In 2012, the heat pumps were fitted outside a new purpose-built teaching block and have since supplied efficient space heating to six classrooms, communal rooms and toilet facilities via a low temperature underfloor heating circuit.
During their operating lifecycle, the heat pumps have consistently delivered extremely high COPs, allowing the school to save up to 15 tonnes of carbon, when compared to a traditional gas boiler setup.
UK specification manager for ELCO, Mark Ferris, returned to the school earlier this year to witness the success story for himself. Having been involved in the original specification, Mark was well placed to comment on the project, and he enthused about the durability and longevity of the AEROTOP units: “It’s hard to believe now but, 10 years ago, there were not many commercial heat pumps being specified for applications like this, so it’s fantastic to see the ELCO units still operating to the same level as they did in 2012! At the time, there were both practical and environmental needs for utilising heat pumps, especially as there was no mains gas at the school, which made traditional technologies prohibitive. And after reassessing the project today, selecting air source heat pumps was clearly the right decision.
“The two units, buffer and hydraulic circuit have clearly been well maintained over the years, which has further optimised the system’s performance. However, it also highlights the suitability of commercial heat pumps and how well they can operate when specified and installed correctly.”
During Mark’s visit to the school, he took the opportunity to speak to the Caretaker, Dominic Gallant, and ask him about his experiences with the AEROTOP® units. Commenting on their day-to-day operation, Dominic said: “The heat pumps usually run from mid-October to the end of February, supplying space heating via the underfloor heating circuit. They have worked incredibly well since they were installed, and I don’t think we’ve ever had to replace a single part! Overall, we’ve been really impressed with their performance and efficiency.”
The two AEROTOP® units were originally specified for their ease of siting and installation. Combined with the low temperature heating circuit and improved air tightness in the school buildings, the heat pump heating system was designed to greatly minimise utility costs. AEROTOP® T heat pumps were an ideal choice, thanks to outputs up to 34.4kW and COPs up to 3.7, as well as an extremely robust and corrosion-resistant housing, which provided optimal protection from the weather.
Summing up his visit to Heath Primary School, Mark added: “When the heat pumps were first installed, I remember saying that this type of installation was the ‘future of sustainable heating’. So, the fact the heat pumps are still delivering zero emissions and extremely high COPs today, confirms my beliefs in the best possible way.”
www.elco.co.uk