-
Technical
Cooling systems generate large amounts of waste heat, but most of that heat goes unused. A new research project led aims to transform that by identifying and mapping waste heat from urban cooling applications, using Birmingham as a case study.
The Waste Heat Assessment and Resource Mapping (WHARM) project, funded by the EPSRC through the Reef-UKC network, will produce a georeferenced database on energy-intensive sectors such as data centres, supermarkets, cold storage facilities and industrial sites to better understand their waste heat generation and the potential for reuse on site or “export” to neighbours. EPSRC is a funding body for engineering and physical sciences research in the UK, supporting innovations that drive a sustainable and resilient economy. WHARM is a partnership between LSBU, Aston University, Birmingham City Council, Star Refrigeration, and Skilled Mapping.
Project Objectives:
- Identify, map and characterise waste heat from cooling systems in Birmingham.
- Produce economic models to quantify the levelised costs of capturing and upgrading waste heat to different temperature levels.
- Engage with stakeholders to identify challenges such as high costs, uncertainty over business models, and mismatch between heat supply and demand.
- Support local authorities and businesses in making informed decisions when assessing waste heat opportunities.
Recent posts
IOR RACHP EngTech Section: Latest Bulletins
28 Apr 2025
Refrigerants with temperature glide, direct expansion fin and tube evaporators and what to consider when equipment reaches its end of life are the topics covered in the latest RACHP EngTech bulletins.
Publication
STEMAZING Impact Report
24 Apr 2025
IOR Members who enrolled with the STEMAZING Academy, with the support of the Institute have made a great impact promoting STEM and the RACHP Sector to young people.
Education
Missed the IOR Webinar on PED?
16 Apr 2025
The webinar PED - Is UK Compliance Under Pressure, which was held on 15th April 2025 is now available for download from the IOR website.
Recording
IOR Honoured at ACR News Awards
15 Apr 2025
The Institute of Refrigeration proudly accepted an award for its STEM Toolkit at last week’s ACR Awards.In addition Lisa Waters, IOR Events Manager, was honoured with the Alan Moore Award.
News
2025 IOR Catalogue Now Available
15 Apr 2025
The IOR 2025 Publications Catalogue is now available. It encompasses a diverse range of publications, incorporating a substantial collection of practical guidance tailored for engineers and technicians.
PublicationSitemap
-
Membership
-
Technical
-
Environment
-
Education
-
Quick Links - Education and Careers
-
Qualifications and Apprenticeships
-
IOR E-Learning programmes
-
Careers Information and Resources
-
How does a fridge work?
-
Find Local Training
-
Presidents Fund for Education
-
CPD Resources for Technicians
-
FantasticPuzzles
-
masterclasses
-
All things STEM resources, ambassadors and more
-
-
Networking
-
Events
-
About
-
Shop
