University of Arts London – Central London
Cabinet Unit Heater and BMS Retrofit
Alpha Controls successfully delivered a comprehensive retrofit of cabinet unit heaters and control systems at the University of Arts London (UAL), Central London campus. The project involved the replacement of seized fan deck impellers and motors, a full Trend IQECO controller upgrade, and the installation of new temperature sensors — all completed while the building remained operational.
Key Results
Over 100 Cabinet Unit Heaters
Refurbished and recommissioned
Trend IQECO Controllers
Installed and integrated into existing BMS
Zero Disruption
All works completed after hours
Enhanced Reliability
Improved system responsiveness and maintainability
Project Scope
The works covered over 100 cabinet unit heater fan decks across six floors of the teaching blocks. Each unit required the removal and refurbishment of its housing, filters, centrifugal fan impeller, and blower wheel. New dual-shaft motors were fitted within the existing impeller housings to maintain compatibility and airflow performance.
Alongside the mechanical replacements, Alpha Controls' engineers retrofitted the existing control network with new Trend IQECO controllers, upgrading from legacy Trend hardware to improve reliability, control precision, and system monitoring. All new temperature sensors were installed to provide more accurate zone feedback for the upgraded controllers, using existing cabling routes to minimise disruption and maintain a clean installation.
Implementation and Coordination
All works were carried out after hours (post-8 pm) to ensure that teaching activities and daily campus operations were unaffected. Alpha Controls coordinated closely with campus staff and security teams for after-hours access, equipment transport, and on-site parking within restricted central-London conditions.
Each evening, systems were isolated, components were removed, replaced, tested, and recommissioned — restoring full operation before the start of the following teaching day. This approach allowed the project to progress floor-by-floor without interrupting the university's academic schedule.
Project Coordination Highlights
- After-hours scheduling (post-8pm) to avoid disruption to teaching
- Close coordination with campus security and facilities teams
- Floor-by-floor phased approach for systematic completion
- Full system restoration before start of each teaching day
System Integration and Performance
The new Trend IQECO controllers were programmed and commissioned into the existing Trend BMS infrastructure, providing seamless integration and improved visibility of the cabinet heaters from the site's supervisory system. The combination of new sensors and calibrated control loops improved airflow regulation, temperature control, and fault feedback across the teaching spaces.
By utilising the existing cabling infrastructure, the retrofit was completed efficiently and economically, maintaining consistency with the university's wider BMS standard.
Technical Specifications
Results
Enhanced System Reliability
New motors, controllers, and sensors improved system responsiveness and maintainability across all teaching spaces
Zero Operational Disruption
After-hours scheduling ensured teaching activities continued uninterrupted throughout the retrofit programme
Conclusion
The University of Arts London project demonstrates Alpha Controls' capability to deliver complex retrofit works in live, fully occupied environments. Through careful coordination, technical precision, and after-hours scheduling, the team successfully modernised the heating and control systems without disruption — extending equipment lifespan, improving energy efficiency, and providing the client with a more reliable Trend BMS infrastructure.
Need a BMS Retrofit for Your Educational Facility?
Alpha Controls specialises in live-environment retrofits with minimal disruption. Get in touch to discuss your project requirements.