Enchancing Heating Efficiency at Casement Aerodrome

Positioning of the units and connection to the existing infrastructure was expertly executed as was the concrete plinth to provide a stable foundation for the heat pumps.

Euro Gas Ltd recently had the great privilege of being invited by PJ Duffy & Sons Ltd to propose a solution for the heating system of the Officer’s Mess at Casement Aerodrome. The main objective was to reduce the building’s carbon intensity and set a new standard for future upgrades at the Aerodrome. This involved installing four Emicon Everest290 commercial heat pumps, in cascade.

In addition to the four Emicon Everest 290 heat pumps, the overall solution also included a Remeha Quinta Ace 115 boiler; a Cordivari 1,000lt buffer vessel to provide hydronic integration; a 300kW Cipriani plate heat exchanger to provide secondary separation; a SpiroTech SpiroCombi air/dirt separator; a Frese Sigma dynamic balancing valve and Gas Sense gas detection system.

PJ Duffy & Sons managed the installation process in a way that resulted in minimal disruption to day-to-day operation at the Aerodrome.

Nonetheless, this project was not without its challenges, however, these were tackled head-on. Euro Gas was on hand whenever required to provide mechanical and/or electrical technical support, a site analysis revealed the best placement of the heat pumps which led to the construction of a concrete plinth just outside the plantroom. Accurate sizing of the plant was also a major consideration.

To optimise the heating system design, the capacity was established using degree-day data analysis of the Aerodrome at 15.5°C and 6°C, a baseline load of 300kW was determined. The heat pump cascade provides this for 90% of the year, with the gas boiler providing additional support at lower ambient temperatures. The sizing was validated against historic data over a 36-month period.

The installation process included ensuring that the site was ready with proper hydraulic and electrical connections. The positioning of the units and connection to the existing infrastructure was expertly executed, by PJ Duffy, as was the concrete plinth construction. The modular nature of the Everest290 units allowed for streamlined installation with minimal disruption and comprehensive testing was conducted to calibrate the systems. Despite encountering some unexpected weather conditions, the team’s resilience ensured the project stayed on track and met all performance targets.

Declan Glynn, Director for P J Duffy & Sons commented that they were delighted with the end result. “When this project arose, we were very keen to find a complete solution for the client. Euro Gas were happy to help us to provide a solution which would be fit for purpose and met the needs of the client’s brief. The project was on a tight deadline so the fact that Euro Gas were able to provide all the equipment in a timely manner meant that we were able to complete on time and fulfil our obligations. We have been really impressed with the heat pumps and the ease of their installation by utilising the cascade pipework which came as part of the package. We would definitely look to use these in the future”.

The feedback from the Casement Aerodrome team has been very positive, highlighting the system’s reliability and performance. The Everest290 units, with their advanced scroll compressors and innovative design, contributed to a large increase in energy efficiency. The project’s success sets a benchmark for future upgrades at the Aerodrome, showcasing the environmental benefits of advanced heat pump technology by reducing both energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Everest290 benefits

The Everest290 heat pumps offer impressive features:

  • Cooling Capacity: 66kW
  • Heating Capacity: 88kW
  • Efficiency: High seasonal efficiency due to optimised scroll compressors and electronic airflow control;
  • Refrigerant: Propane (R290), with zero ozone depletion potential and a low global warming potential (GWP of 3 compared to traditional refrigerants like R32, which has a GWP of 675);
  • Two Electronic Expansion Valves operating in parallel to allow the unit to function correctly along the entire working range of the compressor.

The units are designed for user-friendly operation, with factory assembly and testing ensuring minimal set up. The advanced control systems allow for precise regulation of performance, adapting seamlessly to varying environmental conditions.

Uninterrupted operation

EMICON’s Innovative “Master in Rotation” logic guarantees high reliability of the entire system. It is possible to disconnect one or more component units of the module without any limitation.

Simple maintenance

The hydraulic circuit includes a connection kit between the various modules. It allows the isolation of part of the circuit when removing and reinserting the individual unit from the modular system, without draining the hydraulic circuit. Modules can be replaced quickly and easily using the “slide-in/out” system.

Everest290 offers uninterrupted operation, simple maintenance and easy accessibility.

Easy accessibility

All the main components are fully accessible from the front side of the unit for maintenance.

The successful completion of the heating system upgrade at Casement Aerodrome highlights the expertise at EuroGas in supplying high-quality equipment and providing substantial technical support. Together with the proficiency of PJ Duffy & Sons in executing the installation, the Everest290 industrial heat pumps have set a new standard for efficiency and sustainability in industrial heating applications. This project exceeded expectations, demonstrating the critical role of innovative technology and expert support in achieving exceptional results.

For more information on any of the solutions outlined here, or to discuss this further with one of our Sales team, please get in touch.