At the Queens Quay Energy Centre in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire Council operates a 5.3 MW water-source heat pump installation, the largest of its kind in Scotland. The system draws low-grade heat from the River Clyde and upgrades it to district heating supply temperature, providing low-carbon heat to public buildings, businesses, and homes along the regenerated waterfront. Given its scale and pioneering role in decarbonising heat in Scotland, the facility is supported by a rigorous, multi-layered preventive maintenance regime.

The programme for this landmark system combines daily, weekly, monthly and longer-term interventions. Daily maintenance tasks focus on operational safety and stability and monitoring key operational parameters such as compressor oil levels, pressures, and discharge temperatures. Weekly and monthly checks cover critical components such as condenser coils, heat exchangers, valves, drive motors, and refrigerant pumps, while also verifying the function of essential safety equipment.

More detailed inspections occur quarterly, involving checks on electrical panels, control systems, and leak detection equipment, together with sampling and analysis of compressor oil, and servicing of refrigerant safety gear. Contamination control is a particular priority for a river-sourced system; the filtration and screening system is regularly cleaned and inspected to prevent mussel colonisation and biofouling, protecting both the heat exchangers and long-term system efficiency. Annual calibrations are undertaken on pressure and temperature sensors, gas detectors, and emergency shut-down devices to ensure ongoing compliance with statutory safety standards.

Beyond these cycles, major interventions every 4–5 years include compressor oil separator replacement, overhaul of rotating machinery, recalibration of pressure-rated equipment, and review of heat exchanger integrity. These measures ensure the plant remains reliable and compliant across its design life.

Throughout, the centre benefits from Ethos, Star Refrigeration’s data-led monitoring platform, which continuously collects and analyses performance data to inform predictive maintenance decisions. This real-time visibility enables engineers to fine-tune setpoints, detect early warning signs of inefficiency, and schedule interventions before failures occur.

Results: By combining daily operational checks with structured periodic servicing and advanced remote monitoring, the maintenance regime supports consistent system performance and secure operation, while boosting the longevity and efficiency of plant. The StarCare-maintained heat pumps deliver a robust district heating network that provides affordable, low-carbon heat to the surrounding community and serves as a flagship example of large-scale river-sourced heat recovery.