Making utility buildings more sustainable requires a thoughtful approach 

Many utility buildings still have boiler houses, which will have to be made sustainable in the coming years. Quite a challenge, according to Evander de Vries, Utility Segment Manager at Remeha. Because although a boiler and heat pump both produce hot water, their operation is essentially different. 

"Many existing utility buildings are designed with a boiler as the starting point for heat generation. And the entire delivery system (radiators, underfloor heating, etc.) is also geared to this," he says. "This brings challenges in terms of sustainability. Whereas a central heating boiler delivers heat immediately, a heat pump requires more time to reach the same delivery temperature or not. In addition, specific conditions apply to the insulation value of the building and to the delivery system. Especially if one also wants to use the cooling function of the heat pump. Not for nothing is sustainability always customized in the eyes of Remeha."

Total solution: from advice to maintenance

The switch to (hybrid) heat pumps brings challenges. "To support the installer in this, we look beyond sec our products," says Utility Product Marketer Axel Marijt. "The moment a sustainability project starts, that's why a technical advisor from Remeha likes to hook up. He looks together with the installer at the project, the characteristics of the building and the sustainability ambition of the building owner: does he only want to add a heat pump or also make his domestic hot water preparation more sustainable? Or perhaps he wants to get rid of gas completely? Is a district heating network planned for the future, to which the system can be connected? And what does the future use of the building look like? Our total solution includes comprehensive front-end advice, hands-on training and customized service before, during and after completion, including commissioning and any maintenance contacts."

Three scenarios

From offices to healthcare buildings, schools, swimming pools, sports facilities, practice rooms and apartment buildings: for Remeha, making utility buildings more sustainable is a daily task. "We like to bring the knowledge and experience we gain in this process to the installers," says De Vries. "For example, to reach the desired solution faster and at the same time to reduce risks." To streamline sustainability properly, Remeha distinguishes three scenarios:

1. Smart replacement: just by replacing the existing central heating boiler(s) with a high performance boiler (possibly in combination with a hybrid heat pump) or, for example, by connecting a solar water heating system, many building owners can make significant steps towards sustainability.

2. Comprehensive improvement: sustainability is often tackled more broadly, with the client also looking at measures at the building level. For example, the delivery system is also addressed, allowing heating at lower temperatures and optimizing the efficiency of the hybrid or all-electric heat pump system.

3. Complete upgrade: this third step aims to go completely off gas and to heat at low temperature. This step is suitable for renovation and transformation projects. But also for the somewhat 'newer' buildings from ± 2000 that already have good insulation and HR++ glass.

Low GWPs, high release temperatures

Remeha is increasingly marketing heat pumps with natural and PFAS-free refrigerants and low Global Warming Potential (GWP). "Moreover, more and more efficiency is being obtained from the source (outside air, ventilation air, central heating return water, soil, sun, ...) and discharge temperatures are rising," says De Vries. "This also enables efficient and Legionella-safe preparation of domestic hot water, and the installation can be much more compact. Because modern heat pumps modulate more deeply and can start up with lower starting capacities, power consumption is minimized. Also, grid congestion is less often an obstacle to switching to a (hybrid) heat pump. Combined with our smart control technology, installers and building owners are assured of optimal control. But also of one project partner and one warranty party for the complete installation."

Recently, Remeha expanded its product range with the Remeha Effenca MT, a large capacity heat pump for heating and cooling based on refrigerant R32 and with a supply temperature of up to 60°C at -10°C outdoor temperature. "The heat pump is available in capacities from 20 to 40 kW," says Marijt. "In addition, we introduced the Remeha Effenca HT at VSK. This heat pump with R290 refrigerant (Propane) can deliver supply temperatures to more than as high as 70°C, making sustainable domestic hot water preparation possible as well." In the coming year, Remeha will continue to expand its heat pump range. For example, with capacities up to 200 kW, so that one-to-one boiler replacement will be within reach. "Thanks to our Remeha MiTera Plus hybrid cascade manager, the Effenca heat pumps can be combined in a hybrid system with our Quinta Ace and GAS 220 Ace boilers. In a second stage, we can additionally control groups and hot water preparation. Without requiring a separate building management system."