The River Thames is one of the most iconic rivers in the world, flowing through southern England, including the heart of London. Stretching approximately 346 kilometers (215 miles), it is the longest river entirely in England and the second-longest in the United Kingdom after the River Severn.
A new innovative initiative by University of East London (UEL) in partnership with Siemens Smart Infrastructure is using the river Thames' heat for projects for the University of East London's net-zero campus highlight its role in combating climate change.
The River Thames serves as a heat source due to its stable water temperature, which remains relatively constant throughout the year. This stability makes it an excellent candidate for heat exchange systems like Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHPs), which extracts energy from the water and turns it into heat, even when the water temperature is lower than the air temperature
Even at low temperatures, water contains thermal energy. The River Thames, being a large body of water, stores significant amounts of this energy.
Taking a significant step toward sustainability, the University of East London (UEL) is harnessing the River Thames to power its net-zero campus. In collaboration with Siemens, UEL is installing a state-of-the-art Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) at its Docklands Campus.
This innovative system will replace traditional gas boilers, significantly reducing carbon emissions by 258 tons annually.
The Innovative System
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The WSHP system uses submerged pipes in a closed-loop system to extract the natural heat from the river. The heat is then transferred to a refrigerant, which amplifies it through a compression cycle.
The amplified heat is used to warm buildings, while the cooled water is returned to the river without disrupting its ecosystem.
The WSHP uses a closed-loop system to extract natural heat from the River Thames without disrupting the river's ecosystem. This project aligns with UEL's goal of achieving the lowest carbon emissions per student in the UK by 2026 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2030.
Beyond environmental benefits, the initiative is expected to save the university over £500,000 annually (approximately US $645,000 and ~ INR ₹ 5.62 crore) in utility costs and has already inspired green employability programs, internships, and research opportunities. It also supports the Mayor of London's vision for a sustainable and greener city.
The new WSHP is set to be the largest fitted at any university in the UK and will power the university’s Docklands Campus Library and Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability buildings, replacing existing gas boilers.
This innovative use of the river Thames not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also supports sustainability goals, as seen in projects like the University of East London's net-zero campus initiative
What technology does the Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) use?
Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHPs) utilize advanced heat exchange technology to provide efficient heating and cooling. Here's how they work:- Heat Exchange Process: WSHPs extract heat from a water source, such as a river, lake, or well, using a closed-loop system. This system circulates water through a heat exchanger, where heat is absorbed or released depending on the heating or cooling needs.
- Refrigeration Cycle: The pump uses a refrigerant to amplify the heat transfer process. This cycle allows the system to efficiently move heat from the water source to the building or vice versa.
- Energy Efficiency: By leveraging the stable thermal properties of water, WSHPs achieve higher energy efficiency compared to air-source systems, especially in colder climates.
- Environmental Benefits: These systems reduce reliance on fossil fuels, significantly lowering carbon emissions and contributing to sustainability.
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