Belvue Primary School in Northolt took a significant step towards modernising its heating infrastructure by upgrading its ageing gas-fired heating system to a more efficient and sustainable solution. The school, committed to future-proofing its facilities and ensuring the well-being of its students and staff, chose to implement a hybrid heating system that combines a Strebel S-ASX-LQ55 air source heat pump with an ultra-low NOx S-CBX85 boiler. This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency of the school’s heating system but also provides built-in resilience, ensuring that the school remains warm and comfortable throughout the year.
The Challenge: Modernising an Outdated System
Belvue Primary School’s existing heating system, which relied solely on gas-fired boilers, had become outdated and inefficient over time. With the rising costs of energy and increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, the school recognised the need to upgrade to a more modern and efficient system. Additionally, the school wanted to ensure that the new system could handle varying heating demands, particularly during the colder months, without compromising the comfort of students and staff.
To address these challenges, the school sought a solution that would not only reduce energy consumption and emissions but also offer reliable performance under different conditions. The chosen solution needed to be capable of providing consistent heating and domestic hot water (DHW) while being flexible enough to adapt to fluctuations in demand.
The Solution: A Hybrid Heating System
After careful consideration and consultation with mechanical and electrical (M&E) consultants VSRW Ltd, Belvue Primary School decided to implement a hybrid heating system. This system integrates a Strebel S-ASX-LQ55 air source heat pump with an ultra-low NOx S-CBX85 gas condensing boiler. The hybrid approach was chosen for its ability to combine the strengths of both technologies, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency.
The S-ASX-LQ55 air source heat pump serves as the primary heating source, capable of delivering flow temperatures of up to 68°C directly to the Strebel TSE600 litre capacity Thermal Store. This thermal store acts as a buffer, ensuring that the heat generated by the pump is efficiently distributed throughout the school as needed. The heat pump alone is sufficient to meet the school’s heating demands for most of the year, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution.
However, during colder spells when the demand for heat exceeds 55kW, the hybrid system comes into its own. The air source heat pump automatically sends a signal to the S-CBX85 boiler, which then boosts the output to meet the increased demand. This seamless integration between the two systems ensures that the school is never without heating or hot water, even during the most challenging weather conditions. The ultra-low NOx emissions of the S-CBX85 boiler also align with the school’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Installation and Implementation
The installation of the hybrid heating system at Belvue Primary School was carried out by North London-based G&D Higgins Mechanical Services Ltd, who worked closely with VSRW Ltd to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Given that the installation took place during term time, special care was taken to minimise disruption to the students and staff.
The placement of the air source heat pump was a critical consideration in the installation process. The unit was strategically located only a few metres away from the school building, ensuring that it could effectively serve the heating system without causing any disturbance. The acoustic output of the heat pump at full load is only 44dB(A), comparable to normal background noise levels, meaning that its operation does not interfere with the learning environment.
Benefits and Long-Term Impact
The implementation of the hybrid heating system at Belvue Primary School offers numerous benefits, both immediate and long-term. The most significant advantage is the enhanced energy efficiency, which is expected to result in substantial cost savings for the school. By relying primarily on the air source heat pump for most of the year, the school reduces its dependency on fossil fuels, thereby lowering its carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.
The hybrid system also provides exceptional reliability, ensuring that the school’s heating needs are met consistently, regardless of external temperatures. This built-in resilience is particularly important for a school environment, where maintaining a comfortable indoor climate is crucial for the well-being and productivity of students and staff.
Moreover, the ultra-low NOx emissions from the S-CBX85 boiler contribute to improved air quality, which is especially beneficial in urban areas like Northolt. This aligns with broader environmental goals and sets a positive example for students about the importance of sustainability and responsible energy use.
Conclusion
The heating system upgrade at Belvue Primary School represents a forward-thinking approach to building management, combining modern technology with a commitment to sustainability. The successful implementation of a hybrid system that integrates the Strebel S-ASX-LQ55 air source heat pump with the S-CBX85 gas condensing boiler demonstrates how schools can effectively future-proof their infrastructure while reducing energy costs and environmental impact. This project not only ensures a comfortable learning environment for current students but also sets the stage for a more sustainable and resilient future for the school.
