Energy retrofit of a historic care home with gas heat pumps
Piatti Venanzi Care Home
Piatti-Venanzi Care Home in Palosco, a complex facility that includes a historic section and accommodates around 70 residents, required a major energy retrofit.
The aim was to improve the overall energy efficiency of the building and its heating and cooling systems, reduce energy consumption and ensure a high level of comfort for residents all year round. The solution also needed to keep electrical demand low, as further costly upgrades to the electricity supply were not feasible.
The old heating units were replaced with 14 Robur gas absorption heat pumps, installed in modular systems with a total heating capacity of approximately 390 kW.
Three high-temperature GAHP A units, with a combined capacity of 90 kW, are primarily dedicated to domestic hot water production and can also support space heating when needed. The remaining GAHP AR heat pumps provide space heating and cooling, delivering approximately 300 kW of heating capacity and 180 kW of cooling capacity.
The retrofit also included upgrades to the distribution system and indoor terminals, with the installation of a radiant ceiling system for heating and cooling, mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery and humidity control systems.
The retrofit reduced energy consumption and significantly improved indoor comfort, without requiring a substantial upgrade to the electricity supply.
The modular design of the Robur heat pumps also allows the system to adapt its operation to the facility’s actual needs. The preassembled solution simplified installation and connection work, helping to streamline the retrofit and reduce installation time.
The result is an efficient, flexible system capable of meeting the heating, cooling and domestic hot water needs of a complex care home facility that includes a historic section.
Robur support
From the earliest stages of the project, Robur’s sales network and technical team worked alongside the designers and the client to assess requirements and identify the most suitable solution.
Ongoing discussions with Robur’s engineers helped address the various technical challenges of the retrofit, providing timely support throughout system design and installation. Their availability, transparency and technical product knowledge enabled the professionals involved to work with confidence at every stage of the project.
