System: MasterTherm AQ45i 3ph Water Source Heat Pump
Sector: Emergency Services / Marine Infrastructure
Location: Waterloo Bridge, London
Output: 45 kW
Energy Source: Open-loop system extracting heat from the River Thames
Overview:
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) at Waterloo Bridge embarked on an ambitious mission to power their new lifeboat station with renewable energy directly from the River Thames. Partnering with Thermal Earth, the project introduced a custom-designed Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) system, engineered to provide heating, cooling, and hot water with exceptional energy efficiency.
Central to the design is the MasterTherm AQ45i system, paired with a stainless-steel submersible pump encased in a bespoke copper boot shroud. This innovative configuration captures and utilises the Thames’ thermal energy, transforming the station into a model of modern sustainability and operational excellence.
Challenge:
The RNLI required a reliable and resilient heating and cooling solution for a challenging riverside environment. The system needed to:
- Operate efficiently using renewable energy from the River Thames.
- Deliver consistent heating, cooling, and hot water in a demanding marine setting.
- Maintain quiet and efficient performance with minimal maintenance.
- Allow remote monitoring and control for operational simplicity.
- Be custom-engineered to withstand the environmental challenges of tidal water and brackish conditions.
Solution:
Thermal Earth designed and installed a custom Water Source Heat Pump system, purpose-built to meet the RNLI’s needs and site-specific constraints.
System Features:
• 1 × MasterTherm AQ45i 3ph Heat Pump mounted on a bespoke skid, preassembled off-site for precise installation.
• Custom stainless steel borehole pump enclosed in a copper-booted shroud for durability in the Thames environment.
• Titanium heat exchanger for efficient energy transfer from river water.
• Open-loop water extraction system, drawing and returning water to the Thames via a controlled flow cycle.
• Integrated underfloor heating system and active cooling via fab coils for year-round comfort.
• Automatic reversible operation, switching seamlessly between heating and cooling modes.
• Full internet monitoring and online control, allowing real-time oversight and performance management.
Key Benefits:
|
Sustainable energy source |
Utilises renewable thermal energy from the River Thames. |
|
Dual heating and cooling |
Automatically adapts between heating and cooling modes for year-round comfort. |
|
Marine-grade engineering |
Stainless-steel and copper construction ensures long-term durability in tidal conditions. |
|
Quiet operation |
Minimal noise impact for station occupants and surrounding environment. |
|
Smart control & monitoring |
Internet-based dashboard for remote system management and diagnostics. |
Results:
• The RNLI Waterloo Bridge station now operates using clean, renewable energy extracted from the Thames.
• Energy efficiency and system reliability have significantly improved.
• Heating, cooling, and hot water are provided seamlessly with minimal carbon footprint.
• The automated system ensures year-round comfort and operational flexibility.
• Remote access enables proactive system management, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
