Back in 2017, Vahterus UK received a quotation request from Star Renewable Energy for Plate & Shell Heat Exchangers (PSHEs) as part of the landmark Queens Quay heat network project. These PSHEs were to form an integral part of two 2.65 MW River Source Heat Pumps drawing water from the Clyde Estuary. Each heat pump was designed to include four PSHEs operating as a condenser, desuperheater, sub-cooler, and oil cooler. One of the main drivers in selecting Vahterus’ Plate & Shell technology was its compact size and low ammonia charge.
By Rebecca Casale, Key Account Manager, Vahterus
Development of the Queens Quay project
Five years later, using ammonia as the working fluid, the heat pumps are the largest, hottest, natural-working-fluid, water-source heat pumps in Scotland. In 2021, the European Heat Pump Association awarded West Dunbartonshire Council (which commissioned the project) the “2021 City of the Year” award for its work on the Queens Quay project. The network currently serves a Leisure Centre, 130 newly built apartments, a Town Hall, two Business Centre buildings, and a Health Care Centre. The network is expanding every month and over the next few years will also include a Hospital, College, and multiple blocks of high-rise accommodation. In energy terms, CO2 savings on the current system compared to gas are 80%, and when the grid is fully electrified from renewables (target of before 2030), this will be a 100% CO2 reduction.
Expansion and industry impact
Following this award-winning success story, Star is now commissioning two further systems: one in Bristol (3000kW) utilising the floating harbour in Castle Park as the heat source, and another in Jarrow, South Tyneside, which utilises the River Tyne. Commenting on the Queens Quay project, Manager of Star Renewable Energy, Nicky Cowan, said, “Heat pumps, whilst an old concept, are not well known. They’re relatively simple. The hard bit is to get the best performance and that’s where the challenge begins. Star aims to harness every piece of available heat in various heat-exchange processes, but they all interact. I’m really grateful to Paul Button at Vahterus for his diligence, patience, and quick responses, which helped us on our way to success.”
Conclusion
Star Heat Pump in the Energy Centre at Queens Quay. CO2 savings compared to gas are 80% and improving. Image courtesy of Vahterus.Paul Button, Director at Vahterus UK, reflected on the project’s success, stating, “To see the working benefits of such a successful project with Vahterus technology at its heart is a very proud moment for us. In the present economic climate, with rising energy costs and inflation, it’s encouraging to see systems such as this providing signifi cant savings for users on the Network.” The ongoing success and expansion of these heat pump projects underscore the importance of innovative energy solutions in achieving significant CO2 reductions and providing efficient, sustainable energy to communities.
About this Technical Story
This Technical Story was first published in Heat Exchanger World Magazine in September 2024. To read more Technical Stories and many other articles, subscribe to our print magazine.
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