Forest School – Clade Birch 290 Heat Pumps

This school has two of our Birch r290 heat pumps installed in the autumn of 2024 and funded by PSDS. The design and installation was undertaken by a regional contractor. Clade supplied and commissioned the heat pumps.

Jane the headteacher said “We are really pleased with the heat pumps, no issues at all and we were warm all winter.”

The Clade Birch r290 heat pump is our flagship low noise model which features high quality reciprocating compressor, full PLC control and the good looks of our special low noise housing. R290 or propane is a natural refrigerant that has a very low global warming potential, is widely available and generates high temperatures efficiently.

The heat pumps are located in a fairly tight space which is convenient for the school as the heat pumps are safely contained behind a low noise fence well out of harms way. The tight space does have the potential to restrict air flow but so far they have been running just fine. The reality of retro-fitting heat pumps is that there is nearly always a compromise somewhere.

The two heat pumps provide sufficient heat for the whole school and also generate the hot water for the kitchen and restrooms.

The school had new radiators fitted but no new pipework making the installation affordable and without too much disruption.

The Birch r290 heat pumps are set to run at 60C flow temperature with a 50C return. The control strategy is to maintain a 10C differential based on the return temperature.

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