2016 October

 Lord Redesdale, Member of the House of Lords and CEO of The Energy Managers Association, organisers of EMEX, looks at ways to Future Proof your business. 

Demand-side engagement with energy can only lower costs. 

With heating bills of up to £500 a month for electric panel convector heaters for 11 homes on a estate in Fressingfield, Suffolk, Kensa ground-source heat-pump systems have been installed following the housing provider Flagship gaining unanimous support for its plans at a consultation meeting with residents.

Energy costs in a typical sports centre are second only to labour, accounting for as much as 30% of total running costs. Paul Sands of Stokvis Energy Systems explains how solar-thermal water heating can help cut energy usage and fuel bills in the leisure sector.

Gilberts (Blackpool) offers a solution to maximise the benefits of natural ventilation in rooms such as IT suites and science laboratories in schools. Particular issues in such areas include heat from IT equipment and CO2 from Bunsen burners. Gilberts’ solution is its Mistrale Fusion (MFS) natural-ventilation system with the inclusion of enhanced and boost options.

Oventrop has been heavily involved with Arup, Interserve and NG Bailey to design (using OVSOL and TSOL software), supply and install seven complete solar-thermal systems to preheat domestic hot water for the new Jaguar Land Rover i54 facility — a £500 million engine-manufacturing centre in Wolverhampton.

The technical and economic arguments in favour of heat pumps are becoming increasingly persuasive, according to David Pepper of Lochinvar.

Water-source heat pumps drawing heat from a stream have been installed to replace two existing boilers serving Schaffer House in Crawley. Mitie, which is Crawley Borough Council’s housing-repair contractor, worked with Baystar, building-services engineers specialising in sustainable energy solutions.

An auction House in Northumberland is expecting to achieve £862 000 in energy savings and commercial Renewable Heat Incentive payments over the next 20 years after installing solar PV panels and a NIBE ground-source heat-pump system. The savings are expected to be more than double the original investment, with a return on investment of 236%.

Renewable energy for a new care home in Derbyshire that specialises in dementia is provided by an integrated heating and hot-water system using a gas absorption heat pump from Lochinvar. Solar PV panels were originally considered for the Callywhite Home, but on inspection it was decided that an Optimus gas absorption heat pump was more appropriate for this type of project. It also met planning requirements at a considerably lower cost that solar PV, even taking into account the potential solar feed-in tariff.

Schwank now offers high-efficiency gas heat pumps to deliver heating and cooling for industrial and commercial buildings. They are available through specialist distributor Oceanair. They are low on CO2 emissions and below the required standard for NOx emissions.

This solar-thermal installation at Birmingham International railway station is being assessed as a potential pilot for a wider roll out of renewable energy across facilities operated by Network Rail and train operator Virgin trains. The installation comprises 10 evacuated-tube collectors and pre-heats incoming mains water at a typical 10°C to around 35°C, although it is expected to reach 55 to 65°C in high summer.

Surface water as a potential heat source for heat pumps abounds. Phil Jones would like to see it much more widely exploited.

Rinnai’s continuous-flow water-heating solutions can work with renewable-energy sources such as solar-thermal and air-source heat pumps. The concept is that the water heater tops up the temperature of stored water heated using renewable energy — but only when required.

BSRIA’s Krystyna Dawson looks back over the last few years and wonders what the future is for renewable energy in the UK.

The ground-source heat-pump system installation to provide heating for the new premises of an expanding veterinary practice in Norfolk was specified and installed by Finn Geotherm. Hannah Kelly, owner of Wood Farm Vets, started the practice in 2014 to care for large and small animals. It originally operated from her farmhouse home in south Norfolk, but rapidly outgrew the premises, to the extent of the lounge becoming the waiting room.

Energy-storage technology is starting to transform the way buildings operate and opens up the possibility of a 100% renewable electricity system, says Tim Rook of BESA.

Steven Mesher of REMS (UK) looks at the requirement for the avoidance/ removal of bacterial contamination during the commissioning of potable-water installations and how it impacts on the installer.

With so many press and push fit products on the market, it can be difficult to know which to choose. Bill Barlow of Conex Bänninger offers some guidance.

Sanha press-fit technology for pipes has been used by Woodtek Energy, a leading manufacture of drying machines for wood chips, in its biomass heating systems. The Nirosan press system has consistently saved substantial time and labour for Woodtek, and director and co-founder Stuart Jones explains, ‘The labour savings are significant. What used to take five days in traditional piping systems now only takes two with the Sanha press system.’

Pumps that do not comply with UK and European standards entering the UK are a major concern to the pump industry, and their use is fraught with risk. Peter Reynolds, president of the British Pump Manufacturers Association, explains what is being done to tackle the problem.

Rinnai’s Infinity Plus Cascade system offers a solution for providing hot water in larger commercial premises. These custom-made solutions are based on modules incorporating 1500 or 1200 condensing units with Rinnai’s newly developed common-heating flue-system technology. Any number of modules can be manifolded together.

Residents of luxury apartments at The Franklin in Bournville, Birmingham have their heating and hot water provided by Nexus Futura IS heat interface units (HIUs) from Elco Heating Solutions. 79 HIUs have been installed as part of a network heating systems. They are connected to three Elco R603 floor-standing boilers in a centralised plant room.

In response to consumer trends, Francis Pegler offers a range of brushed-nickel taps. Mike Johnson, washroom market manager for Pegler Yorkshire, explains, ‘More and more consumers are wanting to step away from the high shine that chrome offers and prefer a more muted style that perfectly complements cookware and kitchen appliances often found in brushed textures.’

When a leading UK manufacturer of beverage cans wanted to investigate the potential for saving energy on its installed pumps systems, it approached Grundfos to undertake an energy check. It focused on the washing lines, and a comprehensive report was produced, as a result of which a number of pumps were replaced.

Traditionally, vast quantities of clean, potable water are discharged to drain during the dynamic flushing procedure that is part of the pre-commission cleaning process of a closed pipework system. Up to 20 times the system volume may be required, which has to be discharged to drain.

TouchXL, the newest member of the touchscreen family, is now available from Resource Data Management (RDM). Model-dependent TouchXL provides an additional front-end display to either a DMTouch or Intuitive TDB controller, with fibre and Ethernet networking options available.

Durapipe UK reports that the use of its BIM models has increased substantially in 2016. Analysing the number of BIM downloads for its Superflo ABS pipework system for chilled water for the first six months of this year showed a 50% increase on the same period last year.

Xylem has updated its Lowara CAD centre with a new set of BIM (building information modelling) files cover the Lowara e-NSC heavy-duty end-suction pump range. The BIM files are available in dxf, stp and rfa format; they can be previewed in 3D on all Wi-Fi enabled devices via a standard Internet browser.

Beckhoff Automation has introduced two CIBSE CPD-accredited training modules that focus on important aspect of networking and controls communications protocols. The courses focus on aspects of networking that can help to achieve energy-efficient building operation in the long term.

The thermal performance of the T22 Compact radiator from QRL Radiator Group has been granted ‘verified’ status by the Energy Saving Trust. — marking the creation of a new and dedicated radiator category for this efficiency organisation. The verification compared the T22 with similar products from competitors.

WRAS approval has been granted to Nexus Futura Bitherm heat interface units from Elco. They are suitable for a wide range of residential applications. They are indirect wall-mounted modules with a heating output of 19 kW and hot water up to 70 kW.

Cool-Therm stocks popular models of chiller that can be ordered and delivered to site in a matter of days rather than months. Current Tonon chillers in stock are listed on Cool-Therm’s web site, permitting ordering for immediate despatch and delivery to a site within days. Tonon chillers are particularly suitable for applications requiring low sound levels, such as hospitals and educational settings.

Condair’s GS condensing gas-fired steam humidifier recovers heat from exhaust gases to preheat the incoming water supply (pictured) to improve energy efficiency. The lower flue-gas temperature also allows plastic, rather than stainless-steel, flues to be used — reducing installation costs. Outputs range from 23 to 272 kg/h.

Veltem’s Hidden Diffuser (HD) air terminal device incorporates the standard ceiling manufacturer’s suspended ceiling tile as its faceplace, typically using 1.8 mm holes with 20% free area or 2.2 mm holes with 25% free area. It is therefore almost invisible once installed.

Nittan Europe’s Evolution 1 range of fire-alarm control panels is fully compatible with the Evolution range of detect and alarm devices. Compliant with BS EN54 parts 2 and 5, these panels have separate menus for the user and installer, with an LCD touchscreen display.

Ellis has launched an all-plastic trefoil cable cleat for smaller electrical cables. Called Trident, these polymeric cleats will be available in six sizes from 24 to 54 mm. Sizes from 34 to 41 mm are already available.

Martindale has introduced professional locking-off devices and kits for miniature circuit breakers and fuse holders. They provide simple and reliable solutions to ensure circuit breakers have been de-energised and properly isolated prior to maintenance and modifications of plant and equipment, in accordance with HSG85, the ‘Electricity at work regulations’.

ABB Elkay’s easyDALi DALi-compliant lighting system can automatically detect DALi lighting ballasts during installation and commissioning. The system has been developed in response to demand from electrical installers for a simplified and dimmable DALi lighting system that can help compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations.

Combining HygroMatik’s HPS/LPS adiabatic humidifiers with the WaterLine RO (reverse-osmosis) system (pictured) to deliver clean water to these humidifiers ensures that only the cleanest air is delivered to the space. The WaterLine unit applies pressure to the water through a semi-permeable membrane, allowing only clean molecules through and leaving bacteria and contaminants behind. There is no need for biocide or chemical disinfectants.

Fire Design Solutions (FDS) is to supply, install and commission a number of its smoke ventilation systems for Merano Residences (right in picture) in the redevelopment area of Nine Elms of the south bank of the River Thames. Merano Residences will comprise 40 luxury apartments with two and three bedrooms. The first three floors will also house offices, a cafe and an underground car park. This is FDS’s fourth project at Nine Elms.

Fuel Storage Solutions (FSS) and Geberit have worked together to create a bespoke version of Mapress pipe. It is a bunded pressing solution for a data centre in London which required new bulk tanks, polishing systems and pipework, fully linking with the existing single-skin welded steel pipe systems.

Xylem’s extended Lowara e-series global range of pumps includes highly efficient in-line and end-suction pumps that exceed the 2015 European Ecodesign requirements of a minimum efficiency index (MEI) of no lower than 0.4. In many cases, e-series pumps have an MEI greater than 0.7. The range extension adds 29 in-line single and twin pumps, including models with stainless-steel and duplex bodies, more sizes and 60 Hz models. The updated series covers a new set of duty points, making it suitable for a wider range of HVAC and industrial applications.

Kingspan Kooltherm FM pipe insulation has been evaluated under the BRE’s Green Guide ratings table and methodology for pipe insulation. This new approach has been designed to provide a more accurate assessment of the environmental impact of pipe insulation in-situ. The FM pipe-insulation system received the highest summary ratings of A and A+.

The British Pump Manufacturers’ Association offers a one-day course dealing with pump systems. It examines the factors that should be considered when designing a pump system. It uses a combination of presentations and exercises in a practical approach to what is a complex subject.

Faced with less and less space being available for piped services, how can designers respond. Paul Wightman of Albion Valves shares some ideas — ideas that can also improve the operation and response of those systems.

Belimo’s replacement actuators 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.

Viega press fittings are now available in the UK with SC-Contur technology for pipe connections from 12 to 108 mm. SC-Contur technology provides a flowpath within the fitting that leaks slightly if the fitting is inadvertently unpressed. Water will visibly escape from unpressed connections when the system pressure is between 1 and 6.5 bar. For dry testing with inert gas, a measurable drop in pressure will occur between 22 mbar and 3 bar.

Stewart Jones of Tata Steel discusses the benefits of hot-finished tubes over cold-formed alternatives in building service applications.

The first Daikin Altherma hybrid heat pump to be installed in the UK, in a family home in Wigan, has achieved impressive performance figures and significant benefits in running costs. The system combines a gas condensing combi boiler and an air-to-water heat pump to create an efficient domestic heating and hot-water system that is ideal for replacing gas-fired boilers. The system has a capacity of 27 kW for central heating and 33 kW for hot water. The outdoor heat-pump unit has an output of 5 kW. The system replaced a gas combi boiler.

Two wood-pellet boilers have been installed at the National Trust’s Nunnington Hall near York to replace an old an inefficient oil-fired heating system. The two 50 kW boilers were installed by re:heat of Alnwick as part of the National Trust’s environmental commitment to substantially reduce carbon emissions at its properties by switching to more renewable energy sources and deliver 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.