A pair of future-proof R32 split air conditioning systems with wall-mounted fan coil units from Daikin UK are the solution to a Stewards cramped accommodation at Uttoxeter Racecourse.

The weighing room has a 3.5kW system while the Stewards have a 4.2kW system. The systems were installed by the course’s regular air conditioning contractor, Complete Cooling Services, of Ilkeston.

Charlie Moore, clerk of the course, says: “The systems have made a huge difference. They work well to cool the rooms when hot, and warm them when cold.” And he says, the chance to remove a collection of heaters and fans from both rooms has made for a much tidier and more professional appearance. “It’s more than a double win.”

Charlie Moore also says: “The whole building gets unbelievably hot because of the flat roof. In addition, the Stewards’ room has a roof light. It’s a smallish room, but it has five TV screens and there are usually at least six people present during a race. If there’s an inquiry, there may be four or five hot jockeys too.

“My instruction to Complete Cooling Services was that the system should not be noisy – otherwise the Stewards would want to turn it off, especially when they were recording an inquiry.

“The new R32 systems from Daikin UK are not only whisper-quiet, but very flexible in terms of air direction and speed. They are very good.”

Complete Cooling Services managing director Graham Hill says: “We have been working with Uttoxeter Racecourse for about six years, maintaining a number of R410a split units serving various facilities.

“We had no hesitation in recommending the new R32 systems for this installation because the technology is very similar to R410a systems. But R32 systems are more energy efficient and require a smaller refrigerant charge. They are also much ‘greener’.”

R32 is a 50% component of R410a, but used on its own it has a much lower global warming potential (GWP) – 675 against 2088. R32 is a practical alternative to R410a as the phase-down of high-GWP hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants gathers pace.

The R32 systems at Uttoxeter Racecourse may themselves be a ‘temporary’ solution. Charlie Moore says: “We have plans for new facilities to replace the existing flat-roof block. When we build, we’ll definitely be taking the new Daikin units with us.”