is the production of both useful heat and
electrical power from the same source in a single process. This allows
optimum use of the energy available from the fuel used, with delivered
efficiencies of up to 90% ie up to 90% of the energy in the fuel is
converted into useful heat and electrical power, although in practice
the figure is often closer to 80%.
This compares very favourably with conventional power generation,

which has a delivered energy efficiency of around 35-50%. CHP
installations can run on natural gas, bio-gas or diesel (gas oil).
Reliability of CHP is generally good with availability factors of over 90%
being common.
The CHP systems described in this document incorporate an engine (or

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turbine) connected to an alternator. Combustion of fuel in the engine

(or turbine) produces electricity and heat. The electricity output is
connected in parallel with the mains electricity supply and the heat
output is connected in parallel with conventional heating plant.

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The energy balance of a typical CHP plant is shown below:
Exhaust Heat loss from

gas loss engine and generator
19% 5%
Elect( city
Fuel - ...;;:::--""_ __ _____:===::---1 generated
100%
Useful
heat
recovery
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6%
Inter cooler
heat rejection
FIGURE 1 Energy flow in a typical gas engine CHP unit (courtesy CIBSE AM12)
(Note - with exhaust gas heat recovery, even better figures can be obtained, bringing
the heat recovery up to around 45% as shown in Figure 5. This then gives around
80% energy utilisation.)
The smallest CHP systems provide an electrical output of less than 1

kW and are intended for individual dwellings. The largest CHP systems
are purpose-designed power stations associated with major industrial
plants.
There are many different types of CHP systems but the usual way to
categorise them is by the size of the electrical output, ranging from
micro systems at under 2 kWe to small scale at under 50 kWe to very
large scale CHP at over 5 MWe.
Category Size range Application

Micro < 2 kWe Domestic buildings
Mini/small 2 kWe-50 kWe Small commercial and public buildings
Small/ 50 kWe-5 MWe Commercial and industrial buildings.
medium Hospitals, leisure centres. Local district
heating
Large > 5 MWe Industrial plants and power stations. Large
district heating and tri-generation schemes
FIGURE 2 CHP system categories

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The proportion of heat to power varies across the range of CHP sizes -
for example
Ratio of electricity to heat in each case:

x Small 5:12
x Medium 1:1.5
x Large 1:1.
An engine based CHP plant consists of at least the following elements

(as illustrated in Figure 3):
x Prime mover (engine or turbine)
x Fuel system (usually natural gas)
x Generator
x Flue gas heat exchanger (or waste heat boiler)
x Electrical interface
x Controls.
FLUE
j ~

...,. EXHAUST GAS
HIGH TEMPERATURE
HEATER EXCHANGER
HEATING CIRCUIT
OR WASTE HEAT BOILER
I. EXHAUST GASES
wI
~
COMBUSTION AIR y
....J ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL
n = p
ENGINE GENERATOR ~ POWER
n
INTERFACE DISTRIBUTION
FUEL
.
y
COOLANT
_L COOLER
·-
COOLANT
L _
!~
-
OIL COOLER
I
LUBRICATING OIL
l _
LOW TEMPERATURE
t i~
HEATING CIRCUITS .,,,.

OR DRY COOLER ~
FIGURE 3 The main elements of a CHP plant

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Additional elements may include:
x additional heat exchangers (eg, for turbocharger inter-cooling)
x acoustic enclosure
x acoustic attenuation of inlet air and exhaust gases.
These are usually natural gas fuelled by very occasionally an

alternative fuel source may be used in which case there will be a need
for fuel storage and handling.
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CHP plants can be classified in terms of the prime mover, fuel and heat
recovery arrangements:
x Prime mover: the type of engine used to drive the generator
x Fuel: type of fuels and fuel system eg gas or other fossil fuels,
biomass or biofuel:
x Heat recovery system: to recover the usable heat from the
engine and exhaust gases.
For example, a gas engine CHP unit is shown below in Figure 4.
Engine
exhaust
gases
Engine
exhaust
Pr__
Control
-
f t
Engine
Hot -
water
j GeneT°'
supply
-
'-----+----------+----t-~
Exhaust heat Engine heat Cool return water
exchanger exchanger
FIGURE 4 Principal components of a gas-engine CHP unit

(reproduced from GPG 388 (Carbon Trust, 2004) by permission of the Carbon Trust)

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There are several good reference sources that explain more of the
principles of CHP and the types of system. See for example:
x ADE - What is CHP?
x ADE - Videos showing CHP
x ADE - Types of CHP
x BES$ Technology guide to micro-CHP
x CIBSE AM12: Combined heat and power for
buildings.
2.2 Benefits of using CHP, and disadvantages

The main benefit of using CHP is a reduction in primary energy
consumption. Providing the heat and power requirement by using CHP
plant gives lower energy costs and carbon emissions than if the same
amount of heat and electricity was produced separately by a boiler and
conventional power station, as shown in Figure 5. As such, it can be
regarded as a low carbon technology.
The main benefits of CHP are:

x improved energy efficiency
x lower operating & energy costs
x reduced CO2 emissions - environmental improvements
x increased security of power supply
x flexibility and reliability.
and can be considered for existing buildings as a replacement/
refurbishment option.
Losses
~
1
Heat Boiler 56
demand
2 CHP
Power
88
station
Losses
FIGURE 5 The energy efficiency of CHP

(reproduced from GPG388 (Carbon Trust, 2004) by permission of the Carbon Trust)

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Improved energy efficiency
CHP schemes can deliver high overall efficiency, often up to 80% in
practice at the point of use, as illustrated in Figure 5. They also deliver
considerable savings in primary energy use, with a saving of around
30% over a conventional boiler and power station configuration. Even
with efficiency improvements at newer power stations, the energy
saving should remain at over 20%.
A minimum of 10% energy savings is required by the CHPQA scheme

although many installations will deliver higher savings
Overall energy costs can be reduced

Electricity produced from traditional sources at power stations is
relatively high cost energy due to distribution losses and the poor
efficiency of many power stations. Often only around 40% of the
energy used in electricity generation is delivered as useful electrical
power. CHP schemes can usually deliver lower operating costs, as they
are using a fossil fuel (usually gas) directly at a much higher efficiency
to generate electricity. More gas will be used but as the CHP plant
produces both electricity and heat, this is balanced by the reduction in
electricity purchase.
The savings on electricity costs usually more than offset the increase
in gas requirements and maintenance costs. Typically, CHP schemes
give energy cost savings of between 15 and 40% against a
conventional set up of heat from on-site boilers and electricity from the
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power station via the grid.
Environmental improvements
The main environmental improvement given by the use of CHP
schemes is the reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions against
the traditional combination of power station and gas boiler for
electricity and heat respectively. Fossil fuel power stations emit around
500 g of CO2 for each kWh of electricity supplied, and gas boilers emit
around 250 g of CO2 per kWh of heat generated. CHP schemes can
deliver a saving of up to 30% in CO2, with a minimum of 10% expected.
It also reduces the emission of SO2, which is the major contributor to
acid rain.
Greater use of CHP schemes also reduces the overall demand on the
centralised power supply from large-scale coal or gas fired power
stations, and thus reduces stress on the electricity grid. Even with the
eventual planned decarbonising of the UK power supply, and move to
more carbon neutral supply supplies such as wind power - it is likely

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that CHP schemes will continue to offer CO2 saving as long as there
are still gas fired power stations in use.
A detailed discussion of primary energy saving and the environmental

impact of CHP is given in section 6 of CIBSE AM 12.
Increased security of power supply

CHP schemes can be used to give increased security of electricity
supply as the CHP plant can be configured to continue to supply power
should the grid fail. Conversely, the local electricity network can
provide power when the CHP plant is out of operation. As CHP units
are normally sized to meet heat requirements, then, if the CHP scheme
is required to operate to improve security of supply, the system should
be designed to do so, for example by using a number of smaller units
to maximise availability etc. They are not a substitute for standby
power generation.
Flexibility and reliability

The thermal energy (heat or cooling) produced by CHP schemes can
be easily stored and later delivered to meet required demand, giving
flexibility of use.
CHP is a proven and reliable technology that has been in use for over
100 years, with numerous successful installations throughout the world
CHP for existing buildings as a replacement / refurbishment

option
Many of the issues involved with retrofitting CHP are the same as for a
new installation and thus much of the content of this publication applies.
However interfacing with existing thermal plant, control and heat
rejection does need to be carefully considered.
Further guidance on this specific area is given in BSRIA BG2/2007: CHP

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for Existing Buildings.
Delivering the benefits

It is important to emphasise that the practical benefits of CHP can only
be realised if the overall system is properly designed, installed and
commissioned. The key factors in maintaining efficiency are:
x initial feasibility studies to ensure the most appropriate choice
of system

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x good understanding of operation and demand patterns
x avoiding operation of the CHP plant when there is no demand
for heat
x avoiding operation of the CHP when there is no demand for
electricity
x avoiding the over sizing of the CHP package
x minimising the return temperatures to the heating system
x ensuring correct flows of fluid through the heat exchangers
x ensuring an appropriate control strategy and good control for
space heating and hot water.
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Disadvantages
CHP does however have some disadvantages or limitations to its use:
x It does GRQRWSURGXFHµIUHHHOHFWULFLW\¶7KHHOHFWULFLW\LVJHQHUDWHG
thus delivering required heat but there are cheaper way of
producing just a heat requirement. Cost benefit analysis is always
advised to ensure that a CHP system is the right choice for a
particular application.
x The demand for heat/hot water and electricity must be

simultaneous. This can be a problem in summer as the need for
heating reduces or stops, whilst the electricity demand remains
constant. Planned savings will not occur if large amounts of the
heat produced simply go to waste.
x &+3LQVWDOODWLRQVGRQRWDXWRPDWLFDOO\µVDYHPRQH\¶7KH\FDQKDYH
a higher capital cost than alternative system choices, and this can
be considered against the running cost savings given by improved
efficiency as part of the decision making process.
x CHP systems can have a higher maintenance cost than alternative

system choices, and this cost needs to be considered in the
feasibility study calculations.
x CHP systems that use a fossil fuel source, such as gas, cannot be
considered as a long-term sustainable solution, although they can
still give appreciable energy and CO2 savings. However, CHP can
be used with renewable energy sources, such as biomass, and there
are future technologies such as the use of fuel cells that also look
viable in the longer term.

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2.3 Government policy, legislation and incentives
The UK Building Regulations set minimum energy efficiency standards
for buildings and for their heating and hot water systems. In addition,
local government is increasingly making the use of low and zero carbon
technologies a requirement for planning approval. As the use of CHP
systems can give considerable savings in energy use, as well as
offering environmental benefits in terms of CO2 reduction, the UK
Government is encouraging the use of CHP via a number of different
incentives. Currently these include the Renewable Heat incentive
(RHI) and Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA). However both
Regulations and Incentives are subject to change and therefore it is
necessary to check on the relevant Government websites and the ADE
website for the latest information.
In order to qualify for financial incentives like the ECA scheme the CHP
scheme has to achieve an acceptable standard. In practice this means
it must be ceUWLILHGDVµJRRGTXDOLW\&+3¶XQGHUWKH&+34$SURJUDPPH
managed by DECC. This provides a standardised assessment method
to establish the energy efficiency and effectiveness of CHP systems,
looking at both the electrical efficiency and the thermal efficiency to
establish a QI for the system. CHP systems are judged good quality if
the electrical efficiency is above 20% and the QI over 100. A CHPQA
certificate to systems that meet the required standard. The CHPQA
website gives further information and guidance notes.
&HUWDLQµJRRGTXDOLW\¶&+3SURMHFWVFDQDOVRDFKLHYHH[HPSWLRQVIURP
paying the CCL, and reduce the liabilities under the CRC (previous
known as the Carbon Reduction Commitment), for large consumers of
electricity (over 6,000 MWh per annum).
Carbon price support - any generator of a higher capacity than 2 MW

is taxed.*
2.4 Applications
CHP has a wide range of potential applications but is not suitable for
every situation. Fundamentally, it is efficient when running and
producing both heat and power therefore it is best suited to
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
applications where there is a high and constant demand for heat - as

a rule, at least 4,500 hours per year.
Looking at the projects where CHP has been used you can see that
they meet these requirements - for example:
*
Correct at date of publication

Building
x university Halls of Residence, where there is constant demand
for hot water
x hospitals, where there is constant demand for heating and hot
water
x industrial applications, where there is constant demand for hot
water and perhaps also heating
x hotels
x leisure centres.
Use of CHP
In the UK, three industrial sectors account for almost 76% of CHP
electrical capacity - chemicals (33%), oil refineries (32%), and
paper and publishing and printing (10%)3
Tri-generation
A CHP plant can also be used to generate cooling by using it to provide
the heat source for an absorption chiller unit. This means that CHP
may still be suitable on some sites with a lower demand for heat,
particularly if there is a high demand for cooling. CHP that produces
KHDW HOHFWULFLW\ DQG FRROLQJ LV FDOOHG µWUL-JHQHUDWLRQ¶ RU VRPHWLPHV
µCCHP¶ (combined cooling, heat and power).
&RQYHQWLRQDO FRROLQJ LV UHODWLYHO\ ¶H[SHQVLYH¶ HQHUJ\ DV LW FRPPRQO\

uses all electrical power, whereas heating can use fossil fuels.
Therefore, if there is a large summer cooling demand, as well as a large
winter heating load, it can sometimes be worth considering replacing
conventional boilers and chillers with CCHP. Replacing a conventional
electrical cooling system with absorption cooling converts an electrical
load into a heat load. This has several benefits:
x Reduction of electricity demand
x By allowing the excess heat to be used for cooling, in addition to

heating, it can smooth out seasonal demand for heat.
This in turn can make the choice of CHP a viable option.
3
Source: Carbon Trust CVT1004

--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Building
Tri-generation
&+3 WKDW SURGXFHV KHDW HOHFWULFLW\ DQG FRROLQJ LV FDOOHG µtri-
generation¶
2.5 Siting of CHP plant

CHP plant should to be sited in a position where it can be accessed,
maintained and replaced, where noise and vibration can be sufficiently
controlled not to be a nuisance and with suitable connection for fuel
etc available. A ground floor location is preferred.
Small to medium scale packaged CHP plant is generally supplied in an

acoustic enclosure to be installed alongside boilers in boiler houses or
plant rooms. Consideration should be given to how the package can
be moved in and out of the plant room in future.
Containerised CHP packages (reciprocating engines or gas turbines)

should be located on hard standing outside the building. Installation
of CHP plant (and/or ancillaries such as oil tanks) outside an existing
building may require planning permission.
Large CHP plant will require a purpose built enclosure or room with
acoustic attenuation of the room, a fresh air ventilation system and
flues. For larger systems, the weight for floor loading/installation route
could be an issue. An overhead crane may be desirable for routine
maintenance.
2.6 Case studies

The ADE have over 40 useful case studies on their website, covering a
variety of types and sizes of project, including:
Small-scale systems
Mansfield Halls
For this student accommodation for Reading University, a CHP system
was used instead of a conventional mains supply/gas boiler system,
saving around 105 tonnes of CO2 emissions and giving financial savings
of nearly £29,000 per annum.
Trelissick Gardens
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This National Trust (NT) Garden in Cornwall was the first NT property
to install an LPG powered CHP unit. Previously LPG was used to provide

Building
fuel for the onsite catering facilities, but when the restaurant and café
were extended and refurbished, a low-carbon heating solution was
used.
District heating
Park View Southampton
7KLVFDVHVWXG\GHVFULEHV%DUUDWW+RPHV¶FRQQHFWLRQRIWKH3DUN9LHZ
development to the Southampton District Energy Scheme. It is
relevant to those involved with building new homes in cities and towns.
Industrial applications
Huntsman Tioxide
npower cogen was selected to build and operate a CHP scheme to meet
the future energy demands of the production site in Grimsby, which
manufactures titanium dioxide.
Dow Corning
Hospitals
Solihull Hospital
The CHP tri-generation system creates low carbon electricity, together
with steam or hot water for winter heating, and chilled water for use
in the air conditioning systems during the warmer summer months.
This has cut carbon dioxide emissions by 45%, some 1,920 tonnes per
annum and will generate annual cost savings of £293,000, without any
capital investment.
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Building
3 CHP and the project
3.1 Types of project
As can be seen from the discussion in section 2 and the case studies
in section 2.5, CHP can be considered for the majority of projects, from
individual houses through to large industrial complexes. The main
requirement for CHP to be economically viable is for there to be a
significant year round demand for heating and hot water, in other
words there is a demand for the heat production during the usual
summer non-heating months. This can include using heat to generate
cooling via absorption refrigeration.
Some typical applications are given in the following table:

Application Reason
Swimming pools Continuous demand for pool heating and pump power.
High demand for domestic hot water
Leisure centres Operate from early morning to late evening. High demand
for domestic hot water
Hospitals 24-hour operation. Need high ambient temperatures for
patient care? High demand for domestic hot water
Residential homes Elderly residents needing high ambient temperatures.
High demand for domestic hot water
Hotels Long operating hours, need to maintain customer comfort.
Often include leisure facilities. High demand for domestic
hot water
District heating Potential for long operating hours due to linking of
buildings with differing demand profiles and economies of
scale
University campus Office/teaching areas require heat during the day and for
evening activities. Accommodation areas require heat
early morning and evenings
Military sites and 24-hour operation and occupancy. Requirement for
barracks standby generating capacity for critical operational
facilities. Normally centralised domestic hot water for
accommodation blocks
Police, fire and 24-hour operation and occupancy. Requirement for
ambulance standby generating capacity for critical operational
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
stations facilities
FIGURE 6 Suitable applications for CHP schemes

(Reproduced from table 4.2 CIBSE AM2 2013, with permission)

Building
3.2 The decision process and timeline
The option of CHP should be considered at an early stage when
considering any of the following new projects:
x New building design
x The installation of new boiler/ heating plant
x The replacement or refurbishment of existing heating plant
x An energy efficiency appraisal
x Review of energy supply, including electricity supply
x Review of the provision of standby, electricity-generation capability.
This can be done at the very beginning of a project as part of a full

option appraisal or feasibility study, considering factors such as:
x the heat demand profile
x fuel and electricity tariffs
x operating hours
x likely operating costs.
3.3 Project team responsibilities for CHP scheme

The division and allocation of responsibilities relating to the CHP
scheme should be addressed as part of the normal overall project
process division of responsibilities. This includes responsibilities not
only for the design but also for the installation, operation and
maintenance of the plant. It is advisable to ensure these are all clear
and agreed at the start of the project.
The division and allocation is likely to vary from project to project

depending on the size of the project and the preferences of the
organisations involved, including the client. The key responsibilities
are likely to be divided between:
x WKHFOLHQW¶VHQJLQHHU
x consulting engineer
x main contractor
x specialist CHP supplier.
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Building
Key activities to allocate are:
x initial design
x detailed design
x tender action
x installation and construction
x operation and maintenance.
A small simple CHP scheme may not require the involvement of

consultants, whereas a client considering the use of CHP for larger
buildings or several sites may prefer more advice on options.
Contractor input can vary from installation and construction only to a

much wider involvement from the design stages through to
maintenance responsibilities.
Where the responsibilities for the CHP scheme are divided amongst a
number of parties, it is very important to clarify the details for these,
the boundaries, information handover etc. The following table
illustrates the number of interfaces that can be involved in the design
and installation of a CHP scheme as information is passed between the
different organisations involved.
Project stage Possible responsible organisation(s) Output / Actions
Initial design ǯ (option analysis if

consulting engineer required)
concept design or
performance specification
Detailed design ǯ Design and specification
engineer or main contractor/
M&E contractor or
CHP supplier
Tender client and consulting engineer Decision based on needs
and comparison of life
cycle costs as well as initial
capital costs
Installation of main contractor, M&E Installation and
the CHP scheme contractor(s) and CHP supplier commissioning
Operation and Usually the CHP supplier Agreed by client

maintenance (occasionally a maintenance
organisation (could be main
contractor/M&E contractor)
FIGURE 7 Table of CHP installation responsibilities

--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,
Building
3.4 Contractor responsibilities
From the above table it can be seen that the contractor responsibilities,
whether the main contractor or an M&E contractor, can extend from
the design stage through to maintenance, or can be limited to the
installation and commissioning stage only.
&RQWUDFWRULQYROYHPHQWLQGHVLJQLVPRVWOLNHO\LIDµGHVLJQDQGEXLOG¶
type of contract is used. This is more common for larger projects
where the CHP installation is part of a larger and more complex overall
scheme. Often the CHP supplier will design the actual CHP installation
package, due to their specialised knowledge. In these cases, there are
numerous interfaces to be considered between the different specialists
to ensure an integrated and co-ordinated design and aid smoothness
of installation. In some cases, D FOLHQW¶V HQJLQHHU DQGRU FRQVXOWLQJ
engineer may be placed with the contractor to help with design
continuity.
During the installation of the CHP scheme there should be co-

ordination between those involved. Usually the CHP supplier would
carry out the installation of the CHP package, but for small packages,
it is possible that the M&E contractor would do this. The actual
responsibility for satisfactory installation should be very clear. The CHP
supplier would normally be appointed to carry out the commissioning
of the CHP plant even if not directly involved in the installation.
However, as the CHP plant is usually part of a larger scheme the main
and M&E contractors are often also involved at the commissioning
stage, particularly if there is a complex controls interface.
For some projects, a contract for the long-term operation and
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
maintenance of the CHP installation is award to an energy services
company (ESCo). In cases where this service is to be provided by the
main or M&E contractor then it is sensible to involve them from the
design stages of the project.
3.5 Specification4
The following gives the typical contents for a CHP package
specification.
Demarcations between CHP contract and others

The most fundamental part of the specification is to define the scope
of supply. This is should be achieved by clearly defining demarcation
4
Kindly reproduced from section 9.15 of CIBSE AM12 2013

Building
points for:
x heating circuits
x electrical connections
x fuel supply
x flue/exhaust termination
x ventilation inlet and outlet
x whether interconnecting pipework to heat rejection equipment
is included
x BEMS interfaces
x telephone connection for external communication
x make-up water to engine cooling circuit
x lubricating oil storage and delivery system
x drain points
x civil works
x floor finish.
CHP capacity
The required capacity of the CHP unit(s) should be defined. This may
be expressed in terms of its electrical or heat output, although the heat
capacity is more logical as it is the heat demand that determines the
CHP size. However, it is important not to be too restrictive about the
required capacity as a range can be specified to allow suppliers to offer
standard units from which the preferred option can be selected.
Voltage generated
The generator voltage should be specified and, if low voltage is
preferred, whether a transformer is to be included as part of the
package
Heating circuit temperatures

The flow and return temperatures under design conditions (maximum
heat output) should be given together with the likely range of these
under part load conditions.

Building
Heat rejection requirements
The requirements for heat rejection from the unit should be defined,
eg whether all of the heat from the unit needs to be capable of being
rejected to maintain electricity output.
Ambient temperatures
The maximum and minimum ambient air temperatures at which the
heat rejection equipment needs to be designed to should be specified.
Space available, internal or external siting

A ground floor location is recommended. Restrictions on siting the unit
and requirements if it is to be installed externally should be considered.
Consideration needs to be given to the space required for routine
maintenance and for the subsequent removal of the CHP for major
overhauls/repairs.
Fuel supply
The type of fuel available and its supply pressure should be considered.
Exhaust termination
A complete exhaust system should be specified including the height at
which the exhaust should terminate. Alternatively, the limit to the
exhaust system from which others will connect should be defined,
together with an initial determination of the acceptable backpressure.
Acoustic constraints
The acoustic constraints on the design should to be provided, normally
following either the planning conditions or recommendations of an
acoustic report.
NOx limits
Allowable NOx limits should be given.
Other planning conditions

There may be specific planning conditions that should be met.
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,

Building
The following shall also be considered:
x Fire detection/suppression and interface with main fire

detection system
The specific requirements for fire detection and suppression
including the need for interfacing with main plant room systems.
x Controls and mode of operation

The description of how the plant is expected to be operated to meet
heat or electricity demands, to modulate in output and any
restrictions on time of operation; anticipated number of starts.
x Monitoring and BEMS interface

The requirement to provide an interface to a BEMS for monitoring
SXUSRVHVHJµUXQ¶µWULS¶ and meter outputs.
x Metering
The meters to be installed should be specified, together with
accuracy standards commensurate with CHPQA requirements
x Lubricating oil system

The requirements for handling lubricating oil during changes, and
the need for clean and dirty oil storage on site if required.
x Delivery
The specific constraints, eg availability of lifting equipment, times
at which delivery can be made, responsibility for off-loading and
positioning.
x
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Commissioning
The scope of commissioning activities, requirements to provide
information on commissioning including commissioning
procedures, any impact on site activities, recording of
commissioning results, witnessing by client representative.
x Off-site testing
The requirements for testing and acceptance criteria.
Arrangement for test including notice to be given to client for
witnessing of tests. Whether tests are on-load or functional.
x On-site testing
The requirements for performance tests and reliability tests to be
given including acceptance criteria. Procedure to be followed if
performance test does not pass and any compensation (liquidated
damages payments).

Building
x Documentation
The specific requirements for documentation and format of
documentation, drawings, manuals, test certificates.
x Maintenance contract
It is recommended that a maintenance contract be offered at the
same time as the tender is submitted for the supply of the unit.
Key requirements for this contract are to be given, including:
x period of contract
x guarantees on availability
x principles of compensation and
x indexing of costs.
x Training
The tUDLQLQJWREHSURYLGHGWRFOLHQW¶VSHUVRQQHOshould be specified.
x Requirements to liaise with the DNO

Any requirements to liaise with the DNO to arrange witness tests
DQGSURYLGHµ*¶-compliant equipment.
x Requirements to liaise with others

The requirements to liaise with other organisations to carry out
tests, eg Fire Officer.
3.6 Compliance with regulations

There are a number of standards and regulations that must be met in
the selection and installation of CHP plant and systems.
These can be grouped as those applying to:

x health and safety issues
x environmental protection - emissions and noise
x energy conservation
x building regulations
x electrical and other fuels safety
x plumbing and water regulations.

--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Building
Health and safety
Only CHP packages that are CE marked in compliance with the relevant
European Directives may be offered for sale in the EU. Relevant
European Directives include:
x Gas Appliance Directive
x Machinery Directive
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
x Low Voltage Directive
x Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
x PED
x Construction Products Directive.
The relevant directives will also apply to components supplied

separately. Note that requirements are subject to change and there is
continuing work underway on the harmonisation of standards therefore
the latest guidance should be followed.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 require

the client to appoint a co-ordinator, to ensure that health and safety
risks associated with the installation, construction and operation
phases of the project are anticipated and mitigated during the design
phase of the project. Any that cannot be mitigated need to be
identified, documented and passed to the contractor, and eventually
to the owner and occupier.
All installation work must be carried out with due regard to the relevant
provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act and subsidiary
statutory Instruments (Regulations)5.
Key Statutory Instruments (Regulations) relevant to CHP installations

include:
x Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
x Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
x Pressure System Safety Regulations 2000
x Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 (may apply to acoustic
enclosures and containerised plant)
x Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
x Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
x Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
5
See www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/statinstruments.htm for a detailed list of the various
statutory instruments enforced by the HSE

Building
x The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
x Work at Height Regulations 2005 and 2007 amendment.
Other relevant legislation includes the Electrical Equipment (Safety)

Regulations 1994, which includes low voltage safety regulations.
However, this cannot be an exclusive list and the latest guidance from
the HSE and Government should be consulted.
Environmental protection
All systems must be designed to minimise the risk of accidentally
introducing harmful or persistent substances ie pollutants, to the
environment, or causing unwanted or excessive noise.
Emissions to air
x CHP plants which burn natural gas and distillate oils produce carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Any sulphur in the
fuel will result in emissions of sulphur dioxide. Flue/exhaust heights
must comply with relevant planning and environmental legislation,
which will depend on the size of plant.
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
x Mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions can be an issue with engine

based CHP systems, and reducing NOx to very low levels can be
detrimental to efficiency so methods of reduction should be
carefully considered and compared to meet both efficiency and
pollution control requirements.
x Local authorities regulate large CHP plants, under the

Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Pollution Prevention &
Control Act 1999.
Emissions to water
x Engine coolant may contain corrosion inhibitors and anti-freeze. It
must only be discharged to the foul drain with prior approval from
the sewerage undertaker. The same applies to heating system
water.
x Fuel oil tanks, including day tanks, must be bunded to prevent

accidental discharge to the environment in the case of overfilling or
leakage. BS 5410 refers.
x Enclosures must be designed to retain any spillage of lubricating oil.

Oil absorbent materials must be available during maintenance
procedures to deal with minor spillages and drips.

Building
Noise
x External noise can originate from CHP equipment, flues, exhausts,
ventilation systems and cooling systems, and may require the
provision of acoustic enclosures. These issues are well understood
by manufacturers and packaged CHP units may be quieter in
operation than co-located boiler plant. Limits to external noise
emissions may be a requirement of planning approval for larger
plant.
x The requirements of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

need to be met.
Building regulations and energy conservation

The use of CHP systems as part of a package of measures can help to
meet the energy performance requirements of the Building Regulations,
and can improve the environmental and energy performance rating of
both non-domestic and domestic buildings. For example, D µJRRG
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
TXDOLW\¶SURSHUO\installed, commissioned and monitored systems can
attract BREEAM credits for areas such as emissions, energy monitoring,
LZC technologies and innovation.
CHP systems for buildings other than dwellings shall adhere to the
recommendations of the DCLG Non-domestic Building Services
Compliance Guide 2013, or latest version thereof as a means of
demonstrating compliance with the Building Regulations.
The impact of CHP on carbon emissions from a building is considered

in the Approved Document for Part L of the Building Regulations 2010
(England and Wales) and the corresponding documents in Scotland,
Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK.
The Non-domestic Building Services Compliance Guide 2013 states

minimum provisions for CHP that will comply with Building Regulation
energy efficiency requirements. These are stated in terms of the
CHPQA QI:
(a) The CHP plant shall achieve a minimum CHPQA Quality Index
(QI) of 105 and a power efficiency greater than 20%, both under
annual operation.
(b) As a minimum, the control system shall ensure that the CHP unit
operates as the lead heat generator.
(c) Metering shall be provided to measure the hours run, the
electricity generated and the fuel supplied to the CHP unit.

Building
It further states that the CHP should be sized to supply no less than
45% of the annual total heating demand (space heating, domestic hot
water heating and process heating) unless there are overriding
practical or economic constraints. In reality, all CHP plant should be
carefully sized according to the projected loads as over or under sizing
is like to have a detrimental effect on economic and carbon emissions
performance.
The Guide also contains a methodology for calculating the annual CO2
emissions from the CHP plant, which can form part of the calculation
of the CO2 emission rate for a new building for the purposes of showing
compliance with building regulations.
Details of the CHPQA standard and self- certification procedures are

available from the CHPQA website. In addition to demonstrating
FRPSOLDQFH ZLWK %XLOGLQJ 5HJXODWLRQV FHUWLILHG ³JRRG TXDOLW\´ &+3
(depending on the nature of the premises) may be subject to Enhanced
Capital Allowances, exemption from Business Rating and exemption
from the Climate Change Levy.
Electrical installation
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Electrical generator: All except the smallest systems are designed to

provide 3-phase power from an alternator, working in conjunction with
the mains supply. Where standby power capabilities are required
(island operation), these should be specified.
CHP equipment shall only be connected to the grid if it meets the

requirements of the relevant electricity codes:
x G83/2 for <16A per phase
x G59/2 for <5 MWe
x G75/1 for >5 MWe or >20 kV.
The latest versions of the codes should be used 6 . There is also

additional information in AM12.
Licensed electricity distribution businesses, or DNOs, are required to

maintain a Distribution Code detailing the technical parameters and
considerations relating to connection to, and use of, their electrical
networks. All DNOs currently operate the same version of the Code
and all modifications to the Code have to be approved by Ofgem7.
6
Further information is available from www.ofgem.gov.uk/licences-codes-and-
standards/codes/electricity-codes
7
Further information on the Distribution Code is available from www.dcode.org.uk

Building
Electrical installation and testing must also meet the requirements of
IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671:2008 (2015 amendments), and Part P
of the Building Regulations where applicable.
Plumbing installation
Installed pipework and fittings must comply with the relevant
provisions of Part G of the Building Regulations and the Water Supply
(Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.
Particular issues of relevance include:

x safe design and installation of unvented hot water systems
x prevention of backflow during connection of heating and
cooling circuits to the mains water supply (filling loops and
pressurisation systems)
x identification of pipework containing fluids other than
wholesome water
x prevention or minimisation of the risk of Legionnaires Disease
in domestic hot water systems.
All pipework shall be identified in accordance with BS 1710 and

BES$ TR/20, as appropriate.

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Building
4 Installation practicalities
4.1 General requirements for installation
The installation shall be installed by a competent contractor and
comply with the latest legislation and in accordance with
other guidance published by the relevant bodies, such as CIBSE,
BES$, BSRIA, IET, IGEM etc.
Mechanical installation
CHP packages do not normally require built-up concrete plinths but the
installer shall consider the point loading on the floor structure, whether
reinforcement is necessary and the potential for transmission of
structure-borne noise.
Larger CHP engine/generators and ancillaries supplied as separate

items may require concrete plinths, access pits and bunded areas as
recommended by the manufacturer.
The CHP plant shall be protected against damage at all times during
loading and off-loading.
The lifting eyes of the engine and generator should not be used to lift
a pre-assembled or package unit, as this will seriously damage the
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
mountings.
Horizontal manoeuvring should be carried out utilising suitable

pipe/rollers or skates positioned underneath the unit base frame.
The installer should FRPSO\ZLWKPDQXIDFWXUHU¶VUHFRPPHQGDWLRQVIRU

clearances between the CHP enclosure or individual equipment and
walls etc, to allow for ease of maintenance. Unless otherwise specified,
the minimum recommended clearances are 1 m on all sides, except in
front of the control panel where 1.5 m is required. A minimum
clearance of 1.5 m should be allowed above an enclosure.
Electrical installation
Power to the CHP package, for the purpose of control and starting,
should be provided through a dedicated circuit with circuit breaker
UDWHGDFFRUGLQJWRWKHPDQXIDFWXUHU¶VUHFRPPHQGDWLRQV

Building
Power from the CHP shall be interfaced to the grid or building
distribution system in accordance with the relevant grid connection
standard. CHP equipment can only be connected to the grid if it meets
the requirements of the relevant electricity codes G59, G83 and G75.
All exposed metal parts of the system including enclosures, equipment

casings, structural supports, tanks and pipework for fuel supply,
coolant and heating circuits must be earth bonded.
Earth continuity must be tested prior to commissioning and a test

certificate issued.
4.2 Ancillary equipment and requirements

Fuel supply, storage and handling
Gas installations must be installed and tested by competent persons in
accordance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations.
The HSE provide further guidance on the regulations and publish an

ACOP L568.
The IGEM publish a number of technical standards applying to gas

safety, distribution, transmission and utilisation. For example, gas
supply pipework and ancillaries must comply with IGE/UP/2 Gas
installation pipework, boosters and compressors on industrial and
commercial premises and IGE/UP/3 Ed 2 Gas fuelled spark ignition and
dual fuel engines9.
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Oil storage shall comply with the Part J Guidance note for the Control
of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 200110. Oil storage
tanks for small scale CHP shall comply with OFTEC T100 or OFTEC T200
for self-bunded plastic or steel storage tanks respectively11. Larger
tanks must be provided with purpose-designed bunding, in accordance
with CIRIA/Environment Agency guidelines.
Ventilation
Ventilation of plant rooms shall be designed to prevent excess build-
up of heat and preclude the possibility of build-up of dangerous natural
gas, oil fumes or exhaust gases. The installer shall comply with
8
This can be downloaded free from www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l56.htm - note a further
update is due November 2013
9
Further information on the technical standards can be found on
www.igem.org.uk/technical-standards/introduction.aspx
10
See also www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/oil/default.aspx
11
See www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/oil/32010.aspx

Building
PDQXIDFWXUHU¶VUHFRPPHQGDWLRQVIRUYHQWLODWLRQRIWKHSODQWURRPRU
other space where the CHP package is installed.
Where the CHP uses the combustion and ventilation air from within a
plant room (which is ventilated naturally), low and high-level
ventilation should be provided by permanent openings in accordance
with BS 5410-1:1997 or BS 5410-2:2013, as appropriate to the size of
installation.
The low-level ventilation should be not less than 0.2 m2 for each 300
kW of combined (CHP plus boiler) installed heating capacity. High-
level ventilation should not have a free area of less than 0.1 m2 for
each 300 kW of combined (CHP plus boiler) installed heating capacity.
The minimum requirement for high-level ventilation is 1200 mm 2.
Current guidance should be checked in case of any changes to these
requirements.
Unless otherwise specified, general ventilation ductwork shall

comply with %(6$ DW/144 - Specification for Steel Metal Ductwork
for low-pressure systems.
Where the CHP plant is not provided with an acoustic enclosure then
the ventilation into and out of the plant room may need to be fitted
with acoustic attenuation.
Combustion air
Combustion air for gas engines is normally taken through integral
filters from the plant room or outside air. Combustion air for large gas
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
turbines is normally taken from the outside air via a dedicated bag
filter plant. The combustion air inlet or louvre should be fitted with a
coarse screen or mesh to prevent ingress of foreign objects.
Ductwork between air filters and inlet manifolds of reciprocating

engines or gas turbines may be subjected to significant
negative pressure. Unless otherwise specified it should comply
with BES$ DW/144 for high-pressure systems.
Exhaust system
The exhaust system of the CHP unit must have a separate flue and
must not be combined with any other plant or engines.
All horizontal exhaust-pipe runs shall be installed with a fall in the

direction of the exhaust gas flow. They shall also incorporate
condensate traps to prevent condensate run back to the engine. Trap
outlets should be piped to a suitable building drain. The exhaust

Building
system should be constructed from good quality stainless steel (304
grade or equivalent) flanged and/or welded.
Where the exhaust system includes a reactive and absorption silencer,

there should be at least 1 m between the silencers. If the second
silencer is to be mounted in a vertical position (only vertical
specification type silencers can be used in this position), the
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
condensate drain connection should be connected to the inlet of this
silencer (bottom). The flexible connection should be fitted adjacent to
the CHP unit and mounted without any static preload in any direction.
Pipework
Installation and testing of pipework should comply with
the requirements of the relevant part of BES$ TR/6 and/or
TR20 Installation and Testing of Pipework Systems.
Heating and domestic hot water pipework should be generally be

insulated for energy conservation. Water pipes passing outside the
occupied space should be insulated for frost protection.
Other hot surfaces including exhaust systems should be insulated

and/or protected against accidental contact.
Water treatment
Water treatment for primary cooling circuits of reciprocating engines
VKDOO FRPSO\ ZLWK PDQXIDFWXUHU¶V UHFRPPHQGDWLRQV LQFOXGLQJ
corrosion inhibitors and antifreeze where appropriate.
Water treatment for low temperature heating systems shall contain

corrosion inhibitors and other protective chemicals as recommended
by a water treatment specialist.
Water treatment for steam generating plant should comply with BS EN

12953-10:2003 - Shell boilers- Requirements for feed water and boiler
water quality.
Plant room safety

Packaged CHP enclosures (other than micro-CHP) should be fitted with
automatic fire detection and suppression systems. Plant rooms with
unpackaged CHP plant shall be fitted with:
x gas leak detection (for gas fired systems)
x oil leak detection (for oil fired systems)

Building
x carbon monoxide detection
x excess heat detection
x fire detection
x fire suppression.
Plant rooms containing packaged CHP may in addition be fitted with

independent fire detection systems and heat activated sprinklers.
All CHP plant rooms shall have fire alarm call points at the exits.
Warning signs must be displayed where noise levels are likely to

exceed 80 dBA.
4.3 Controls, monitoring and metering

CHP controls
Packaged CHP for the dwellings market may be capable of controlling
the overall heating and domestic hot water system. Other packages
will provide an integral controller for primary CHP functions that can
be interfaced to a building management system to control heat
distribution.
Necessary controls for the safe and efficient operation of CHP plant
should include the following:
x engine start up and shut down sequence
x fuel management
x thermal protection of the engine
x thermal protection of the generator
x electrical protection of the generator
x emergency stop.
The installer shall provide the following controls, if not included as part
of the CHP package:
x manual isolation of the CHP power output
x manual isolation of the CHP power input
x enable the ancillary equipment (auto/manual/off)
x enable the CHP unit, interlocked with essential ancillary
equipment (such as cooling pumps, ventilation fans, fuel supply
etc) (auto/manual/off)
x safety circuit linking:

Building
x one or more manual emergency stop buttons
x fire detection and protection system
x gas fuel leak detection or liquid fuel spillage detection
x carbon monoxide detection
x overheat sensors on cooling and exhaust circuits
x electrical interface alarm
x other safety sensors, as specified.
The CHP should also be interfaced to the building fire alarm systems
so that it initiates a controlled safe shutdown sequence in the event of
D³ILUHDODUP´DFWLYDWLRQ
The following operational indicators shall be included in the control

panel provided by the installer, if not included as part of the CHP
package:
x CHP stopped
x CHP running
x CHP failed.
Monitoring
Essential parameters are generally monitored by a microprocessor-
based controller supplied as part of CHP package. For small-scale and
larger CHP systems, these should include:
x coolant temperature
x lubricant temperature
x lubricant pressure
x exhaust gas temperature (individual cylinders for large
reciprocating CHP)
x output voltage
x output current
x output frequency.
Optional monitoring functions should include:

x heat exchanger return temperatures
x heat exchanger flow temperatures
x air filter differential pressure
x oxygen in flue gas

--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Building
x final flue/exhaust gas temperature.
Monitored parameters, including time-stamped alarm messages,

should be accessible via an independent BMS system where required.
Heating system controls

Heating systems for buildings shall be fitted with effective controls to
at least the minimum standard required by Building Regulations and
DCLG building services design guides.
Each heating zone shall be provided with individual time of operation

and space temperature control.
Domestic hot water production shall be provided with time of operation

and temperature control independent of the space heating function.
Control sensors for underfloor heating shall be located within the

heated area.
Controllers for hydronic heating systems shall include provision for

weather compensation.
Metering
All CHP plant shall include metering of fuel consumed, electricity
produced and hours run. The CHPQA require suitable metering and
performance monitoring and produce a standard for metering.
Additional metering may include:

x heat supplied - useful heat output and rejected heat output
x gas supplied.
4.4 Testing and commissioning

The following information is provided for guidance only.
CHP package or system

Testing and commissioning a new CHP plant should be a planned and
documented procedure. Some of the testing may be able to be done
off-site by the manufacturer or supplier. Where this is possible, it is
preferable as then the onsite work can be limited to those items that
cannot be factory tested and the confirmation of offsite tests if required.

Building
CHP packages and integral controls are normally commissioned by
specialist commissioning engineers working on behalf of the
manufacturer or supplier. Components of a bespoke CHP plant should
EHFRPPLVVLRQHGDFFRUGLQJWRWKHUHOHYDQWPDQXIDFWXUHU¶VJXLGDQFH
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
The CHP system should only be operated after establishing design
flows of fluid in the heat distribution, rejection and cooling systems.
Documentation detailing all testing and commissioning is required as

part of handover.
Fuel system
Gas installations must be installed, tested and commissioned by
competent persons in accordance with the Gas Safety (Installation and
Use Regulations).
The HSE provide further guidance on the regulations and publish an

ACOP L5612.
The IGEM publish a number of technical standards applying to gas

safety, distribution, transmission and utilisation13.
Gas supply systems shall be tested and commissioned in accordance

with the relevant IGEM standards where applicable, and the most up
to date ones should be used.
Electrical systems
Electrical systems including earthing should be tested and
commissioned in accordance with IET Wiring Regulations BS
7671:2008 (2011), and the relevant grid connection standard.
Load testing of the CHP generator should be carried out according to

BS ISO 8528-6:2005 Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven
alternating current generating sets, test methods or BS ISO 8528-
8:1995 Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven alternating
current generating sets. Requirements and tests for low-power
generating sets.
12
The latest update must always be referred to
13
http://www.igem.org.uk/technical-standards/introduction.aspx

Building
Heating systems
Heating systems and associated controls for dwellings shall
be commissioned according to BES$ publication DCHI/1 Domestic
Central Heating Installation Specification. For underfloor heating,
use UHDI/1 Underfloor Heating Design and Installation Guide.
Heating systems and controls for buildings other than dwellings shall
be commissioned according to the relevant CIBSE commissioning
codes and BSRIA guides.
Commissioning documentation
A completion certificate listing all commissioning activity and
associated test results shall be provided.
4.5 Handover
Control settings and operating programmes shall be set to achieve
design conditions.
The operation of the system and its control shall be demonstrated,

documented and explained to the client or their representative.
Depending on the plant type, some CHP systems may only be operated
by competent persons. These include but are not limited to systems
incorporating:
x steam boilers
x high voltage electricity generation.
All documentation shall be handed over including:

x basic operating guide for users
x operation and maintenance manuals
x maintenance log book and service schedule
x schedule of installed equipment
x system schematics
x commissioning reports
x health and safety information
x guarantees and warranty certificates
x building regulations compliance certificates
x water regulations compliance certificates
x chemical hazard data sheets.

--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Building
Additional handover items may include spare parts and or special tools
provided by the manufacturer.
4.6 Post-installation audit and lessons learnt

Post-installation audits can be useful to check CHP performance and to
identify any problems and lessons learnt for future installations. This
can obviously include any issues that arose during the installation
process as well as feedback on the CHP performance.
BSRIA guide BG 2/2007 CHP for existing buildings, has further

information on post-installation audits together with some case
studies.
CIBSE AM 12 Combined heat and power for buildings, has a useful

section on lessons learnt including the following points from the
installation and commissioning phases.
Lessons learned14
x Develop detailed control strategy to deliver the optimum economic
and environmental performance.
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
x Is the existing BEMS control to be extended to control the CHP or

will the CHP supplier provide a standalone control system?
x Ensure local authority planning approvals are in place for all aspects
of the project (if necessary write into contract).
x Ensure all service input and output requirements are known and
designed-in.
x Ensure design is robust in all aspects before contract is signed.
x Anticipate any site heating, dhw and steam downtimes and detail
these in the installation programme.
x Agree all demarcation/take-over points in the design phase.
x Supplier/installer to keep the project-timing plan up-to-date

throughout the project.
x Allow enough time for all phases of the commissioning period.
x Ensure major items of equipment have mean time between failures

(mtbf) information.
14
Reproduced with permission from CIBSE AM12 sections 13.7 & 13.8

Building
x Consider impact on power factor of CHP generation.
x Ensure heat rejection circuit has frost protection.
Commissioning
x Agree a commissioning/proving trial scope and programme.
x Establish who pays for fuel used for commissioning and who owns
the electricity generated.
x Ensure metering is calibrated and operational prior to commissioning

and that it complies with CHPQA standards (CHPQA, 2009).
x Consider what load will be available for heating, cooling and

electricity at the time that commissioning is planned and whether a
load bank (for example) is needed.
x Obtain a connection agreement from the DNO and negotiate an

import/export agreement with an electricity supplier (if export is
contemplated). Ensure a Meter Operator (mo) is appointed if
exporting.
x Ensure CHPQA form F1 is completed in good time and nominate the

Responsible Person.
x Complete CHPQA form F3 (forecast of CHP performance) in good

time.
x Apply to Secretary of State for CCL exemption certificate in good

time.
x Submit CCL forms PP10/PP11 to fuel suppliers in good time prior to

commissioning.
x Validate engine power and heat outputs and efficiencies against

supplier performance guarantees.
x Carry out a reliability run over several days.
4.7 Key points checklist

The following key points¶ checklist, whilst not exhaustive, provides a
useful crosscheck of points that should be considered. (Reproduced
from CIBSE AM 12 Combined heat and power in buildings.)
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Building
Pre-installation and construction
x Does the contract fall under CDM Regulations?
x Who is the principal contractor?
x Who is the CDM coordinator?
x Who is responsible for informing the Health and Safety Executive?
x :KRLVUHVSRQVLEOHIRUDUUDQJLQJµ*¶SURWHFWLRQ"
x Is planning permission required?
x Is there a construction plan in place?
x Has a health and safety risk assessment been carried out?
x Has a detailed site survey been completed?
x Has a detailed client review discussion taken place?
Installation
x Has planning approval been obtained prior to commencing on site?
x Is there a construction programme in place?
x Have site inductions taken place?
x Have competent contractors been engaged?
x Do all personnel have the correct qualifications and Construction

Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) cards in place?
x Are Risk Assessments and Method Statements in place prior to

commencing works?
x Have permits been issued to allow works to commence?
x Have regular site progress meetings been arranged?
x Are toolbox talks in place?
Final connections
x Have the tie-in points been identified?
x Have the risks been identified when tying into existing system?
x Is a high voltage (hv) study required prior to connecting to hv?
x Have the tappings on the new hv transformer been set correctly?

--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Building
x Who is taking responsibility once the hv becomes live?
x Does the CHP and ancillary equipment have a fire or gas system?
x How is this going to be connected into the end user system?
Testing, flushing and filling

x Has the local planning inspector accepted the installation?
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
x Has the electrical installation been tested to IET regulations,
witnessed and signed off?
x Has the mechanical installation been pressure tested and witnessed?
x Have water samples been carried out on new and existing system?
x Has flushing been carried out satisfactorily?
x Is dosing required on the water systems?
x Is pipe work exposed to external conditions, is glycol required in

system?
x Has the system been commissioned and witnessed?
x ,VWKHV\VWHPUHDG\WRµJROLYH¶"
µ*ROLYH¶VWDJH
x Has the installation been signed off?
x Has the commissioning been completed?
x ,VWKHUHDSHUPLWWRZRUNLQSODFHWRDOORZµJROLYH¶"
x Has WKHµ*¶WHVWEHHQFRPSOHWHG"
x Who is taking responsibility for the system when operational?
x What period is allowed and required for initial proving of the CHP
controls under actual site demand conditions?
Specialist systems, such as tri-generation, or systems with island mode

operation will require additional checks.

Building
5 Further guidance and help
5.1 Websites
Information on CHP is available from an increasingly wide range of
sources, including CIBSE, BSRIA, DECC, Carbon Trust, IET, the nbs,
the ADE, the Energy Saving Trust and more.
DECC now have a substantial on-line section on CHP including the

initiative CHP Focus, as well as managing the CHPQA scheme.
The Carbon Trust have an online presentation on CHP, including

sections on assessing the site for suitability and installation.
The IET have online information on CHP, and I understand are

considering providing further guidance.
Craig Dennet from the ADE regularly tweets on CHP issues. The ADE
have an online CHP knowledge Centre. The Guardian has a CHP section
and occasional blogs, and a number of manufacturers have good
information resources and blogs on, eg micro-CHP.
5.1.1 Websites and freely downloadable resources

x For micro-CHP, also see www.b-es.org/sustainability/micro-
CHP-guidance/#reading.
x The Carbon Trust has a section on renewable energy

technologies and CHP that includes downloads of informative
resources. Also, CTV044 An Introduction to Combined heat
and power
x DECC
x Good Practice Guide 388 Selecting, installing and operating

CHP in buildings - a guide for building services engineers15
x ADE Guide to Community Heating and CHP
x The Association for Decentralised Energy. A well-established

trade organisation with good resources covering the
15
Downloadable from www.theade.co.uk/combined-heat-and-power-for-
buildings_1095.html

--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Building
underlying principles and application and looking at larger
applications of CHP, with a number of case studies.
x Government website - www.gov.uk
5.1.2 Links
x www.WKHEHVDFRP/sustainability
x Combined Heat and Power in Scotland, Wales, Northern

Ireland and the regions of England in 2011 -
www.theade.co.uk/medialibrary/2013/02/18/121ab10c/6482-
CHP-2011-et-article.pdf
x CHPQA - chpqa.decc.gov.uk/
x Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 -

www.cdm-regulations-uk.co.uk
x CRC - www.gov.uk/crc-energy-efficiency-scheme
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
x Feed-in tariffs - www.gov.uk/feed-in-tariffs
x Health and safety at work - www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/

hswa.htm, www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/37
x IGEM standards - www.igem.org.uk/technical-standards/igem

-standards.aspx
x CE marking - www.gov.uk/ce-marking
5.2 Publications
5.2.1 References to buy or borrow
x CIBSE AM12 Small Scale CHP provides a comprehensive
reference in the design and application of non-domestic
micro-CHP
x BSRIA BG 2/2007 CHP for existing buildings: Guidance on

design and installation looks at how larger CHP can be usefully
integrated into systems.

Building
6 References and bibliography
(Note: In a rapidly changing market, there will be new publications and updates
therefore this list cannot be taken as fully comprehensive)
BES$ publications
x TR/6 Guide to Good Practice - Site pressure testing of pipework
x TR/11 Guide to the Use of Plastic Pipework
x TR/20 Installation and testing of pipework systems - multi-parts
x DCHI/1 Domestic Central Heating Installation Specification
x DHDG/1 Domestic Heating Design Guide
x UHDI/1 Underfloor Heating Design and Installation Guide
x RAC/80 Guide to Good Practice - Unit air conditioning, including heat

pumps
x DW/144 Specification for Sheet Metal Ductwork - low, medium and

high pressure/velocity air systems
x DW/154 Specification for Plastics Ductwork
BSRIA publications
x BG 29/2012 Pre-commission cleaning of pipework systems
x AG 16/2002 Variable-flow water systems: Design, installation and

commissioning guidance
x BG 2/2010 Commissioning Water Systems
x BG 49/2013 Commissioning Air Systems
x BG 2/2007 Teekaram A, Palmer A and Parker J CHP for existing

buildings. Guidance for design and installation
CIBSE publications
x CIBSE Commissioning Code A: Air Distribution Systems
x CIBSE Commissioning Code B: Boilers
x CIBSE Commissioning Code C: Automatic Controls

--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Building
x CIBSE Commissioning Code W: Water Distribution Systems
x CIBSE AM12 2012: Combined heat and power for buildings
x CIBSE KS09 Commissioning Variable Flow Pipework Systems
x ADE/CIBSE Heat Networks: Code of Practice for the UK. Spring 2015
Other
x Carbon Trust (2011) Micro CHP (Combined Heat and Power)
Accelerator - Final report CTC788 (Carbon Trust)16
(London: Department of Energy and Climate Change)

x CHPQA (2009) CHPQA Standard: Quality Assurance for Combined
Heat and Power Issue 317
(London: Department of Energy and Climate Change)

x CHPQA (2012) CHPQA Guidance notes (website)
(London: Energy Network Association)

x ENA (2011a) Distributed Generation Connection Guide: A Guide for
connecting generation that falls under G59/2 to the distribution
network version 3.2 June 201118
x ENA (2011b) Distributed Generation Connection Guide: A Guide for

connecting generation that falls under G83/1 (Stages 1 and 2) to
the distribution network version 3.2 June 201119
x Euroheat (2008) Guidelines for District Heating Substations

(Brussels, Belgium: Euroheat & Power)20
x IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671:2008(2015 amendments)
(International Energy Agency)

x IEA (2011) District Heating and Cooling (website) IEA Annex X
16
Available at www.carbontrust.com/resources/reports/technology/micro-CHP-accelerator
17
Available at chpqa.decc.gov.uk/chpqa-documents
18
Available at hwww.energynetworks.org/electricity/engineering/distributed-generation
19
Available at www.energynetworks.org/electricity/engineering/distributed-generation
20
Available at www.euroheat.org/Technical-guidelines-28.aspx (accessed May 2012)

Building
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,`

IGEM
x The Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers
x publish a number of technical standards applying to gas safety,

distribution, transmission and utilisation21
(Kegworth: Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers)

x IGEM (undated) Gas fuelled spark ignition and dual fuel engines
IGEM/UP/3 Edition 2
x IGEM (2005a) Soundness testing and purging of industrial and

commercial gas installations IGEM/UP/1 Edition 2
x IGEM (2005b) Gas installation pipework, boosters and compressors

on industrial and commercial premises IGEM/UP/2 Edition 2
x IGEM (2009a) Commissioning of gas fired plant on industrial and

commercial premises IGEM/UP/4 Edition 3
x IGEM (2009b) Application of compressors to natural gas fuel

systems IGEM/ UP/6 Edition 2
x IGEM (2004) Application of natural gas and fuel oil systems to gas
turbines and supplementary and auxiliary-fired burners IGEM/UP/9
Edition 2
x IGE/UP/1 Ed 2 Strength and tightness testing and direct purging of

industrial and commercial gas installations
x IGE/UP/1A Ed 2 Strength and tightness testing and direct purging of

small low pressure industrial and commercial Natural Gas
installations
x IGE/UP/1B Ed 2 Tightness testing and direct purging of small Natural

Gas installations
x IGE/UP/2 Gas installation pipework, boosters and compressors on

industrial and commercial premises
x IGE/UP/3 Ed 2 Gas fuelled spark ignition and dual fuel engines
x IGE/UP/4 Ed 2 Commissioning of gas fired plant on industrial and

commercial premises
x IGE/UP/9 Ed 2 Application of Natural gas and fuel oil systems to gas

turbines and supplementary and auxiliary fired burners
21
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
www.igem.org.uk/technical-standards/introduction.aspx and the most up-to-date ones

should always be used

Building
Legislation and compliance
x Relevant section of the Building Regulations such as Parts G, L, P,
etc
(London: Department for Communities and Local Government)
x DCLG (2010) Approved Document L: Conservation of fuel and power
(4 parts) Building Regulations Part L Approved Documents
x Non-domestic Building Services Compliance Guide 2013, or latest
version thereof as a means of demonstrating compliance with the
Building Regulations
(London: The Stationery Office)
x Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (SI 1989/635
x The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (SI
1998/2451)
x Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (SI
2007/320)
x Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/1643)
x Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
x Environmental Protection Act 1990
x Pollution Prevention & Control Act 1999
x Climate Change Act 2008
--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
x Electricity codes: G83/2, G59/2, G75/122
Health & Safety regulations

All installation work must be carried out with due regard to the relevant
provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act and subsidiary
statutory Instruments (Regulations).23
Key Statutory Instruments (Regulations) relevant to CHP installations
include the:
x Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
x Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
x Pressure System Safety Regulations 2000
22
The latest versions of the codes should be used - further information is available from
www.ofgem.gov.uk/licences-codes-and-standards/codes/electricity-codes
23
See www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/statinstruments.htm for a detailed list of the various
statutory instruments enforced by the HSE

Building
x Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 (may apply to acoustic
enclosures and containerised plant)
x Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
x Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
x Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007
x The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
x Work at Height Regulations 2005 and 2007 amendment
x Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, which includes
low voltage safety regulations.
However, this cannot be an exclusive list and the latest guidance from
the HSE and Government should be consulted.
Other British standards

x BS 1710: 2014 Specification for identification of pipelines and
services
x BS 5410 Part 2: 2013 Code of practice for oil firing. Installations of
45 kW and above output capacity for space heating, hot water and
steam supply services
x BS 7671 2008 (2011) Requirements for electrical installations.
IEE Wiring Regulations
x BS EN 12953-10:2003 Shell boilers. Requirements for feed water
and boiler water quality
x BS ISO 8528-4:2005 Reciprocating internal combustion engine
driven alternating current generating sets. Control gear and
switchgear
x BS ISO 8528-6:2005 Reciprocating internal combustion engine
driven alternating current generating sets. Test methods
x BS 7698-8:1996, ISO 8528-8:1995 Reciprocating internal
combustion engine driven alternating current generating sets.
Requirements and tests for low-power generating sets

Building
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--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

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--`,`,`,,``,,`,,``,````,,```,,,,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
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BESA TR 37 - Technical Report 37 Guide To Good Practice - Installation of Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

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BESA TR 37 - Technical Report 37 Guide To Good Practice - Installation of Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

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Building Engineering Services Association

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1.2 Why it matters for contractors .............................................................................................. 12

2 Understanding CHP ...............................................................................................................15

2.2 Benefits of using CHP, and disadvantages ....................................................................... 19

2.6 Case studies ................................................................................................................................. 25

3 CHP and the project ..............................................................................................................27

INSTALLATION OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

4 Installation practicalities ..................................................................................................40

INSTALLATION OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

4.6 Post-installation audit and lessons learnt ......................................................................... 49

5 Further guidance and help ...............................................................................................53

6 References and bibliography ..........................................................................................55

INSTALLATION OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

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ACOP Approved code of practice

INSTALLATION OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

Copyright Building Engineering Services Association

It will help to give you an understanding of the technology and factors

Read this to find out:

INSTALLATION OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

registered under CHPQA. This increased the total UK CHP schemes to

How CHP helps

CHP is widely used

INSTALLATION OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

CHP is becoming increasingly widespread in the UK, with around 2,000

It is a misconception to think CHP can only be used for large projects,

INSTALLATION OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

These include issues such as:

It is essential to clarify the division of responsibilities for the design,

1.3 Application of this guidance

INSTALLATION OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

It has been produced to assist professional building services engineers

This guidance covers the installation of:

This guidance relates to construction practice and projects in the UK

1.3.1 Standard of workmanship

For large buildings and those with unusual or special

1.3.2 Quality assurance

INSTALLATION OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

INSTALLATION OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

This compares very favourably with conventional power generation,

The CHP systems described in this document incorporate an engine (or

turbine) connected to an alternator. Combustion of fuel in the engine

INSTALLATION OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

Exhaust Heat loss from

The smallest CHP systems provide an electrical output of less than 1

Category Size range Application

FIGURE 2 CHP system categories

INSTALLATION OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

Ratio of electricity to heat in each case:

An engine based CHP plant consists of at least the following elements

HEATING CIRCUITS .,,,.

FIGURE 3 The main elements of a CHP plant

INSTALLATION OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

These are usually natural gas fuelled by very occasionally an

For example, a gas engine CHP unit is shown below in Figure 4.

FIGURE 4 Principal components of a gas-engine CHP unit

INSTALLATION OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

Initial design ǯ (option analysis if