Heaton Traction Maintenance Depot Energy Efficiency and Carbon Neutrality Study

Heaton
Northern Railways approached us with one of their big assets – Train Maintenance Depot at Heaton, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. The objective was to identify the energy consumption hotspots and advise them on how there can be enormous Energy Savings at this Depot along with exploring the Renewable Technologies that would help them in their journey towards carbon neutrality.

challenge

We follow an approach which consists of our very own methodology following the Energy Hierarchy. This involves analysing energy consumption from all systems and equipment installed in the asset. Followed by recommendation on bespoke energy efficiency improvements and viable low carbon technology solutions on/closer to the site.

The depot has the dimension of about 260X44 square meter area and an average height of 2 m. Along with the huge size of the depot it has a large quantity of energy assets for lighting, heating, ventilation, and controls.

It was thus important to understand the energy consumption trend at first. Then, make suggestions based on the energy efficiency improvement. The Depot also has amenities block and office space providing facilities. This was also included in the study. It has its own system of lighting, heating and ventilation. Thus, the challenge of this report was to understand all the complex systems in place and recommend solutions to the client that would reduce the carbon footprint of this huge asset while maintaining a viable business case.

solution

Following detailed site surveys, energy data is analysed to determine site energy behaviour trends and carbon baselines.

As this is a maintenance and servicing depot, the heating and ventilation system is complex and designed to utilise minimum energy with the use of radiant heating and fume extraction systems.

After understanding the current system, different suppliers are contacted to ensure updated products with improved efficiency are compared with the current installed ones and the most suitable products are considered further. Control measures are inspected in detail for every system.

The geographical aspects of the location are analysed to develop a suitable low carbon technology solution to suffice the demands of the asset. This includes the solar potential, wind potential, and others.

The carbon emission savings, the whole life carbon as well as the pay back period are calculated to ensure the financial case is made enabling its implementation.