Panasonic ECOi-W Delivers Sustainable Cooling for East London Crown Court

21/10/2025



A 200-year-old listed building that is home to an East London Crown Court, faced significant challenges with its outdated and inefficient air conditioning system that consisted of two large old chiller units and were looking for a more sustainable and energy efficient solution.

Installers, Sub-Cool FM, specified five Panasonic 170 kW ECOi-W R32 air source heat pump units that operate in cascade. The project delivered a modern, sustainable solution that overcame historic infrastructure constraints, improved energy efficiency by 50%, and ensured long-term reliability for this important civic site.

The Crown Court’s original air conditioning system was not only inefficient but also difficult to upgrade due to the building’s listed status and the age of its pipework. This increased the risk of corrosion and leaks, while water quality issues further threatened the longevity of any new system.

Installers Sub-Cool FM specified the five 170kW Panasonic ECOi-W R32 units, chosen for their high energy efficiency, modular and compact design, and reduced environmental impact. To address the risk of corrosion in the pipes and the substandard water quality, hydraulic separators were installed for the secondary circuit, paired with a plate heat exchanger to protect the new equipment and extend its lifespan.

Jacob Swei, Managing Director of Sub-Cool FM, commented; “The Panasonic system has delivered a solution that is 50% more energy efficient than the original units, significantly reducing both energy waste and emissions. The ECOi-W R32 units utilise a refrigerant with a lower environmental impact and are engineered for straightforward servicing and maintenance. Importantly, the installation was completed with minimal disruption to the building’s historic interior and existing infrastructure. By incorporating automated filtration and hydraulic separation, we’ve ensured the system is protected from corrosion and water quality issues, safeguarding reliable, long-term performance for this landmark site.”

The Panasonic ECOi-W R32 units offer capacities from 50–170kW, operate in a wide temperature range, from as low as –15°C for warmer temperatures, and 48°C for cooling. The units feature a customisable, modular design suitable for heritage sites and modern buildings alike. The Panasonic units were selected for their flexibility and quiet operation. “At 25–50% capacity, they are virtually inaudible,” says Jacob Swei. “Utilising multiple cascade control connected heat pumps increases system flexibility, maximises efficiency, plus allows run hours across multiple units to be shared by each unit and in turn prolonging the life of the units.”

For more information on Panasonic ECOi-W R32 air source heat pumps, please visit https://www.aircon.panasonic.eu/GB_en/ranges/chiller/ecoi-w-r32-outdoor-units/ or to find out more about Sub Cool FM, please visit https://sub-cool-fm.co.uk/.