Bristol Airport

Client: Bristol Airport
Contractor: Keyplan Engineering Ltd
Type of works: supply of a 375kW air conditioning installation.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has just installed a 375kW air consitioning installation at Bristol Airport. There are 20 multi-split systems from MHI’s FD Micro Inverter range and 33 SAF fresh air heat exchange units that service a hub of pre-boarding and arrivals areas, plus a new two-storey walkway connection to the terminal building. MHI’s FD Split and Multi Split Systems feature a cutting edge inverter controlled compressor that adjusts automatically to meet the precise demands of the indoor unit to save energy and reduce temperature fluctuations.

MHI distributor, FM Air Conditioning, supplied the climate control systems to Bristol-based installer, Keyplan Engineering Ltd, to meet the project specification. The equipment package for the main walkway includes sixteen 20kW FDC outdoor units, connected to 31 FDT four-way ceiling cassettes, with a cooling range of 4.0 - 11.2kW. In addition, twin-split systems from MHI are installed in the area designated for arrivals, consisting of eight 7.1kW FDEN ceiling suspended indoor units driven by four 14.0kW FDC outdoor units.

The installation design also includes 33 SAF fresh air heat exchanger units from MHI to recover waste energy and reduce heating/cooling requirements in accordance with Building Regulations Part L2. A combination of SAF 1,000m³/hr and 500m³/hr air handling units has been installed. The air conditioning systems and SAF units are linked directly to the airport’s BMS via a BACnet gateway interface to enable centralised climate control of all areas.

Bristol Airport’s Head of Airport Development, Andrew Goodenough, says the new western walkway eliminates the hassle of bus transfers for the majority of passengers. He comments, “With direct covered access between aircraft and the terminal building, staff and passengers are protected from inclement weather, and MHI’s air conditioning systems will ensure they stay comfortably cool in the summer. This whole investment reflects our commitment to improving the airport experience for departing and arriving passengers.”

Located on its current site since 1957, Bristol Airport has grown to become one of the UK’s major regional airports. The terminal is expected to handle its 50 millionth passenger by the end of 2010.