2016 September

Will non-domestic water retailing have the desired effect?

Training – now is the time

09 September, 2016

A serious skills shortage is hampering our industry's ability to take advantage of a growing market. 

Energys, burner management, boilers, space heating

The installation of Energys’ dynamic burner-management units (DBMUs) on boilers in two schools in Plymouth is expected to repay its £4400 supply and installation costs of in about 2.5 years. and reduce CO2 emissions by 9.45 t per year. The schools are Hyde Park Juniors and Hyde Park Infants. These DBMUs can be installed in as little as half an hour, and the work at these schools was carried out during the course of a single half day.

boilers, Remeha, space heating

Remeha has developed a new brand identity as part of its ongoing investment into the commercial heating market. Recent research carried out by the company confirmed its position as an established, solid brand with a reputation for supplying high-quality, good-value, reliable products. Consultants, specifiers and contractors all viewed it as best in class for performance, efficiency and engineering quality.

Windhager, biomass, renewable energy, boilers, space heating

Biomass boilers burning wood pellets are sophisticated pieces of kit. Oliver Duckworth of Windhager UK gives an insight into their complexity and capabilities.

Stokvis Energy Systems, boilers, space heating

Paul Sands of Stokvis Energy Systems gives an insight into the technology that makes modern wall-hung boilers so efficient and how to ensure that system design maximises their capabilities.

Alpha Heating Innovation, boiler, space heating

Alpha Heating Innovation has installed boilers throughout a high-end residential development of 55 apartments in Edinburgh. Harbour Green offers apartments with one, two and three bedrooms and is on the seafront at Portobello, less than three miles from the city centre.

Remeha, boiler sizing, boiler, space heating

Right-size heating

08 September, 2016

Improving the energy performance of the UK’s buildings remains one of the greatest challenges facing the building-services industry. With today’s boilers capable of achieving the required increased reliability and high thermal efficiency, the goal now is to engineer for maximum efficiencies, says James Porter of Remeha.

Potterton Commercial, cascade, boiler, space heating

According to the Carbon Trust, heating and hot water can account for as much as 60% of total energy use in a commercial building. With energy saving high on the agenda, replacing an old, inefficient boiler may seem an easy fix, but Neville Small of Potterton Commercial explains why careful consideration should be given to the replacement and points to the benefits of boiler cascades.

Hamworthy, boiler, space heating

Hamworthy Heating’s Stratton mk2 wall-hung boiler has the smallest output in the stainless-steel family and is described as a great match for restricted-space plant rooms. These boilers have been designed to assist customers in refurbishment projects. The robust qualities of stainless steel make it very tolerant of older heating circuits and resistant to corrosion for easy maintenance and a long life.

Hoval, cascade, commissioning, boiler, space heating

Selecting energy-efficient boiler plant is just the first step in efficiency. How it is controlled through its life is just as important. Kevin Stones of Hoval illustrates this principle with reference to heating systems served by cascade boiler installations.

boiler, district heating, Evinox, heat interface unit, HIU, space heating

As part of the transformation of the former Terry’s chocolate factory in York into an exclusive housing development, Evinox Energy worked with The PJ Livesey Group to provide a comprehensive district-heating system. Called The Residence, this prominent 5-storey Grade 2 listed building is being developed into over 170 spacious apartments and penthouses.

Bosch, CHP, boiler, space heating

As part of a £28.3 million investment over two years to retrofit energy-efficiency and renewable technologies into its property portfolio, Bupa UK collaborated with Bosch Commercial & Industrial to install over 200 bespoke heating systems comprising a CHP module paired with condensing boilers.

Rural Energy, biomass, renewable energy, boiler, space heating

Rural Energy has installed another biomass boiler, the third, at the historic Welbeck estate in Nottinghamshire. The estate covers over 6000 ha, and the latest boiler has been installed at Colingthwaite Farm, the estate’s dairy farm and the home of Stitchleton cheese. The 100 kW Herz Firematic boiler heats a range of buildings, including the farmhouse, farm offices and the cheese dairy. It uses home-grown timber.

Viessmann, commissioning, boiler, space heating

Errors and inconsistencies in the commissioning of boilers cost installers time and end-users money. More careful consideration of flow-rates and the adoption of new automatic commissioning technologies can change this, as Jonathan Grist of Viessmann explains.

Micronics, ultrasonic, flow measurement, quick fixes

Without enough meters to measure flow in pipes, how can you monitor flow in existing pipes in preparation for upgrading work? Michael Farnon of Micronics has a solution based on a lot of practical experience.

Grundfos Pumps, quick fixes

Following an energy check by Grundfos on the cooling and heating pumps in a major telecommunications call centre in London, a pump-replacement programme was proposed to save 318 MWh a year with a return on investment of 2.8 years. The recommendations were accepted, and a rolling implementation programme implemented. Energy savings of over £30 000 have already been achieved.

What to look for from a bureau

08 September, 2016

Appointing a forward-thinking energy bureau can be the important first step in identifying and implementing energy- and cost-saving opportunities. Lisa Gingell of Utilitywise explains how to get the best from BeMS controls with smart bureau services.

RDM, Resource Data Management, BMS, controls, quick fixes

To achieve a standard service replacement of the existing HVACR control panel and assets at Edinburgh Playhouse, Resource Data Management (RDM) controls were selected to replace failing controls from packaged plant and the existing third-party BEMS. The open-protocol solution is helping this theatre deliver optimal environmental conditions and comfort for visitors, while reducing energy consumption.

BCIA, controls, BMS, BEMS, quick fixes

Malcolm Anson of the Building Controls Industry Association offers a quick method for getting to grips with controls and using them more effectively for better energy efficiency.

Siemens Building Technologies, control, BMS, quick fixes

Open protocols make it easy to apply quick fixes to controls. Ian Ellis of Siemens Building Technologies explains how the latest control technology is an ideal quick and affordable fix for offices where occupant comfort and efficiency need to be balanced.

Grundfos Pumps, energy efficient pumps, quick fixes

Pumping out energy savings

08 September, 2016

Building-services systems with pumps that are more than about five years old could probably achieve significant cost-saving and operational benefits by replacing pumps. Glynn Williams of Grundfos Pumps gives an insight.

ABB, motor drives, variable speed drives, quick fixes

If you have already installed a variable-speed drive, are you sure that it is working at its optimum for you? Carl Turbitt of ABB gives some tips for squeezing the most out of your assets.

actuator, Belimo, globe valve, Quick fixes

Belimo’s replacement actuator for globe valves have customisable parameters and are equipped with a universal valve neck and stem adapter. They can be installed quickly and easily on virtually all valves from manufacturers worldwide.

Flogas, LPG, quick fixes

In a move to cut costs, carbon and enhance efficiencies, Carden Park hotel in Cheshire has switched its entire energy supply from oil to LPG. The conversion, based on LPG from Flogas, has reduced energy costs by 22% and carbon emissions by 23%. This hotel is off grid and has 196 rooms, 18 meeting rooms, a luxury spa, two championship golf courses, two restaurants and 10 wedding-ceremony venues.

Dura Pump, quick fixes

Pump specialist Dura Pump suggests that energy savings of up to 40% can be made when a company agrees to a site survey. Common faults that lead to excessive energy consumption include incorrect specification or running constantly at full power when such capacity is rarely needed.

Land Securities, NG Bailey, quick fixes

How did a 12-month proof-of concept scheme lead to Land Securities achieve its 2020 energy-reduction targets four years earlier than expected? Chris Coath of NG Bailey explains.

Rehau, district heating, space heating

District-heating workshops

08 September, 2016

Rehau has announced two more dates for its popular district-heating workshops, which are designed to help system designers and contractors maximise the efficiency and cost effectiveness of their district-heating schemes.

Rinnai, training, DHW, hot water, continuous flow

Increasing interest in Its ErP-labelled A-rated continuous-flow water heaters has led to Rinnai scheduling a new tranche of tailor-made flexible training courses to give engineers the opportunity to explore the practical and energy-saving benefits of continuous-flow gas-fired water heaters and familiarise themselves with the technology. They are hands-on events.

Airbloc, air curtain, revolving air curtain

Revolving air curtain

08 September, 2016

Airbloc, part of Nortek Global HVAC (UK), has developed a range of commercial/retail revolving-door air curtains, designed to give a neat and discreet solution to prevent continuous draughts but still let in a certain amount of outside air at every rotation.

Ciat, AHU, AHUs, air handling units

Ciat’s ClimaCiat range of air-handling units is available in three models. Airtech is the flagship model. Airclean is for controlled environments such as clean rooms, medical facilities, pharmaceutical industries and micro-electronics. Airaccess (pictured) is for multi-use commercial buildings.

Johnson Controls, air conditioning, Hitachi

Johnson Controls is now distributing Hitachi air-conditioning via the Johnson Controls EasyParts web site. Summit units are available, and new customers without trade accounts can purchase equipment with a credit card. Alphesh Trivedi, product manager at Johnson Controls HVAC Parts, said, ‘This diversification into air-conditioning splits is a logical development and a good complement to our established and growing business in the chiller sector.’

ICS Cool Energy

ICS Cool Energy, which specialises in temperature-control solutions, has achieved added recognition of its business performance with the addition of the pan-European SafeHire certification and membership of the Gas Safe Register. Previous awards to the company include Eurovent Certification and Refcom. The company is also ISO registered.

CSA launches 2017 awards

08 September, 2016

The Commissioning Specialists’ Association (CSA) has named the date for its 2017 awards, its third. It will be on 15 June at the Effingham Park Hotel near Gatwick Airport. It is expected that there will be awards for seven categories and a lifetime contribution sponsored by the CSA itself.

Keysource, Business Critical Solutions, data centres

Leeds City Council has chosen critical-environment specialist Keysource to provide FM support for its data centres in and around the city centre. The agreement is designed to ensure there is minimal downtime and disruption to IT services and that the data-centre environment remains resilient and secure.

Interserve

Interserve has won a £17 million contract to design and build the 3-storey Piazza Learning Centre at the University of York’s Campus East. It will house teaching facilities and learning space and it part of a £27 million scheme on the campus. The new building will be used by the university’s International Pathway College and also provide additional teaching space for Campus East.

NG Bailey

NG Bailey trebled its operating profit in the year to 26 February to £6 million and increased sales by 12% to £408 million. The company’s activities cover engineering, IT and facilities services, and its secured-order book rose 14% to a record £673 million.

Imtech Inviron, facilities management

Imtech Inviron, one of the largest technical-service providers in the UK, has been awarded a 3-year contract with London law firm Mishcon de Raya. This major contract win includes planned and reactive maintenance services at Mishcon de Raya’s head office in central London. The company provides legal services to high-profile individuals and companies and also has office in New York.

Building Services Summit

New speakers that have been announced for the Building Services Summit in London on 23 November include Roy Evans of the Cabinet Office, who will lead on Soft Landings, which is an objective of the Government’s 2016-2020 Construction Strategy. He will be joined by Dr Karon Buck, founding principal of Medway University Technical College, a new school for students aged 14 to 19 from Medway. The theme of the summit is ‘Sustainable energy efficiency in building services’.

IET, Education

Prof. Will Stewart, vice president of the Institution of Engineering & Technology, has expressed concern that this year’s A-level results show no increase in students studying subjects such as maths, physics and design and technology, which he describes as ‘core subjects for an engineering degree and career’. He adds, ‘If we don’t reverse this trend, thousands of young people are effectively closing the door on an exciting and creative career as engineers.’

Sudlows, data centre

Among technical upgrades to the cooling infrastructure of the data centre at Manchester Airport carried out by Sudlows is a new cooling system that will reduce CO2 emissions by 31 t a year.

Glenigan

There are growing expectations that this year’s Autumn Statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer will see the Government release additional funds for capital projects as it seeks to counter post-Brexit turbulence and shape its longer-term strategy for the UK economy, according to Glenigan. Glenigan’s project data reveals a growing pipeline of public-sector projects that could be early beneficiaries of additional Government funds.

JS Wright, contractor, Alfred Manley

James Owen, a young design engineer with building-services provider J S Wright, has been highly commended for the Alfred Manley Management Awards, which is awarded by the Building Engineering Services Association. This national award celebrates the achievements of young engineers who are judged to be capable of progressing to a senior role within building-services engineering. He completed his higher-level apprenticeship with the company last year.

BESA, IAQ, indoor air quality

Nearly 70% of office workers are concerned that poor indoor air quality could be having a negative effect on their day-to-day productivity and well-being, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). In addition, a third of office workers are concerned that poor indoor air quality could be having a negative effect on their health.

Wago, automation, BMS, BEMS, controls

Wago’s FlexRoom intelligent room-automation system provides flexible automation of lighting, window blinds, and room control — including heating and cooling. It can be used to quickly and easily realise energy-efficient and standard-compliant building automation in nearly all office and administrative buildings. Its ease of use means that configuration and reconfiguration can be carried out in-house, saving time and reducing costs.

Vortice, ventilation, heat recovery, MVHR

Vortice offers a choice of thermal-wheel or horizontal cross-flow heat exchangers with the launch of its NRG EC and NRG ECR commercial heat-recovery units. They are quick and easy to install and have low power consumption.

Sontay, BACnet, Modbus, BMS, BEMS, controls

The latest addition to Sontay’s Smart Communication range is an I/O module with the ability to take inputs from standard field devices and transmit them over BACnet or Modbus protocols. The SC-IO-24 module is also a cost-effective solution for expanding I/O on an existing controller.

Waterloo Air Products, grilles, diffusers, curved grilles

Waterloo Airline curved linear grilles are designed to satisfy air-diffusion and engineering requirements as well as architectural specifications. These grilles can be used in modular or continuous situations for ceiling, side-wall, cill or bulkhead applications. The company also offers eggcrate grills to satisfy all exhaust applications in heating and ventilation systems. Airline grilles can be produced in any radius over 1.75 m in five formats.

Ruskin Air Management, diffuser, slot diffuser

Ruskin Air Management has extended and enhanced the options available with its FlowBar range of high-capacity linear slot diffusers. These diffusers are designed to combine very high air-handling capacity with maximum flexibility. They are suitable for ceiling and sidewall applications.

Marflow Hydronics', Filterball

Easing the strain

08 September, 2016

Water distribution systems are designed to last a long time and be trouble free, but as we all know this is not always the case. Paul Woodley, Customer Service Engineer at Marflow Hydronics considers the solutions that can reduce the risk of problems occurring.

Ideal Commercial Boilers, wall hung boiler, condensing boiler

The Evomax 150 wall-hung condensing boiler from Ideal Commercial Boilers has a condensing output of 158 kW, a seasonal efficiency of 96.7% and NOx emissions of 38.1 mg/kWh. This boiler is compact, being 850 mm high, 500 mm wide and 610 mm deep They weigh less than 90 kg. Up to four boilers can be installed in cascade, and larger bespoke cascade systems are available on request. They have a 5-year warranty.




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Manufacturer helps equip skills centre

Ideal Heating has helped to equip a new £500,000 green energy centre in Merseyside which is seeking to attract fresh talent into the heating industry.

Acoustic solutions suite with easy access to services at University of Birmingham

A suite of ceiling and wall acoustic solutions have been specified for The University of Birmingham’s new landmark Molecular Sciences building, which will provide a hub for research and academic work.