Oxford University – Commercial Solar Water Heater

The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. There is evidence of teaching as early as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world’s second-oldest university in continuous operation.

This project was located in a very sensitive planning area, so this very modern building had to blend in with the surrounding historic buildings. The commercial solar water heating system was carefully designed by mechanical engineers not to be visible from any public right of way which meant the solar panels had to be mounted at an angle of 15 degrees.

The student accommodation was our first experience working with Briggs and Forester and we built a very good relationship with them early in this project.

This project had a long pipe run and required a diverter valve to over come potential cooling of the preheat cylinders. We started designing our own control systems for this project to overcome the short falls of the standard solar controllers on the market. Expectations required a solar system that was reliable and took account of the exposed flat roof top location. The historic nature of Oxford required careful consideration for planning regarding profile and sight lines. The heart of Oxford is a ¼ mile from the collage. Complications to overcome the Long pipe run required a 3 port diverter value to preheat the solar lines on start up to avoid removing heat from solar cylinder .

We worked very closely with the architect and planners. The Council were extremely happy with the results and the building was later short listed in the RIBA awards. Bespoke frame mounted at the minimum collectors angle without reducing their self cleaning properties and life span. Smart example of TS300 solar water heating panels installed on a bespoke frame.

Client: St Ann’s University. Oxford

Contract: Briggs and Forester

Size: 32m2

Storage: 2000 litre Preheat

Usage: Student Accommodation