Heating systems manufacturer Ariston has donated an air source heat pump (ASHP) to Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) to support engineering education and research into low-carbon heating technologies.
The Nimbus Pocket 50 air source heat pump has been installed at the University’s Chelmsford campus and will be used by students across a range of engineering courses, including mechanical engineering, mechatronics and robotic engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, civil engineering, and biomedical engineering.
According to ARU, the heat pump will provide students with practical experience of renewable heating technology and support research into energy efficiency and sustainable building systems.
The unit is located within the university’s Marconi building and will form part of both teaching and research activities.
Supporting heat pump education and research
The Nimbus Pocket 50 uses R32 refrigerant and has a coefficient of performance (COP) of up to 5.1. Ariston says the system was selected to help students better understand heat pump operation, efficiency, and the role of low-carbon heating technologies in the transition to net zero.
Representatives from Ariston recently visited the campus to view the installation and meet students involved in related research projects. Discussions included areas such as thermodynamic cycles and heat recovery systems for preheating water supplies.
Edoardo Pauletta, Country Manager at Ariston, comments, “We’re pleased to donate one of our Nimbus Pocket air source heat pumps to Anglia Ruskin University.
“As the UK makes swift strides towards achieving net zero goals, it is vital that the next generation of students looking to work in the renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental sectors have access to these new technologies.
“We hope this heat pump will give students a better understanding into sustainable heating technology as well as hands-on learning opportunities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career as the UK transitions to a greener future.”
Ahad Ramezanpour, Associate Professor of Computational Fluid Dynamics at Anglia Ruskin University, adds, “Ariston’s generous donation gives our students invaluable real-world insight into heat pump technology, supports our research in this area, and helps prepare our graduates to lead the transition to low-carbon heating and cooling.”
For more from Ariston, click here.
