Carrier delivers high-efficiency chiller upgrade at Four Seasons Hotel without operational disruption
Delivered over six weeks, the project was completed without any disruption to hotel operations, with both chillers fully installed and commissioned.
The Challenge
After more than 16 years of continuous operation, the hotel’s existing chillers had reached end of life, creating an urgent need for a reliable, high-efficiency replacement.
The project presented several technical and logistical constraints. The plantroom was located in a basement with highly restricted access, preventing the installation of complete chiller units. Each system needed to be dismantled, transported in sections and rebuilt on site.
At the same time, the hotel required uninterrupted cooling throughout the works. This necessitated a carefully phased installation, ensuring one chiller remained operational at all times.
Further complexity arose during the design stage, where digital modelling identified a clash between one of the inverter drives and existing structural steelwork. This required a live redesign during installation to ensure the new equipment could be successfully integrated within the available space.
“We had complete confidence in selecting Carrier for this project, based on the strong performance of the original systems installed back in 2009. The new chillers have exceeded expectations in terms of efficiency and performance, and the phased installation ensured there was no disruption to our operations.”
Gary Oborn, Director of Engineering, Property Operations & Maintenance, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
The Solution
Carrier supplied two Carrier AquaForce 30XWV-ZE 1301A water-cooled chillers, each featuring high-efficiency variable speed compressors. The units were selected for their strong seasonal performance, high part load efficiency and proven reliability in demanding hospitality environments.
To align with the client’s safety priorities, the chillers were specified with R515B refrigerant rather than the standard R1234ze refrigerant. While R1234ze offers ultra-low global warming potential, its A2L classification as mildly flammable led the client to favour R515B, which is non-flammable and non-toxic, providing additional reassurance within an occupied hotel environment.
To overcome access limitations, Carrier implemented a specialist logistics strategy. The chillers were delivered ahead of schedule and transported to a dedicated facility, where Carrier engineers dismantled and palletised each unit for safe transport. Once on site, the systems were carefully reassembled within the basement plantroom.
When the inverter clash was encountered, Carrier’s service team adapted the installation design, relocating the inverter for one unit within the plantroom. This ensured full compatibility with the existing structure without compromising system performance.
The Result
Delivered over six weeks, the project was completed without any disruption to hotel operations, with both chillers fully installed and commissioned.
The upgrade has delivered measurable operational and environmental benefits, inlcuding:
• Lower environmental impact: Replacement of R134a refrigerant (GWP 1300) with R515B (GWP 299) has significantly reduced the site’s carbon footprint
• Improved energy performance: Variable speed compressors optimise part load efficiency, reducing overall energy consumption compared to traditional systems
• Enhanced operational efficiency: High SCOP, SEER and COP values ensure consistent performance across fluctuating demand
• Specialist delivery capability: The successful strip-down and rebuild process demonstrates Carrier’s ability to execute complex installations in constrained environments
This project highlights Carrier’s ability to combine advanced chiller technology with practical engineering expertise, delivering tailored solutions for high-end hospitality environments while supporting long-term sustainability goals.
“This was a technically challenging project due to restricted access and the need to maintain continuous cooling. Carrier’s ability to strip down, transport and rebuild the chillers on site was critical to its success, and the support from their team throughout the process was excellent.”
Liam Bower, Project Manager, East West Connect Ltd
