The newly renovated hotel spaces are now air conditioned to a high standard of comfort and energy efficiency with a combination of Toshiba SHRM-e three-pipe heat recovery VRF systems and DI splits, installed by Chapman Ventilation.

Four outdoor units provide condensing for the VRF system, while eight large capacity DI condensing units complete the split system. To maximise energy efficiency, the project includes three over-door air curtains to help keep the building cool in summer and warm in winter. The entire system is under intelligent oversight by a TCUK Black Pear control and monitoring system.

Toshiba’s three-pipe SHRM-e system achieves the highest across-the-range European Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ESEER) in the world, with a score of eight and above in most capacities. It does this by harnessing waste energy within the building and transferring it to areas requiring heating or cooling.

Carter Dunn, Toshiba’s regional sales manager who headed the project, said: “Unlike standard two-pipe air conditioning systems that can only either cool or heat at any given time, SHRM-e is able to provide simultaneous cooling and heating as required. This provides customers a year-round solution to indoor comfort.

“Toshiba’s system is not only efficient but highly flexible, and enables air conditioning to be delivered to buildings of all types. This is particularly important in character buildings, such as The Swan hotel, where the customer was keen to minimise impact and disturbance to the building fabric.

“It overcomes the need to use intrusive ductwork, with small dimension refrigerant pipework and low-profile and concealed indoor units within the building.”