Air-conditioning adds to energy efficiency of Gateshead International Business Centre
Among important energy-efficiency features of Gateshead International Business Centre is a Mitsubishi Electric VRF air-conditioning system that can transfer heat from parts of the building that require cooling to areas needing heat.
Mitsubishi Electric’s heat-exchanging R2 VRF air-conditioning system has been proving itself at the innovative Gateshead International Business Centre, which was designed and built to provide one of the most energy-efficient office spaces in the north east of England. Linda Lawton, Mitsubishi Electric’s account manager in the area, explains, ‘The sophisticated heating and cooling system transfers the warmth generated in the offices on the sunny side of the building and offices with high casual and equipment heat gains to heat cooler and shaded offices to balance out the energy requirement as much as possible.’ Other major features of the building are 125 photo-voltaic panels on the roof and 36 on the facade roof panels. They incorporate 13 842 cells to generate up to 34 kW of electricity. The City Multi R2 air-conditioning system was installed by Hadrian Air Conditioning. Derek Luke of Gateshead Council’s in-house design department, which was responsible for designing the mechanical services, says, ‘The Mitsubishi R2 system was the ideal choice for the flexibility and the energy efficiency that Gateshead Council required. ‘With a brief for independent temperature control in each room and the possibility of tenants taking up to three adjacent offices, a cassette in each office gives good user comfort and control of their own environment, whilst the G5 central control lets the centre manager apply time and temperature limits as necessary. The proven track record of the R2 system on previous Gateshead Council projects instilled confidence that this was the right product for this prestigious building.’
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