As part of the recent transformation of the Royal Northern College of Music’s Concert Hall, Fläkt Woods has supplied a range of highly efficient air comfort equipment, including three eQ air handling units, as well as two revolutionary ReCooler Heat Pumps.

The refurbishment project at the Manchester venue took place between January 2014 and November 2014, with the Concert Hall’s capacity increasing to 750. As a result of the increase in capacity, there was a requirement for supplementary heating and cooling capacity.

Instead of replacing the main boiler or chiller plant, Fläkt Woods’ ReCooler HP units were specified to provide the required heating and cooling, in conjunction with the air handling system.

Mechanical consultant for the refurbishment was Elaine Bissell of Booth King Partnerhip Ltd. Commenting on the project and the system, she said: “We knew from the outset that replacing any of the main heating and cooling plant was not an option, so we looked to the ventilation system to provide the increased requirement for heating and cooling. The ReCooler HP unit has proved to be a great choice and ideal for this type of refurbishment project, as not only are the units highly efficient, but they also offer an incredibly neat and tidy install.”

The ReCooler HP design removes the need for an additional chiller, condenser or boiler, which consequently eliminates the requirement for any interconnecting pipework. This was an especially important feature for the Royal Northern College of Music, as Elaine explained: “One of the ReCooler HP units was sited on a rooftop garden area, which is regularly used by staff and students at the College. Running lengths of pipework across the roof would have been unsightly and made access difficult, which further cemented the ReCooler HP unit as an excellent choice for this project.”

ReCooler HP

The ReCooler HP unit has been cleverly designed to incorporate a reversible heat pump and a recovery wheel to provide a number of key benefits, including: quick and simple installation, extremely high efficiencies and all year round energy recovery.

The unit also utilises a DC inverter scroll compressor, which ensures it achieves a COP up to 6.5, as well as full control of output from 10% to 100%. This allows the ReCooler HP to deliver the exact temperature required and maintain occupants’ comfort levels more effectively than traditional fixed speed systems. Plus, the inverter drive allows the unit to work at part load, ensuring the perfect balance between reliability and efficient heating and cooling.

eQ Air Handling Unit

The eQ range of highly efficient AHUs is available in 21 sizes with flow rates from 0.1m³/s to 12.5m³/s – making it suitable for a wide variety of commercial applications, including schools, offices, retail outlets and hospitals. All models incorporate a Centriflow plenum fan with an impeller design to provide the highest efficiencies on the market. In addition, the eQ units are provided with integrated controls, corrosion protection and built-in cooling systems with latent energy recovery.

Visit the UK website: www.flaktwoods.co.uk