The energy efficient approach to delivering comfort cooling
Chilled ceiling and beams deliver comfort cooling with 60 to 70% lower energy use than other systems, which is why John Staunton argues that this water-based approach cannot be ignored.
Demand-controlled ventilation
Monitoring carbon-dioxide levels in a building enables ventilation to be controlled according to occupancy and to maintain indoor air quality — efficiently. Bill McConnell examines the benefits that can be obtained.
Barn conversion turns to the Sun
As part of the conversion of a barn in Pershore, Worcester, a Vaillant solar system has been installed to help meet the demand for domestic hot water. The family for which the conversion was being carried out consulted with Vale Heating, which specified installing a Vaillant solar auroTherm system to provide 50 to 60% of the hot-water requirement.
Embarking on an energy-efficiency drive
With today’s overriding concerns about energy efficiency, is the building services sector missing a great opportunity to make their buildings more efficient.
Maternity unit enjoys the energy-saving benefits of heat-recovery air conditioning
Energy-efficient heating and cooling for a hospital in Poole is provided by a Daikin VRV heat-recovery air-conditioning system.
Evaporative cooling solves hospital over-heating
A low-energy approach to reducing temperatures in outpatient waiting areas in an east-Midlands hospital is provided by EcoCooling evaporative cooling used as part of a balanced-ventilation system. A typical EcoCooler rated at 30 kW can reduce electricity costs by over £2000 a year and carbon emissions by 10 t compared to an equivalent refrigeration-based system.
Advancing the art of adiabatic cooling
A fresh approach to adiabatic cooling can provide an ideal solution where new or additional comfort cooling is required. Chris Ree explains how.
Primary school shows the way to a sustainable future
Among a range of green-engineering solutions serving a flagship primary school in Altrincham is Passivent natural ventilation. Other features include solar panels, rainwater harvesting and a wind turbine to generate electricity.
Clyde shows its energy-efficiency expertise for new sports and social pavilion
Energy-efficient heating and hot water for the new Olympic Pavilion at the Trailfinders Sports Club in Ealing are provided by stainless-steel condensing boilers supplied by Clyde Energy Solutions.
Air-conditioning equipment is installed for its efficient heating capabilities
To provide heating for the refurbished Roman Catholic church in Sligo, Ireland, Toshiba Super Digital inverter wall-mounted units have been installed.
Beyond energy efficiency
Simply delivering energy-efficient products as its contribution to reducing the threat of climate change was not enough for Sanyo, which has adopted the Think-Gaia concept to direct its future development.
Building-controls market tops out
The role of system installers in the market for controls and building-management systems is growing, according to figures compiled by the Building Controls Industry Association — but service and maintenance work shows a sharp decline.
SeaChange controller can serve six underfloor heating zones
A new SeaChange controller for underfloor heating can provide independent temperature control of heating zones in underfloor heating schemes. This controller, from SC Controls, operates with a SeaChange control system to deliver a demand-based environment. This level of integration ensures boiler plant and associated heating pumps operate only when there is a demand from the heating zones.
Presence detection avoids wasteful lighting
A ceiling-mounted presence detector that can be surface- or flush-mounted onto a British Standard switch box has been introduced by CP Electronics. The SPIR-F/C detector monitors the zone and switches on automatically when occupancy is detected and off a preset time after the area has been vacated. The time delay can be adjusted from 10 s to 30 min. If there is sufficient natural light, a built-in photocell keeps the lighting off.
National wholesaler boosts HVAC controls offering
National wholesaler WF Electrical now stocks a broad range of HVAC equipment from many leading manufacturers, giving installers access to huge stocks from a large number of branches for next-day or same-day deliver. Customers can also buy from any branch using a national account.
Priva helps protect Scottish screen heritage
A building-management system designed and installed by Campbell Control Services using equipment from Priva Building Intelligence is providing precise control of temperature and humidity to help protect 100 years of screen history at the Scottish Screen Archive in Glasgow.
Integration has to be the way forward
When the question, ‘Are integrated/open systems the smart move?’ was presented to a panel discussion at the recent conference of the Building Controls Industry Association David Kitching of Siemens Building Technologies was in his element in presenting a resounding ‘yes’.
ICS contributes to energy efficiency in the City
Helping to halve the energy consumption of new buildings in the City of London compared with similar buildings is the installation of a £1.8 million shell-and-core building-management system by Integrated Control Systems. The project includes 201 Bishopsgate and the Broadgate Tower.
Honeywell integrator maximises scope of building control systems at RAF base
Following the installation of a Honeywell Enterprise Buildings Integrator (EBI), RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire can strengthen the control of its site-wide building-automation system to increase energy savings.
OEMs increasingly accept Grasslin Famoso controls
Grasslin reports that its Famoso heating controls are increasingly being chosen as installers and specifiers follow the lead of major boiler manufacturers that have selected these control devices for heating systems using their boiler.
KNX — an international standard for intelligent buildings
KNX, formerly called EIB European Installation Bus) is an international standard that enables products from different manufacturers to be integrated and programmed into a single installation. This open standard for home and building control complies with EN 50090, EN 13321-1 and ISO/IEC 14543.
BSRIA starts eu.bac testing
Trend Control Systems has selected BSRIA to test its individual zone controllers as part of the process of applying for eu.bac certification. Only products that are tested by an authorised laboratory can now obtain this certification and carry the eu.bac mark. The mark is an expression of energy-efficient performance, and quality assurance, and Trend plans to be among the first in Europe to apply it to its controls.
Helping nature with effective control
Achieving the best results from a natural ventilation system requires optimal control of a number of parameters. John Fallon explains the importance of a fully integrated approach.
The realities of running buildings efficiently
As an experienced energy manager, Darren Jones believes that too much faith is placed in the building-management system to achieve the efficient operation of building-services systems. He argues the need to get away from the central supervisor and find out what is actually happening in the building.
Exploiting the opportunities for solar hot water
The UK has an ideal climate for solar heating, and consulting engineers are more involved than ever in harnessing this valuable natural resource, says Paul Jakeway.
Water treatment as the key to quality piped services
Poor-quality water has a serious adverse effect on piped services, as Tony Frost explains.
Cool thinking at Trox
You cannot avoid cooling in many buildings, so it is important to deliver that cooling with the minimum use of energy — which is what recent developments by Trox achieve.
Distributor takes stand on supply of refrigerants
IDS Refrigeration has declared that it will only supply refrigerants to contracting companies which employ engineers suitably trained and qualified to work on air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Supporting the engineers of the future with CIBSE
With A-level results due this month, a new crop of students is about to hit our universities — making it a good time to remind the industry of CIBSE’s student bursary scheme. It was set up in 2004 to support students who might not otherwise embark on a course in building-services engineering. In the past, bursaries have been made available for undergraduates and graduate students.
Toshiba sponsors successful record ballooning attempt
The world distance record for an AA-06 (37 000 ft3) balloon has been broken by Toshiba-sponsored David Hempleman-Adams by crossing the Atlantic in an open wicker basket. This is the smallest gas balloon ever to attempt this flight, with a basket 4 ft square. The new record is 3434 km
E.ON sponsors university research into clean energy
New ideas for summertime cooling of buildings are among projects being researched at Loughborough University by a new professorship for innovative energy use sponsored by E.ON. Prof. Dennis Loveday, a leading expert in buildings and their energy systems, has been appointed to the post, which has been established under the Research Chair Scheme of the Royal Academy of Engineering. The research programme focuses on developing new innovative ways of producing, distributing and using energy in a climate-friendly way.
Trend scoops manufacturing award
Trend Control Systems has emerged as overall winner of the prestigious 2007 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. The judges’ summary of this manufacturer of building-management systems remarked on ‘an outstanding record in product innovation, process innovation, customer focus and business development’.
SES employs the fastest spark in the north
Following a fund-raising event at one of the most high-profile projects in the north of England, M&E company SES has given over £13 000 to local charities. Construction workers involved in Bridgewater Place in central Leeds were challenged to race to the top of this 32-storey landmark — over 600 steps. SES electrician Richard Dobson won with a time of 4 min 11 s.
50 not out for Emcel Filters
Emcel Filters celebrated its 50th anniversary last month by sponsoring the county cricket match between Sussex and Durham at the beautiful Horsham ground. Founded by the present chairman Dennis Marshall, the company designs and makes specialist air filters and filtration equipment for many diverse applications.
Foreman Roberts team in MBO
Building-services consultancy Foreman Roberts is under new ownership following a management buyout by its 8-strong management team led by managing director Stuart Alexander. As part of the long-term succession plan, the deal will see control transferred from Barry Shaw and Richard Kennedy to the existing directors — backed by private investment. Barry Shaw will continue in an advisory role.
Carrier collaborates with Lyon University on industry training needs
As part of a training initiative with Lyon University in France, Carrier has launched a training facility to provide courses for 75 university students a year and to fulfil its training needs for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Lyon University donated the training facility, which is near to Carrier’s French factory, while Carrier supplied the equipment.
University of Bath honours the founder of Buro Happold
Michael Dickson, founder of consulting-engineering practice Buro Happold, has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Engineering from the University of Bath.
Daikin Europe reports substantial growth
Daikin Europe has reported 24% growth for its latest financial year, with consolidated net sales of u1.5 billion. Factors contributing to this growth includes the extended summer weather last year, tax incentives related to energy efficiency, the continuing strength of the construction industry and product innovations by Daikin.
Honeywell acquires Ex-Or
Honeywell has moved into lighting control with the acquisition of Ex-Or. The company develops, manufactures and distributes intelligent, energy-saving lighting controls and will become part of Honeywell’s business unit for environmental controls and combustion. Ex-Or will retain its brand and continue to trade as Ex-Or.
BSS wins biggest-ever distribution contract
BSS, which distributes pipeline and heating solutions, has signed its biggest and most important contract to date with Aspire Defence Capital Works. BSS will be one of the main suppliers to a 9-year building programme that will provide 11 500 new and refurbished rooms for soldiers. The Aspire Defence Project also includes a 35-year facilities-management role.
Vent-Axia teams up with Samsung to develop air-conditioning market
Ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has positioned itself to become a major player in the UK air-conditioning market by forming an alliance with air-conditioning manufacturer Samsung.
Balfour Kilpatrick to service Edinburgh old-town development
Balfour Kilpatrick has been awarded a £4 million contract to supply and install all M&E services for a new-build hotel and retail development in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town. The development on the George IV Bridge, will include a 136-bedroom Missoni hotel. Work is due to start on site early in 2008 with completion for early 2009
Bitzer invests in increased production capacity
Bitzer has made significant investments in its production facilities at Milton Keynes to improve production of LH condensing units dressed for the UK market and refrigeration racks built for other Bitzer Group subsidiaries.
Lochinvar supports National Energy Foundation
Lochinvar has launched a new initiative to raise funds for the National Energy Foundation by making a donation to the NEF for every product in its latest range of water heaters sold during 2007.
Toshiba to sponsor Rugby World Cup
Toshiba Corporation is sponsoring the Rugby World Cup 2007, to be held in France, Wales and Scotland this autumn.
SAS demonstrates its expertise in chilled ceilings for Dublin project
SAS CoolCeil chilled ceilings have been specified for all six floors of a prestigious new development in Dublin. Formerly known as Comlstock House, 75 St Stephen’s Green has been extensively refurbished and extended to provide 10 000 m2 of state-of-the-art office accommodation.
Broag boilers help cut fuel use for retirement housing
As part of the complete transformation of The Bury retirement home at Codicote in Hertfordshire, Broag 210 gas-fire boilers have been installed to provide space heating and hot water. The Bury comprises a 16th-century manor house with 1980s annex and is owned an run by the Johnnie Johnson Housing Association.
Energy costs are lopped at the Tower of London
Energy-management specialist AEC has helped reduce gas used by heating systems at the Tower of London by 28%, equivalent to 160 t of carbon dioxide a year.
NG Bailey completes contract for Milton Keynes Stadium project
The £4.5 million contract awarded to NG Bailey for the Milton Keynes Stadium has been completed on time to enable Football League 2 team MK Dons to use it from the start of the new season. The stadium is owned by Inter MK and can stage major sporting and music events.
Alldales drives contributes to the efficient operation of services in More London
Alldales is supplying, installing and commissioning 50 inverter drives for air-handling units and plant-room fans serving plots three and four of the More London development on London’s South Bank. Assisting in the rapid completion of the interior infrastructure is the small-form factor of Alldale’s drives, reduced cabling requirements and integration capability.
Welcome
When you go to our digital edition, you can also access the archive of digital editions.
January 2019: DIGITAL EDITION
ARCHIVE OF DIGITAL EDITIONS
Modern Building services has a group
on Linkedin - join us!
