#United Kingdom #Star Refrigeration #Queens Quay #Vital Energi #Clydebank

Discovering Sustainable Energy at Queens Quay

In a significant educational initiative, students from Glasgow Kelvin College, along with members of the Institute of Refrigeration (IOR), visited the Queens Quay Energy Centre in Clydebank, Scotland. This facility is notable for housing the UK's largest water-source district heat pump system, which represents a pivotal development in sustainable energy usage.

The visit was organized collaboratively by the involved organizations including Star Refrigeration, Vital Energi, and West Dunbartonshire Council. Students had the unique opportunity to learn from industry experts such as Nicky Cowan (Star Refrigeration), Shannon O'Neil (Vital Energi), and Adam Strachan (IOR), who provided comprehensive insights regarding the facility’s functioning, its energy efficiency strategies, and the environmental advantages it offers.

The Heat Pump System Explained

At the heart of the Queens Quay operation are two highly advanced ammonia-based heat pumps, each possessing a capacity of 2.6 MW. These systems are designed to extract thermal energy from the River Clyde to provide an affordable and low-carbon heating solution to local buildings, business premises, and council facilities.

Water from the river is treated through specialized self-cleaning filters meant to catch debris and prevent the formation of mussels before passing through titanium heat exchangers. Here, thermal energy is extracted from the water, which is then returned to the river at a cooler temperature—roughly three degrees less than its original state. The extracted energy is subsequently augmented by ammonia-based heat pumps, elevating the temperature sufficiently (between 75°C and 80°C) for a comprehensive 5-kilometer district heating network.

During this event, a vital focus was placed on recent upgrades to the heat exchangers and radiator systems already linked within the network. These enhancements have led to significant improvements in system efficiency and overall temperature optimization. Also highlighted were concerns regarding climate change, as the facility has noted an increase in river temperatures—currently reaching peaks of 21°C, compared to historical averages ranging from 18°C to 19°C.

Nicky Cowan of Star Refrigeration commented, "Educational visits like these offer invaluable experiences for students and industry professionals. At Queens Quay, we showcased not only the engineering innovations behind the UK’s largest water-source heat pump scheme, but vital real-world challenges and solutions involved in large-scale sustainable heating delivery." He emphasized the importance of direct engagement with such technology, stating that it enables future scientists and engineers to grasp the integral role heat pumps will play in achieving net-zero targets.

Queens Quay: A Model for Sustainable Heating

The Queens Quay heat pump installation is exemplary of sustainable heating solutions that are increasingly necessary for our energy transition. It aligns with other pioneering projects across cities like Bristol, Jarrow, and Liverpool, which similarly strive towards reinforcing the UK’s carbon reduction aspirations.

Future plans for the Queens Quay facility include further expansions of the network that will incorporate additional heat pumps, a thermal storage tank, and rinks connecting to hospitals and new residential areas. Cowan expressed enthusiasm about this growth trajectory, stating, "As the project expands and more heat resources are installed, the efficiency will really improve, leading to lower energy expenses and even greater carbon savings."

As this district heating system continues to grow, covering approximately 23 hectares, it is set to provide 1,000 private homes, 200 rented accommodations, and the necessary infrastructure to support these developments. This emerging model for low-carbon, localized heating serves as a template for communities nationwide that seek to balance urban expansion with stringent climate objectives.

In conclusion, the visit to Queens Quay marks an exciting educational chapter, offering both students and industry professionals the unique chance to witness firsthand the future of sustainable energy endeavors. As young minds delve into practical applications of their studies, they begin to understand the profound impact they can have on creating a more sustainable world.