2006 October
Only the BESCA will do for design-and-build contractor
22 October, 2006
The first company to successfully undergo BESCA’s competent-persons scheme registration criteria is M. D. Enertech Ltd, a design-and-build mechanical-services contractor and a member of the Heating & Ventilating Contractors’ Association.
22 October, 2006
Partnering used to be a good idea. Now it’s a necessity. That is if you want to deliver a major construction project on time and to budget, according to one of the industry’s leading strategic thinkers.
The student-bursary scheme operated by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers to encourage more people to embark on careers in building-services engineering has a vital role to play in helping to provide the expertise needed for the future. The latest Building Regulations give much more responsibility and greater opportunities for imaginative engineers to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings in the UK and tackle the issue of Climate Change.
22 October, 2006
Stimulating interest in building-services engineering as a career and supporting students through their degree courses are two long-term strategies of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers. An important element of this work is the award of student bursaries. LYNNE BEATTIE explains.
An effective approach to self-certification
22 October, 2006
With the plethora of competent-persons schemes that have sprung up in the HVACR sector, BILL BELSHAW clarifies some of the most commonly asked questions to help dispel the myths and bring some clarity to the issue.
What the 10% renewable-energy target means for you
21 October, 2006
The control of energy use in buildings is becoming a key element of planning regulations and this will now affect anyone involved all aspects of both new builds and conversions. PHILIP ORD explains more.
21 October, 2006
Manufacturers have a major part to play in responding to climate change says GERRY STAPLEY.
Addressing the need for cooling
21 October, 2006
Conventional air conditioning may not be the best way of delivering comfort in buildings as ambient temperatures rise.JOHN STAUNTON discusses an alternative.
Taking the leap towards a low- to zero-carbon economy
21 October, 2006
RICHARD SCOTT explains why sustainable energy is no longer an option but a necessity — and looks at heating and hot-water innovations for the 21st century.
Tackling waste as the first stage of responding to climate change
18 October, 2006
British business wasted nearly £600 million through poor energy management this summer. If nothing else gets efficiency changes made, then greed will, says HVCA president MIKE McCLOSKEY
Connection system makes light work of solar PV installations
18 October, 2006
To speed up the installation of photo-voltaic systems by up to 90%, Wieland Electric has developed a specialised connection system.
Heat pumps have a choice of energy sources
18 October, 2006
The Thermia Diplomat heat pump is now available from Eco Heat Pumps and can extract heat from a variety of sources — ground loops, lakes and outdoor air.
Effective and energy-efficient heating for a village church in Gloucestershire is provided by an air-conditioning system — used purely for heating. Such is the efficiency of Toshiba’s Super Digital Inverter Split heat-pump system with a COP of over 4.0 at full capacity that it provided an effective replacement for electric radiant heaters in this Methodist church, which has no gas available. The system was suggested by local air-conditioning contractor Eesicool.
Showing the way to renewable energy
18 October, 2006
A small village in North Yorkshire is a working model of the effective application of renewable-energy technologies.
Vaillant helps give solar hot water a brighter future
17 October, 2006
Over a hundred heating engineers have qualified for the BPEC certificate in solar domestic hot water by participating in Vaillant’s training programme. This certificate gives candidates automatic entry to the Government’s Clear Skies Scheme, which is now part of the Low Carbon Building Programme managed by Energy Savings Trust. The scheme gives householders access to grant funding for fitting solar heating.
Stiebel Eltron harnesses solar energy
17 October, 2006
Stiebel Eltron offers a range of solar systems for generating domestic hot water. They are available exclusively through Applied Energy, with a nationwide after-sales services and approved-installer network.
17 October, 2006
Tucked away in the north-east corner of Wales is a factory producing photo-voltaic solar panels and being installed in a rapidly growing number of substantial projects in the UK.
Maximising the efficiency of fixed-speed pumps
17 October, 2006
When a fixed-speed pump is preferred over a variable-speed unit, there is no need to compromise energy efficiency, as ROY HENDERSON explains.
Smedegaard set for revitalisation
17 October, 2006
Pump specialist Smedegaard UK is developing a new corporate image following the recent appoint of Chris Barrett as general manager. Smedegaard is a Danish company and makes pumps in Denmark and Switzerland. The UK operation at Bridgewater makes pressure and boosting equipment covering commercial/domestic, industrial and fire-fighting applications.
Exploiting the technical opportunities of variable-speed pumps
17 October, 2006
Their ability to save energy is just one benefit of applying variable-speed drives to pumps. BRITTA FRANK explores other possibilities.Variable-speed drive (VSD) has become a familiar term, and many have embraced this technology to reduce energy consumption and keep costs down. VSDs have been extensively tried and tested with pumps and pumpsets for a number of years, but further technological improvements continue to provide benefits for the end user.
Twin-pump booster sets for town houses
17 October, 2006
AquaTech has extended its range of VariMatic water-pressure booster sets, based on combination of Smart Logic controller and variable-speed inverter technology.
Whole-house heat recovery comes down in size
17 October, 2006
A whole-house heat-recovery system from Xpelair is said to be up to 92% efficient. The Xcell 150 unit is designed for smaller dwellings and is the smallest in the Xcell range. It can be installed in existing buildings.
Grundfos puts pressure on the efficiency of domestic circulators
17 October, 2006
By exploiting the latest in pump technology, Grundfos is moving to reduce the energy consumption of domestic circulators by up to 80% compared with today’s average.
17 October, 2006
Lindab, which specialises in circular-duct systems, has agreed to acquire CCL Veloduct, a leading UK supplier of ventilation and air-movement products. The deal will give Lindab major penetration of the UK market and enable CCL to expand its branch network and product range at a greater rate.
Contractors join in Oxford to Cambridge cycle ride
17 October, 2006
Briggs & Forrester has added to its range of charity fund raising with a team of 11 cyclists participating in the ride from Oxford to Cambridge for the British Heart Foundation. This firm of building-services engineers has presented over £60 000 to various organisations over the last five years.
17 October, 2006
The strengthening in the sales of construction products over the last three months exceeded manufacturers’ expectations, according to the latest figures from the Construction Products Association. The association’s activity barometer records a score of 68, well above the no-change mark of 50.
17 October, 2006
There are two aspects to be considered in responding to climate change — and here we are considering the how, not the why. One is reducing the consumption of fossil fuels that generate the carbon dioxide which increases the greenhouse effect of the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming. The other is achieving comfortable buildings in the warmer climate that we are assured is inevitable.
The role of commissioning in maximising pump performance
17 October, 2006
PETER NEARS explains why variable-speed pumps should be commissioned by a competent person to achieve effective operational performance, maximise energy savings and prolong life expectancy.
Taconova launches solar station
17 October, 2006
To simplify the installation of solar heating systems, Taconova has introduced a solar station combining pump, regulator and air vent. Designed for commercial, public-sector and domestic applications, the FV 70 Tacosol 3.0 enables hydraulic balancing, flow measurement and venting to be performed at the same point.
Clyde helps Bromley move to condensing boilers
17 October, 2006
Clyde Energy Systems has helped bring Bromley Council up to speed on condensing boilers with a CPD session on Part L of the Building Regulations and the replacement of old boilers with condensing boilers.
Vaillant extends its solar-heating range
17 October, 2006
Vaillant claims that its AuroTherm VFK 900 flat-plate solar collector is the highest performing available in the UK It joins the company’s total-solar-system solution launched earlier this year.
17 October, 2006
Rape-seed oil can now be used as the fuel for the R Series of condensing boilers from Atlantic Boilers. The rape-seed is stored like conventional fuel oil in an external or bunded vessel and piped to a pre-heat tank within the boiler, from where it passes to the burner. The rape-seed oil burns with the same maximum condensing efficiency as light oil and natural gas.
Kildare County Council offices lean towards natural ventilation
17 October, 2006
Occupants of a dramatic office building that has won a RIBA award can control the temperature of their surrounding office environment from their PCs — thanks to an innovative natural-ventilation system from SE Controls.
Calorex boosts its pace of investment
16 October, 2006
Calorex Heat Pumps is increasing manufacturing capacity at its UK factory by 20% as part of major expansion plans. The move coincides with a major investment in the in-house engineering department, which has doubled in size — stepping up the pace of research and development, with new and updated products constantly on the drawing board.
Ideal boilers are star performers in top hotel
16 October, 2006
To reduce the cost of providing domestic hot water at The Stafford Hotel in St James’s Place, London, one of a very few 4 red star hotels in central London, two Ideal Super Plus boilers have replaced boiler plant that was over 20 years old. The new plant supplies hot water for the 81 luxurious rooms in the hotel, along with restaurant, bar and four private dining rooms.
NHS treatment centre goes native BACnet
16 October, 2006
Systems integrator OBS Ltd has completed the installation of a native BACnet building and energy management system at the Cheshire & Merseyside NHS Treatment Centre based at Halton Hospital. It is operated by InterHealth Care Services in partnership with the Cheshire & Merseyside Primary Care Trusts.
Fulton packages reverse-osmosis water treatment with packaged plant
16 October, 2006
Part of the specification of this skid-mounted boiler system for Friarage Hospital at Northallerton includes a reverse-osmosis water-treatment plant instead of the standard water softener and chemical-dosage system. This method of water treatment reduces blowdown and the associated loss of heat and water and was adopted following a review of a water-analysis report of the area.
Heating capability decides choice of air-conditioning system
16 October, 2006
The Toshiba split-system heat-pump air-conditioning system installed in a small office development near Bristol was selected for its capability to provide efficient heating.
One of the UK’s leading interiors contractors, Cathedral Contracts, has enhanced the appearance and environment in its board room with the installation of LG Art Cool air-conditioning units.
Andrews in support role at new children’s theatre
16 October, 2006
Hot-water services for the UK’s first purpose-built, professional theatre for children are provided by an Andrews Hi-Flo storage water heater installation. The Unicorn Theatre in Tooley Street, London, close to London Bridge presents world-class theatre and education projects for children aged from four to 12. It will be used by 100 000 children a year.
Vokera solves flue safety issue
16 October, 2006
When two prefabricated concrete flues serving multiple dwellings in Birmingham were found to be potentially dangerous, Vokera was able to devise a unique solution.
16 October, 2006
A novel application of presence detection to control lighting in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London plays an important role in protecting 150 portrait miniatures on display in 17 cases.
Air conditioning goes Underground
16 October, 2006
The problem of providing adequate cooling for the Lawn ticket office in Paddington Underground station has been solved by the longer pipe runs possible, up to 110 m, with Mitsubishi Electric’s City Multi Y-Series VRF air-conditioning system.
17-year old boilers refurbished with new controls
16 October, 2006
During the restoration of the Royal Devonshire Hospital by the University of Derby, these Atlantic boilers, originally commissioned in 1988, were found to be in such good condition that they were retained and given new controls.
Powrmatic space heating is top gear for car showroom
16 October, 2006
Space-saving, quiet and energy-efficient heating for a new car showroom at Caldicot in Gwent is provided by two Powrmatic NV suspended gas unit heaters. The NV50F heaters were supplied and installed by Heatwaves of Gloucester for the Thompson & Thompson showroom of this prestige Seat and Kia dealership.
Ex-Or saves penalty of unnecessary lighting at football stadium
16 October, 2006
Lighting costs have been halved following the installation of Ex-Or lighting controls in the North Stand of Blackburn Rovers’ Ewood Park stadium. Presence-detection systems have been installation in offices, reception areas, function suites, ticket offices, walkways, spectator areas and concourses to automatically switch off lights in unoccupied areas. They are also to be installed in staircases and private boxes.
Vaillant brings solar energy to Flat Holm Island
16 October, 2006
Domestic hot water for buildings on the island of Flat Holm in the middle of the Bristol Channel five miles from Cardiff is provided by Vaillant systems using solar panels. The island received the first ever radio message across water sent by Marconi in 1897.
Ferroli boilers perform for new sports centre
16 October, 2006
Ferroli commercial boilers are delivering energy-efficient heating and hot water for Filton College’s new WISE campus, which provides state-of-the-art performing and creative-arts facilities — including an indoor pitch for football and rugby, 2250-seat theatre, rehearsal rooms and ceramics studio. Some 50 showers provide a high demand for hot water.
Fire-prevention technology is proved in storage facility
16 October, 2006
A fire has been prevented in an unmanned storage facility in Austria by Wagner’s OxyReduct system. The Roco automatic storage facility has a capacity of 3000 pallets and is unmanned during normal operation.
JS competes in Little Britain regatta
16 October, 2006
JS Humidifiers’ yacht Juliet Sierra finished 11th out of 29 places in the Class 7 Cruisers category of the Little Britain Challenge Cup out of Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
Daikin invests in UK technology centre
16 October, 2006
Daikin Airconditioning UK has opened a technology centre at Woking, close to its headquarters in Weybridge.
More refrigerant bans possible, says government
The government could tighten up the rules that restrict the use of global warming refrigerant gases including speeding up phase-out programmes and introducing new bans, according to a spokesman from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Baxi research suggests schools strongly support heat decarbonisation
A survey conducted by Baxi of 200 state school estates managers, consultant engineers and M&E contractors has found that while enthusiasm for Net Zero and support for low carbon heating systems in schools is thriving, persistent barriers remain.
