Hospital trusts Mitsubishi R32 heat pumps

USA: Mitsubishi Electric e-Series R32 heat pumps are helping the Devon Partnership NHS Trust cuts its energy consumption by upgrading the heating and cooling system at Langdon Hospital in Dawlish. 

Three e-Series EAHV1500 YCL modular heat pump units for underfloor heating in the winter months, and two e-Series EACV1800 YCL modular chillers for underfloor cooling at the Dewnans Centre – a medium secure facility providing accommodation for men with mental health needs.

The units were connected using the e-Series unique internal header, which removes the need for separate piping connections, valves and commissioning, and reduces cost and installation time.

As well as being able to help the centre improve energy efficiency, the Trust also needed a solution that could cope with the saline atmosphere.

“Our old system was not suited to building a greener future. The energy consumption and costs for the old chillers were increasing significantly year on year. We’ve already seen an overall reduction in energy consumption with our new sustainable system, so we are very hopeful that in addition to reducing carbon emissions, we will also be reducing our running costs,” explained Collette Germon, the Trust’s sustainability and energy manager.

Another important consideration for Langdon Hospital when choosing which manufacturer to work with was the safety of patients and contractor staff, given the sensitivities of a medium security facility.

Rod Butler, Langdon Hospital’s estates officer, said: “Mitsubishi Electric completely adhered to the strict site-specific rules. They paid special attention to how they interacted with patients and restricted working activities and managed the movement of both plant and equipment when necessary.”

Mitsubishi Electric conducted an initial front-end engineering design to assess the existing M&E infrastructure and its requirements. This helped highlight any issues and provide initial solutions.

Paul Lewis, Mitsubishi Electric’s turnkey contracts manager visited the site to look at the different options available to find the most suitable and sustainable solution. 

“This was an end-to-end project for us, encompassing everything including design, equipment selection, and replacement of mechanical and electrical items associated with that plant.”