Central Thermal Plant

Total Construction was engaged to design, supply, fabricate and install all mechanical, electrical and hydraulic services required to provide district heating and cooling for 2,100 apartments and 50,000m² of office and commercial space for 11 high rise buildings.

The project involved the construction of a new two level basement plant building known as the Central Thermal Plant (CTP). The purpose of the CTP is to generate hot and chilled water for the Central Park precinct, whilst generating its own electricity with a natural gas fired engine.

Project deliverables included:

• Gas engine generator with heat recovery (cogeneration);
• Cooling energy to the mechanical air conditioning systems serving the various building blocks, through the distribution of chilled water from the Central Thermal Plant;
• Heating energy to the mechanical air conditioning systems serving the various building blocks, by the distribution of heating hot water from the Central Thermal Plant;
• Domestic hot water to the building blocks;
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from the precinct operation compared to that of traditional individual building plants; and
• Energy efficiency objectives as defined for the precinct.

The project won ‘Most Innovative Project 2014’ from NSW Master Builders & ‘Best Cogeneration or District Energy Project 2014’ from Energy Efficiency Council.

Following the enormous success of Stage 1, Frasers awarded Total Construction Stage 2 of the project which included the design, procurement, construction and commissioning of Central Thermal Plant Stage 2:

• Construction within one level of basement underneath building Block 4S and located directly adjacent to the CTP1 basement;
• 11kV grid connection to a private HV substation located in the basement;
• CTP2 electrical distribution to four adjacent buildings to provide electrical demand; and
• Installation of a diesel back-up generator to provide power to essential services and keep the CTP operating at a minimal capacity.

A considerable challenge was the Thermal Energy Storage (TES) tank which contains 500,000L of 80 degrees celcius hot water. A large concrete room acts as a tank and was insulated then lined in-situ. Confined space and safe buildability were a challenge, but the tank is now in operation and very effective. Over 48 hours it loses less than 1 degree celcius to the environment. Great for dealing with the morning shower rush, all from the cogeneration plant overnight.