In collaboration with East Sussex County Council, Whitehall School embarked on an energy-saving initiative by integrating Dynamic Burner Management Units (DBMUs) into their heating system. This case study details the successful implementation of DBMUs on the school’s Optima gas boilers, highlighting the significant energy savings achieved and the effectiveness of the technology in reducing fuel consumption.
Whitehall School was introduced to the DBMU technology during a monthly meeting hosted by East Sussex County Council, where energy-saving approaches were discussed. The DBMU had already proven its effectiveness across the council’s estate, with over 250 installations in various buildings, including town halls, day centres, and care homes. Impressed by the technology’s track record and the potential for a 15% reduction in fuel consumption, the school decided to purchase and install four DBMUs on their newly installed Optima gas boilers.
The council provided funding for this investment through Salix Finance, a scheme designed to support energy efficiency projects.
A vital feature of the DBMU is its ability to generate a detailed Savings Report, which assesses the unit’s performance and quantifies the energy savings achieved. At Whitehall School, these reports were generated within a month of installation, confirming the effectiveness of the DBMUs in reducing energy consumption.
In addition to the DBMU’s Savings Reports, the council independently analysed the school’s gas usage by comparing monthly meter readings taken before and after the DBMU installation. This analysis accounted for external factors, such as outside air temperature, using degree-day analysis to adjust for temperature variations.
The results, as shown in Table 1 of the report, indicate a consistent reduction in gas consumption across several months following the DBMU installation. For example, in January, there was a 28.1% reduction in energy usage compared to the previous year, highlighting the significant impact of the DBMUs.
However, there were some anomalies, such as in February, when gas savings were not observed due to the DBMU being switched off for maintenance and not being turned back on. Despite this, the overall average savings across the year were substantial, with the council’s analysis confirming a typical savings rate of around 15.3%, consistent with the initial expectations.
Implementing DBMUs at Whitehall School resulted in notable energy savings, directly translating into cost reductions and a lower carbon footprint. Although specific financial figures are not provided in the case study, the percentage reductions in gas consumption demonstrate the significant economic benefits and environmental impact of the DBMU technology.
Integrating Dynamic Burner Management Units at Whitehall School reduced the school’s energy consumption, proving an effective and reliable method for enhancing boiler efficiency. This case study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and maintenance to maximise the benefits of energy-saving technologies. It reinforces the value of DBMUs as a tool for achieving significant long-term savings in educational settings.
Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Our energy efficiency specialist will explain how the Optiburner DBMU works and create a customised burner management plan for your business. This plan ensures your ROI, maximises energy savings, and minimises carbon emissions. We also offer complete maintenance of the Boiler Optimisers as part of the package for complete peace of mind.
During the site visit, our BRE-certified engineers will comprehensively assess the compatibility of your boiler and heating systems. This thorough process is crucial to designing the optimal boiler optimisation setup, maximising energy savings, reducing fuel consumption, and guaranteeing payback within two years. We will then schedule an installation date that works best for your business.
Our BRE-certified engineers will install the Optiburner units in your boiler room and ensure everything complies with current health and safety regulations. The DBMU software will be updated and fine-tuned for your boiler type to ensure maximum performance and energy savings. The installation process is quick, minimally disruptive, and guarantees the safety and efficiency of your operations.
After installation and testing, our engineers will recommend supply and fit options, including retrofit installation and valve insulation. You will receive quick training on operating the Optiburner units and using the remote download feature to monitor and report energy savings easily. Expect to save 15% or more on energy bills over a year, with results in the downloadable Savings Report directly from the DBMU unit.
