The Challenges
The Manchester Civic Quarter Heat Network (MCQHN) will generate low-carbon heat and power for the city, helping Manchester to reach its ambition to be carbon-neutral by 2038. The £20m scheme will save more than 3,100 tonnes of carbon emissions in its first five years of operation.
Heat will be generated from an energy centre, built adjacent to Manchester Central Convention Centre. Its five flues will be incorporated into a 40-metre high ‘Tower of Light’. The network will generate a highly efficient, environmentally friendly heat and power solution, initially serving six of the city’s most iconic buildings;
Manchester Town Hall & its extension, Manchester Central Library, Manchester Central Convention Centre, Bridgewater Hall and Heron House.
The Solutions
Mansfield Pollard were engaged to provide a full acoustic solution for a 3.3MWe CHP engine serving the CQHN situated directly under the Metrolink station arches at Manchester Central Convention complex. Comprising a supply fan wall providing 25.6m3/s airflow plus tailor made inlet and outlet attenuation, the main acoustic enclosure had to be ultra quiet due to the proximity to the station concourse.
A 13.2 x 5 x 4m highly insulated enclosure with integrated silencer was built on-site to provide noise reduction to 75d(B)a at 1m FFC and 65d(B)a from the inlet and outlet ducts. Specialist fire rated door, damper and Firemac coated ductwork (fire rated for two hours as per BS-EN1366-2) were manufactured and installed on site.
The Highlights
Full flat pack site assembly underneath Manchester Central Convention Centre Metrolink station.
Fire resistant outlet section with ultra-quiet attenuation and integrated fire damper.
Air inlet fan wall to provide 25.6m3/s with bespoke attenuation to achieve 65 dB(a) from inlet duct.
13x5x4m acoustic enclosure to house a 3.3MWe CHP engine, designed to achieve 75 dB(a) at 1m.
