Innovative Renewables Scheme at Swansea University's Bay Campus
Project Overview:
- Project Name: Innovative Renewables Scheme at Swansea University’s Bay Campus
- Date: 14 February 2022 – December 2022
- Companies Involved: Raven Delta Group, EFT Consult, RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services
- Location: Swansea University’s Bay Campus, UK
- Project Partners: Active Building Centre (ABC), Swansea University, SPECIFIC Innovation and Knowledge Centre
Introduction: Raven Delta Group, in collaboration with its sister companies EFT Consult and RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services, proudly presents its contribution to an innovative and ground-breaking renewables project at Swansea University’s Bay Campus. This project marks a significant step forward in the UK’s sustainable energy landscape, showcasing integrated energy-saving technologies and providing a model for large-scale energy management.
Project Scope and Technologies: The project’s core objective is to implement a comprehensive suite of integrated sustainable technologies. EFT Consult and RDM worked in tandem to design and execute the cutting-edge features of this initiative. The key components include:
- Commercial rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) scheme
- Carport solar PV scheme
- Battery energy storage system (BESS)
- Electric vehicle (EV) chargers
- Bespoke control system (Schneider Microgrid Controller)
Innovative Energy Distribution: A defining feature of the project is the utilization of the Schneider Microgrid Controller to intelligently distribute PV-generated power. This advanced control system manages the flow of energy between the BESS, EV chargers, and the adjacent School of Management building. The microgrid controller assesses real-time energy needs and diverts energy to where it is most required, optimizing energy consumption across the site.
Energy Generation and Storage: The University’s Y Twyni building, centrally located on the Bay Campus, hosts a 135kWp solar PV system covering 540m2 of roof space. Complementing this, a 6kWp system is installed above a specially designed carport, catering to up to five vehicles. The energy generated is stored in a standalone bespoke ISO container adjacent to the Y Twyni building, featuring 216kWh of battery storage.
Sustainability and Impact: The renewables scheme demonstrates how a large site like Swansea University’s Bay Campus can effectively manage its grid impact by storing energy generated from renewable sources. The project promotes drawing power from the grid during cost-effective and environmentally friendly periods while releasing stored energy to power buildings and the university’s EV fleet during peak grid demand.
Civil and Structural Elements: As part of the project, Raven Delta Group was responsible for the design and construction of various civil and structural elements. These included the construction of a new steel carport with associated parking bays, a safety handrail system on the Y Twyni building’s roof, external steel roof access, earthworks, foundations, and landscaping.
Anticipated Impact and Future Prospects: The Innovative Renewables Scheme is poised to significantly enhance the sustainability of Swansea University’s buildings, reducing reliance on fossil fuel energy sources. This project is poised to set a standard for the utilization of renewable technologies across the UK, providing an inspiring example for future developments.
This visionary collaboration between Raven Delta Group, EFT Consult, and RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services showcases the potential of integrated renewable technologies to drive sustainability and energy efficiency in large-scale settings. The Innovative Renewables Scheme at Swansea University’s Bay Campus serves as a beacon of innovation and a blueprint for a greener energy future.
To find out more about the scheme, view the Leading the Charge video by clicking here.
