Wolfson College

However, carbon emissions were not at the forefront of the college founder’s (Isaiah Berlin) mind. With funding provided by both the College and government, works comprised of the following over two phases:

Phase 1:

• Replacement of gas boilers with CO² heat pumps
• Replacement of around 75% of single-glazed windows with triple-glazed ones

Phase 2:

• Replacement of remaining single-glazed windows
• Newly insulated roofing

PROJECT ROLE

Acting as Principal Contractor, F G Alden worked alongside a dedicated group of Consultants and Architects to help Wolfson College achieve their goal of a carbon free institution by 2030.

Works included the installation of two 350kw CO² Air source heat pumps =each with two evaporators to replace the existing gas fired boilers, reusing the exiting heating distribution system sized at traditional heating flow and return temperature the challenge was to ensure that with the new operating temperature of the CO² ASHP keeping the heating return temperature below 40°C without changing all the radiator sin the college, so approximately 750 thermostatic radiator valves where replaced along with temperature limiting lockshield radiator valves. The Domestic hot water system also needed attention, five ASHP now provide heat via a plate heat exchanger to maintain the return water temperature and the cold feed is heated by two plate heat exchangers fed from a 3000-litre buffer vessel heated by the CO² ASHP.

All the worked took place in alive college environment with very close liaison between the college Staff our site manage to minimise any disruption.