When looking for a suitable air conditioning system for the low carbon regeneration of Soapworks in Manchester, the developer selected a Panasonic VRF system. The 400,000sq ft site, owned by global asset management company The Carlyle Group and joint venture partners Nikal and Abstract Securities Ltd, is of significant historical importance, so any installation had to be sensitive to the building’s structure.
Due to the historic features within the building, including a vaulted ceiling, the system needed to be seamlessly installed under-floor. It also needed to be energy efficient to support Soapworks’ sustainability goals.
The Intelligent Comfort Group (ICG),  selected Panasonic’s 3-Pipe ECOi MF2 Series as the ideal solution, thanks to its adaptable design, energy saving attributes and simultaneous heating and cooling capabilities. MF2 variable static pressure units, which would usually be fitted into the ceiling, were instead installed underfloor to meet the design criteria. Bespoke grills, which have been evenly distributed throughout the floor space, allow the warm air to be dispersed around the room.
The system guarantees consistent leaving-air control of 16 degrees, 4 or more degrees higher than other manufacturers. This is the ideal temperature for warm air to rise and effectively distribute for a comfortable environment, without the need for additional energy being used.
For more information on Panasonic’s range of heating systems, please visit www.aircon.panasonic.eu.