Carrier delivers advanced heat pump technology to key manufacturing district heat network

Carrier heat pumps, operating with A1L non-flammable R-515B refrigerant, were selected for the first of its kind 2.8MW district heat network in Scotland.

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Overview

An innovative manufacturing district in Scotland recently completed a £7.1 million development aimed at pioneering manufacturing innovation with a strong emphasis on sustainability and net-zero targets.
The district encompasses multiple sites, including a new development situated strategically near a major airport, enhancing its connectivity and operational efficiency. This area is becoming a hub for high-value manufacturing businesses, spurred by the presence of world-class innovation centres focussed on advanced manufacturing and medicinal research.

The Challenge

The project was centred around creating a state-of-the-art, low carbon district heat network. This network was pioneering in several aspects: it was the first fifth-generation renewable energy heat network in the region, notable for utilising ambient heat from a wastewater treatment works, thus supporting a sustainable circular economy model.

Water previously destined for a nearby river is redirected into an energy centre where ambient heat is extracted and distributed via an underground piping system. Heat pumps installed at strategic locations then elevate this heat to temperatures suitable for heating and domestic hot water purposes.

The Solution

Carrier AquaForce® 30XWHPZE high-temperature heat pumps using R-515B refrigerant with a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 292 were specified for the state-of-the-art, low carbon heat network project.
Four Carrier AquaForce® water source screw heat pumps were installed across the district, each with a heat load capacity of 700kW and capable of providing hot water at up to 65°C. The water source heat pump evaporator loop was designed for low brine temperatures and uses a 10% non-toxic glycol solution, required to simultaneously handle the outfall chamber temperatures, as low as 3°C.
Carrier AquaForce water source screw heat pumps were chosen for their low energy consumption with a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of 4.84 at 55/47°C, as tested and verified by Eurovent. Carrier manufactured and delivered the four units within just 14 weeks.

The Result

Carrier AquaForce® 30XWHPZE water source screw heat pumps are the premium solution for commercial applications where installers, consultants and building owners require high performances and reliability.

Benefits include:

Low energy consumption, aligning with EU Eco-design Minimum Efficiency Performance Standards (MEPS)
High reliability, supported by rigorous endurance tests with specialised laboratories and the use of limit simulation tools for critical component design
Safe design, tested and validated by Carrier for compatibility, including specific polyol ester oil qualified for use with R-515B for maintaining reliable bearing lubrification, specific compressor gaskets compatible with R-515B and new relief valves designed for operation with R-515B
Future-proof technology, using R-515B – a Class A1L non-flammable refrigerant.

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