24 Hour Operation
The Lochiel Remand Centre consists of two buildings located in the outer suburbs of Adelaide. The Centre is primarily for juvenile offender residential care, and was designed by the South Australian Government Buildings Department.
With the introduction of geoexchange to Australia, the architects decided to evaluate the economics of WaterFurnace for heating, cooling, and hot water.
WaterFurnace ground source heat pumps were selected for the following benefits:
- low operating costs
- low maintenance
- long life
- no outdoor equipment to be damaged
- indoor equipment could be located in a lockable cupboard.
The system was commissioned in April of 1995.
The Centre has installed the following ground source heat pump equipment;
1) The Lodge (12 beds, 500 sq. m)
- 1 WaterFurnace Premier ATV 019
- (5.6 kW)
- 2 WaterFurnace Premier AT 028
- (8.5 kW each)
- 2 WaterFurnace Premier AT 039
- (11 kW each)
- 1 WaterFurnace Premier ATV 048
- (14 kW)
2) The Cornerways (12 beds, 500 sq. m)
- 1 WaterFurnace Premier ATV 019
- (5.6 kW)
- 2 WaterFurnace Premier AT 028
- (8.5 kW each)
- 2 WaterFurnace Premier AT 039
- (11 kW each)
- 1 WaterFurnace Premier ATV 048
- (14 kW)
The complex consists of separate bedrooms, training areas, office areas, entertainment areas, and communal eating areas. Kitchens are included in the complex, with small laundries.
The equipment operates 24 hours a day for 365 days a year at the following settings:
- heating 22° C
- cooling 23° C
The thermostats for the individual units are located in the main office area to prevent tampering.
The WaterFurnace equipment is not separately monitored.
The operating cost was estimated to be $2 750 per year for each building.
The financial pay-back through reduced operating and maintenance costs was estimated to be 18 months.