Renewable Solution for ‘Factory of the Future’

One of the World’s most renowned centres for manufacturing research has chosen heat pumps to provide space heating and hot water for its iconic new ‘Factory of the Future’ in South Yorkshire. The AMRC (Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre), which develops cutting edge technology-driven solutions for materials and metal working has clearly shown its forward thinking approach by adopting renewable technology, which was supplied and installed by ECO Heat Pumps of Sheffield.

The 4654m2 building is the new home for over 50 highly qualified researchers and engineers from around the globe research who are pioneering metallurgy and engineering technology. At the same time, the heat pumps will be providing affordable ‘green’ energy using the earth’s own natural resources, offering a truly sustainable solution.

Phil Moore, Managing Director of ECO Heat Pumps, explains: 'It is fantastic to be involved with this high profile project and working with partners who really understand the importance of great technology! For a building this size, the emissions levels will be very small and this just shows how heat pumps represent a long term, sustainable solution for commercial as well as public buildings.'

The building, based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham will achieve 60 per cent of its energy for heating, cooling and domestic hot water from ground loops which have been discretely landscaped in the building’s grounds.

ECO Heat Pumps worked with mechanical and electrical contractor EI- WHS to provide a heating system which works by circulating a refrigerant fluid around a circuit containing four elements; evaporator, compressor, condenser and expansion valve. As heat is absorbed from the ground, the liquid refrigerant evaporates to form a gas. Later in the cycle, this gas is compressed which causes it to change back to a liquid whilst at the same time releasing the heat into the building and the cycle begins again. Heat pumps are effective both in summer and winter, day and night because the ground temperature remains constant at only a few feet below the surface.

With running costs typically 75 per cent that of conventional systems, a heat pump normally pays for itself in between five and ten years. Grants are available for individuals, charities or public bodies through the low carbon buildings programme. (see website http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.co.uk)

Phil Moore said: 'Heat pumps are being widely specified for commercial and public buildings as they are four times as efficient as a conventional gas boiler. All businesses have a part to play in reducing harm to the environment and AMRC should be praised for their foresight in choosing renewable energy as a long term sustainable solution to their needs.'

More advice can be found on the website http://www.ecoheatpumps.co.uk or by calling 0114 296 2227.