The new system is said to have improved the total efficiency ratio by 400% when compared to the boiler system and will annually generate 790,000 kWh of energy savings and 160 tonnes in carbon dioxide emission reduction.
The 600kW heating system is based on Trane City RTSF water-to-water and Trane Conquest CXAX air-to-water heat pumps, both featuring low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants.
Trane City RTSF can deliver heating capacity up to 80°C and has been designed for applications like high temperature heating, sanitary hot water supplies, district heating and heat recovery cascades. The heat pump sources energy from waste-water or geothermal systems at 5°C to 30°C and is suitable for small commercial buildings, industrial facilities and industrial processes. It matches with existing conventional heating system requirements, delivering safe cooling and heating solution thanks to the low GWP R1234Ze refrigerant.
Trane Conquest CXAX air-to-water scroll heat pump offer reversible cooling and heating at wide operating maps reaching down to -15°C ambient air and offering up to 60°C leaving hot water temperature. The units feature low GWP R-454B refrigerant offered by Trane across its entire portfolio of scroll compressor chillers, heat pumps, multi-pipe units and rooftops.
Louis Rompre, portfolio manager at Trane in Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “Our high-efficiency heat pump technologies provide a renewable energy alternative to fossil-fuelled boilers, connecting heating and cooling demands, and playing a crucial role in decarbonising buildings and cities."
Iain Baldwin, director of estates at Derby College, said: "Relying on a carbon-based fossil fuel heating system was outdated and unacceptable in today's society. This installation is a step in the right direction for the college and is a great example of how green, clean energy provision can be utilised on a greenfield site. We will see immediate benefits and longer-term impacts, and we look forward to building on this work for wider benefits across the college estate.”
The installation was part of a larger project supported by £3.6 million through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which also included the installation of solar panels and new LED lights at the college.