The Mercure Hotel, 10,Irwin St,Perth is a 228 room hotel located in the heart of the city. This location allows easy access to shopping malls as well as being just five minutes walk from the Swan River. With the ongoing refurbishing of the hotel it was decided to apply the Energy Management criteria that has seen good cost savings in the Mercure hotels in both Geraldton and Kalgoorlie

As part of the Accor group of hotels in WA, Energy Management requirements come under the control of Chief Engineer - Ian Knox. Ian's previous success with the Rheem Heavy Duty Gas water heater range warranted his decision in selecting Rheem to meet the hot water requirements of the Mercure Hotel in Perth. The flexibility of the Rheem product ensured minimal inconvenience to the hotel during installation. Particular benefit was gained from the fact that all Rheem water heaters can fit through standard size doorways. With the plant room located on top of the building the water heaters were moved through doorways and lifts with ease. Thermal efficiency was also a determining factor in the selection of Rheem. Savings on this project were maximized because of the 80% thermal efficiency of the Rheem model 621/275.

Equipment & Installation

Ten (10) Rheem model 621/275, (five in each plant room), were used to satisfy the hot water requirements of the Hotel. The ability to deliver a large volume of hot water with a limited plant space was also a major reason for the choice of the 621/275 model. It was necessary to maintain hot water supply to the hotel during the installation of the plant. The selection of Rheem Heavy Duty Gas water heaters enabled a modular system design. This allowed the existing plant to be replaced and the new plant to be installed and commissioned sequentially without interrupting hot water flow to the hotel.

Consultants

The design of the water heater plant was completed with contribution from the Rheem Technical Sales Manager Mr John Deans, the Chief Engineer of Mercure, Mr Ian Knox and plumbing contractor Mr Steve Jones from Boucher Jones Plumbing.