Third MWM gas engine to power University of York

The MWM TCG 3020 V20 gas engine generates power for the University of York. The container design visualizes the operation of CHP plants. (Photo: Edina)

The University of York in England has received a MWM TCG 3020 V20 gas engine within an acoustically attenuated container cogeneration plant that will supplement two existing combined heat and power plant (CHP) plants on the campus. Together, the three CHP plants – all installed by Edina, MWM’s UK and Ireland distributor – will deliver a total output of 5.4 MW_el to supply the campus and surrounding buildings with energy.

The existing CHP plants utilize two MWM TCG 2020 V16 gas engines and have been generating power since 2020, with each delivering an output of 1.56 MW_el. The new CHP plant has an output of 2.3 MW_el and is set to go live at the end of 2022. The plants are backed by an 850 kW_el biomass boiler, which delivers about 7 million kW/h of heat energy and can be operated with wood chips and pellets.

The TCG 3020 V20 engine has a rated output of 1380 to 2300 kW_el and is suitable for various application scenarios and gas types, such as natural gas, biogas, APG and propane gas. In this application, all three engines are fueled by natural gas.

In addition to increasing the energy efficiency of the University of York, the new CHP plant makes the energy supply on site even more sustainable. A special feature of the plant is the design of the container encasing the TCG 3020 V20 gas engine.

“This project is unique in the way we created bespoke artwork around three sides of the container perimeter to visualize the internal components and workings of the CHP plant,” Adam Bloom, head of sales, Edina, explained. “This requirement forms part of an expansive learning initiative designed to engage the university students and staff on the energy efficient technologies powering their campus and facilities whilst educating the university’s engineers of tomorrow.”

Edina will handle the long-term supervision of the new CHP plant to ensure smooth operation and energy availability.