CHP: The benefits of remote monitoring

Remote monitoring of heating and hot water systems may not be a new concept, but we are seeing more intuitive web-based systems being developed every day, which allow customers on or off site, to access their own platform and monitor their system’s performance data via their web browser. Naturally, this brings with it a number of advantages.

Performance analysis

CHP modules are usually sized in relation to their thermal output and should reference the base load of a building. CHP as a technology lends itself to buildings where there is a constant demand for heating and hot water, day and night.

Defining the correct control strategy is often one of the biggest challenges associated with a CHP project. Yes, you always want the CHP module to be the lead source of heating, but working out when a secondary heat source should kick in provides food for thought. For example, boilers kicking into action too soon can create a level of thermal energy which may prompt the CHP to back off, so close monitoring and fine tuning are important for maximising the overall performance of the system – and the associated payback period.

When a CHP module switches off and the heating system’s back-up boilers kick in automatically, staff on site often remain unaware that the module is no longer in operation. The secondary heat source springing into action might mean there is no loss of heat, but no electricity is being generated on site during that period, affecting the payback period of the module. A key benefit of remote monitoring is that all parties can be notified via text message or email immediately if a CHP module stops working for any reason; enabling them to resolve the issue as promptly as possible. 

Remote monitoring also benefits the supplier or manufacturer of the equipment as the analysis of historical trends can be an extremely effective way to resolve a particular issue. The monitoring system places the onus back on the manufacturer to manage and react to individual requirements as and when they occur, which can often be before staff on site are even aware. 

Maximising service levels

As CHP becomes a more familiar technology in the UK and the benefits of large systems are realised, guaranteed availability contracts are set to become more common. This means that many service level agreements are stipulating that a given site’s CHP module must run for a guaranteed period per year – often given as a percentage of their desired number of running hours.  

With this growing pressure on manufacturers to ensure their CHP module runs seamlessly day-in, day-out, the ability to monitor its performance remotely can strengthen the ability to proactively maintain the appliance. Remote monitoring allows the manufacturer to view how many hours the appliance has run for and when the next service is due, and to keep an eye on any performance shortfalls, so the CHP module can be repaired proactively rather than in response to a breakdown. 

It is also possible for automatic restarts to be actioned remotely under certain fault conditions, without sending an engineer to site, and maintenance staff responsible for a daily check of the CHP system, can do so from their own desk. 

It is exciting to see just how intuitive monitoring systems will become, but one thing which is already coming to the fore is the inclusion of remote monitoring within the service concepts of the future. Once on-site operatives have been educated on the benefits of working with a manufacturer able to offer remote monitoring and the transparency that comes with it, the concept will soon become a must-have addition to the modern plant room.