#United Kingdom #Birmingham #Star Refrigeration #LSBU #WHARM

Star Refrigeration and LSBU Collaborate on Innovative Waste Heat Research

In a significant move toward sustainable urban development, Star Refrigeration has teamed up with premier academic institutions and industry leaders for an innovative project focused on harnessing waste heat within urban environments. This initiative, known as the Waste Heat Assessment and Resource Mapping (WHARM) project, is spearheaded by London South Bank University (LSBU) and aims to evaluate the waste heat generated by cooling systems in cities, especially in Birmingham.

Understanding the WHARM Initiative

The WHARM project, funded by the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), seeks to compile a comprehensive database that details waste heat production in energy-intensive sectors including data centers, supermarkets, and cold storage facilities. This database will allow stakeholders to identify heat generation patterns and explore opportunities for reusing this heat, ultimately contributing to urban decarbonization.

Dave Pearson, the Group Sustainable Development Director at Star Refrigeration, emphasized the importance of granular data on waste heat. He remarked on the necessity of understanding the specifics—location, quantity, quality, and cleanliness—of the waste heat produced. This data is crucial for advising on the implementation of industrial heat pumps or for making the heat available to neighboring entities through district heat networks. Pearson views this endeavor similarly to material recycling, positing that waste heat should have an established economic value, possibly allowing it to be sold.

Project Collaboration and Objectives

The WHARM project is a collaborative effort involving LSBU, Aston University, Birmingham City Council, and Skilled Mapping, alongside Star Refrigeration. Collectively, these entities aim to provide businesses and local authorities with the necessary insights to make informed decisions regarding heat recovery and distribution, aligning with net-zero emissions targets.

Key objectives of the WHARM project include:
1. Identification and Mapping: Pinpointing and characterizing waste heat produced by cooling systems across Birmingham.
2. Economic Modeling: Developing models to quantify the costs associated with capturing and upgrading waste heat to useful temperature levels.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Identifying challenges faced by stakeholders such as high costs and supply-demand mismatches in heat recovery.
4. Strategic Support: Assisting local authorities and enterprises in evaluating opportunities related to waste heat.

According to Dr. Henrique Lagoeiro, a Research Fellow at LSBU and project lead, the WHARM initiative represents a significant partnership between academia and industry, aimed at constructing a knowledge base that will guide the decarbonization efforts of cities and industries alike.

Star Refrigeration's Commitment to Sustainability

Star Refrigeration's involvement in WHARM highlights its dedication to sustainable practices and its ongoing collaboration with universities and local authorities to foster carbon reduction solutions throughout the UK. Founded in 1970, Star Refrigeration has established itself as a leader in industrial refrigeration and heating, consistently pushing the envelope toward energy-efficient and environmentally friendly practices. The company is known for its innovation in heating systems, including notable projects like England's largest high-temperature water source heat pump in Bristol and Scotland's largest district heat pump project in West Dunbartonshire, which have received international accolades.

About the Key Partners

• - London South Bank University (LSBU): A prominent educational institution committed to fostering research and teaching. With a rich history of over 125 years in engineering education, LSBU is at the forefront of innovative energy solutions, including its recent GreenSCIES project aimed at integrating renewable energy into smart energy grids.
• - Aston University: With a profound connection to Birmingham's industrial heritage, Aston University has been a pioneer in education and research for over a century, focusing on technological advancements and their applications for societal betterment.
• - Skilled Mapping: Specializing in geospatial technology and project management, Skilled Mapping is integral to the WHARM initiative, utilizing their expertise to visualize and manage the spatial distribution of waste heat resources.
• - Birmingham City Council: Serving a population of over 1.1 million, the Council is heavily invested in reducing carbon emissions within the city, with initiatives like the Birmingham District Energy Scheme showcasing how low-carbon heat can be effectively utilized in various municipal buildings and facilities.

Conclusion

The WHARM initiative presents a pivotal opportunity for urban areas to capitalize on waste heat, an often-overlooked resource. By collaborating with esteemed institutions and leveraging innovative technologies, Star Refrigeration and its partners are paving the way for more sustainable urban energy solutions that not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions but also enhance the efficiency of energy use in cities.