Temperatures soar in student village
High temperature heat pumps provide heating and hot water
- Main Contractor: Naylor Love
- Mechanical Contractor: Beattie Air Conditioning
- Consultant: Stufkens & Chambers
150 Students enjoy central heating and domestic hot water
Photo provided by Jerram Tocker Barron Architects
Products:
- Firebird C100 condensing diesel boiler x4
- DeLonghi PHD radiator x200
- Fiorini 1000L hot water cylinder x4
- Baxi hydraulic separator x2
- Fernox x1
Situation
Nelson College’s principal had two choices, downsize and modernize or bulldoze and move away from boarding. Luckily, the college principal chose the former. In 2014, Nelson College commenced a four-year project to modernize two of its heritage buildings. Tim Miller Plumbing was approached by the school to install heating and domestic hot water in both buildings.
Location: NelsonMechanical Contractor: Tim Miller Plumbing
Consultant: Jerram Tocker Barron Architects
Approach
Central Heating New Zealand used plans provided by Jerram Tocker Barron Architects to design complete heating systems for each accommodation block. Tim Miller Plumbing installed 200 appropriately sized Delonghi PHD radiators in bedrooms and communal spaces. The heating was powered by four Firebird C100 condensing diesel boilers, two in each accommodation block. Diesel boilers were chosen over gas boilers as there is no reticulated natural gas in Nelson. The diesel boilers also heated four 1000L Fiorini stainless steel hot water cylinders to provide enough hot water for 150 students.
A Baxi hydraulic separator was used to ensure the correct flow rate through the diesel boiler heat exchangers and to assist with the correct delta T on the primary and secondary circuits. The separator also allowed for air and dirt removal to increase the longevity of the installed system.
Outcome
It took five years and well over $4 million of school funds to revamp both Rutherford and Barnicoat House. Nelson College now has two modern accommodation blocks that attract local and international students thanks to their high levels of comfort.
"There is a huge appetite amongst the international market, particularly Asia, for boarding schools that provide onsite care in a secure environment. It's no longer enough just to go to a boarding school and rough it out. Families want high-speed wi-fi, they want great heating and nice furnishings." Nelson College Principal, Gary O'Shea
Nelson College turns over more than $4 million a year through renting out its accommodation facilities to international and prep school students.
Other projects
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Replacing legacy heating systems
Out with the old and in with the new
- Mechanical Contractor: Command Service
