Optimisation of water and energy use at the Wales National Pool

• Published in: Water and environment journal : WEJ Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 39 - 48
• Main Authors: Isaac, P.R.D, Hayes, C.R, Akers, R.K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Oxford, UK : Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.03.2010; Blackwell Publishing Ltd; Blackwell
• Subjects: Applied sciences; audit; Chemical engineering; consumption; energy; Exact sciences and technology; Heat and mass transfer. Packings, plates; optimisation; optimization; Pollution; reduction; water; British Isles, Wales; Energy consumption; consumption; Housing; Modeling; water; Optimization; Public building; Audit; Dilution; optimisation; Swimming pool; Water consumption; Hospital; reduction; Heat transfer; Structural analysis; energy
• ISSN: 1747-6585; 1747-6593
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-6593.2008.00150.x

The Wales National Pool has the only 50 m Olympic length competition swimming pool in Wales, together with a 25 m training pool. These pools receive considerable use (>360 days a year for up to 16 h a day), ranging from local schools and the public to international events. The costs associated with energy and water consumptions totalled £280 000 in 2006-2007 and were therefore a prime target for optimisation. An audit methodology was developed that comprised not just consumption data appraisal (e.g. metered energy and water consumptions), but a structural analysis of the complex building that houses the pools, with particular emphasis on the heat transfer properties of the building's components. A three-dimensional heat transfer model was developed to identify energy minimisation opportunities, for both summer and winter conditions. It indicated that a range of heat insulation measures could achieve an energy consumption reduction of about 20% with an annual cost saving of about £50 000, with better than a 2-year payback on investment outlay. Water use was found to be optimum in relation to national guidelines for pool water dilution. The energy optimisation model has the potential to be applied to other complex buildings, such as hospitals, offices and factory spaces.