San Anton School has recently completed a major infrastructure upgrade with the installation of a state-of-the-art Hisense VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) air conditioning system, expertly delivered by Panta, one of Malta’s leading building services providers. This investment marks a significant enhancement in the school’s ability to provide a consistently comfortable and energy-efficient indoor environment for students and staff.
The project involved the installation of over 15 VRF systems across classrooms and administrative areas, offering precise temperature control and year-round comfort tailored to each space.
Navigating a Complex Installation
Integrating a modern HVAC system into an established school setting required careful planning and execution. Panta’s team worked closely with school leadership to phase the installation around academic schedules, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations. The project also involved adapting the system layout to the school’s existing architecture, including the discreet routing of refrigerant piping and electrical infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, the installation was completed efficiently and with a strong focus on preserving the school’s aesthetic and operational integrity.
Intricate details
From an engineering perspective, the project required a tailored zoning strategy to accommodate the school’s diverse room sizes and usage patterns. The Hisense VRF system was selected for its ability to deliver precise load matching and simultaneous heating and cooling across multiple zones. The system’s partial load operation and inverter-driven compressors ensure optimal energy use, while maintaining thermal comfort with minimal acoustic impact. A selection of 4-way Casette, Wall mounted, Ceiling and floor mounted unit configurations were chosen for different areas, making the best use of the features the units can provide, such as ‘Motion sensing’, maintenance convenience, higher installation possibilities, and Extra Long pipe designs.
Technical Highlights
- System Type: Hisense VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow)
- Smart Control: One outdoor unit manages multiple indoor units, each with independent temperature settings.
- Energy Efficiency: Partial load technology allows the system to operate at just 15% of its total capacity once set temperatures are reached, significantly reducing energy consumption.
- Coverage: Over 15 VRF systems installed across classrooms and staff areas.
- Comfort: Heating and cooling capabilities ensure optimal conditions throughout the year.
