Trane R454B chillers give hospital a lift
8th September 2026
UK: Yorkshire-based contractor Newsome has replaced two ageing rooftop chillers with units using R454B refrigerant to serve the main air handling unit cooling circuit at a hospital in York.
The project followed an energy and performance review of the existing system, which identified a clear opportunity to improve efficiency, resilience and long-term reliability.
The original installation used two York YAES 0415 air-cooled chillers using R407C. One unit had already failed, while the remaining chiller was continuing to support the site.
As the system served a critical hospital environment, the replacement programme had to be carefully planned around live operations and completed with minimal disruption.
Newsome carried out a detailed comparison between the existing chillers and current high-efficiency alternatives. The analysis showed that the new system could reduce annual power consumption by approximately 28% across the two units, with the detailed single-unit comparison indicating an estimated efficiency improvement of around 33% under the assessed operating profile.
The potential benefits of adiabatic spray systems were also assessed, allowing the site team to compare the performance of upgraded existing equipment against a full chiller replacement.
Two Trane Sintesis Advantage CGAF 105 HE LN air-cooled chillers were selected, each capable of providing approximately 395kW of nominal cooling. Each chiller incorporates two independent refrigeration circuits, providing additional resilience and helping reduce the impact of any future maintenance requirement.
The failed chiller was disconnected first. The main lifting operation was then scheduled for a weekend to reduce disruption to normal hospital activity. During the lift, the remaining chiller was isolated and disconnected before both existing units were removed from the roof and the new chillers positioned. The work was phased so that the first replacement chiller could be connected and commissioned before the second unit was completed.
Founded in 1973, Newsome is one of the most experienced specialists in the delivery of industrial temperature and humidity control solutions.
This includes specialist rental and maintenance services to a wide range of industries including food and drink, plastics, chemicals, general manufacturing, leisure, building services and pharmaceutical production.
