Piranha T10 system saves Lake Louise Inn energy, water

LAKE LOUISE, Alta. — Lake Louise Inn, one of over 55 hotels managed by Atlific Hotels, is furthering its commitment to saving energy, water and waste by being the first hotel in the world to employ a SHARC Energy System Piranha T10 system.

The technology has been
used for other domestic environmental initiatives, but this is the first time
the waste water heat recovery system has been used to improve energy
consumption in a hotel. Waste water is an inexhaustible energy source
that is widely unused and has a high thermal potential.

Other Canadian projects include Wall Centre Central Park, a two-phase real-estate development in Vancouver, and The Gateway Theatre project in Richmond, B.C.

The Piranha system’s
self-contained heat pump uses a proprietary direct expansion heat exchanger to
extract thermal energy. In this application, it will collect hot water from the
Lake Louise Inn’s laundry machines. Rather than draining into a sewer as is the
currently accepted waste water practice, the heat energy in this water will be
recovered. The water will act as a source for the heat pump, which will then be
used to heat incoming cold water for future loads, drastically reducing energy
requirements.

“This wonderful
opportunity to put environmental stewardship to work in a practical way aids
our conservation efforts with meaningful results,” said Gordon Johnson, vice-president Operations, Atlific Hotels.

“The serious reduction in water and
energy use and greenhouse gas emissions will be of benefit to everyone who
appreciates the importance of preserving Lake Louise’s natural resources, and
certainly makes sense from a business perspective. It’s a win-win for all. “

“When we first discussed
this technology with Atlific Hotels, they knew instinctively that it would be a
game-changer,” said Lynn Mueller, CEO, SHARC Energy Systems.

“The management
team at Lake Louise Inn embraced the idea and is seeing immediate benefit. They
are pioneers in reclaiming hotel laundry waste water, and we hope many other
hotels will follow suit.”

As a result, the
installation of the Piranha system will provide the following benefits to the
Inn:

— Will reduce emissions by over 80 tonnes of CO2
each year, taking the equivalent of 17 cars off the road;

— Will reduce the laundry’s energy use by 85 per cent;

— The savings from each 100 loads of laundry can
provide energy for an additional eight days.

It is estimated that it
will produce on average 17,000 litres (4,500 gallons) of hot water on a daily basis. As
the Piranha runs on electricity, it will offset approximately 57,000 litres (15,000
gallons) of propane annually, significantly reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint.

“This system represents
an impressive intersection of innovation, conservation and cost savings and
makes good sense. I can’t think of a better place than in Banff National Park
to implement this forward thinking, ecofriendly technology,” said Nuwan
Eparatchy, general manager, Lake Louise Inn. “I applaud the SHARC team for its
genuine commitment to creating a greener tomorrow for all of us.”

The Piranha wastewater
heat recovery system from SHARC Energy Systems Inc. is the first of its kind in
the HVAC market and has redefined green building innovation.

Lake Louise Inn is one of
Alberta’s most treasured Rocky Mountain resorts. This four-season property
nestled amongst the soaring pines of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, offers spectacular mountain views amongst the ancient glaciers,
deep valleys and meandering trails.