Updated heating system improves efficiency at top performing school

Project Overview

The mixed ability school has consistently ranked as one of the top performing comprehensive schools in England and was first to achieve a GSCE pass rate of 100% A-C grades.

With such high standards in terms of an educational environment, Thomas Telford naturally wanted to maintain these conditions when it came to the heating provided to both staff and students. As an existing 25 year old heating system was proving unreliable and often broke down, site manager Darren Crook enlisted the help of contractor McQueens M&E Ltd to provide an alternative. Darren said, "we wanted a like-for-like replacement that would improve efficiency and would ensure the comfort of students and staff throughout the school. A reliable, local company whose products could easily integrate with minimal disruption would be perfect". McQueens M&E Ltd were happy to recommend Viessmann Vitocrossal commercial boilers for the school, as they were confident the standards and requirements of Thomas Telford would be met.

Three 500 kW floor standing Vitocrossal 200 CM2 boilers were installed in the third storey plant room to provide heat for the large site which includes; over 250 radiators, 9 science labs, 21 classrooms, 5 learning bases, 12 toilets, a hospitality suite, library and kitchen. The new 1.5 MW Viessmann system provides heating only for the school and has easily replaced the 70% efficient previous system, integrating seamlessly with 4 gas fired direct hot water heaters and existing BMS system.

With improved efficiencies now up to 98%, the floor-standing boilers utilise the Inox-Crossal stainless steel heat exchanger to provide high operational reliability, leading to long service life. The stainless steel surface not only improves the performance of the boiler, but creates a self cleaning effect, leading to lower maintenance.

As a result of the new installation, Thomas Telford School is now saving 40 % on it’s annual heating bill, equating to over £36,000 per year. This is mainly because of the advanced technology available in Viessmann boilers, including a modulation range from 33 to 100% and the MatriX radiant burner which ensures particularly quiet and economical operation. Darren Crook, site manager for Thomas Telford School commented, "we are extremely happy with the new heating system, which combines the best quality available with the best deal for the school."