CASE STUDIES
LTHW Steam Plate Heat Exchanger Energy Reduction
Reducing Steam Consumption with Intelligent Heat Exchanger Control
As part of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s focus on energy reduction, WISE Controls were tasked with investigating the operation of the main steam plate heat exchangers supplying low temperature hot water (LTHW) to HVAC and clinical systems across the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
Our team identified inefficiencies in the way the exchangers were being controlled and engineered a bespoke software solution to optimise performance. By implementing intelligent control strategies, we reduced unnecessary steam usage while maintaining reliable heating outputs to critical areas of the hospital.
The improvements delivered not only a minimum 20% reduction in steam consumption across five plate heat exchangers but also helped extend the operational life of the steam plant by lowering mechanical strain. The result is a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable system that continues to support patient care without compromise.
“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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Investigation of 5 steam plate heat exchangers supplying LTHW
Bespoke control software engineering and optimisation
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At least 20% reduction in steam usage across the exchangers
Lower primary energy demand without loss of performance
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Smarter control reduced risk of unnecessary system strain
More consistent heating supply for HVAC and clinical spaces
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Optimised heat exchanger operation for greater efficiency
Reduced mechanical wear and extended equipment lifespan
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Stable, reliable heating conditions across patient and clinical areas
Energy savings contribute directly to sustainability goals of the Trust
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
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RLUH Main Building
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Edwards Building
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Critical Pharmaceutical Production Labs
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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.
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