Heat pumps make the Grade
A district heat pump scheme at Ruskin College, part of the University of West London, has been delivered using Carrier’s high-temperature R290 technology, overcoming earlier assessments that it was financially unviable.
The scheme includes Ruskin Hall, a Grade 2 listed building, adding further complexity to the removal of outdated equipment and the installation of the new heat pumps. Delivered by Finn Geotherm in partnership with Carrier, the project replaces legacy heating systems with a centralised solution across a complex, multi-use estate. The site comprises three residential accommodation blocks, a large academic building and the listed Ruskin Hall, each presenting distinct load profiles and building fabric constraints.
The scheme was originally assessed by an external consultant and ruled out due to projected costs exceeding Salix funding thresholds. A full redesign by Finn Geotherm, based on a holistic assessment of system design and building performance, identified a viable route to delivery within budget.
The installed solution is based on four Carrier 61AQ 120 air-to-water heat pumps operating with R290 (propane) refrigerant. The system delivers both space heating and domestic hot water via a district-style network, with design flow temperatures of up to 70°C and peak capability of 75°C.
