As part of the ongoing partnership with property managing agent FirstPort, Vital Energi has helped secure £489k in Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) funding to enhance the experience of residents living in the apartments at the Capital East II development, situated near the Royal Victoria Docks, London.
This partnership builds on a relationship that began in 2018 when Vital Energi commenced the maintenance and data collection services for the heat network at the Capital East II development. Over the years, the hands-on experience gained by the Vital Energi team has provided invaluable insights into the operation of the Capital East II heat network.
Ageing infrastructure presents a significant challenge across the heat network sector, particularly as regulations and decarbonisation targets drive the need for greater efficiency. Vital Energi, working closely with FirstPort, took a proactive approach at the Capital East II development by conducting optimisation studies and securing HNES funding, which identified heat losses at the individual apartment level. This indicated that the existing heat interface units (HIUs) were inefficient, requiring frequent repairs and negatively impacting residents' experience.
The £489,900 HNES funding will support the replacement of 203 HIUs in two blocks of the development, with the highly efficient, electronic BESA-certified vTherm°e heat interface units. Upgrading to the vTherm°e will enhance the system’s temperature differential (dT), allowing for a lower pump flow rate and reducing overall electrical consumption. This improvement will boost system efficiency across the heat network.
Upgrades to the existing BMS have also been designed to allow for weather compensation. This will change how the heat network controls the flow temperature, with controls adjusting the amount of heat generated depending on outdoor air temperature. In practical terms, this means lower energy consumption, improved efficiency, lower return temperatures, reduced plant cycling and more stable temperatures for residents throughout the year.
This project marks a significant step forward in improving the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of the Capital East II heat network. Through continued collaboration with First Port, Vital Energi remains committed to optimising the performance of heat networks and improving the experience of residents living on heat networks.
