CASE STUDIES
Zero-disruption chiller upgrade at Four Seasons
Carrier has delivered a high-effi ciency chiller upgrade at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, overcoming major access constraints and maintaining continuous cooling throughout the project.
T
he scheme involved the replacement of two ageing Carrier 30HX375 chiller units, originally installed in 2009, with next-generation systems designed to improve
energy performance and reduce environmental impact. Delivered in partnership with East West Connect Ltd, the
project required a specialist engineering approach due to the location of the plantroom within a restricted-access basement. With no viable route for full plant delivery, Carrier implemented a strip-down and rebuild strategy, dismantling the chillers off - site before transporting them in sections for reassembly on location.
refl ecting the client’s preference for enhanced safety within an occupied building.
“In a live hospitality environment, safety and continuity are critical,” said Graham Smith, Applied Commercial Director at Carrier. “By combining inverter-driven technology with a non-fl ammable refrigerant option and a fl exible installation approach, we were able to deliver a solution that met the client’s operational and environmental priorities without compromise.” The upgrade has also delivered a signifi cant reduction
in environmental impact, with the transition from R134a refrigerant (GWP 1300) to R515B (GWP 299), alongside improved seasonal effi ciency and lower energy consumption through inverter-driven compressor technology. During installation, a clash between one of the inverter drives and existing structural steelwork was identifi ed through digital modelling. Carrier’s engineering team adapted the system design in real time, relocating the inverter within the plantroom to ensure a successful fi t without compromising performance. “We had complete confi dence in selecting Carrier based on the strong performance of the original systems,” said Gary Oborn, Director of Engineering, Property Operations & Maintenance, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. “The new chillers have exceeded expectations, and the phased installation ensured there was no disruption to our operations.”
"By
harnessing the Coandă eff ect, conditioned air remains close to the ceiling surface before gradually mixing into the room."
“This was a technically demanding project due to restricted access and the requirement to maintain continuous cooling,” said Liam Bower, Project Manager, East West Connect . “Carrier’s ability to strip down, transport and rebuild the chillers on site was critical to its success.” At the same time, the hotel required uninterrupted cooling, placing additional pressure on programme delivery. The works were carried out in two phases, ensuring one chiller remained operational to avoid any disruption to guests or service. Carrier supplied two Carrier AquaForce 30XWV-ZE 1301A water-cooled chillers, each featuring variable speed compressors to optimise part load effi ciency. The units were specifi ed with R515B refrigerant, a non-fl ammable, non- toxic alternative to the standard R1234ze refrigerant option,
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