Heaton Traction Maintenance Depot looked towards reasons for the large increase in gas consumption within the depot. After further investigation the installation of the ventilation system strongly correlated to the increase in gas consumption as it conflicted the heating system. As a result, methods to optimise the ventilation and heating system were proposed, this included ventilation diffuser modifications and Upgrading heating controls
Heaton train depot houses trains for servicing and maintenance and is operational for 24 hours over the entire year. The depot faced a large sudden increase in gas consumption and tasked Q sustain to identify reasons for the abrupt increase and recommend methods to manage the increase.
After a thorough review, the ventilation system was concluded to be the main issue as it stemmed from the lack of integration between the new ventilation and existing heating systems. When diesel exhaust emissions are high, the ventilation system mechanically supplies cold fresh air into the shed which decreases the internal temperatures causing the radiant heaters to operate intensively for longer periods of time in an attempt to heat up the space below.
A variety of recommendations were proposed to combat the challenge including, modifying the ventilation control system to include automated status monitoring alarms to prevent fans remaining operational during unoccupied periods or when air quality is well within safe limits.
Installing a heater battery and diffusers in the main supply duct to temper incoming fresh air, mitigates the issue of cold air in winter periods being blown onto operational areas and heating sensors below. This prevents the internal area from being cooled and the heaters working extensively to heat up areas below.
By upgrading to a single BMS controller and creating interlocks, a BMS system can be installed to the new controller for the ventilation system allowing integration between the heating and ventilation system. This allows for the heating system to either be deactivated or have the temperature set point decreased when the ventilation system is active to further help in reducing gas consumption and excessive heating.
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