Summary of the Project
A medium-sized shopping centre located in New South Wales was operating at close to full electrical capacity, this was resolved by designing and installing a solar system.
The project was completed within the projected timeframe with limited disruption to tenants and key stakeholders.
CHALLENGES
HFM were engaged by the owner prior to the redevelopment of the Shopping Centre. Some of the challenges for this project were:
- Due to lightweight roof structure an engineered structural report was required.
- Whole of site electrical shutdown was required, therefore consultation and scheduling with all retail tenants was undertake
- Ausgrid applications are onerous and time consuming as large solar installation require customised connection to the electricity grid.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective was to investigate the mentioned challenges and find the most suitable solution.
APPROACH
A detailed electrical analysis was undertaken by HFM which confirmed electrical capacity concerns.
HFM investigated multiple energy conservation measures including lighting upgrades and mechanical modifications in combination with solar (100kW) which negated the requirement to install costly transformer infrastructure and reduced dependency on the grid.
OUTCOMES
The solar system was installed within the elected project timeframe, while limiting disruption to tenants and maintaining a clear communication with the centre’s management.
As a result of this project, 40% of the shopping centre’s energy consumption is now supplied by the solar system; which is on track to achieve a ROI of 3.8 years.
OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY HFM TO THIS CLIENT
- Project Management Electrical Capacity Upgrade
- Project Management Renewable Energy
- Building Engineering Review.
