R22 delivers energy reduction
Results from a year-long study monitoring the performance of upgraded air conditioning units at the UK headquarters of the leading global industrial solutions provider, Alfa Laval, has seen a 44% drop in overall energy use. Having replaced aging R22 air conditioning units with five new City Multi YHM-R2 Replace technology systems, the company now benefits from energy efficient technology.
The new systems from Mitsubishi Electric were monitored using its M2M technology and show an improvement in Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) from 3.32 to 4.86 and a major jump in Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) from 2.65 to 6.00 over the old system.
Alfa Laval’s UK headquarters in Camberley, Surrey was built in mid-1990 and whilst its 12 year old R22 air conditioning was still running well, it was nearing the end of its useful operating life. As a leading global producer of specialised products and solutions used to heat, cool, separate and transport a variety of products, it was important to Alfa Laval to find demonstrable ways of maximising energy efficiency at its headquarters.
The forward-thinking company was also aware of EU Ozone Regulations and the imminent phase out of the refrigerant and eager to replace its R22 heat recovery system.
Replacement technology
“The offices are used five days a week so we needed a product that would help us keep disruption to an absolute minimum,” explains Mark Walters of Independent Heating & Cooling, who carried out the replacement. “The ability of the R22 Replace technology to reuse much of the existing pipework, wiring and power supplies offered just that and along with our installation expertise was a key factor in securing the contract for us.”
The old equipment included both Mitsubishi Electric and other manufacturer’s R22 equipment but the Replace technology can happily accommodate most major brands.
Mark Walters and his team carried out the work over several months to minimise impact on the day-to-day running of business for Alfa Laval and five new City Multi YHM-R2 Replace technology systems now provide simultaneous heating and cooling over the top two floors of the company’s HQ. The building is occupied between 8am and 6pm during week days and due to a number of individual meeting rooms there is diverse requirement for heating and cooling within the building.
The air conditioning is controlled locally with PAR-27MEA controllers linked to a time clock, overseen by three central GB50 controllers. This will allow for improved central control and more intelligent scheduling bringing greater control over energy use throughout the week.
Overall, Alfa Laval has seen a 44% reduction in annual energy use which equates to a reduction in estimated annual running costs of around £4,200. It also helps to reduce Alfa Laval’s emissions by over 17 tonnes of CO2 per annum.
