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The European Offshore Wind & Transmission Forum 2009

Whenever renewable low carbon energy is illustrated it is usually with a picture of a wind turbine. Increasingly that wind turbine is pictured in an offshore location.

But that offshore location can be in an inaccessible or stormy location, and also needs to be wired up to where the energy from the turbine is actually needed.

Next week in Brussels energy experts and their stakeholders and suppliers will gather to learn best practice in terms of connecting up Europe’s fast-growing offshore wind power industry. From North Sea supergrid integration to help overcome intermittence and balance the system, through to financing, supply chain issues, the technical, maritime and climatic challenges, this will be the forum to attend if your future is connected to offshore wind.

If you would like to find out more about this event – which EnergyBusinessNet will be attending and reporting on – contact Valerie.giblin@greenpowerconferences.com

PG 21.5.2009

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ELGA Process Water has introduced a new range of small commercial water purifiers for glassware washing and similar applications in hotels and restaurants. Clearo™ reverse osmosis systems and are designed to feed dishwashers and glassware washing machines. The compact, self contained units produce up to 200 litres per hour of soft, high quality water directly from a mains water supply to provide a sparkling, streak-free finish on glassware and crockery.

The Clearo™ space saving design requires no chemicals and incorporates an integral storage tank and supply pump so that water is available as and when required at a consistent pressure. Installation is simple and the corrosion and chip-resistant cabinet is mounted on wheels for easy movement for cleaning and maintenance.

A particular feature of the Clearo™ is an automatic timed recirculation rinse which reduces membrane fouling and extends membrane life.

Clearo™ reverse osmosis units are fully supported by ELGA Process Water’s comprehensive after sales service to ensure long term, efficient operation.

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The new Specifier Guide from Sikkens offers the most comprehensive source to date for the familiar brands of Cetol and Rubbol professional woodcare coatings. The 40 page, full colour brochure details the attributes and values of the Cetol translucent and Rubbol opaque product ranges, with easy to navigate tabbed pages for immediate and fast searching.

Sikkens has included its environmental policy in the brochure, explaining its contribution to a more sustainable environment through both the water borne and solvent borne ranges.

Each product description is supported with graphic illustrations and case study photos of some of the UK’s most innovative and traditional buildings to demonstrate the suitability of the coatings range for any application.

The guide also contains details of the 4041 international colour standard, as well as the Cetol Classic and Style Collections, detailing the outstanding selection of traditional and contemporary tones and hues now available for each product.

Inclusion of the unique DuSpec 2.0 professional woodcare specification system and Contract Partnership Scheme, enables specifiers a single and comprehensive source of invaluable guidance through the preparation of a woodcare specification.

Also included in the new literature is a comprehensive Sikkens Maintenance Schedule which gives details of maintenance cycles expected and shows at a glance the number coats required for all products in the range across a variety of substrates.

“The new Specifiers Guide offers the opportunity for specifiers to immediately access all information about the Cetol and Rubbol brands in one publication,” comments Richard Bradley of Sikkens. “This guide will facilitate the specification of woodcare coatings for any project.”

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Every manager and engineer knows that you need to be able to measure a resource to manage it effectively and Process or Building Services flow lines are no different.

If you need to establish what’s flowing where in your process or monitor energy flow or water consumption the new Portaflow – PF330 and PF220 instruments offer an effective solution.

Process flows and hot or chilled water services are major areas of energy consumption in processes and building services and the first step in controlling and managing them is to identify what is being used and where, which is not a simple task on an existing site!

There is no simpler way than using one of Micronics Portaflow, Clamp-On range of portable Flow meters with integral loggers, which are acknowledged as the easiest to use in their class. Simple to apply and simple to use, a straightforward question and answer menu provides the facility to collect valuable information with the minimum of fuss or previous knowledge and minimum instruction. And when the information has been gathered it can be viewed on the instrument or downloaded for further analysis using industry standard formats.

Time is money and this new range of quick to install, Clamp-On, non-invasive instruments offers simple menu driven operation and provides a valuable return in information for a minimum investment in your valuable time! For further information call +44 (0)1628 811626 or visit www.micronicsltd.co.uk .

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Hind House’s position on the banks of the River Loddon, near Wargrave is on flood plain, so the design involved construction on raised columns. Living, guest and bedroom spaces have been created in ‘wings’ that adopt a pinwheel form. The steel framed, structure is clad in zinc and cedar, VMZINC’s standing seam cladding system in Quartz-Zinc® having been used, most notably the entrance section. This is pushed forward to receive an entrance staircase to an open, timber lined hood, with a glazed room to the side containing a guest suite and gym. The house, which was completed in December 2008, has recently won the RIBA Southern Region Award for design, the judges having commended its unique design and response to a difficult site subjected to seasonal flooding.

Architect Henry Goss of John Pardey Architects commented “For the Hind House project we were again looking to specify a palette of natural building materials. We have used zinc cladding before and so were familiar with its intrinsic benefits. Having assessed the performance and appearance of other metals, we find that those such as aluminium are not as robust, relying as they do on anodised or powder coated finishes. Unlike other projects, traditional ageing and weathering in the vernacular style was not the aim, as we wanted the project to retain a modern, showpiece appearance. We liked the colour range and texture of VM Zinc’s pre-weathered cladding and as we wanted to retain the contrast between the timber and metal colours, opted for a combination of the dark Anthra-Zinc and light natural cedar. The end result is restrained but distinctive. Zinc offers very clear benefits in terms of long-term performance, and the end result could not have been achieved using any other metal”.

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Sleek and stylish are not words typically used to describe PVC-U cable management systems, but Marshall-Tufflex’s Odyssey truly merits the description, according to Kevin Keenan, director of chartered building services design consultants The Keenan Consultancy.

Mr Keenan’s comments followed the installation of the curved system in the company’s newly constructed Edinburgh city centre offices. So successful has Odyssey proved, the consultancy has since suggested it for projects it is working on – as consulting engineers, the firm is routinely called upon to make recommendations for M&E equipment and since the installation, Odyssey has been chosen on several occasions.

The electrical contractor on the office development was J Halliday Electrical Contractors, Edinburgh.

The pioneering design of Odyssey trunking is the result of extensive market research among specifiers to determine their ultimate wish list for design elements of a cable management system.

It is the first three-compartment PVC-U system with a completely curved outer profile. It also has adjustable internal/external bends and a built-in cable tray. Odyssey not only looks good, but is practical too.

One installer said of the system: ‘Odyssey is far quicker to install than traditional trunking systems. It is easy to clean and the new clip-on lid action allows the trunking to follow any surface irregularities, creating the superbly smooth lines that are its hallmark.’

The extensive range of moulded fittings has bend radius cable control for Cat 6 compliance, and is easy to install and totally secure. This minimises any need for external couplers, which adds to the system’s impressive visual appearance. Odyssey is also available with a conductive spray coating that offers extra protection from electromagnetic interference to data and communications cabling.

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Naturalwatt designs and installs renewable energy systems for both the public and private sector. Systems include solar PV, solar thermal and wind turbines. Coming from an engineering background, Naturalwatt have now designed and developed a unique product that makes renewable energy visible.

Energy from the sun and wind is turned into electricity by solar panels (photo voltaic or PV) and wind turbines. It can be difficult to know how much energy is being generated by a system and how much is being used by the property or household.

The Naturalwatt Dashboard Controller makes this lack of information a thing of the past. It provides a new level of control for renewable energy systems. The dashboard measures and displays LIVE solar production and wind turbine output, as well as many other renewable energy system components e.g. solar thermal controllers (normally Resol), heat meters etc.. Naturalwatt manage the system remotely and make any necessary software updates. The live data is displayed and monitored on the internet. It can tunnel securely out of Broadband (ADSL/DHCP) environments with the minimum of easy setup.

Will Grafton M.D. of Naturalwatt says “Commercial and private property owners installing renewable energy systems see the Dashboard Controller as the heartbeat of their system. By being able to see the green energy their system produces as well as how much energy they use they can change the way they use energy and reduce energy bills even further.”

The Internet Dashboard
Available anywhere you can connect to the internet, the dashboard shows the energy generated, energy currently being used and CO2 saved. With off –grid storage systems it also shows the amount of energy left in the storage. Each of these dashboard displays can be turned into a graph showing energy generation and/or use over a number of different time frames. The picture below shows a graph of the power generated over seven days.

Key benefits

• Dynamic view of each system’s renewable energy production as well as household energy consumption (with approved meter)
• Save on electricity bills by helping to modify behaviour and the way energy is used
• Recording Interaction Modules for SMA Fronius Steca Victron Wind Turbines and many other Renewable Technologies
• New Software Modules can generally be produced on demand
• Personal view via the web to monitor energy produced, and used in each property
• Direct SECURE link to our Central control System for 24hr recording and updating
• Enables ROCS to be claimed via Ofgem approved mechanism
• Effective, reliable and proven technology which has already been successfully used for 3 years
• Can be easily enhanced as new renewable technologies become available
• 240V Power Supply included
• Can integrate with Davis Weather Stations for Schools
• Linux basis gives 100% reliable operation

Specification
Installation Time 1 hour
Telephone Support included
Inputs Victron Steca SMA Fronius Wind up to 6kW, Micro Hydro, CHP
Space Required Minimal Space Required 15 cm x 10cm
System Warranty 2 Years.
S/W Maintenance Self Maintained – Web Costs – £36 per annum after 1st year
Internet Connection DSL local Ethernet Connection or via GPRS (cost option)

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Specifying products and systems for modern building projects is no easy task. Not only must a plethora of Building Regulations and standards both British and European be met, but the properties of all materials used must be fully understood.

Achieving this is no mean feat, calling upon specifiers to pick their way through a maze of information that can, at times, be both confusing and conflicting.

However, for one section of the building industry, research recently published by BEAMA helps clarify the situation when it comes to the fire performance of cable management systems.

Its Causes and Process of Fire report into PVC-U (unplasticised) cable management has highlighted what Marshall-Tufflex believes are a number of important issues surrounding the behaviour of such systems should fire break out, not least that PVC-U materials outperform many other plastic materials in this respect [fire prevention].

The report also noted that:

• PVC-U is inherently flame retardant.
• It requires an external heat source to continue combustion.
• It has a low heat of combustion and a low burning rate it therefore contributes significantly less to heat release and fire propagation than many other materials.
• In a fire situation, a low rate of smoke production is generated by PVC-U during the early stages, when personnel evacuation from an area is most likely.
• PVC-U is an effective barrier to flame spread, making a minimal contribution to fire development.
• If PVC-U is present in isolation, without other combustible materials, the high fire retardancy of the material will prevent further propagation of the fire.

Burning PVC-U chars and is self-extinguishing. It does not produce flaming droplets or burning debris, both of which are a major cause of flame spread. The presence of PVC-U therefore ensures that the ignition of adjacent products is less likely.

Charred PVC-U consists of an expanded carbonaceous structure that protects the underlying material.

Many factors should be taken into account when assessing fire risk, for example time to ignition, burning rate, heat release, smoke production and toxicity, states the BEAMA report. Escape time is a critical factor. Therefore any materials with the following characteristics maximise the chance of survival since they allow people to escape difficult to ignite, low burning rate, low heat release, low smoke production and low toxicity.

Unplasticised (rigid) PVC-U that is used in cable management systems has all these characteristics during the important early stages of a fire, the report concludes.

BEAMA goes on to discuss LSOH (low smoke, zero halogen), making the highly pertinent point that LSOH, as well as LSF (low smoke and fume) and low acid-gas does not equate with low fire hazard. In plain English, a product or system may possess these qualities but be highly flammable. Good examples, as cited by BEAMA, are petrol and TNT, both of which are halogen free.

Furthermore, the organisation tackles one of Marshall-Tufflexs pet subjects the chemical and environmental differences between PVC-U and PVC-P (PVC that has been plasticized):

PVC-U is unplasticised simply because it needs to be rigid in order to cope with the applications it is used for, for example trunking and conduit. No phthalates the chemicals which make PVC soft are used in its production.

By comparison, PVC-P is plasticized to make it flexible. Think drinks bottles, medical devices, packaging, cable insulation and sheathing etc. There have been genuine reasons for concern surrounding the use of phthalates. However, its use is now carefully monitored.

As with much of the building industry, self-regulation has driven the PVC industry in recent years. The Voluntary Commitment to the European Commission (Vinyl 2010) represents an undertaking by the European PVC industry, including Marshall-Tufflex, to push the industry towards accountable sustainability. Much work has been undertaken, not only on improving the public image of PVC-U, but also on improving its eco credentials for example by removing cadmium and lead from the manufacturing process.

The 100% recyclability of PVC-U is also often overlooked. However, because the material has such a long life span windows and doors installed 40 years ago are only just reaching the end of that cycle the feedstock for recycling is only now becoming available. And then there is the issue of collection. Local authorities, builders and demolition companies have to take extra measures to sort plastic waste from that destined for a tip or municipal incinerator. Recovinyl, an initiative of Vinyl 2010, subsidises those collecting waste and sending it to accredited recovery companies/recyclers. The UK currently has 30 Recovinyl certified recyclers, one of which Dekura processes 190 tonnes of window profile a week. Re-chip produced is then fed back into the PVC-U supply chain. Marshall-Tufflex makes use of re-chip and recycles off-cuts during the production process, recycling hundreds of tonnes of material per year.

Conclusion

PVC-U is an excellent building material that stands the test of time with the minimum of fuss. It is recyclable any number of times, has proven performance benefits in the event of fire and has a relatively low intrinsic oil content unmatched by polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene.

All in all, these benefits add up to make PVC-U an extremely beneficial and cost-effective choice, as well as an intelligent one for specifiers wishing to use an environmentally-responsible product with a long life span, low maintenance needs and documented performance and recyclability.

Marshall-Tufflex has produced a briefing document outlining the fire performance, together with EMC capabilities, time and cost savings plus environmental issues, of its various cable management systems, including Odyssey and Sterling trunking systems, SnakeWay cable support, MT32 Power Connection System and MT Supertube.

Marshall-Tufflex managing director Jim Fletcher is quoted within this document, stating: The company has been recycling PVC-U products for many years, with a well-proven performance history. It actively pursues a comprehensive programme to develop material formulations based on environmentally acceptable materials, whilst still maintaining and, where possible, improving on long-term performance.

A good example of this drive for improvement is the new MT32 Power Connection System, which not only slashes installation times for floor boxes, trunking etc, but can also offer the industry a re-usable system, negating the need to scrap wiring when a system is reconfigured.

The document also explains key terms, such as halogens and low smoke and fume (LSF), and discusses the overall benefits of PVC and PVC-U: PVC is one of the most successful modern synthetic materials. It makes excellent use of scarce resources, is long-lasting and safe in production, use and disposal. The effect of PVC on health and the environment, from manufacture to disposal, has been more thoroughly researched than almost any other synthetic material.

To see the full BEAMA report go to www.beamainstallation.org.uk

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With refurbishment rather than relocation high on many a homeowner’s agenda, Sovran, from Aeon, is a key contender for updating the central heating system.

A timeless, flat-fronted design in brushed stainless steel, Sovran is a vast improvement on regular white panel radiators, yet its understated looks are undemanding in a room scheme.

Sovran has more to offer than designer appeal, too. Behind the elegant, flat faÇade is a cleverly designed powerhouse enabling this smooth operator to heat the room by convection as well as radiation.

There are Sovran models available for horizontal or vertical installation in a large range of sizes suitable for any room in the house. Two depths ensure that even small wall areas or narrow hallways can be accommodated in style. Heat outputs start at 559 watts, rising to 3205 watts for the largest model, and all are suitable for hot water central heating systems.

All radiators in the Aeon Collection are made from the highest-grade solid stainless steel. Designs in the hand-finished range carry a 20-year guarantee. Prices for Sovran start from £342 plus VAT and the model can be delivered to addresses in the UK within four to six weeks.

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As part of a £70 million PPP initiative for the region, Midlothian Council announced in 2004 that 5 of its rural primary schools were to close. Schools at Cousland, Cranston and Pathhead were consolidated into one new one at Pathhead, with those at Borthwick and Temple closed in favour of another at North Middleton.

In keeping with the requirement to use sustainable building principles and technologies, a total of 10,700m2 of green roofing was specified over 7 schools. Flag Soprema’s Optigreen 'Pitched Roof System' was specified for its anti-slip protection, low maintenance requirements and suitability for use with a storm water containment scheme which can retain up to 40% of rainfall. The system uses a dense, low growing, pre-cultivated vegetation mat over a standing seam top sheet, insulation, vapour control layer, steel liner sheet and drainage mat with filter fleece. The end result not only provides environmental benefits but improved acoustics, thermal insulation and protection of the waterproofing membrane. The 'Pitched Roof System', which can be used for pitches up to 35, has 3 anti-slip options to either secure to the surface, suspend or fasten over the ridge or support against the eaves.

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