The Dry, Mount Wellington Mine

Ground Source Review: The Dry, Mount Wellington Mine

Home to Kensa Heat Pumps since their relocation in 2007, Mount Wellington Mine in Truro, Cornwall, underwent an extensive ongoing regeneration programme to bring a new renewable lease of life to the historic site.

The project as part of Mount Wellington Mine’s redevelopment is the refurbishment of a 1970’s building known as ‘The Dry’, which was completed with the installation of a Kensa ground source heat pump.

The old ‘Dry’ was originally where mineworkers showered and changed before and after shifts. Cornish mines were traditionally powered by steam engines and the name ‘The Dry’ allegedly refers to the hot steam pipes that provided a place where miners could dry out the clothes that they wore whilst underground.

A new ‘Dry’ was built in the mid-1970s and the original turned entirely into offices. Refurbished to a high standard by owner Richard Freeborn, this building is split into three separate office premises, with a shared lobby, kitchen, halls and stairwell areas. The building has solar PV installed on the roof generating a renewable electricity supply and high-quality insulation has been fitted throughout.

Richard was looking for a low-cost and sustainable heating system that would keep his tenants warm and complement the ethos of the renewable energy businesses currently operating from the site. Being co-founder and majority shareholder in Kensa Heat Pumps, Richard has an intimate knowledge of ground source heat pumps, so knew that the technology would provide the perfect solution for his tenants.

A Kensa 24kW Single Phase Twin ground source heat pump (now discontinued) capable of producing temperatures of up to 55°C provides space heating to the office block which is heated by radiators throughout. Heat energy is harnessed from the ground by six 50m slinky coils buried under spare land nearby. Being familiar with the technology, Richard was able to dig the trenches and install the heat pump himself.

As the property is used for commercial purposes, the installation was eligible for the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI: this scheme has now closed – please visit this page to explore other funding), entitling Richard to 20 years’ worth of quarterly payments from the Government.

As a result of the installation, 100% of the property’s energy needs are now supplied by renewable technology. All three separate offices are currently connected to the ground source heat pump.

Richard said:

A ground source heat pump was the only viable choice for The Dry, because we have a lot of renewable and sustainable energy businesses on site and they expect the lowest possible carbon emission from their heating systems.

He continued:

Plus we had Kensa on site who were able to supply us with a ground source heat pump manufactured right here at Mount Wellington Mine. Along with the solar PV we already have, the ground source heat pump is delivering cheaper and sustainable heating for our tenants, which is a great USP for our renewable energy park.

Ground Source Review The Dry, Mount Wellington Mine ǀ Single Phase Twin Heat Pump

Ground Source Review The Dry, Mount Wellington Mine ǀ Heat Pump - Exterior of Building

Ground Source Review The Dry, Mount Wellington Mine ǀ Single Phase Twin Heat Pump - Aerial View