Fan Convectors for Schools – Mount Hawke Academy, Cornwall

Mount Hawke Academy, a primary school in Cornwall and part of the Aspire Academy Trust, required a modern fan convector heating solution to support the school’s transition to an air source heat pump system. SPC supplied a comprehensive package of Belgravia Classic Fan Convectors and Belgravia Tilevector Plus units, all configured for low-temperature hot water operation, working with installer K A Environmental Services Ltd to deliver efficient, comfortable heating across the school’s classrooms, halls, and office spaces.

Going Low Temperature

As part of a wider drive to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions across its estate, the project involved switching to an air source heat pump as the primary heat source. Mid-project, the school revised its choice of ASHP manufacturer, requiring a revised heating schedule based on lower flow temperatures. SPC Area Sales Manager, Chris Ward, worked closely with Keith Austin at K A Environmental Services Ltd to quickly revise a quotation, reselecting all units against a 50/40°C design basis to ensure full compatibility with the new ASHP system.

Our Heating Solution

Belgravia Classic Fan Convectors were chosen across the majority of the school’s spaces, with Belgravia Tilevector Plus units selected for the reception office where a ceiling-mounted solution was required to suit the room layout. All units were equipped with low-flow heat exchangers and ECM motors, making them well-suited to the lower flow rates and temperatures associated with heat pump operation. Existing Allen Martin thermostats were retained and wired into the new units, reducing materials and installation time.

Key Specifications:

All units: ECM low-carbon motor, ALTC low water temperature cut-out, connection box, washable AF2 air filter, tamperproof access panel fasteners, textured RAL 9010 white finish. Design basis: air on 21°C, water 50/40°C, 230V single phase.

Classrooms, Halls and General Spaces — Belgravia Classic BEL150A Fan Convectors (x24)

Mounting: floor-mounted, Style A
Heat exchanger: low-flow for LTHW/heat pump systems
Controls: RT1 remote on/off thermostat (existing Allen Martin stats, not volt-free), RS13B on/off and speed switch
Heating output: 4.9–8.0 kW (low to high speed)

Smaller Offices — Belgravia Classic BEL90A Fan Convectors (x3)

Mounting: floor-mounted, Style A
Heat exchanger: standard
Controls: RT1 remote on/off thermostat (existing Allen Martin stats, not volt-free), RS13B on/off and speed switch
Heating output: 3.0–6.1 kW (low to high speed)

Reception Office — Belgravia Tilevector Plus (x2)

Mounting: horizontal ceiling-mounted, hinged-core grille, 595 x 595mm
Configuration: 1 master unit controlling 1 slave unit
Controls: RT1 remote on/off thermostat, RS3R remote three-speed rocker switch
Additional: white eggcrate grille (EC)

Heating output: 2.3–3.1 kW per unit (low to high speed)

Outcome

The installation by K A Environmental Services Ltd delivered a complete heating upgrade across Mount Hawke Academy, with every unit selected and configured to operate efficiently with the school’s new air source heat pump system. The low-temperature design approach, combined with ECM motors and low-flow heat exchangers throughout, supports the school’s move towards lower carbon heating and reduced running costs.

The project is one of a number of energy improvement schemes across the Aspire Academy Trust’s estate in Cornwall, demonstrating how low-temperature fan convectors can play a central role in decarbonising school heating systems without requiring costly infrastructure changes.

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