As part of the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Regulations, the Victorian Government is providing rebates to companies replacing old steam boilers with newer, gas-efficient boilers.
HRL offers specialist engineering solutions, including independent boiler efficiency testing in accordance with BS845-1 - Assessing thermal performance of boilers for steam, hot water and high temperature heat transfer fluids. This standard of testing is required for compliance with the Victorian government's Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificate (VEEC) program.
VEEC - Independent Efficiency Testing for Gas-Fired Steam Boilers
Challenges
A Melbourne-based manufacturing plant wanted to decommission its ageing 2MW gas-fired steam boiler with 3 new 500kW energy-efficient units. As part of their VEEC application, they were required to undertake an independent boiler thermal efficiency test of the new boilers.
Solutions
HRL was engaged to perform a test in accordance with BS845-1 test standards, and prepare a thermal efficiency test report, as required by the VEU program. HRL mobilised and performed site tests on the new boilers, testing data for:
- Pressure and temperature readings.
- Flue gas composition.
- Combustion temperature.
- Fuel pressure, temperature, and flowrate.
Following this, HRL calculated the efficiency of the new boiler, providing an independent reporting of the new system. This allowed for the creation of VEECs, used to offset the costs of installation.
Results
Following HRL’s assessment, the boiler was determined to have an efficiency above 80%. This is above the required minimum product criteria for VEEC applications of at least 80% efficiency, and so the client was eligible for VEECs of approximately $40,000, helping offset installation costs.
Challenges
A Melbourne-based manufacturing company sought to decommission an old gas-fired steam boiler with a new 3 MW energy efficiency gas-fired steam boiler. As part of the VEEC application, they were required to undergo an independent boiler thermal efficiency test for the new boilers.
Solution
HRL was engaged to perform a test in accordance with BS845-1 test standards, and prepare a thermal efficiency test report, as required by the VEU program. Our engineers mobilised, providing on-site efficiency testing, data verification, and formal reporting of the new system’s performance.
Results
Through HRL’s testing and verification, the boiler was determined to have an efficiency above 85%. This exceeded the 80% minimum efficiency criteria for the VEU and qualified the project for the bonus VEEC rebate tier, as the efficiency was above 85%. The client became eligible for approximately $150,000 in VEECs, covering a significant portion of the installation costs, in addition to reducing long-term operating costs.
