www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I April 2024 29
Project
UFS IMPLEMENTS INNOVATIVE AIR- TO-WATER HEAT PUMP SYSTEM TO SLASH ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Compiled by Eamonn Ryan with technical information supplied by SHC Consulting Engineers , DATEC Airconditioning and Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning
The University of the Free State ( UFS ) is a multi-campus public university including three campuses , based in Bloemfontein and housing 41 169 students . The focus of this project was the hot water system for five student residences and houses involving approximately 1 200 students .
UFS : PROJECT BRIEF The project involves the replacement of five redundant Hot Water systems with a central heat pump cluster with 12 Mitsubishi Electric CAHV hot water heat pumps . Its CAHV monobloc heat pump system is a high-efficiency air-to-water system . UFS nine months ago embarked on this groundbreaking project to overhaul its HVAC and water heating systems . The project was conceptualised in collaboration with Bloemfonteinbased SHC Consulting Engineers , which had the crucial role in shaping the project ' s design and execution .
Inverter compressors play a vital role in enhancing energy efficiency . In the context of HVAC systems , an inverter compressor regulates its speed based on demand , ensuring a consistent output while minimising power consumption . Unlike traditional systems that operate at a fixed capacity , inverters adjust dynamically , resulting in significant energy savings over time .
SHC Consulting Engineers in turn sought out the energy efficiency of Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning systems , for this ambitious initiative .
SHC CONSULTING : CLUSTER THREE ’ S CHARACTERISTICS AND CHALLENGES In engineering projects , few undertakings are as complex and demanding as the retrofitting of existing infrastructure ,
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Images supplied by SHC Consulting Engineers
1 and 2 : One of the four 19 000l tanks , being installed .
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I April 2024 29