The University of Essex maintenance team selected the PLATEflow system to overcome the issues associated with point of use water heaters.
BACKGROUND
The decision to transition to a new hot water supply system within one of the University’s teaching blocks was driven by ongoing issues with the existing setup, which relied on 18 individual point-of-use water heaters. These units were installed across multiple locations, many of which were difficult to access, making both routine maintenance and replacements particularly challenging when failures occurred. The short lifespan of the existing units resulted in a continual cycle of repairs and replacements, resulting in growing financial implications.
SOLUTION
The maintenance team removed the point of use heaters and installed a hot water return around the building. This has reduced maintenance considerably and gave them a single point of control for the whole building. They also incorporated this into their Trend BMS system allowing them to monitor and adjust remotely.
Sam Merritt, Technical Manager, opted for McDonald Water Storage as we were able to offer a 150 litre PLATEflow system with minimal stored water, reducing energy consumption and extremely quick recovery times.
The University team used a local building services contractor as the main contractor for this project called Munro Building Services Ltd which carried out the Mechanical and Electrical element of the project with the BMS subcontracted out to an approved controls company.
TESTIMONIAL
Sam Merritt, Technical Manager, University of Essex
“The 18 point-of-use water heaters installed across various locations had become increasingly time-consuming to maintain, with many units failing and creating challenges for replacement due to their positioning. Our team was delighted with the successful installation of the new system, which now provides the University with enhanced performance and greater peace of mind.”
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Wayne Hyde
Marketing and Project Manager
Having been in the cylinder industry for nearly 20 years, in both product and marketing roles, I have extensive knowledge of all aspects of hot water storage, from domestic through to commercial applications, including vented, unvented and thermal store solutions.
