OLD BUILDING, NEW BOILERS: THE FUTURE OF HERITAGE IN AN ERA OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY

(1)

(2)

(3)

LÓPEZ, M.; YÁÑEZ, A.; GOMES DA COSTA, S.; AVELLÀ, L., (Coord.). Actas del Congreso Internacional de Eficiencia Energética y Edificación Histórica / Proceedings of the International Conference on Energy Efficiency and Historic Buildings (Madrid, 29-30 Sep. 2014). Madrid: Fundación de Casas Históricas y Singulares y Fundación Ars Civilis, 2014. ISBN: 978-84-617-3440-5

Edited by

Fundación de Casas Históricas y Singulares Fundación Ars Civilis

Coordinated by

Mónica López Sánchez. Fundación Ars Civilis

Ana Yáñez Vega. Fundación de Casas Históricas y Singulares Sofia Gomes da Costa. Fundación de Casas Históricas y Singulares Lourdes Avellà Delgado. Fundación Ars Civilis

© Copyright

(4)

More contents on http://energyheritage.wordpress.com/

- 5 -

T

a

b

l

e

o

f

c

o

n

t

e

n

t

s

PRESENTACIÓN ... 11

Eficiencia energética y edificación histórica: un reto del presente... 13

-Cristina Gutiérrez-Cortines y Mónica López Sánchez. Fundación Ars Civilis Eficiencia energética y edificación histórica: un reto del futuro ... 14

-Ana Yáñez Vega. Fundación de Casas Históricas y Singulares Committees ... 15

Programme ... 16

-Governance, management, participation and mediation...- 21 -

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ACTION FOR WORLD HERITAGE MANAGEMENT ... 22

-RONCHINI, C.; POLETTO, D. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND URBAN RENEWAL OF A UNESCO-LISTED HISTORICAL CENTER: THE CASE OF PORTO ... 38

-SANTOS, Á.; VALENÇA, P.; SEQUEIRA, J. HISTORICAL HERITAGE: FROM ENERGY CONSUMER TO ENERGY PRODUCER. THE CASE STUDY OF THE ‘ALBERGO DEI POVERI’ OF GENOA, ITALY ... 45

-FRANCO, G.; GUERRINI, M.; CARTESEGNA, M. IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN HISTORIC CORNISH BUILDINGS – GRANT FUNDING, MONITORING AND GUIDANCE ... 61

-RICHARDS, A. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND BUILDINGS WITH HERITAGE VALUES: REFLECTION, CONFLICTS AND SOLUTIONS ... 75

-GIANCOLA, E.; HERAS, M. R. PROPUESTA METODOLÓGICA PARA LA REHABILITACIÓN SOSTENIBLE DEL PATRIMONIO CONTEXTUAL EDIFICADO. EL CASO DEL CENTRO HISTÓRICO DE LA CIUDAD DE MÉRIDA, YUCATÁN / Methodological proposal for the sustainable rehabilitation of context heritage building. The case of the historic downtown of Merida, Yucatan ... 82

(5)

- 6 -

Traditional and technological knowledge: concepts, techniques, practices, uses,

materials, methodologies ...- 99 -

SUSTAINABLE REFURBISHMENT OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS: RISKS, SOLUTIONS AND

BEST PRACTICE ... 100

-HEATH, N.

EFICIENCIA ENERGÉTICA Y VALORES PATRIMONIALES. LECCIONES DE UNA

INVESTIGACIÓN Y UN SEMINARIO / Energy efficiency and heritage values. Lessons of

a Research and a Seminar ... 110

-GONZÁLEZ MORENO-NAVARRO, J. L.

ARCHITECTURAL INTEGRATION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS IN HISTORIC DISTRICTS.

THE CASE STUDY OF SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA ... 118

-LUCCHI, E.; GAREGNANI, G.; MATURI, L.; MOSER, D.

HISTORIC BUILDING ENERGY ASSESSMENT BY MEANS OF SIMULATION TECHNIQUES ... 135

-SOUTULLO, S.; ENRIQUEZ, R.; FERRER, J. A.; HERAS, M. R.

DESIGN OF A CONTROL SYSTEM FOR THE ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN A WALL-HEATED

CHURCH: SANTA MARIA ODIGITRIA IN ROME ... 145

-MANFREDI, C.; FRATERNALI, D.; ALBERICI, A.

EXEMPLARY ENERGETICAL REFURBISHMENT OF THE GERMAN ACADEMY IN ROME

"VILLA MASSIMO" ... 160

-ENDRES, E.; SANTUCCI, D.

SISTEMA MÓVIL INTEGRADO PARA LA REHABILITACIÓN ENERGÉTICA DE EDIFICIOS: LÁSER 3D, TERMOGRAFÍA, FOTOGRAFÍA, SENSORES AMBIENTALES Y BIM / Integrated mobile system for building energy rehabilitation: 3D laser, termography, fotography,

environmental sensors and BIM ... 169

-SÁNCHEZ VILLANUEVA, C.; FILGUEIRA LAGO, A.; ROCA BERNÁRDEZ, D.; ARMESTO GONZÁLEZ, J.; DÍAZ VILARIÑO, L.; LAGÜELA LÓPEZ, S.; RODRÍGUEZ VIJANDA, M.; NÚÑEZ SUÁREZ, J.; MARTÍNEZ GÓMEZ, R.

CONSECUENCIAS CONSTRUCTIVAS Y ENERGÉTICAS DE UNA MALA PRÁCTICA. ARQUITECTURAS DESOLLADAS / Energy and constructive consequences of a bad

practice. Skinned architectures ... 186

-DE LUXÁN GARCÍA -DE DIEGO, M.; GÓMEZ MUÑOZ, G.; BARBERO BARRERA, M.; ROMÁN LÓPEZ, E.

EL BIENESTAR TÉRMICO MÁS ALLÁ DE LAS EXIGENCIAS NORMATIVAS. DOS CASOS. DOS ENFOQUES / Thermal comfort beyond legislation. Two examples. Two

approaches ... 201

-DOTOR, A.; ONECHA, B.; GONZÁLEZ, J. L.

LA MONITORIZACIÓN Y SIMULACIÓN HIGROTÉRMICA COMO HERRAMIENTA PARA LA MEJORA DEL CONFORT, PRESERVACIÓN Y AHORRO ENERGÉTICO DE ESPACIOS

PATRIMONIALES. EL CASO DE LA IGLESIA DE SAN FRANCISCO DE ASIS, MORÓN DE LA FRONTERA / Measurement and hygrothermal simulation model, a tool to enhance thermal comfort, preservation and saving energy of heritage site. Case study: the

church of San Francisco of Asís in Morón de la Frontera ... 210

(6)

- 7 -

TERESE3: HERRAMIENTA INFORMÁTICA PARA LA EFICIENCIA ENERGÉTICA MEDIANTE LA SIMULACIÓN CALIBRADA DE EDIFICIOS / TERESE3_{: informatic tool for the energetic}

efficiency through the calibrated simulation of buildings ... 226

-GRANADA, E.; EGUÍA, P.; MARTÍNEZ, R.; NÚÑEZ, J.; RODRÍGUEZ, M.

EFICIENCIA ENERGÉTICA Y ANÁLISIS TÉRMICO PARA SISTEMAS DE AIRE

CENTRALIZADO: UN CASO DE ESTUDIO / Energy Efficiency and thermal analysis for

centralized air heating systems: a case study ... 238

-MARTÍNEZ-GARRIDO, M. I.; GOMEZ-HERAS, M.; FORT, R.; VARAS-MURIEL, M. J.

ANALISIS ENERGETICO DEL MUSEO DE HISTORIA DE VALENCIA MEDIANTE DISTINTAS HERRAMIENTAS DE SIMULACIÓN / Energy assessment of the History Museum of

Valencia using various simulation tools ... 249

-TORT-AUSINA, I.; VIVANCOS, J.L.; MARTÍNEZ-MOLINA, A.; MENDOZA, C. M.

APROVECHAMIENTO SOLAR PASIVO EN LA RETÍCULA URBANA DE LA CIUDAD HISTÓRICA. EL CASO DE CÁDIZ / Passive solar gains in the urban grid of the historic

city. The case study of Cadiz ... 257

-SÁNCHEZ-MONTAÑÉS, B.; RUBIO-BELLIDO, C.; PULIDO-ARCAS, J. A.

TECHNICAL SYSTEM HISTORY AND HERITAGE: A CASE STUDY OF A THERMAL POWER

STATION IN ITALY ... 275

-PRETELLI, M.; FABBRI, K.

ANALISIS ENERGÉTICO Y PROPUESTAS DE MEJORA DE UNA CASA EN REQUENA MEDIANTE PROGRAMAS DE SIMULACIÓN / Energy analysis and improvement

proposal of a house in Requena (Spain) using simulation software ... 281

-TORT-AUSINA, I.; VIVANCOS, J.L.; MARTÍNEZ-MOLINA, A.; MENDOZA, C. M.

UNA REVISIÓN DE PUBLICACIONES EN EDIFICIOS DESDE EL ASPECTO ENERGÉTICO / A

review of papers in buildings from the energetic perspective ... 292

-TORT-AUSINA, I.; MARTÍNEZ-MOLINA, A.; VIVANCOS, J.L.

MORTEROS MIXTOS DE CAL Y CEMENTO CON CARACTERÍSTICAS TÉRMICAS Y ACÚSTICAS MEJORADAS PARA REHABILITACIÓN / Lime-cement mixture with

improved thermal and acoustic characteristics for rehabilitation ... 303

-PALOMAR, I.; BARLUENGA, G.; PUENTES, J.

NEAR ZERO ENERGY HISTORIC BUILDING. TOOLS AND CRITERIA FOR ECOCOMPATIBLE

AND ECOEFFICIENT CONSERVATION ... 318

-BAIANI, S.

INTEGRANDO RENOVABLES EN LA CIUDAD HEREDADA: GEOTERMIA URBANA /

Integrating renewable in the inherited city: urban geothermal ... 329

-SACRISTÁN DE MIGUEL, M. J.

ANÁLISIS Y PROPUESTAS DE MEJORA DE LA EFICIENCIA ENERGÉTICA DE UN EDIFICIO HISTÓRICO DE CARTAGENA: ANTIGUO PALACIO DEL MARQUÉS DE CASA-TILLY / Analysis and proposals for improving the energy efficiency of a historical building in

Cartagena: the former Palace of the Marquis of CasaTilly ... 344

-COLLADO ESPEJO, P. E.; MAESTRE DE SAN JUAN ESCOLAR, C.

REHABILITACIÓN ENERGÉTICA DE EDIFICIOS DE VIVIENDAS BAJO EL PLAN ESPECIAL DE PROTECCIÓN DEL PATRIMONIO URBANÍSTICO CONSTRUIDO EN DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIÁN / Building energy retrofit of dwellings under the special plan of urban

(7)

- 8 - MARTÍN, A.; MILLÁN, J. A.; HIDALGO, J. M.; IRIBAR, E.

IS TEMPERIERUNG ENERGY EFFICIENT? THE APPLICATION OF AN OLD-NEW HEATING

SYSTEM TO HERITAGE BUILDINGS ... 366

-DEL CURTO, D.; LUCIANI, A.; MANFREDI, C.; VALISI, L.

TERMOGRAFÍA INFRARROJA Y EDIFICIOS HISTÓRICOS ... 380

-MELGOSA, S.

SIMULATION MODEL CALIBRATION IN THE CONTEXT OF REAL USE HISTORIC

BUILDINGS ... 388

-ENRÍQUEZ, R.; JIMÉNEZ, M.J.; HERAS, M.R.

THE THERMOPHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF TECHNICAL ELEMENTS IN THE

HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE: EXPERIENCES IN PALERMO ... 397

-GENOVA, E.; FATTA, G.

ENERGY EVALUATION OF THE HVAC SYSTEM BASED ON SOLAR ENERGY AND

BIOMASS OF THE CEDER RENOVATED BUILDING ... 407

-DÍAZ ANGULO, J. A.; FERRER, J. A.; HERAS, M. H.

Legal and technical regulation and historic buildings ... - 419 -

OLD BUILDING, NEW BOILERS: THE FUTURE OF HERITAGE IN AN ERA OF ENERGY

EFFICIENCY ... 420

-JANS, E.; ICOMOS, M.; KOPIEVSKY, S.; AIRHA, M.

HISTORIC WINDOWS: CONSERVATION OR REPLACEMENT. WHAT'S THE MOST

SUSTAINABLE INTERVENTION? LEGISLATIVE SITUATION, CASE STUDIES AND CURRENT

RESEARCHES ... 432

-PRACCHI, V.; RAT, N.; VERZEROLI, A.

ENERGY RETROFIT OF A HISTORIC BUILDING IN A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE: AN

INTEGRATED COST OPTIMALITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT... 450

-TADEU, S.; RODRIGUES, C.; -TADEU, A.; FREIRE, F.; SIMÕES, N.

PARQUE EDIFICADO O PATRIMONIO EDIFICADO: LA PROTECCIÓN FRENTE A LA INTERVENCIÓN ENERGÉTICA. EL CASO DEL BARRIO DE GROS DE SAN SEBASTIÁN / Built Park or Built Heritage: Protection against energy intervention. The case of Gros

district of San Sebastian ... 464

-URANGA, E. J.; ETXEPARE, L.

SIMULTANEOUS HERITAGE COMFORT INDEX (SHCI): QUICK SCAN AIMED AT THE SIMULTANEOUS INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMFORT EVALUATION FOR PEOPLE AND ARTWORKS IN HERITAGE BUILDINGS ... 478

-LITTI, G.; FABBRI, K.; AUDENAERT, A.; BRAET, J.

PROBLEMÁTICA DE LA POSIBLE CERTIFICACIÓN ENERGÉTICA CON CE3_{X DEL}

PATRIMONIO ARQUITECTÓNICO: EL CASO DEL ALMUDÍN DE VALENCIA / Difficulties found in the possible energy certification of heritage by using the CE3X software: the

case of El Almudín of Valencia ... 495

-CUARTERO-CASAS, E.; TORT-AUSINA, I.; MONFORT-I-SIGNES, J.; OLIVER-FAUBEL, E. I.

PROTOCOL FOR CHARACTERIZING AND OPTIMIZING THE ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN

PUBLIC BUILDINGS: CASE STUDY OF POZUELO DE ALARCÓN MUNICIPALITY ... 506

(8)

- 9 -

Promotion, training, education ... - 513 -

THE WORK OF THE SUSTAINABLE TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS ALLIANCE AND AN

INTRODUCTION TO THE GUIDANCE WHEEL FOR RETROFIT ... 514

-MAY, N.; RYE, C.; GRIFFITHS, N.

TRAINING OF EXPERTS FOR ENERGY RETROFIT AT THE FRAUNHOFER CENTRE FOR THE ENERGY-SAVING RENOVATION OF OLD BUILDINGS AND THE PRESERVATION OF

MONUMENTS AT BENEDIKTBEUERN ... 528

-KILIAN, R.; KRUS, M.

SPECIALIZED ENERGY CONSULTANTS FOR ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE ... 535

-DE BOUW, M.; DUBOIS, S.; HERINCKX, S.; VANHELLEMONT, Y.

RENERPATH: METODOLOGÍA DE REHABILITACIÓN ENERGÉTICA DE EDIFICIOS PATRIMONIALES / RENERPATH: Methodology for Energy Rehabilitation of Heritage

Buildings ... 543

-PERÁN, J. R. ; MARTÍN LERONES, P.; BUJEDO, L. A.; OLMEDO, D.; SAMANIEGO, J.; GAUBO, F.; FRECHOSO, F.; ZALAMA, E.; GÓMEZ-GARCÍA BERMEJO, J.; MARTÍN, D.; FRANCISCO, V.; CUNHA, F.; BAIO, A.; XAVIER, G.; DOMÍNGUEZ, P.; GETINO, R.; SÁNCHEZ, J. C.; PASTOR, E.

LEVANTAMIENTOS ARQUITECTÓNICOS EN EL MEDIO RURAL / Architectural surveys in

rural areas ... 553

-HIDALGO, J.M.; MILLÁN, J. A.; MARTÍN, A.; IRIBAR, E.; FLORES, I.; ZUBILLAGA, I.

(9)

More contents on https://energyheritage.wordpress.com/

- 420 -

O

OL

LD

D

B

UI

U

IL

L

DI

D

IN

NG

G,

,

N

NE

EW

W

BO

B

OI

IL

L

E

RS

R

S:

:

T

TH

HE

E

F

FU

U

T

UR

U

R

E

O

OF

F

H

ER

E

RI

IT

TA

AG

G

E

I

IN

N

A

AN

N

E

ER

RA

A

O

OF

F

EN

E

NE

ER

RG

GY

Y

E

EF

FF

F

IC

I

CI

IE

E

NC

N

C

Y

JANS, E.; ICOMOS, M.; KOPIEVSKY, S.; AIRHA, M.

JANS, E.: Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra, Australia ICOMOS, M.: Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra, Australia KOPIEVSKY, S.: Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra, Australia AIRHA, M.: Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra, Australia

ABSTRACT

Energy efficiency and sustainability is of great relevance to historic buildings and can help both look after our heritage and show how heritage can contribute to wider environmental, social and economic objectives. This paper presents the real-life case study of improving energy efficiency in an iconic public building. The replacement of Old Parliament House’s obsolete heating system substantially improved energy efficiency and by carefully preserving heritage values, the project also enhanced the story of the building itself. Old Parliament House, on the Australian National Heritage List, located in Canberra, within the heart of Australian government is a site that captures the ideas, movements, individuals and events of Australian democracy. As the home to Australia’s federal parliament from 1927 to 1988, the building features a remarkable and historically significant array of engineering heritage. During Canberra’s early years, Old Parliament House was the social, geographic and political heart of the new Australian capital. In its heyday, the building was like a town within the city of Canberra: it had its own library, post office, barber, carpentry workshop, bars and dining room. By the 1980s, thousands of people worked in the building including politicians, parliamentary staff, Hansard reporters, journalists, dining room and bar staff. Since Parliament moved to its new and permanent home, an active and award-winning program to conserve the heritage fabric of the National Heritage Listed building has been undertaken, alongside the launch of dynamic exhibition galleries which explore Australia’s journey to democracy as the Museum of Australian Democracy. In addition to 150, 000 general public, over 75,000 school children visit the building each year, participating in a unique learning program that fuses technology, civics and history to engage young people from around the nation. In 2012 we needed to upgrade the building’s heating system to meet current and future needs. At the same time we recognised that it would be a challenge to minimise the impact on heritage values. In this presentation we outline the Australian Government imperative to meet energy efficiency targets, describe the varied technical, conservation and regulatory challenges of the project and finish with some data that is showing that the innovative solution is already demonstrating energy savings. At the end of the project we emerged with values intact and a heating system that will ensure this heritage site has a sustainable future.

Key words: iconic public building, democracy, museum, significance, Australian Government, sustainable future

1. INTRODUCTION

(10)

- 421 -

We present this paper in the context of a number of current conversations in the heritage and collections sector: sustainability of built heritage, improving energy efficiency in heritage buildings, and environmental standards for the storage and display of cultural collections.

Old Parliament House, on the Australian National Heritage List, located in Canberra, within the heart of Australian government is a site that captures the ideas, movements, individuals and events of Australian democracy. As the home to Australia’s federal parliament from 1927 to 1988, the building was modest and functional, and was filled with natural light from windows, skylights and light wells. With its verandahs and colonnades, and strong horizontal lines, the building was not as some people expected a parliamentary building to be, and it attracted criticism from some architects at the time. The architect, John Smith Murdoch, and the politicians and public servants who supervised and advised him planned a building which would meet the needs of the Commonwealth Parliament for at least fifty years; they largely succeeded even though major changes to the use of parts of the building began within a few years, and within a decade overcrowding had become an issue.

During Canberra’s early years, Old Parliament House (OPH) was the social, geographic and political heart of the new Australian capital. In its heyday, the building was like a town within the city of Canberra: it had its own library, post office, barber, carpentry workshop, bars and dining room. By the 1980s, thousands of people worked in the building including politicians, parliamentary staff, Hansard reporters, journalists, dining room and bar staff. The building proved to be adaptable and always remained hospitable, even though the number of users soared well past what had been predicted and the nature of their work changed in ways that were unimaginable in the1920s. The complex interplay of space and function with consistent and changing uses of spaces at Old Parliament House, mirrors the rich political and parliamentary history of Australia between 1927 and1988. Largely intact and with a well-documented history, Old Parliament House is a unique artefact of Australian twentieth century political heritage.

Today Old Parliament House is the home of the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) which explores the spirit of democracy and the power of individual voices with it. The museum welcomes over 300, 000 users to historic parliamentary chambers, contemporary exhibitions, award-winning learning programs, grand hospitality spaces and unique office accommodation and cares for a nationally significant collection of over 40, 000 objects.

(11)

- 422 -

2. ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) is the

Australian Government’s central piece of environmental legislation. It provides a legal framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage places — defined in the EPBC Act as matters of national environmental significance. Its objectives are to:

• provide for the protection of the environment, especially matters of national environmental significance, including Australia’s world and national heritage places

• conserve Australian biodiversity

• provide a streamlined national environmental assessment and approvals process • enhance the protection and management of important natural and cultural places

• control the international movement of plants and animals (wildlife), wildlife specimens and products made or derived from wildlife

• promote ecologically sustainable development through the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of natural resources

• recognise the role of Indigenous people in the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of Australia's biodiversity

• promote the use of Indigenous peoples' knowledge of biodiversity with the involvement of, and in cooperation with, the owners of the knowledge.

Amendments to the EPBC Act came into effect in 2003, introducing the Commonwealth and National Heritage Lists. The assessment of the heritage values demonstrated that Old Parliament House and Curtilage had met eight of the nine National Heritage List criteria. Old Parliament House and Curtilage had previously been included in the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004 and is a significant feature in the Commonwealth Heritage Listed Parliament House Vista. The Prime Minister stated that: Old Parliament House will always be an important part of our political history with its rich collection of original furniture, art and memorabilia helping to illustrate the story of Australia’s political customs and functions ...it is appropriate that this place of outstanding significance to our nation receives Australia’s most prestigious heritage recognition.

As required under the EPBC Act, a Heritage Management Plan was written and became the central decision making tool for the site. Heritage values were inscribed and a statement of significance written that clearly articulated the place’s worth. The values are a powerful tool based, as they are, in a legislative framework.

3. ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

(12)

- 423 -

4. HISTORY OF HEATING AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE

The heating system at Old Parliament House has seen many changes since the building opened in 1927. Conceptually the type of system remains essentially unchanged, consisting of a low-pressure hot water system. The central heating plant, located in the South Wing boiler room, heats and distributes 80°C water throughout the building to a combination of wall-mounted radiators and air handlers with heating coils, where this heat is emitted to the space. However the type of heating plant that provides this hot water has varied significantly over time:

• Coal-fired boilers (1927-1957) • Oil-fired boilers (1957-1978) • Electric boilers (1978-1994) • Natural-gas boilers (1994-2012)

Image 2: Plan of original coal-fired boiler, c1926 Image 3: Oil-fired boilers, c.1975

(13)

- 424 - Image 6: Original wall-mounted radiator

Prior to the recent upgrade, the heating plant consisted of three 500kW atmospheric-type gas-fired boilers. Each boiler was flued into the common brick chimney, the same chimney once used for the original coal-fired boilers, where the fumes were discharged to outside. The plant was arranged in a primary-secondary configuration, whereby the three boilers and their circulating pumps were on the primary circuit, and the secondary circuit consisted of variable-speed pumps which supplied hot water to heat exchangers out in the building.

The South Wing of Old Parliament House is a historically important section of the building featuring dining and recreational facilities. This wing also houses the essential ancillary services of the building, including the boiler room. Building plans dating to 1926 identify the current location of the boiler room as housing boilers, as well as providing access to chimneys and an area for coal storage.

Image 7: South Wing Old Parliament House

5. HEATING SYSTEM UPGRADE

(14)

- 425 -

MoAD's key objectives from the upgrade were to:

• Improve reliability and redundancy of plant, to minimise risk of failures resulting in loss of conditions to the building.

• Reduce energy consumption. MoAD had the strategic target to reduce the building’s energy consumption by 5% per annum under the Australian Government’s EEGO program.

• Rectify non-compliances with current standards and regulations. • Minimise impacts on heritage.

• Maintain operation of heating system at all times during course of the changeover.

5.1. New system design

Several design options were developed and considered against the requirements outlined by MoAD. Options included force-draught conventional boilers, high-efficiency condensing boilers, cogeneration, and solar heating.

The most cost-effective and practical solution was deemed to be installing one condensing boiler to operate in combination with two conventional boilers. Condensing-type boilers typically operate at a gross efficiency between 85-95%, achieving their highest efficiencies when return water temperature is below 55°C and additional heat (latent heat) is extracted by condensing the water vapour in the flue gases. On the other hand, conventional force-draught boilers have gross efficiencies around 80-85%, but are typically 20-30% less expensive than condensing boilers. Given how the building uses its heating, it was anticipated that one 500 kW condensing boiler was capable of satisfying the building’s heating requirements for 70-80% of the year, whilst the other two 500 kW conventional boilers would only be required to handle peak heating periods. Therefore the chosen design was expected to achieve majority of the energy saving benefits of condensing boilers, for less capital cost.

To achieve the outcomes and benefits of the design concept, it was essential that the Building Management System (BMS) control strategies were reprogrammed to ensure proper sequencing of the boilers. For the first stage of heating, when heating demand is low, only the condensing boiler operates with a flow temperature setpoint of 60°C (condensing mode). When heating demand increases, the condensing boiler would increase its flow temperature setpoint to 80°C (non-condensing mode). If heating demand can still not be satisfied, then the conventional boilers would start-up in stages.

Summary of new heating plant design:

• Primary-secondary system configuration was retained

• Three new boilers - one high efficiency condensing boiler and two conventional forced-draught boilers with modulating burners. Each boiler contains a Ø300mm stainless steel flue routed across the boiler room and vertically up inside the existing brick chimney

• Three new primary pumps one for each boiler, and two new secondary pumps with new variable speed drives

• One air-dirt separator within the primary circuit

(15)

- 426 - • Gas and thermal energy meters, connected to the existing site BMS.

6. CHALLENGES

The design was simple in concept, but technically challenging to detail and implement. Whilst the plant installed is reasonably conventional for a typical modern-day building, Old Parliament House, with its additional heritage requirements, is not a typical building and there were challenges working within these constraints:

6.1. Flues

The design and installation of the flues was one of the major difficulties of the project. It was not an option to re-use the existing chimney as a common flue, as per the previous arrangement. The use of force-draught burners rather than natural-draught meant the flues would be under slight positive pressure. The existing 1927 brick chimney was not suitable for this arrangement as their condition was unknown and there was potential for flue gases leaking back into the building. The condensing boiler also produces acidic condensate in the flue, which could have deteriorated the internal brick lining and mortar of the chimney. The design solution was to provide three Ø300mm 316 grade stainless steel flues to be installed inside the chimney, essentially converting the use of the chimney into a services riser. There was little-to-no access to the inside of the chimney during design as it was in continuous use, so there was risk to the project about what might be discovered once access was gained during installation. Original 1927 drawings showed a chimney cross-section of approximately 1530mm x 980mm, so at the very least the physical dimensions were believed to be adequate to accommodate the flues. Obstacles were encountered once the installers gained access to the chimney. For example, large steel plates were discovered in the lower sections of the chimney which, after investigations, were identified to be original, despite not being shown on the original 1927 drawings. It would have been impossible for the plates to remain if the flues were to be installed as designed, therefore it was necessary that sections of the plates had to be cut out.

Image 8: Large steel plates in chimney Image 9: Plan of original chimney

(16)

- 427 -

consultants who reviewed the work and deemed the space was a ‘restricted space’. Safety precautions were put in place, portable fans provide ventilation up into the chimney, and the worker was connected to a gantry from the top of the chimney with workers ready to pull him out in the event of an accident. Once installation commenced, a crane lowered prefabricated sections of the stainless steel flues down into the chimney to the worker inside the chimney, who joined the sections and secured the flues into place.

Image 10: Installing flues

6.2. Thermal expansion of flues

(17)

- 428 -

Consideration needed to be given to thermal expansion of the steel flues, ensuring no undue loads were transmitted to the chimney via the support structure. The longest straight section of the flues was approximately six metres in length, and given the temperatures of the flue gases were expected to exceed 100°C, an estimated expansion of approximately 10mm needed to be accommodated. Thermal expansion was accommodated in the flue supports, with selected brackets being fixed to the flues whilst others allowed for controlled slippage.

6.3. Chimney Capping

Sheet-metal capping was required to be installed on top of the chimney, with holes for the flues to penetrate through. This capping was required to prevent rain water, birds and vermin from falling into the chimney, however also needed to accommodate thermal expansion of the flues. The solution was to fix the capping to the top of the chimney via spring washers, to achieve this movement. Additionally, the design was able to meet the requirement that the flues did not breach the top of the existing chimney to maintain the current vista from the current Parliament House. Given that the Parliament House Vista is also on the National Heritage List, had this innovation not occurred, approval from both Houses of Parliament would have necessary for this impact on the heritage values of the Vista.

Image 12: Chimney capping Image 13: Chimney capping

6.4. System cleanliness

(18)

- 429 -

6.5. Condensate removal

Significant condensation occurs in condensing boilers and their flues when operating at condensing conditions. This condensate contains carbonic acid which has a pH of 3, and has the potential over time to corrode boiler flues and drainage pipes. In this instance, the existing drains serving the boiler room were copper, and therefore were at risk. For this project, an acid neutraliser was installed to treat the boiler and flue condensate prior to discharging to sewer, therefore protecting the existing copper drains. The new stainless steel flues were also capable of tolerating this acidic condensate.

Image 14: New pumps, dirt separator and pipe works installed in sympathy with historic plant

6.6. Conservation of heritage values

An essential consideration was the retention of the use of the original boiler room to ensure maintenance of the existing use and no decline in the heritage values and loss of fabric resulting from the installation of plant equipment in another part of the building. As much extant fabric and redundant plant equipment as possible was left in place in the boiler room. Where retention was not possible extensive documentation, such as photographs and drawings, captured a record of the original building configuration and equipment. New pumps dirt separator and pipe works were installed in sympathy of the space which meant that parts went in areas so as not to disturb decommissioned plant. Decisions on retention of heritage plant and building fabric and impact on heritage values were guided by the Heritage Management Plan and the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter. Significance and respect for values were central to all decisions made.

(19)

- 430 -

7. PROJECT OUTCOMES

In the twelve months since the new heating plant was completed, the impact on building’s energy consumption has been monitored. The savings that can be attributed to the impact of the boiler upgrade are as follows:

• Gas consumption savings of approximately 22%.

• Total energy savings for the building of 12%, compared to MoAD's target of 5%. • Energy cost savings: $23,000 pa

• Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions: 540 tonnes CO2-e pa

The savings are significant, considering that only the supply side of the heating systems was modified, with no changes being made to the demand side or how the building calls for heating. Further savings could be achievable with on-going fine-tuning of the new boiler plant controls through the BMS.

Image 16: Monthly Gas Consumption

8. CONCLUSION

The upgrade of the heating plant is an example of how modern, efficient technologies can be applied to historic buildings in an intelligent and cost-effective manner to extend their life, improve performance and achieve savings through reduced running costs.

(20)

- 431 -

9. BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1]. Old Parliament House and Curtilege Heritage Management Plan, 2008.

[2]. The Burra Chater: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance 2013, Australia ICOMOS Inc

[3]. Australian Greenhouse Office, Energy Efficiency in Government Operations Policy 2006, Second Edition 2007, www.industry.gov.au.

[4]. HVAC&R Nation Old Building, New Boilers March 2014 www.hvacnation.com.au

[5]. Hackett, G and Lecamwasam, L Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House Report for Heating System Upgrade Options Analysis and Concept Design, GHD, June 2012.

[6]. Hackett, G Old Parliament House – Heating Plant Upgrade, paper for Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air-conditioning and Heating (AIRHA) Preloved Buildings conference, Brisbane, 2014

(21)