Newcastle Co. Down
Introduction: An old building that required a new heating system. When designing any heating system, it is essential that there is a good understanding of the building usage patterns. This information will ensure the heating system meets the needs of the people using the spaces. Heat pumps need to be sized to match the heating demand. There are many examples of ASHPs performing well in old buildings. However, there are also instances where new ASHPs have not met expectations and this is where the uncertainty lies. When commissioning a heat pump system, it is important the designer has the knowledge and experience necessary to work on old buildings as well as heat pump systems.
Remit: Our brief from the trustee’s of the cinema was to design, supply and install a high efficiency heating system to an old building with extra high ceilings.
As the fabric of the building had minimal insulation, we went with a high temperature gas heating system with radiator heat emitters. We also designed a fan system to allow an efficient heating system within the main hall with its high ceilings to work automatically with the heating system. We also allowed for a zone managed time and temperature control system with outside weather compensation.
The use of a weather compensated control ensures that the cinema has high heat comfort and maintenance-free operation, with a boiler efficiency of 99.4% (actual efficiency) ensures energy-efficient operation.
In summary, weather compensation controls enables the boiler to respond to outside temperature changes and adjust the radiator output, to maintain a constant temperature indoors.
The choice of heat emitters and the type of ASHP system needed to be matched carefully with the building and its occupancy. Building occupants needed briefing on how to make best use of their ASHPs and reduce running costs.
