A 9-month payback on investment in a new Reznor warm air heating system at Unipart DCM’s 93,000m² Cowley distribution centre exceeded all expectations, falling well within the 2-year limit required by the company.
Exceptional energy savings of 35 per cent a year have been achieved since the system was installed in 1994. The Reznor heaters maintain a constant temperature of 16-17°C, ensuring a comfortable working atmosphere.
Unipart DCM is one of Europe’s leading providers of outsourced aftermarket logistics and distribution services. Its Cowley distribution centre was built in 1964, the biggest of four Unipart DCM distribution centres now operating in the UK. Originally, the building was equipped with a high pressure hot water heating system, run off three large boilers. Heat was supplied to the operational areas via radiant strip heat emitters positioned at 9 metres in the roof.
The system took approximately three days to warm up, since it had to heat all 250 tonnes of water before it would work effectively. High running and maintenance costs made the system increasingly non-viable for Unipart.
Reznor, working with contractor Thermatic of Salford, designed a warm air heating system consisting of a total of 105 XD400, XAA400 and XB400 heater units in four zones within the main areas. In addition, 220 Maximizor fans were installed for recirculation of risen warm air to lower level. Fourteen air curtains were also fitted to ensure warm air remains within the building when loading bay doors are opened and closed.
Ron Mansfield of Unipart oversaw the project. He comments: “From my calculations I was doubtful whether we would achieve the two year payback period required. What the system actually achieved was remarkable, having now paid for itself many times over.
“Our employees noticed the difference immediately. Operation and maintenance of the system are simple and we have a constant working temperature that is comfortable for everyone.”
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