AIR CONDITIONING Many commercial spaces today are working
toward ambitious sustainability targets, with plans in place to reduce emissions over the coming years. Where comfort cooling is an essential for guests or occupants, opting for air conditioning systems that minimise the use of refrigerants, and using refrigerants with the lowest global warming potential (GWP) where it is required, are ideal. For example, Durham University recently chose Mitsubishi Electric’s City Multi Hybrid VRF air conditioning system as part of its journey to being one of the most sustainable universities in the UK. The water-based air conditioning system uses water to transfer heating and cooling instead of refrigerant in the majority of the pipework in order to reduce environmental impact. The system only uses lower GWP R32 refrigerant where necessary.
This system has also supported the universities environmental goals by providing heat recovery to meet the need for simultaneous heating and cooling. By distributing surplus heat from cooling operations such as computer rooms to rooms where heating is needed, it is possible to achieve energy savings of up to 30% over
conventional systems. The commercial sector must also be aware of changing regulations around the systems installed in their buildings – this includes regulations on cooling equipment. By opting for the hybrid cooling system, Durham University has ensured that it complies with the phasing down of F-Gases – and that the system is future-proofed for years to come.
Regulations such as BS EN378 are also important to consider, as they mean that leak detection equipment – which can be expensive to install and maintain – may be required alongside air conditioning
systems. However, leak detection isn't required in these spaces as water replaces refrigerant in the Hybrid VRF systems to transfer heating and cooling around the building.
It is vital that the UK continues to decarbonise, reduces its environmental footprint and combats global warming. But at the same time, finding ways to keep cool will be vital as the country will likely face hotter summers in the coming years. Where possible, passive building design can help both homes and businesses to stay cooler. If additional cooling is needed, opting for systems that offer both heating and cooling can help to minimise the environmental impact by removing the need for gas heating. For spaces like universities and hotels, cooling systems that keep GWP as low as possible, utilise water, and are future- proof against regulation will also be the most effective choice. While we experience the cold of winter, it is important not to forget that in just a few months, many people will be turning to technology to help keep cool as they live and work – and where they do, efficiency must be the goal.
Download the ACR News app today
www.acr-news.com • February 2023 23
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
