University of Huddersfield University focused on engineering innovation and smart energy research upgrades to new Modumax mk4 boilers

Sector: Education

Building: University of Huddersfield

Products: Modumax mk4

Application: Space heating

The University of Huddersfield is a leading public research university in West Yorkshire, with a campus that combines historic buildings with modern teaching and research facilities. As part of its ongoing investment into improving efficiency and sustainability across its campus, the university recently upgraded boiler plant equipment serving two key locations: Queen Street and The Laura Annie Wilson Building, formerly known as the Technology Building.

The challenge

Each building brought its own operational requirements and plant room constraints, which meant the university needed a solution that would improve energy efficiency while also working within tight space and access limitations. At Queen Street, access was particularly challenging, with entry only possible via a steep, narrow staircase. This significantly restricted the size and type of equipment that could be transported into the building and installed. The Laura Annie Willson building – a 29,600 sq. ft research facility supporting scientists and engineers – presented further challenges, with a tightly confined layout and limited floor space. Given these constraints, achieving the required heating output meant that a conventional boiler solution would have required multiple separate units, alongside substantial alterations to the plantroom layout. Due to the physical limitations of both buildings, this approach was not considered practical or viable.

The solution

Following a detailed site visit from Hamworthy Heating it was decided that Modumax mk4 modular boilers would provide the ideal solution to the challenges presented across both plantrooms at the University of Huddersfield. The chosen system includes a two-stack configuration with a total output of 294 kW for the Queen Street plantroom, together with a three stack of 762kW serving the Laura Annie Willson building.

A key advantage of specifying this system meant that each boiler could be dismantled into individual sections to allow the modules to be safely transported through the restricted access routes before being assembled on site. This proved particularly valuable at the Queen Street location, where a steep, narrow staircase made it virtually impossible to install conventional boiler plant.

Once in position, the modules were stacked vertically to maximise the available plant room space while delivering the required heating output. This compact arrangement made the most of the limited footprint available, particularly at the Laura Annie Willson Building, where floor space was limited. The modular design also meant the boilers could be installed without the need for extensive building modifications at either location.

Bob Smith explains:

The Laura Annie Willson plantroom is a great example of how Modumax boilers can deliver the required output even in space restricted environments. By making full use of the available space, we were able to achieve a total output of 762kW within a compact footprint, which is something that is often difficult to achieve in commercial applications.

Outstanding performance with flexible installation

Designed to deliver high outputs from a compact footprint, Modumax boilers combine floor-standing performance with exceptional installation flexibility. Their modular construction enables individual sections to be transported separately before being assembled on site, making them particularly well suited to refurbishment projects, such as the University of Huddersfield, where access is restricted.

The modular configuration also delivers enhanced operational performance. With each module capable of operating independently, the system can closely match heating demand as building loads fluctuate, providing up to 5:1 turndown per module. This improves seasonal efficiency, reduces unnecessary energy consumption and helps lower operating costs.

Enhanced features

Building on the success of its popular Modumax range, the latest generation of boilers from Hamworthy Heating retain the core features that have made them the leading floor-standing commercial boiler range, while introducing a series of refinements. These include a reduced rear flue height to better suit low-height plantrooms, and a more aesthetically pleasing design. The range has also been simplified to support easier fuel conversion between natural gas and propane via an optional conversion kit supplied at point of order. To assist facilities teams, Modumax mk4 boilers also feature a user-friendly full-colour touchscreen interface that simplifies day-to-day operation and maintenance.

Outcome

Following the successful installation, the university now benefits from an efficient heating system that optimises the available plant room space and supports its long-term sustainability objectives. This is particularly important in a building focused on engineering innovation and smart energy research, where reliable day-to-day performance is essential.

Luke Brearcliffe, Project Manager, Gasmech Services Limited,

We’ve worked with the Hamworthy team for many years, so when it came to replacing our existing boilers, we were confident they would recommend the right solution for our site.

The new Modumax mk4 modular boilers have performed really well since installation, particularly over the winter when they handled very cold conditions without any issues. We’ve already noticed improvements in day-to-day operation, and the team has been responsive throughout, answering questions quickly and making regular site visits to ensure everything continues to run as expected.

From installation through to commissioning, the project was well organised and delivered professionally, with minimal disruption to our day-to-day operations. We’re looking forward to seeing how the boilers continue to perform over the coming months, but based on our experience so far, we’re very pleased with both the installation and the support we’ve received from Hamworthy.

For more information on our Modumax mk4 and modular boiler configuration, contact your Area Sales Manager.