Multiple Air Source Heat Pump & Underfloor Heating Installations For Lorry Workshop & Offices
Efficiently powering a lorry workshop and offices with multiple Air Source Heat Pumps and underfloor heating installations.
When we first embarked on this project, our original plan was to install a Ground Source Heat Pump system supported by boreholes. However, after analysing the site’s conditions, it became clear that the ground was too unstable for drilling. Furthermore, the costs associated with this approach were prohibitively high, making it an impractical solution.
Faced with these challenges, we pivoted to a more feasible and efficient alternative: Air Source Heat Pumps. By strategically installing multiple units and linking them together, we were able to create a seamless, integrated heating system. This approach not only addressed the site’s limitations but also offered a robust solution tailored to the specific needs of the project.
One of the key elements of this installation was the underfloor heating system. We laid the heating directly onto the insulation, beneath a 600mm thick concrete slab. This design choice was intentional, as it created a large thermal store that significantly benefits the workshop’s heating needs, especially when doors are left open for long periods. The concrete’s thermal mass ensures that the workshop can quickly reheat, maintaining a comfortable environment without wasting energy.
To further optimise the system, the workshop area operates on a separate, shunt-controlled zone. This zone runs at a lower flow temperature compared to the rest of the building, which not only enhances efficiency but also reduces energy consumption across the board.
In addition to the underfloor heating, we installed a four-pipe heating and cooling circuit. This circuit is connected to combined heating and cooling fan coil units, ensuring a consistent and comfortable climate throughout the building. The system is managed by a Nibe SM040 controller, which links all five outdoor Air Source Heat Pump units. The controller intelligently distributes the load among the heat pumps, activating only the necessary units to meet the building’s heating demands at any given time.
This smart management system is key to maximizing the overall efficiency of the heating setup. By ensuring that each heat pump operates only when needed, we reduce energy consumption and extend the lifespan of the equipment, ultimately delivering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution.
