The overall aim of the project was to ensure a high standard of care and safety through the implementation of a robust nurse call system and a comprehensive sprinkler system. The project ultimately aimed to create a comfortable, efficient, and future-proof facility that met all regulatory requirements while minimising environmental impact and operational costs.
Key Project Innovations:
Integration of Solar PV with Air Source Heat Pumps for Underfloor Heating and Hot Water:
Combining solar PV and air source heat pumps (ASHP) to power underfloor heating and hot water systems specifically was an unconventional approach. Typically, these systems are powered by traditional grid electricity or gas. The project’s novel aspect was integrating renewable energy directly with the ASHP system, optimising energy efficiency and reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Custom Control Algorithm for Optimised Energy Usage:
A unique control algorithm was developed to manage the ASHP operation in real time based on solar energy availability, occupancy levels, and weather conditions. This algorithm was tailored specifically to maximise the use of renewable energy, ensuring the most efficient operation of the heating and hot water systems, which is not commonly implemented in standard care home projects.
Seamless Integration of Nurse Call System with Building Management System (BMS):
The integration of the nurse call system with the BMS was a novel approach, allowing for the collection and analysis of data related to call patterns and response times. This data-driven integration was designed to improve care protocols and operational efficiency, offering a higher level of service and safety.
Custom Sprinkler System Designed for Underfloor Heating Zones:
The sprinkler system was uniquely designed to coexist with the underfloor heating system without compromising either system’s functionality. The project involved developing and testing custom sprinkler heads that could operate effectively within the constraints of low ceiling heights and other architectural challenges. This is an unconventional solution compared to standard sprinkler installations.
Advanced Solar Path and Shading Analysis for PV Optimization:
Detailed solar path and shading analysis was conducted to optimise the layout and performance of the solar PV array, ensuring that even with varying roof orientations, the system could still meet a significant portion of the care home’s energy needs. This level of detailed planning and the use of advanced simulation tools is beyond the conventional scope of similar projects.
Major Challenges Addressed:
Optimising Renewable Energy Integration:
Integrating the solar PV system with the air source heat pumps (ASHP) posed significant challenges. Ensuring that the renewable energy generated by solar PV was effectively utilised by the ASHPs required careful planning, particularly given the fluctuating nature of solar energy. The need to balance energy production with demand for heating and hot water, especially during periods of low solar generation, required JLM to implement advanced energy management strategies and a custom control algorithm.
Designing and Installing the Underfloor Heating System:
Installing an underfloor heating system that was compatible with the low-temperature output from ASHPs required precise engineering. The system needed to provide consistent, comfortable heating throughout the care home without compromising the energy efficiency of the ASHPs. Ensuring even heat distribution across different building areas, particularly in larger or irregularly shaped rooms, was complex. Additionally, integrating the underfloor heating with the building’s overall energy system while maintaining comfort for residents was a significant challenge.
Integrating Life Safety Systems with Advanced Building Technologies:
The project required the integration of the nurse call and sprinkler systems with the building’s advanced mechanical and electrical systems, particularly the Building Management System (BMS). This integration was essential for ensuring seamless operation and enhancing safety and efficiency. Maintaining the reliability and functionality of these critical life safety systems while integrating them with other building technologies was challenging. Ensuring that the nurse call system operated without interference from the BMS and that the sprinkler system was fully compatible with the underfloor heating zones required significant coordination and custom solutions.
Customising Sprinkler System for Building Layout:
The care home’s layout required a customised sprinkler system design, including areas with low ceiling heights and complex architectural features. The system needed to provide full coverage without compromising the building’s aesthetics or the functionality of the underfloor heating. Developing and testing custom sprinkler heads and piping configurations that fit within the space constraints while complying with fire safety regulations was a major challenge. Additionally, ensuring that the installation process did not interfere with the underfloor heating system added another layer of complexity.
Ensuring Energy Efficiency While Maintaining Resident Comfort:
Balancing the need for energy efficiency with the requirement to maintain a comfortable and consistent indoor environment for elderly residents was a critical challenge. The project needed to ensure that energy-saving measures did not compromise the comfort or safety of residents. The design team had to carefully manage the operation of the ASHPs and underfloor heating system, particularly during periods of high demand or low energy generation, to prevent any discomfort to residents while still achieving energy efficiency targets.
Future-Proofing and Compliance with Evolving Standards:
The care home was required to be future-proof and able to adapt to evolving care standards and regulations. This meant designing systems that could accommodate future technological advancements and changes in care practices. Ensuring that the building’s M&E systems were both flexible and robust enough to meet future demands without compromising current performance added complexity to the design and installation process. Additionally, keeping up with and integrating evolving regulatory requirements posed a continual challenge throughout the project.
These challenges required innovative solutions, detailed planning, and close collaboration between the project’s design, engineering, and construction teams to ensure the successful completion of the care home.
Looking for sustainable energy solutions for care homes? Check out our recent project in Stoke-on-Trent to see how JLM Energy is making a difference in the sector.