Low carbon heating for Ramsgate library refurbishment

(16/06/2010)

The Ramsgate library was almost completely destroyed by fire in 2004, shortly before its 100th anniversary and an ambitious plan was put together by Friends of Ramsgate Library working in conjunction with Ramsgate Council for a rebuild that preserved all the architectural integrity and used the latest materials.

Planning permission was granted in 2006 and, following feasibility studies into low carbon heating options, Dimplex installer partner Econic was appointed to design the ground loop heat pump system, which included two Dimplex SI 50 TE ground source heat pumps, each supplying a heating output of 46.7kW, as well as securing LCBP II (Low Carbon Buildings Programme) grant funding.

The system was also arranged to provide passive cooling to selected areas of the building during the warmer months using the relatively cool liquid from the collector which is usually 10-12 degrees Celsius to flow through the underfloor heating system.

Romsey-based consulting engineers, EDP, commissioned the initial survey as part of a strategy to deliver the latest heating systems for a low carbon building while maintaining the architectural integrity, explained Edward Wilmoth, mechanical designer at EDP.

“We were tasked to deliver a creative solution for the building in line with the low carbon strategy and after very careful evaluation, Dimplex ground source heat pumps met the demanding specification. As well as being low impact on the building structure, affordable to run and low carbon, the system also had to be low maintenance and be capable of providing free cooling in the two seminar rooms,” he said.

The performance of the heat pumps were put to the test on the day of the library’s official opening which was during the winter and a heavy snowfall which didn’t stop hundreds of guests and Ramsgate’s Golden Globe award winning actress Brenda Blethyn turning up for the official opening.

The two tier landmark building retains its elegant facade but inside, it is light and welcoming with bright carpets, sofas and 21st Century computer equipment, storytelling and events zones as well as the book filled lending library area.

Related categories:  Environmental technologies for offices and commercial   Ground and air source heating