Overview:
The Project Consisted of the design, installation Retrofit of 2no 420KW 40no Borehole Vertical Ground Source Systems into Cheltenham and Gloucester College.
Gloucestershire College is a college of further and higher education spread across multiple campuses: Gloucester, Cheltenham, and the Forest of Dean. Ground Source Heat Pumps are being installed at the former two as part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) to provide most of the heating and hot water. These will be supported by the existing gas boilers which will provide a small amount of top-up heating and back up if required. Each scheme comprises a new purpose-built plant room housing a GSHP, an external thermal store, and hydraulic amendments to serve the existing heating and hot water circuits. The GSHPS consists of a Ground Source Heat Pump, a Ground Heat Exchanger, circulation pumps and a 20,000 litre thermal store. Equipment is installed in a purpose-built GRP plantroom with the thermal store externally adjacent.
Each Ground Heat Exchanger consists of 40no. boreholes to an average depth of 200m under the carpark. Each borehole contains a single 40mm loop connection in parallel to one of 4 prefabricated submanifolds with loop flow set by balancing valves. The 4 submanifolds are combined in a master chamber before connection to the GRP plantroom adjacent the existing buildings. The GSHP nominal heat output is 395kW. It comprises of a R1234ze screw compressor with continuous capacity control between 50% and 100%. The unit includes an integral microprocessor controller which controls the system. A touch pad user control interface on the fascia of the unit allows users to programme the operation of the heat pump and to check the status or system parameters. Heat pump enable is achieved through a connection from the site BMS.
Key Activities and Achievements:
Product Design
- Conducted a thorough site assessment to understand the existing heating system and requirements. Completed ground loop Designs for each site, P&ID, Revit Drawings and description of operations for each site.
- Collaborated with the schools administration to plan the project timeline and minimize disruptions to the site’s operations.
Health and Safety
- Developed a comprehensive Health and Safety Plan, including risk assessments, method statements, and site-specific safety measures.
- Ensured all personnel involved in the project received appropriate health and safety training, including CSCS cards, asbestos awareness, and working at heights.
Coordination and Subcontractor Management
- Engaged qualified and experienced subcontractors for specialized tasks such as asbestos removal, electrical connections, and pipework.
- Conducted regular coordination meetings with subcontractors to ensure adherence to the project schedule and quality standards.
Works Execution
- Safely removed the old boilers and associated pipework, following proper disposal procedures for any identified asbestos-containing materials.
- Drilled and excavated ground to receive all ground arrays.
- Installed new energy-efficient heat pumps, connecting them to the existing heating system and ensuring proper functioning.
- Tested and commissioned the heat pumps, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and performance expectations of design
Quality Control and Handover
- Conducted regular inspections and quality checks to monitor the progress and compliance with the project specifications.
- Prepared comprehensive handover documentation, including as-built drawings, operation manuals, and maintenance recommendations.
- Collaborated with the College staff to provide training on the operation and maintenance of the new heat pumps.
