2014 November

Are energy managers set to become "The rock stars of the corporate world"?

Distributor BSS Industrial has invested in a dedicated training room for its BOSS brand to help customers become familiar with the brand’s high-quality solutions and increase the knowledge of its sales teams.

Flakt-Woods has been accredited as a Carbon Trust Supplier in recognition of its strong track record in designing and delivering high-quality HVAC products.

Voltage-optimisation specialist Powerstar offers a range of leasing packages to make it easier to invest in the technology. There are no upfront payments. Repayments can be set below the monthly energy savings made to create positive cashflow and are 100% tax deductible.

Rinnai UK’s programme of CPD training modules offers specifiers and designers the practical and energy-saving benefits of continuous-flow gas-fired water heating. The company has added four modules: continuous-flow appreciation; continuous-flow sizing, understanding L8 2014; and energy-efficient continuous-flow water heating.

With the lines between work and leisure increasingly becoming blurred, Grundfos Pumps in the UK has recognised Facebook as an important vehicle and set up a page in support of its iSolutions platform. It will help people get the most out of complex integrated systems.

Kingspan Insulation has developed a CIBSE-approved CPD seminar explaining how its KoolDuct system of pre-insulated ductwork can help reduce building-services costs and ease compliance with the latest regulations. The seminar provides a in-depth look at how air leakage from ductwork affects building emission rate. It also gives a clear overview of the heat-loss and heat-gain requirements for HVAC insulation as detailed in BS 5422 : 2009 and the TIMSA HVAC compliance guide.

Carrier’s AquaForce 30XAV range of chillers features Greenspeed intelligence, variable-speed condenser fans and variable-speed screw compressors to accurately match load conditions and achieve excellent part-load performance. Full-load EER is up to 3.4 and the ESEER (European Seasonal Energy Efficiency ratio) is up to 4.9.

Daikin’s VRV IV HR heat-recovery system is over 32% more efficient than previous systems and can be installed more quickly than any other heat-recovery system available. The improved efficiency comes from the interplay of variable-refrigerant-temperature technology and updated system design — including a new compressor made using thixo-casting technology and a 4-sided G coil.

Pipe Center has an exclusive distribution agreement covering Sabiana’s range of high-efficiency radiant panel heaters. The distributor is offering Pulsar ceiling-mounted radiant-heating systems as part of its growing portfolio under the NHS ProCure21+ National Framework.

A full range of access fittings for soil and rainwater systems is available from Bret Martin Plumbing in 110 and 160 mm diameters. The range of 110 mm fittings includes pipe, bend and branch, along with a 160 mm access pipe. A twist-and-lock cap closes the fittings with a simple quarter turn and ensures equal sealing pressure around the seal.

Designed for communal chilled-water systems, Evinox Energy’s chilled-water meter kit includes all the equipment required to facilitate commissioning, balancing and flow control of the chilled-water circuit and also accurately measures energy consumption.

Gripple’s D3 catenary suspension system is designed for lightweight applications such as lighting, signage or bracing applications where no direct vertical suspension point is available. It can support loads of up to 30 kg per suspension points and is part of a range of catenary kits for up to 100 kg.

Victaulic’s grooved joining solution for copper pipework systems complies with EN 1057 half-hard copper tubing sizes from DN50 to DN150 (2 to 6 in). It can withstand pressures up to 24 bar, depending on the type and size of copper tubing.

Waterloo Air Products’ LCT20 lay-on ceiling-tile diffuser is designed to be mounted on top of ceiling tiles with 20% open area. These tiles would be supplied by other manufacturers. Ease of installation is a key feature of the design, using 2-sided adhesive strips or edging clips.

Wieland Electric has added the RST Mini to its RST round-plug connector system. Said to be the smallest connector on the market, this 5-pole system consists of a connector for on-site installation, appliance connectors for integrating into housings, re-wireable components and pre-formed cables ready for connection.

The Condair ME evaporative humidifier offers low-energy humidification and evaporative cooling to an air-handling unit or duct. A single unit can deliver up to 1000 kg/h of moisture and 630 kW of evaporative cooling to an air stream using less than 300 W of electricity.

Ideal Commercial Boilers’ range of Logic heat interface units comprises four models. They are designed for multi-residential buildings served by central boiler plant. There are two indirect units (50 and 75) and two direct units (high temperature and medium temperature). All units can be fitted with a heat meter, including one that can be monitored remotely.

Lochinvar’s EcoCharger hybrid range of water heaters is a closely integrated combination of solar thermal and conventional gas-fired water heating that minimises the use of fossil fuel and achieves efficiencies of 96% (gross) and low NOx emissions (Class 5).

Carlo Gavazzi has expanded its quick-fit range of energy-metering system with the EM271. When used as a 3-phase energy meter with its association split-core current transformers, it can be installed five to 10 times faster than existing methods. Similar to the EM270 meter, it can measure up to two 3-phase loads or up to six single-phase loads, as well as creating a virtual meter to provide the sum of two 3-phase or six single-phase loads.

Xpelair has advanced its product offering for domestic ventilation with the development of an extremely quiet extract fan and an efficient single-room heat-recovery unit that is ideal for the refurbishment.

Metsec cable-management products are providing a versatile solution for distributing the cables that service the Shrangri-La Hotel inside The Shard in London. A mix of Metsec trunking, ladder rack, cable tray and channel distribute service cables for HVAC and lighting throughout the hotel’s circular corridors on 15 floors across levels 34 to 52 of the building.

The offsite manufacturing approach to building the new Aberdare Community extended to Gilberts’ through-the-wall Mistrale units being factory fitted into the precast concrete panels of the external facade. The Mistrale units are part of the ventilation strategy for the school.

The provision of smoke-free escape routes and day-to-day temperature control on communal areas and corridors of a apartment block of 108 homes in Hackney of Notting Hill Housing Group is achieved by a system from SE Controls. The 6-storey building was originally designed with a mechanical ventilation system and a dedicated environmental shaft to help cool the building and address the heating effect of routing heating distribution pipework in building voids to optimise space.

A large manufacturing and R&D site in the south east of England has tackled the problem of limescale deposition in calorifiers and on hot- and cold-water outlets using Sentinel Commercial’s Kalguard electrolytic device. The benefits include greatly improved energy efficiency, longer life of components and reduced cleaning requirements.

The major refurbishment of Commodity Quay in London’s St Katharine Docks includes grade A office accommodation with air conditioning provided by 4-pipe fan-coil units from Ability Projects. The redevelopment includes some 13 000 m2 of offices, 1300 m2 of restaurant facilities and 2200 m2 of potential leisure space over seven floors.

Mile End Hospital in London is the first hospital in the UK to use the Cheetah demand-controlled ventilation system from Quintex in its kitchen. The system has been installed in the main kitchen of the hospital, which is part of Barts Health NHS Trust. The kitchen cooks food for staff and events.

Set in 55 acres in Fife, the Scottish Deer Centre has evolved to become a centre for many more species than the 14 types of deer that today call it home. Other residents include wolves, otters, wild cats and birds of prey. This growing family was recently joined by two brown bears called Nellie and Lockie.

A key part of the ventilation strategy of Askham Bryan College, the agricultural and land-management college in York is GDL’s Penthouse Turrets incorporating solarPV to boost air movement in the summer or when room occupancy reaches capacity. The first phase of this £34 million is the animal-management centre and adjoining wildlife and conservation area. The centre will also include lecture theatres and a replica veterinary practice.

Delmatic has supplied a new lighting-management system for the restack of seven office floors of 99 Bishopsgate in London. This project continues Delmatic’s association with the 26-storey building, which was originally equipped with a Delmatic system in 1995. A plug-in upgrade in 2005 converted the former proprietary controls into open LON technology. The current restack introduces the latest Dali dimming technology.

Dalkia has delivered a 375 kW(e) CHP system to the University of Birmingham. It supplies accommodation on the main campus with electricity and heating. The university, which endeavours to make a significant contribution to sustainable development, is part of the Higher Education Carbon Management programme, a voluntary scheme overseen by the Carbon Trust, which aims to achieve CO2-reduction targets by 2020.

Tesco and power-management company Eaton are helping Typhoo and three other Tesco suppliers save up to 750 MWh an year and cut lighting costs by up to 80% through a buying club developed by Tesco and 2degrees in partnership with the Carbon Trust and Eaton’s Cooper Lighting & Safety business.

Skirting heating is providing cost-efficient and effective heating for 32 extra-care flats at Cowan Court in Penicuik near Edinburgh. Discrete Heat’s ThermaSkirt LST heated skirting board with controls is creating a safe and comfortable environment for the elderly requiring care and assistance.

Substantial reductions in the energy consumption of condenser packs operated by a major UK supermarket have been achieved by adding ebm-papst’s AxiTop diffuser to existing EC Hyblade axial fans. Energy savings of 15 to 51% were achieved on condenser packs running at part load and 26% at full load. The trial demonstrated that upgrading existing systems with AxiTop can not only improve the efficiency of the fans but also improve the efficiency of the whole system.

Dalkia is continuing its 18-year relationship with Bracknell Forest Council with the supply of new CHP units for Bracknell Leisure Centre and Bracknell Coral Reef. In a £265 000 contract. Cogenco, Dalkia’s small-scale CHP division, is to replace existing plant with new 135 kW(e) CHP units are each side. Annual CO2 savings over conventional electricity supply from the grid will be 430 t.

Lighting for the breakout space on the top floor of Sea Containers House in London, which is now the headquarters of Puma, is designed to provide a fun, comfortable and warm experience. It is based on Spectral Lighting’s Blade LED was specified by design firm M. Moser Associates to meet this unusual challenge.

The problem of constantly blowing recessed spotlights in a house in Suffolk has been solved by the installation of a voltage optimiser to limit the voltage of the incoming electricity supply. Something like £50 a month was promptly saved on replacement light bulbs.

Cool-Therm has recently supplied chillers using HFO and hydrocarbon refrigerants as clients become more concerned about the global warming potential of HFC refrigerants. the projects use chillers with reciprocating compressors.

Pipe Center has published an improved version of its product guide. It runs to 480 pages and contains technical information and prices for all its key product lines — including heating systems, pipe and supports, valves and materials, plus tools and safety equipment.

Hoval’s TransTherm heat-transfer stations are the subject of a film that explains their role in connecting buildings to increasingly popular district-heating networks.

Clos-o-Mat has prepared a white paper called ‘Considerations and specification of accessible toilet facilities in educational buildings’. It covers all relevant legislation and guidance, including guidelines published by the Department for Education this year that replace existing DfE Building Bulletins for primary and secondary schools

Marco, a leading uPVC cable-management company and a manufacturer of steel-wire cable tray, has launched a new web site with a host of customer-focused features. The site includes all the product information from the catalogue and search functions and navigation. The web site can be accessed using any device.

Rexel’s Solar Energyeasy online platform is will help homeowners calculate the energy-generation potential of a rooftop solarPV system and identify trusted local installers. Installers selected by Rexel (the parent company for Newey & Eyre, WF Senate, Parker Merchanting, Denman’s and Wilts) will benefit from lead generation and can use the dedicated installer portal to manage the installation process.

Toshiba Air Conditioning has published a comprehensive technical handbook for engineers as part of its programme of training and support for the industry. This 80-page compendium is designed as a guide for engineers carrying out air-conditioning installations, commissioning and maintenance. It covers 39 key topics relating to Toshiba equipment and systems.

The Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group has published a guide to BIM (Building Information Modelling) competence for specialist contractors. It has been prepared in collaboration with the BIM academy at the University of Northumbria. It also has input from the National Specialist Contractors’ Council and is endorsed by the Cabinet office.

Mitie has been awarded a 3-year contract for M&E maintenance and repairs for Terminals 3, 4 and 5 at Heathrow. The company will also provide M&E maintenance services, including trackside works, to Heathrow Express as part of the contract. The contract is worth £15 million.

CIBSE Certification is among the first to be approved by the Environment Agency to operate a register of lead assessors for the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS). An important Government initiative to encourage improvements in the energy performance of buildings, ESOS introduces mandatory energy audits for larger companies and is estimated to apply to nearly 10 000 business and up to 200 000 buildings.

The CIBSE ASHRAE graduate of the year for 2014 is Emilia Targonska (centre) of Hoare Lea. She will be travelling to the ASHRAE winter conference in Chicago and is pictured with CIBSE president Peter Kinsella and ASHRAE president Tom Phoenix. She was one of eight finalists.

Remeha Commercial has moved to a new headquarters building in Wokingham, Innovation House was formally opened by the Mayor of Wokingham Borough Council, UllaKarin Clark (the lady in the centre), and the chairman of CIBSE Patrons David Fitzpatrick (to her right. The occasion also saw the presentation of a cheque for £4700 to Marie Curie Cancer Care, the company’s chosen charity. The money was raised by the company through a variety of fund-raising activities.

Oxford City Council has been awarded £91 000 by the Department of Energy & Climate to develop heat networks in Oxford. The city council will work with partner organisations, including the University of Oxford, to look at innovative ways to distribute heat around the city. Potential heat sources include heat from industry, waste and the river.

Gilberts of Blackpool has opened a 400 m3 test centre to enable the company to carry out accurate testing of air-distribution grilles, diffusers and natural-ventilation terminals to establish their full aerodynamic performance — including throw, temperature, pressure and acoustic date. Alongside the 2-storey test room is an R&D suite with data logging to monitor and record test. A viewing gallery enables clients to see tests live.