DC9 is a 326,792 sq ft speculative warehouse at Prologis RFI DIRFT — the UK's premier logistics park and a key hub within the nation's "Golden Triangle." Designed to attract major occupiers by combining sustainability with operational excellence, the facility needed an energy-efficient system to protect its critical fire sprinkler network while supporting Prologis's BREEAM 'Excellent' and EPC 'A' ambitions.
The challenge
- Frost protection for the fire suppression system across a total calculated heat loss of c.351 kW
- Internal temperatures maintained at 5°C even as external conditions fall to -5°C
- An all-electric, gas-free solution aligned with BREEAM 'Excellent' and EPC 'A' targets
- Even heat distribution across a vast, 20+ metre-high warehouse volume of almost 600,000 m³
A bespoke air-to-water heat pump and JET induction system
Working alongside mechanical consultant CPW, Jet Environmental designed a tailored specification combining a bespoke Daikin air-source heat pump with its proven Balanced JET Air Induction System.
- Daikin EWYT490B reversible ASHP (R32) delivering 359kW of heating capacity
- External JetAHU 30/20 air handling unit and 1,000-litre buffer tank for resilient heat delivery
- High-velocity JET nozzles de-stratify the space, recirculating warm roof-level air back to floor level
- Trend IQ4 / IQView controls, BACnet-ready, with 4G remote monitoring and fire alarm interlocks
"The heat pump solution specified for DC9 was bespoke. We selected a base unit and incorporated a range of enhancements to ensure it met both the technical specification and Prologis' operational requirements."
Chris Ludwig, Technical Manager, Jet Environmental
What we delivered
Flagship-scale frost protection
Maintains a steady 5°C across a 326,792 sq ft warehouse even when external temperatures fall to -5°C, protecting the sprinkler system from frost damage.
All-electric and future-proof
A reversible, R32 air-to-water heat pump eliminates on-site fossil fuel combustion, supporting Prologis's BREEAM 'Excellent' and EPC 'A' targets.
High-velocity destratification
Balanced JET nozzles recirculate warm air that naturally rises to roof level, pushing heat back to the floor and cutting energy consumption.
A Golden Triangle flagship
Delivered for one of DIRFT's landmark distribution units, now let to leading logistics provider GXO.
Inside the installation
"Large logistics facilities pose unique heating challenges because of their scale and height. Our jet induction technology is highly effective at controlling temperatures in these environments, helping operators reduce energy consumption while maintaining optimal conditions for people, products and critical building systems."
Chris Ludwig, Technical Manager, Jet Environmental
Show technical specifications
| Location | DIRFT, Rugby, Northamptonshire |
|---|---|
| Facility type | Speculative logistics warehouse |
| Gross floor area | 29,532 m² (326,792 sq ft) |
| Volume | 596,546 m³ |
| Occupier | GXO |
| Heat pump | Daikin EWYT490B, R32, 359kW |
| Air handling unit | JetAHU 30/20, 14 m³/s |
| Total calculated heat loss | c. 351 kW |
| Internal temp maintained | 5°C |
| External design temp | -5°C |
| LTHW flow / return | 45°C / 40°C |
| Controls | Trend IQ4 / IQView, BACnet-ready |
From frost protection to multi-zone climate control, our engineers design bespoke HVAC systems that perform. If you have a facility with a similar problem, talk to us about it.
