Lloyd’s of London

Project Overview

The Chiller Replacement Project at the Lloyd’s Building was a critical infrastructure upgrade delivered by Jaguar Projects. Lloyd’s of London sought to improve the building’s EPC rating following a feasibility report undertaken by MEIT Consultants, which identified a range of improvements to enhance overall energy performance.

The project involved the replacement of three existing water cooled chillers within the Chiller Room. Two Geoclima chillers had suffered multiple tube failures, rendering repairs impractical, while the existing McQuay centrifugal chiller, had reached the end of its operational life.

Designed in accordance with the MEIT Consultants specification, Trane chillers were selected as the preferred solution. The new installation provides a total cooling capacity of 3.4MW in an N+1 configuration, utilising existing cooling tower condenser water temperatures. The chillers offer enhanced turndown capability to meet variable building demand and use low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants, supporting Lloyd’s sustainability objectives.

To minimise operational impact, the works were programmed to take place during the winter period when cooling demand is low, with carefully managed isolations and changeovers implemented to maintain business continuity.

Main Project Elements

• Removal and Enabling Works

Decommissioning and removal of the three existing chillers, associated pipework, fittings, ancillaries, and asbestos. Existing high level fan coil units within the chiller room were removed, and branch pipework was modified to create space for the new distribution layout.

• Chiller Installation

Installation of new high efficiency water cooled chillers onto retained and modified plant bases and structural frames. New support steelwork and vibration isolators were installed, with chillers dismantled and reassembled in situ where access constraints applied.

• Mechanical and Ancillary Works

Modifications to existing chilled water and condenser pipework, including full replacement of valves and fittings. Installation of new chilled water PICVs and condenser water motorised valves, two floor standing downflow CHW cooling units, replacement of the Chiller Room extract fan, and new water and refrigerant leak detection systems. Modifications to the grated floor and associated structural supports were also undertaken.

• Electrical and BMS Works

Removal of existing switch panels and installation of three new MCCB enclosures to provide local isolation for each chiller. A new chiller sequencing control panel was installed, delivering improved controllability, monitoring, sequencing, alarms, and system integration. Legacy Johnson Controls BAS equipment was removed and replaced with Trend IQ5 controllers, including a new MCC panel and field devices. The existing Niagara head end was upgraded to Trend IQVision, providing a more suitable platform to support the building’s long term objectives.

Challenges

• Delivering a full chiller replacement programme with the requirement for operational readiness ahead of the summer season
• Coordinating complex removal, installation, and commissioning activities while minimising disruption to operations
• Managing planned and phased asbestos removal during the strip out phase

Opportunities

The project delivered significant improvements in energy efficiency, contributing to Lloyd’s long term sustainability goals. It demonstrates Jaguar Projects ability to deliver complex refurbishments within live, high profile environments.

Acting as Principal Contractor enabled Jaguar Projects to provide a fully coordinated, end-to-end solution covering mechanical, electrical, BMS, lifting operations, and health and safety management. By overcoming technical and operational challenges, the team delivered a future proofed, energy efficient, and resilient cooling solution that enhances operational control and supports Lloyd’s EPC improvement objectives.