CISM at Swansea University

Background

The Center for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM) is an integrated facility for semiconductor research and technological development. The building is located in the heart of the Swansea University Bay Campus, within the existing engineering district. This position will enable collaboration and sharing between the various engineering departments.

Purposes

The three-storey building is spread over 4320 m2 and contains clean rooms, research facilities and offices. In order to achieve at least an “Excellent” rating according to the BREEAM classification, it was built using sustainable and energy efficient construction techniques and uses renewable energies, including solar photovoltaics and heat recovery.

Project

With these premises, the HVAC system had to ensure energy and quality performance of the highest level. For this reason, together with Cooltherm – our partner based in United Kingdom – we have designed 3 air-cooled chillers with oil-free centrifugal compressors, for a total power of 1800 kW (512 RT). The units are designed to use HFO-1234ze, the greenest refrigerant in the world (GWP <1), and are capable of delivering EER levels of 3.43 (W/W)* with low noise levels (64 dBA). In addition, they are controlled with a single gateway that allows simultaneous remote monitoring in real-time.

*Cooling kW/RT = 1.03 – Cooling EER BTU/Wh = 11.70