The challenge for this project was to connect, without major construction work, the hydraulic network of the two cascade heat pumps installed on the rooftop terrace to the hydraulic manifolds located in a technical room in the basement. The challenge was successfully met by routing all hydraulic connections through the existing chimney flue. The installer, Aéroclim, proposed this solution mainly for aesthetic reasons.

A five-story residential building located at 40 Rue du Capitaine Ferber, consisting of seven units (one 66 m² apartment per floor and two 30 m² studios on the ground floor), was initially heated by an oil boiler.

The owners wished to change their heating system for cost reasons (notably due to the increase in fossil fuel prices in 2022), as well as for convenience, to avoid having to regularly monitor fuel levels. In addition, the existing system resulted in poorer heating performance for the top-floor tenants.

The architect consulted for the project immediately suggested a heat pump solution, as the building had a rooftop terrace. One of the co-owners was familiar with the technology, which helped convince the group quickly.

Two BIG Aquarea T-CAP Series M R290 heat pumps were installed in cascade on the rooftop terrace, placed on anti-vibration slabs. A buffer tank, cascade controller, and control system (Aquarea Smart Cloud) were installed in the basement. The oil boiler and fuel tank were removed.

The installation’s unique feature is that the hydraulic network runs through the chimney previously used by the oil boiler. The two indoor units are connected to the existing cast-iron radiator system. The entire secondary system was replaced. Four Exogel valves were also installed on each return line.

All residents report satisfaction with the comfort level, and the top-floor tenant now benefits from improved heating.

By replacing an old oil boiler with two R290 heat pumps, Panasonic significantly contributed to the building’s decarbonisation and improved energy rating.

Aéroclim