Hess Microgen Successfully Pilots Cogeneration System at Raley
CARSON CITY, Nev. and FAIRFIELD, Calif.- Carson City, Nev.-based Hess Microgen says it has successfully completed a pilot project of an onsite cogeneration system at a Raley's Supermarket in Fairfield, Calif.
The system and commercial offering represent a first for grocery stores that have typically not been able to benefit from distributed cogeneration systems.
The store will save a minimum of $50,000 per year in energy costs, according to Ed Estberg, senior director of facilities for Raley's. "Grocery stores operate on thin margins, so gaining cost savings at this level for a single store is truly remarkable. The Hess Microgen system and commercial offering represent an unprecedented opportunity for grocers to offset rising energy bills," according to Estberg.
Consisting of two 200 kW synchronous cogeneration packages and a 110 ton absorption chiller, the Hess reciprocating engine-based system is expected to provide 85 percent of the facility's electrical requirements, significantly offset existing refrigeration equipment load, and provide domestic hot water and space heating. Hess Microgen's innovative approach also uses hot water produced by the system to drive an absorption chiller, producing chilled water for the condensing line, effectively eliminating the need for the condenser while reducing compressor load and increasing refrigeration equipment life.
The system, designed to blend in with the store and allow for uninterrupted store operation, is elevated on a platform ten feet from the ground at the back of the store. The design helped circumvent the space constraints and logistical problems that would have occurred with a rooftop or ground level installation.
The natural gas-fueled system meets the most stringent environmental standards in the US. Using a three-way catalytic converter, the system easily meets the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's air quality standards required in Fairfield, Calif. Additionally, residential area sound standards for the City of Fairfield are met using premium sound-attenuated cabinets and an enclosure around the entire system.
The system and commercial offering represent a first for grocery stores that have typically not been able to benefit from distributed cogeneration systems.
The store will save a minimum of $50,000 per year in energy costs, according to Ed Estberg, senior director of facilities for Raley's. "Grocery stores operate on thin margins, so gaining cost savings at this level for a single store is truly remarkable. The Hess Microgen system and commercial offering represent an unprecedented opportunity for grocers to offset rising energy bills," according to Estberg.
Consisting of two 200 kW synchronous cogeneration packages and a 110 ton absorption chiller, the Hess reciprocating engine-based system is expected to provide 85 percent of the facility's electrical requirements, significantly offset existing refrigeration equipment load, and provide domestic hot water and space heating. Hess Microgen's innovative approach also uses hot water produced by the system to drive an absorption chiller, producing chilled water for the condensing line, effectively eliminating the need for the condenser while reducing compressor load and increasing refrigeration equipment life.
The system, designed to blend in with the store and allow for uninterrupted store operation, is elevated on a platform ten feet from the ground at the back of the store. The design helped circumvent the space constraints and logistical problems that would have occurred with a rooftop or ground level installation.
The natural gas-fueled system meets the most stringent environmental standards in the US. Using a three-way catalytic converter, the system easily meets the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's air quality standards required in Fairfield, Calif. Additionally, residential area sound standards for the City of Fairfield are met using premium sound-attenuated cabinets and an enclosure around the entire system.