UCLan Allen Building Tracker
The University of Central Lancashire is a modern university and a leading higher education establishment within the United Kingdom. Having already taken steps to reduce their CO2 consumption they were looking to reduce it further and track their energy consumption on a monthly basis, a requirement as part of the Carbon Trust’s carbon management plan.
Due to the design and layout of the university buildings, Energi were faced with a challenge to find a suitable location that would meet the requirements of UCLAN whilst not encountering shading or interference from nearby buildings, trees and assorted built environment obstacles.
The Energi design team concluded that the best solution was to mount the solar PV modules on tracking stations alongside the Allen Building Dentistry facility, just adjacent to the university’s Harrington car park. This also meant that the solar tracking stations would be highly visible to students and visitors due to the high level of traffic going through this area.
Alongside the obvious visual impact the solar trackers are highly efficient with yields of over 30% above that of fixed PV arrays. With both trackers and the 2 rooftop PV systems installed by Energi for the University having full internet enabled monitoring systems, students are able to compare the performance of all 3 systems under differing conditions.
Energi designed and installed two tracking systems upon 6m high masts , each comprising of 30 Sharp Monocrystalline 180watt solar modules linked to the Campus grid by Fronius IG60HV inverters. Designed to withstand the rigors of many years’ service each PV tracking array weighs over 4 tonnes excluding the 6m high mast upon which they sit.
The power generated from these panels is used within the dentistry facility in the Allen building. There is also a public display mounted upon the mast of the tracking system showing the output from this PV array. This information is also available via the internet to staff, students and stakeholders.
Energi’s fully accredited status enabled a 50% grant towards the cost of the project.
| System Size | 10.8 kWp |
|---|---|
| Modules | 60 x Sharp NU180 |
| Predicted Annual Yield | 10,880 kWh |
| Inverters | Fronius IG60HV |