Simsbury Center Apartments Installs Boiler with Built-In Mini Power Plant The SmartWatt Boiler system furthers the apartment building’s goal of minimal environmental impact while lowering energy costs.
November 1, 2022
By Leah Draffen
Recently converted from a historic inn, Simsbury Center Apartments in Simsbury, Connecticut, has installed a new heating system that generates free electricity. Owned by Freedom Property, Simsbury Center is using the energy-saving Enviro Power’s SmartWatt Boiler as a drop-in replacement for the conventional heating system.
“With direct building CO2 emissions needing to halve by 2030 to get on track for a net-zero carbon building stock by 2050, we are clearly falling behind in meeting CO2 reduction goals in the building sector,” says Dan Nadav, CEO of Enviro Power. “Convicted that we do not have time to waste, we researched the tremendous potential of heating infrastructures in playing a role in the decarbonizing the building sector.”
After deep study of traditional heating systems, Nadav and his team looked at ways to integrate a generator into a boiler structure without increasing costs or changing functionalities. “The product combines well-known, highly efficient condensing boiler technology with a proven closed loop steam-turbine cycle to generate electricity on site while lowering carbon emissions and energy costs,” Nadav explains.
The 25 units at Simsbury Center Apartments were renovated to minimize environmental impact. Utilizing high-efficiency lighting, windows, and insulation, the property has been transformed with modern finishes, in-unit washers and dryers, custom tile kitchen and bathroom backsplashes, and keyless entry. A resident lounge, a lobby environment, new landscaping, and spacious outdoor patios featuring natural gas heaters and grilling stations are also part of the complex.
In line with Freedom Property’s environmentally friendly initiative, the SmartWatt Boiler converts heat into useful clean electricity and operates at 98% efficiency. A short walk from the heart of downtown Simsbury, the building includes over 50 parking spaces. Its electric vehicle charging stations will be directly supported by the on-site electricity generated by the SmartWatt Boiler.
“Enviro Power’s solution is a huge step forward as we work to become more energy efficient and reduce our carbon footprint. The boiler produces additional electricity for the building while functioning seamlessly as our heating and hot water system, at the same installation costs as a regular boiler. It’s a win for residents, the environment, and the building’s efficiency,” says Luke Florian, founder and CEO of Freedom Property, which purchased the building in late 2021.
While adhering to power load guidelines at the building and grid levels, Nadav says the system can save a typical multifamily apartment building around $10,000 a per year. It can significantly reduce fuel intake and emissions while improving grid resiliency and providing reliable continuous backup power.