The project

In 2017, Coventry University entered into a £30 million deal with international engineering services provider FEV. This was to build a clean transport laboratory, aimed at spearheading research into advanced powertrain development, electrification in particular. Now well underway, it involves a new low-carbon energy centre adjacent to the existing cluster of R&D facilities on the university’s technology park. This £15.5 million project includes four testing cells for electric, hybrid, alternative-fuel and conventional propulsion systems, plus general workshops, offices and car parking. Jaguar Land Rover, the UK’s largest automotive manufacturer and employer, is one of six project partners. The main contractor is Willmott Dixon.

Our design 

Contracted to take part in the project by engineers NG Bailey, A1 Flue Systems manufactured and fitted bespoke flue systems for two condensing gas boilers and a further two heat and power cogeneration units. The boiler flue was designed in such a way that a third boiler could be connected at a later date. Connection was to a pair of 350 mm diameter condensing boilers, each rising into a main 800 mm diameter header system, running horizontally through a wall to an external elbow and then to a 90-degree base tee and drain. The CHP connections were to 175 mm and 250 mm diameter units respectively, both exiting through a wall to an external elbow, then to a base tee and drain. A1 provided technical advice throughout to ensure that everything was in keeping with the objectives of this cutting-edge energy centre.

Comments

“It seems that our clients had a very demanding customer of their own. Everything had to be just right for them every time, without fail. There’s nothing unusual about that, but my colleagues offered them assurances from the start. Since then, NG Bailey’s contract manager has indicated that they’ve been delighted with the way in which we carried out our work, just as we said would be the case. So, we can chalk up another happy client. That’s how we grow our business.” Tim Garrison, Area Sales Manager, A1 Flue Systems

Facts at a glance

Client name: NG Bailey Group

Location: Coventry

Project value: £27,000

Time to complete: 4 weeks