Luxury Hotel in London Utilises Rinnai Hybrid Heat Pumps

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In the heart of London’s trendy Farringdon district, a significant stride towards sustainable energy has been made with the unveiling of a pioneering hybrid water heating system. Rinnai, a global leader in hot water solutions, has introduced a Low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) 50kW heat pump, bespoke thermal stores, and ten cascaded hydrogen-ready continuous flow water heaters to a luxurious hotel development that embodies both modernity and historical significance.

This ambitious project, situated near the bustling City of London, not only features a lavish hotel but also incorporates contemporary office spaces and affordable housing units, making it a multifaceted hub of activity. The complexity of the site, originally a Victorian-era “Ragged School” aimed at providing education for underprivileged children, necessitated a comprehensive approach to meet the diverse demands of energy consumption and hot water requirements.

Rinnai’s innovative solution integrates a hybrid water heating system that optimises performance and sustainability. The combination of a high-efficiency heat pump, specially designed thermal water stores, and hydrogen blend-ready heating units ensures that the hot water demands of the 150 luxury hotel rooms are met seamlessly, 24/7. This approach not only respects the historical context of the site but also aligns with the modern-day need for environmentally responsible practices and energy efficiency.

“The site is incredibly complex, with many original Victorian features still intact,” explained Darren Woodward from Rinnai. “To address this, we conducted a thorough site survey encompassing capital expenditure, operational costs, and carbon modelling. Our goal was to design a system that not only meets the hot water demands of the hotel and other facilities but also adheres to decarbonisation targets.”

The result is a carefully crafted hybrid system that employs a heat pump, plate heat exchangers, bespoke thermal stores, and hydrogen-ready hot water heating units—all delivered in a single, integrated package. This approach, Woodward emphasised, illustrates the potential of hybrid systems to serve as practical, economical, and technically viable solutions for large-scale retrofitting projects in London and beyond.

With the increasing urgency of climate change, the need for sustainable heating solutions has never been more critical. Rinnai’s H3 range of decarbonisation products is designed to meet this need head-on, offering contractors, consultants, and end users a suite of efficient and robust solutions. These include hydrogen and BioLPG-ready technologies, hybrid systems, and a variety of low GWP heat pumps and solar thermal applications.

The H3 range not only caters to commercial needs but also addresses domestic and off-grid heating and hot water delivery. Rinnai’s commitment to innovation means that their products are equipped with advanced features that ensure durability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. By harnessing the power of hydrogen and renewable gas technologies, Rinnai aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with heating.

Rinnai’s dedication to decarbonisation is evident across their entire product line, from the H1 continuous water heaters to the H2 and H3 hybrid systems. Each product is designed with a focus on practicality and cost-effectiveness, providing users with the flexibility to choose the right system for their specific requirements. The H1 option, for instance, is engineered to accommodate hydrogen blends, anticipating a future where clean hydrogen fuels play a pivotal role in energy markets.

As the UK advances towards its net-zero goals, the importance of retrofitting existing buildings with modern, sustainable technologies cannot be overstated. Rinnai’s innovative solutions exemplify the potential for combining heritage with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that the needs of the present do not compromise the environment for future generations.

Moreover, Rinnai’s continuous flow water heaters boast an impressive performance, delivering instantaneous, temperature-controlled hot water. They are designed to be compatible with current and future energy sources, including hydrogen gas blends and renewable liquid gases such as BioLPG and rDME. This flexibility is crucial for off-grid users who require reliable heating solutions.

Rinnai products are also UKCA certified, boasting A-rated water efficiency, and are readily available for purchase 24/7 throughout the year. Their rapid delivery service ensures that any unit can be dispatched to UK locations within 24 hours, facilitating swift transitions to more sustainable heating solutions.

In addition to supplying cutting-edge technology, Rinnai offers valuable services to assist clients in their journey towards decarbonisation. Their carbon and cost comparison tools provide insights into the financial and environmental benefits of investing in Rinnai systems. Furthermore, Rinnai’s dedicated design service can suggest bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of each property, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

As we move forward in our collective quest for a net-zero future, Rinnai’s commitment to developing efficient, robust, and affordable heating solutions is a beacon of hope. Their innovative approach not only addresses the pressing challenges of climate change but also pays homage to the rich history of the sites they transform.

To learn more about Rinnai’s extensive range of products and services, visit their website at www.rinnai-uk.co.uk or reach out via email at engineer@rinnaiuk.com. Together, let’s champion the cause of net-zero and empower our communities with sustainable solutions for a brighter, greener future.