Energy and the Environment
It has been estimated that 60% of the world’s CO2 is produced by boilers of one type or another. This gives the boiler industry a golden opportunity to make a significant contribution to address climate change.
Byworth are leading the way in the UK with a philosophy of continual product development to achieve the highest operating efficiency. A dedicated R&D team, in conjunction with Leeds University, have developed the Yorkshireman2 and Dalesman ranges which incorporate unique X-ID firetube, which has proven to dramatically increase boiler efficiency. These boiler ranges are now the first choice for many Specifiers and Consultants and have set a new industry standard. R&D work is continuing with new product launches planned in the near future.
Lifetime Costs
When evaluating a boiler project, it is easy to get transfixed by the capital cost. However as a boiler will consume its worth in fuel in a matter of a few months, the focus is better advised to be on running costs.
Example A
Company A operate a 10 tonne/hour boiler on gas at the equivalent of MCR for 7 hours per day, 5 days per week.
Their existing old boiler operates at 80% efficiency, based on nett calorific values.
A new Byworth Yorkshireman2 boiler is installed and operates, on their site, at 92.5% efficiency, based on nett calorific values.
If gas prices were to remain at 3p per kWhr Company A would save £40,000 per year, every year. As gas prices increase, savings likewise will increase.
Payback for the whole project is around 2 years, and the boiler will continue to give savings of £40,000 plus per year for the expected lifespan of 25 years.
Example B Company B also operate a 10 tonne/hour boiler on gas at the equivalent of MCR for 7 hours per day, 5 days per week, and their existing old boiler operates at 80% efficiency, based on nett calorific values.
The decision makers at Company B consider purchasing new boilers from various manufacturers. They could buy a Byworth Yorkshireman2 boiler which will operate at 92.5% efficiency, or they could save a whopping 10% of the purchase price by choosing another make of boiler which operates at 90% efficiency. They take the latter option which they evaluate is the most cost effective.
Based on gas prices remaining at 3p per kWhr, Company B will save £31,000 per year on running costs compared to their old boiler.
Payback for the whole project is again around 2 years, however Company A will thereafter save £9000 per year more than Company B.
Which was the best option?
Savings in Year 1 are almost identical as the savings which Company B made on the purchase price have been added to the fuel savings. In year 2 onwards though, Company A are making over £9000 more savings then Company B
Take a good look at your existing boilers
With gas and oil prices on a constant upward trend, an evaluation of existing boiler plant is highly recommended.
Points to consider:
Is the boiler the correct size for the demand? In particular, oversized boilers will certainly use far more fuel than the correct size boiler.
Is the boiler relatively new and in good condition? Boilers over 15 years old, although probably still safe and reliable, will have compromised efficiency through wear and tear. If water treatment has not been up to standard, efficiency will certainly be even lower.
Is the boiler of the most efficient type and design? For example, vertical steam boilers or steam generators may not be as efficient as horizontal shell boilers.
Is the boiler correctly operated? Routines such as blowing down daily if done incorrectly could lose a great deal of heat from the boiler. Operator training courses are available to ensure correct procedure.
Is fuel usage and efficiency measurable? For sites with heavy fuel usage it would be highly recommended to install metering equipment so that accurate figures can be calculated. Only then could payback be calculated for installing additional energy saving equipment or the feasibility of a boiler replacement project.
Energy Surveys
Byworth engineers carry out specialist energy surveys of boiler plant, and give recommendations on how to reduce both fuel usage and emissions. They can estimate the feasibility of replacing old boilers with new more efficient ones, and also evaluate the effectiveness of the plethora of energy saving devices available today, which may or may not be relevant to your site.
Call the Sales team on 01535 665225 to arrange your survey.