LVI-Dahl
Electricity and heat from a biogas engine
Biogas fuels combined heat and power
LVI-Dahl’s Helsinki-Hermanni service point uses a hybrid energy system. A biogas engine produces electricity and heat as an alternative to district heating and purchased electricity.
“Previously, the whole property used direct electric heating, but we wanted to test this solution. Biogas was the clear choice, selected for environmental reasons.”
Tuomas Pussinen, Technical Specialist and HVAC Sales Representative, LVI-Dahl
The choice of biogas was also guided by the operating principles of LVI-Dahl and its parent group Saint-Gobain. The company considers responsible environmental management a way to improve quality and reduce costs.
Putting heat to use
The EC Power micro-CHP system combines a boiler and a small power plant. Its power source is an automotive engine.
The system produces 20 kW of electrical power and 40 kW of thermal power from gas, including for space heating and domestic hot water.
Electricity from the gas engine powers the heat pump, shop lighting and ventilation. The heat pump allows further use of the heat.
The system uses a Toyota engine. The equipment has sound insulation and its own fire compartmentation.
Recovering energy within the property
Gas also heats the tall retail space. Spiral fans in gas radiant heaters eight metres above the floor distribute warm air throughout the space.
The property also recovers heat from wastewater for use in heating.