The 600kW heating system installed at the Derby College campus is based on Trane CITY RTSF water-to-water and Trane Conquest CXAX air-to-water heat pumps, both featuring low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants.

Trane CITY RTSF can deliver heating capacity up to 80°C and has been originally designed for applications like high temperature heating, sanitary hot water supplies, district heating and heat recovery cascades. The heat pump sources energy from waste-water or geothermal systems at 5°C to 30°C and is ideal for small commercial buildings, industrial facilities and industrial processes. It matches with (existing) conventional heating system requirements, delivering safe cooling and heating solution thanks to the low GWP R1234Ze refrigerant.

Trane Conquest CXAX air-to-water scroll heat pump offer reversible cooling and heating at wide operating maps reaching down to -15°C ambient air and offering up to 60°C leaving hot water temperature. The units feature low GWP R-454B refrigerant offered by Trane across its entire portfolio of scroll compressor chillers, heat pumps, multi-pipe units and rooftops. R-454B offers the lowest GWP among the refrigerants available today for scroll compressor technology, answering customers’ need to future proof their investment by mitigating the increasing tax rates put on refrigerants across Europe.

“We are delighted with the support and service from Trane and proud of the positive impact and recognition this project has achieved,” said Iain Baldwin, Director of Estates at Derby College. 'Relying on a carbon-based fossil fuel heating system was outdated and unacceptable in today's society. This installation is a step in the right direction for the college and is a great example of how green, clean energy provision can be utilized on a greenfield site. We will see immediate benefits and longer-term impacts, and we look forward to building on this work for wider benefits across the college estate.”

This project was highlighted in the UK government's decarbonisation summary report of January 2022 and was awarded the People's Choice Award at the European Heat Pump Awards (EHPA) 2022 Forum. The installation was part of a larger project supported by £3.6 million through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which also included the installation of solar panels and new LED lights at the college.