This is the first installation in the UK for Aermec’s CPS multifunction unit which was launched in mainland Europe at the start of 2024 and is contributing to the decarbonisation of the college campus.

In previous building projects Barnfield College had relied on VRF systems and traditional boilers for hot water. But it was keen to migrate away from these systems and assess alternative solutions that could offer tangible energy-efficiency improvements in its buildings and the reductions in energy loads and carbon footprints that it was looking to achieve.

VRF systems are not suitable for all building types. They require space, can incur high maintenance costs and are vulnerable to refrigerant leaks, which can exacerbate climate issues. Synchronising them with other building systems can be challenging.

This latest project is the second phase of Barnfield’s development, providing a four-storey hi-tech facility on the New Bedford Road College campus, replacing the current campus on Enterprise Way, which provides construction and engineering courses. The purpose-built facility will enable teaching to be provided under one roof, whilst giving students access to the latest technologies, equipment and help equip them with the skills that are needed now and in the future.

Aermec collaborated with its Irish distributor Shilliday Refrigeration, Irwin M&E and building services experts WP3 Consultants, which focused on the college’s environmental impact and the need to ensure the new building was resource and energy-efficient.

Aermec’s innovative 6-pipe solution aided us in resolving the trade-off between low-grade heat efficiencies and high-temperature domestic hot water production inherent in modern energy-efficient systems. Aermec and Shilliday’s input into our extensive and iterative energy & carbon modelling allowed us to optimise function and operational efficiency for Barnfield College year-round,’ explains James Everdell, WP3 director.

David Evans, Aermec’s national sales manager, added, “We have delivered a cost-effective, intelligent HVAC solution that optimises the building’s energy use and carbon emissions.”

Along with Aermec’s CPS multi-function unit, an NRP chiller, TRS heat recovery units and sixty-four VED fan coil units (FCUs) were specified largely because of the attractive efficiencies, reductions in carbon emissions and the superior acoustics offered by the FCUs.

The multi-function unit provides high efficiency even with partial loads and provides a cooling capacity of 164.2kW to 491.1kW and a heating capacity of 175.6kW up to 504kW. This provides Barnfield with simultaneous medium temperature hot water for heating and low temperature water for cooling, as well as direct hot water (DHW) at 70°C at the same time.

Calorifiers are used to store the hot water equalling 20,000 litres and are produced without flame and smoke, significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to using a traditional boiler.

Aermec’s heat recovery systems improve internal air quality and maximise comfort for building occupants by conserving energy that would otherwise be lost.

Cath Gunn, Principal of Barnfield College, says: “Our new state-of-the-art building is designed to meet the needs of today’s students while preparing us for a sustainable future. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies like Aermec’s HVAC system, we’re creating an environment that not only reduces emissions and energy costs but provides students with access to modern facilities that reflect real-world industry standards.'

The free heating aspect provided by the multi-purpose unit and its high efficiencies makes it a smart solution for Barnfield College in terms of market-leading energy consumption and cost effectiveness.

Decarbonising buildings is difficult, but Barnfield College's new HVAC system is 50% more efficient, reduces carbon emissions, consolidates equipment, lowers ownership costs, and demonstrates the environmental benefits of modern technologies.