CASE STUDIES
Heat Network Energy Saving (HNES)
Optimising Heat Network Performance for Efficiency and Sustainability
WISE Controls delivered a programme of works across the Clinical Sciences Support Building (CSSB) and Royal Liverpool University Hospital (RLUH) to address underperforming systems, unlock energy savings, and improve the reliability of critical heating and cooling. By restoring functionality to the ground source heat pump system, validating metering, and implementing smarter control strategies, we were able to deliver significant reductions in wasted energy while enhancing system resilience.
The Challenge
The hospital’s ground source heat pump system had lost communication with the BMS and was not fulfilling its role as the primary source of heating and cooling. In addition, inaccuracies in metering and fixed setpoint strategies were leading to inefficiencies across the wider heat network. Estates teams needed a long-term solution that would restore system performance and reduce rising energy costs.
The Solution
Our engineers carried out a detailed investigation and implemented a bespoke integration plan:
Restored full communication and control of the IFTECH ground source system by installing missing field wiring and reconfiguring software.
Re-engineered BMS integration points for reliable monitoring and alarm visibility.
Validated and corrected steam, heat, and coolth metering to improve accuracy and remove false data.
Developed a new weather-compensated control strategy for steam plate heat exchangers to scale heating setpoints based on outside temperature.
“WISE Controls worked with us to reduce energy on site and improve control. Phil and Mia are great, very dedicated and always trying to understand where improvements can be done, absolutely sustainability minded and very knowledgeable.”
— R.Q. Carbon & Energy Manager, LUHFT
Key Outcomes
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20% of heating and cooling load now met by the ground source system
4% energy savings through improved metering accuracy
15% reduction in steam consumption from control strategy optimisation
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Significant reduction in reliance on steam-based systems
Long-term operational savings from reduced energy waste and improved asset lifespan
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Restored reliable communication between BMS and ground source system
Enhanced monitoring with alarms for faster fault detection
Reduced risk of downtime for critical heating and IT cooling systems
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Optimised ground source heating supply temperature: 41.0°C
Optimised cooling supply temperature: 13.5°C
Full integration with BMS for real-time monitoring and alarms
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More reliable heating and cooling across CSSB and IT hub rooms
Greater system resilience, reducing risk of service disruption
Supports hospital sustainability and carbon reduction goals
The Result
The project successfully restored the IFTECH ground source system, now delivering 20% of the building’s heating and cooling load while cutting reliance on traditional steam systems. With an additional 15% reduction in steam consumption and improved metering accuracy delivering 4% energy savings, the hospital now benefits from a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable heat network.
Case Studies
Smart Solutions, Real-World Impact
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Broadgreen Hospital
WISE Controls supported Broadgreen Hospital’s energy reduction goals by upgrading its ageing BMS and integrating renewable energy, ensuring seamless connectivity with new and existing assets to boost efficiency and cut consumption.
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RLUH Clinical Sciences Building
To ensure optimal conditions, WISE Controls upgraded the BMS at the RLUH Clinical Sciences Building, delivering precise temperature, humidity, and reliable control to support sensitive research labs and critical clinical spaces.
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RLUH Main Building
To enhance overall building performance, WISE Controls modernised the BMS at RLUH Main Building, improving system visibility, energy efficiency, and operational reliability across its complex, multi-use spaces.
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Edwards Building
WISE Controls prevented boiler dry cycling at the Edwards Building, reducing energy waste, equipment wear, and operational costs, while protecting critical heating systems and supporting the hospital’s long-term efficiency.
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Reverse Osmosis Functional Monitoring
The RO water system was integrated with the BMS at Royal Liverpool University Hospital, enabling real-time monitoring to verify sterilisation and protect critical healthcare operations.
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Heat Network Energy Saving (HNES)
WISE Controls optimised heat network performance at the Clinical Sciences Support Building (CSSB) and Royal Liverpool University Hospital, restoring GSHP functionality, improving controls, system reliability and delivering energy savings.
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Meter Verification
To ensure accurate and reliable monitoring, WISE Controls verified and integrated a network of 508 Modbus electrical meters, confirming each was correctly configured and recording valid data for actionable insights.
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Critical Pharmaceutical Production Labs
Repeated ventilation failures in pharmaceutical labs risked compliance and disrupted production. WISE Controls restored stability, reliability, and confidence in critical environments.
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Liverpool Clinical Laboratories
After years of inoperation, WISE Controls restored full functionality to the Clinical Sciences Support Building’s (CSSB) Ground Source Heat Pump Bore Hole System (GSHPBS) through expert integration, boosting efficiency and reliability.
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Critical Alarm Management
At RLUH, WISE Controls tackled alarm management challenges, reducing non-critical alarm interruptions and ensuring the estates team could focus on genuine issues, improving safety, reliability, and response efficiency.
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Energy Reduction
WISE Controls worked with Liverpool University Hospitals to reduce energy consumption by validating and optimising ventilation systems at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Liverpool Clinical Labs, improving efficiency.
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LTHW Steam Plate Heat Exchanger Energy Reduction
WISE Controls helped Liverpool University Hospitals cut steam use by optimising the main heat exchangers supplying low-temperature hot water to HVAC and clinical systems at RLUH.
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Energy & Plant Performance Analytical Dashboard
To support decision-making, WISE Controls developed a bespoke multi-site dashboard for Liverpool University Hospitals, delivering real-time insights into energy use.
Do you face any of these issues in your building?
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Aging BMS infrastructure can lead to inefficiency, higher costs, and unreliable performance. We modernise your Building Energy Management Systems to ensure your operations run smoothly and meet today’s performance standards.
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When your automation fails, you’re left with manual processes, increased risk, and wasted time. Our expert BMS Controls engineering restores and enhances automation, giving you full, reliable control over your building.
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Excessive energy and water use directly impact budgets and sustainability targets. We implement intelligent BEMS Controls and energy reduction strategies to cut waste and improve efficiency.
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Even well-functioning systems may not be performing at their peak. Our diagnostics and fine-tuning ensure your HVAC, lighting, and energy systems deliver maximum performance with minimal cost.
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Poor ventilation and air quality affect occupant wellbeing and compliance. We monitor, manage, and optimise building health to create safer, more comfortable environments for everyone.
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