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Stand 1363 sees roof window manufacturer Fakro GB at Ecobuild for the first time. In addition to its unique FPP preSelect® top hung and pivot window it will be exhibiting a number of new products including the new Balcony Window. Particular emphasis will be given to the patented topSafe® system which enables standard products to meet a minimum Class 3 – EN13049 for security and safety, the best currently available. Also featured will be the V40P automatic air vent which is now used routinely to added thermal efficiency at no additional cost.

Most Fakro roof windows are now manufactured from timber obtained from FSC approved sources using only slow growing redwood pine which is guaranteed to be knot-free. Operating handles in the base of the sash enable a larger overall glazing area is provided in products which are far easier to use. With the biggest range of conservation windows currently available and a wide selection of glazing options, scope to use roof windows as an intrinsic element of interior design has never been greater.

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Fan coil units, manufactured by Ability Projects Ltd, are being installed in the first two blocks of the £35 million iconic Baltic Place development, nearing completion at Gateshead Quays on the River Tyne. This 1st phase of the project will provide 131,000ft2 of high grade office accommodation in two 11 storey tower blocks linked by a shared entrance foyer. Notable for its imaginative use of curved flanks, glass and fascias, Baltic Place also offers striking views of the river and the Gateshead Millennium bridge.

Air conditioning for the complex is provided by almost 300 mixed Ability Trojan and Titan horizontal concealed ceiling 2 and 4 pipe fan coil units with capacities between 4.87 and 25.4kW (cooling) and 5.0 to 13.0kW (heating) and designed to meet NR35 noise level at 30pa restrictions. Installed by Inviron Ltd, Washington, the fan coils are fitted with 2 and 4 port free issue valves with free issue compression fittings on both sides, wire frame filters and stepped discharge plenums of 250mm dia (Trojans) and 300mm dia (Titans) to suit the project's varying size discharge ducts.

Based on simplified design precepts and retaining performance related components – fans, motors and coils – the Trojan fan coil unit enables Ability to offer a highly cost effective, rapid delivery solution for competitive projects without reductions in quality or performance. Design flexibility however, is still inherent in the Trojan unit with squared or mitred discharge plenums, inlet plenum options and virtually any combination of spigots and blanks that enable it to be mixed with other Ability fan coil units (such as Titan) on the same project without the need to reselect.

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CLEVELAND … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN) today announced it has completed the purchase of The Moeller Group, as announced in Eaton’s December 20, 2007 news release.

The Moeller Group, based in Bonn, Germany, had sales of ?1.02 billion for the year ended December 31, 2007. The company is a leading supplier of components for commercial and residential building applications and industrial controls for industrial equipment applications. Moeller sells products primarily to customers in Western and Eastern Europe and the Asia Pacific region. The Moeller Group has 15 global production facilities, sales offices in more than 90 countries and approximately 8,700 employees.

“This acquisition, coupled with our acquisition of Phoenixtec Power Company, Ltd., solidifies Eaton’s position as a leading global supplier of electrical power distribution and control products and power quality equipment and systems,” said Alexander M. Cutler, Eaton chairman and chief executive officer. “Now that these acquisitions have closed, our electrical business will have annual revenues in excess of $7.5 billion. In addition, Eaton’s non-United States revenues, based on final destination of our products, will be between 55 to 60 percent.

“Additionally,” Cutler continued, “The Moeller Group’s broad portfolio of power distribution and control products that meet International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, its European and Asian distribution networks, and its significant Eastern European production facilities significantly expand our capabilities in electrical markets outside the United States.”

Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2007 sales of $13.0 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 79,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries.

This news release contains forward-looking statements concerning annual revenues for our electrical business and our non-US annual revenues. These statements should be used with caution. They are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include the risks that the new businesses will not be integrated successfully; unanticipated changes in the markets for our business segments; unanticipated downturns in business relationships with customers or their purchases from Eaton; competitive pressures on our sales and pricing; increases in the cost of material, energy and other production costs, or unexpected costs that cannot be recouped in product pricing; the introduction of competing technologies; unexpected technical or marketing difficulties; new laws and governmental regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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Following a highly successful Ecobuild in 2009 Flag-Soprema will again be exhibiting at the 2010 show. Having moved to stand 1455, the company will be displaying its diverse range of green roofs, environmentally sustainable TPO and TPO Plus single ply membranes and tunnel liners. Also on display will be the self-healing, Duoflex lightweight, structural waterproofing system which has been designed to last for the lifetime of a structure. Unlike membrane systems, detailing and upstands can be completed first, allowing application of brickwork, curtain walling, rainscreen systems and rendering to be undertaken using the concrete deck as a working platform. All systems are installed by a network of highly trained, approved contractors.

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Live trials of Mitsubishi Electric’s unique PWFY water heating system have proved that it is far more cost-effective and produces far less CO2 emissions than traditional methods with demonstrated savings of 78% in both running costs and emissions over the previous system.

The trials show that the unit, which is able to use excess heat recovered from a VRF air conditioning system, costs less than a quarter of the running costs than the previous system and about half as much as a modern gas condensing boiler system.

The PWFY water heating system has been on trial at the Hatfield headquarters of the air conditioning manufacturer since early September 2008 and has been supplying all of the hot water required by the three-storey building’s busy kitchen. The building houses many different divisions within the company and accommodates approximately 300 members of staff. The office has an on-site restaurant that can seat 100 people and serves cooked meals 5 days a week as well as breakfast every morning.

“The restaurant is very popular with employees so the kitchen staff are constantly busy preparing and serving meals from early morning until mid-afternoon,” explained Philip Ord, Product Marketing Manager. “The kitchen area therefore needs constant cooling during these times and a good supply of hot water for all of the washing up and cooking needs.

The restaurant previously used an air conditioning system for cooling and a commercial gas boiler to provide hot water.

“However you look at it, this is a busy kitchen needing a regular supply of hot water and the PWFY has surpassed expectations and delivered measurable reductions in cost,” added Ord.

The trials show that the PWFY and the new air conditioning system that it runs alongside, would average out at annual running costs of around £517, producing 2,222kg of CO2. The previous system is estimated to have cost £2,367 to run on an annual basis at today’s prices and would produce 10,176kg of CO2 in a year.

When compared to a modern gas boiler for water heating and a split system air conditioner for cooling (with a COP of 3.5) it was calculated that the annual running cost of the total system would be approximately £1,114 and would produce 5,020kg of CO2. Using the PWFY system instead of the modern equivalent leads to a 54% reduction in running costs per year as well as a 56% reduction in the amount of CO2 produced annually.

“It is clear from the data obtained in this case study that the PWFY is a highly efficient way of providing a hot water supply to commercial buildings and more so when used in conjunction with a heat recovery VRF air conditioning system,” explained Ord. “Not only can companies save on running costs, which is good news in these tough times, but they can also reduce the impact of their operations on the environment.”

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Ecobuild first timers Klober will be exhibiting its range of vapour permeable underlays, vapour control layers and air barriers on stand 1717. The roofing ventilation specialist will be highlighting how to achieve an effective airtightness strategy while providing effective, controlled ventilation. A new CPD presentation 'Taking control of air leakage' gives a valuable insight into how to achieve an effective airtightness strategy, relating the principles of building fabric air permeability to the requirements of Building Regulation, the CSH and BREEAM. Managing Director David Arendell commented, “Energy and CO2 emissions are now key considerations for any builder as they make the biggest overall contribution to the nine method of assessment categories within the CSH. With the need to improve the performance of both new homes and commercial buildings, air leakage can only become a more significant consideration as we move towards deadlines for zero carbon construction”.

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Mitsubishi Electric has launched a new air conditioning web-based controller to replace the “Baby” GB-50 and offer users high level control and energy monitoring functionality. The controller is aimed at the more cost and environmentally conscious end users in these times of austerity and energy conservation.

The new GB50ADA is the latest web-based group controller from Mitsubishi Electric and offers much of the functionality previously only available in the more advanced touch screen AG150A controller, but at a significantly lower price.

The new controller is compatible with the full range of Mitsubishi Electric Air conditioning products such as City Multi, Mr Slim and M Series product ranges. It also supports the latest Windows 7 operating system and can control up to 50 indoor units or groups.

“There are occasions where buildings do not require the full scope of advanced controls provided by the AG150A, and there are also applications where not having a touch screen interface on the controller provides a good level of security against unauthorised use, and this new model recognises both of these applications,” explains Philip Ord, Product Marketing Manager for Mitsubishi Electric’s range of air conditioning products.

With easy connection to the Internet and full group control, the energy use of the outdoor units can be controlled efficiently and the energy usage monitored. Support for third-party pulse meters also allows other building services to be monitored in real time.

Advanced annual scheduling allows for two different seasonal settings (summer and winter) and both fan speed and air direction can also be set.

The new GB50ADA web controller comes with additional functions including optimised start – which enables the system to reach setpoint temperature in a faster and more responsive way – refrigerant gas volume status check, USB memory backup and restore, outdoor ambient temperature interlocking, night setback (night-time low energy mode) and interlock control which can be used for interlocking related third party equipment with the air conditioning system.

“Building owners are looking for ways to control costs and this new model brings together a number of useful facilities that let people monitor trends and identify where savings can be made,” adds Ord. “The Internet is now part of everyday life and it allows us to offer our customers advanced energy monitoring so that they can be sure that their system is always optimised for performance and energy use.”

The new intelligent GB50ADA controller learns how long it takes to reach a set temperature, so it is no longer necessary to switch on the air conditioning two hours before it is needed. Automatic setpoint adjustment also takes into account seasonal effects so that the indoor temperature works in line with actual outdoor temperatures to provide greater levels of comfort.

Advanced night set back allows the temperature for each indoor unit to be as low as 12°C, with the relevant unit restarting if the temperature drops below this preset level. The controller also has an in-built refrigerant status check which can be activated to check the City Multi outdoor units.

“We have listened carefully to our customers and are continuously striving to bring them low cost but advanced controllers that increase information and control,” says Ord. “This new unit will allow more organisations to get a grip on their energy use in a more advanced way than before.”

For further information on the GB50ADA and the complete range of advanced air conditioning controls, visit www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/aircon.

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Mitsubishi Electric has used its position as a founder member of the Micropower Europe group to promote a greater understanding of the potential for heat pumps and photovoltaics to help significantly reduce emissions.

The company exhibited its Green Gateway Initiaitve® at the recent launch of Micropower Europe in Brussels with Green Gateway Manager, Martin Fahey on hand to explain the rationale behind the company’s innovative approach to addressing the need to reduce emissions in our built environment.

The launch was opened by European Energy Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs who announced that microgeneration will be a key part of the EU’s future energy mix in his speech at the conference. Commissioner Piebalgs also spent time questioning Martin Fahey about the role air source heat pumps could play in addressing fuel poverty, climate change and energy security. Europe has a target of achieving 20 per cent of energy (heat or power) from renewable sources by 2020.

“I had a very constructive discussion with the Commissioner and explained how we believe that air source heat pumps can help Europe achieve the ambitious targets for carbon reduction, house by house,” explained Fahey. “Our involvement with Micropower Europe has lead to invitations to contribute to discussions that are defining the parameters by which heat pumps will be measured so it is vital for our industry that we are there to represent them,” ended Fahey.

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We’ve all seen the ring pulls in disabled WC’s and the warming lights above the door outside, and they work perfectly well if there is going to be somebody close by at all times to notice if the over door light or audible alarm goes off. Perhaps it is just because there needs to be someone there to notice the alarm that the valuable protection these systems can provide is kept to the bare minimum and restricted to the WC. But what about other areas of the building such as waiting rooms, changing rooms, etc? The new emergency assist systems can provide additional security and assurance for all users of premises who may at some time or other be alone and vulnerable – disabled, elderly, lone workers, visitors and residents. They are stylish, integrated emergency call systems that range from a single alarm station in, say, a private home or WC to systems that monitor alarm calls over multiple zones at a single control panel. The latter are ideal in a building such as a care home or business with, say, an unstaffed waiting room, disabled W.C., laundry room or changing room and maybe a T.V. room. Whichever approach you choose – single station or multi-zone – you should expect to buy the complete kit in a box as with the Timeguard Emergency Assist range.

Simple activation
How do they work? Quite simply, anyone in need of assistance activates the alarm by pulling the emergency pull cord, activating a flashing lights and audible alarm both outside the room itself (light/alarm units are usually installed just outside or over the door) and, crucially, raising the alarm at the control panel as well. The control panel can be installed in a nearby, permanently-manned room. A simple push button resets the system. Up to four rooms can be monitored at a single control panel, installed in a suitable permanently manned area, ensuring that help will be on its way wherever in the building an emergency arises. A simple flashing light or alarm outside a WC is of little use if no one sees or hears it. The control panels for the new Timeguard range provide “Automatic Fault Detection” and display a warning light in the event of a fault. Also, an optional battery back-up kit is available that will keep the system running during AC mains failure.

Available Kits
Singe zone Timeguard kits comprise a 2-gang control panel, a pull cord and reset button for installation in the room, a unit with a bright flashing light and an audible alarm for installation outside the room, typically over the door and a “Disabled” sticker. The multi-zone kit includes a four channel master control panel featuring flashing lights to identify each zone, 2 x audible overhead door alarm units and 2 x disabled stickers. Extra components are available separately to build up as the installation requires. Connection between control panels and all other system components call only for simple two-wire low voltage links. So how do they look? In a word – good! Timeguard has recognised the importance of good design in helping installers to sell in the concept of emergency call systems to a far wider marketplace. It s new stylish slimline range is available in white plastic and stainless steel finishes to complement any interior.

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A newly installed Daikin air cooled scroll chiller, which adds to the 1800kW of cooling previously provided by 5 existing Daikin screw chillers at the ‘state of the art’ Northampton factory of Uniq plc subsidiary, Uniq Prepared Foods, supplies top up cooling for a new food production area.

Uniq plc has a turnover of around £750 million and manufactures a wide range of well known chilled and frozen food products, which it supplies to retail and food service customers throughout the UK and continental Europe.

Uniq Prepared Foods is an award winning supplier of high quality sandwiches, wraps and deli products, principally for a major high street retailer and several airlines. An enviable combination of cutting edge automated technology and a highly skilled workforce enables the company to match quality to quantity to ensure that its products are produced to the same exacting standards.

Late last year, a new chiller was required to provide additional cooling for the conversion of some main bulk storage areas into a new sandwich production facility. Specialist contractor, ITEC Industrial Services Ltd, Halesowen, West Midlands, was engaged to engineer and install the new chiller plant – a 260kW EWAQ260 R-410A air cooled unit — supplied by Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd.

The new Daikin chiller provides chilled glycol at 00C to the cooling coils of a specially designed McQuay air handling unit, which supplies the production area with precisely controlled tempered fresh air.

ITEC managing director, Bob Garner, comments: “It is vital that air conditioning systems for this type of application prevent the ingress of micro organisms and retard or prevent their growth. Also, they must not be the primary cause of contamination and must prevent cross contamination and air turbulence. This can only be achieved by high levels of filtration, draught free air distribution, careful room pressurisation and the provision of cool air temperatures between 10 and 120C.”

“ITEC has considerable experience of supplying chilled water systems for food engineering and other process cooling applications and the good part load efficiency, precise water temperature control, advanced technology and reliability inherent in the Daikin EWAQ range represented an ideal solution to the requirements of this particular application.”

The EWAQ260 is top capacity model of this recently introduced range of Daikin air cooled chillers, has an EER of 2.70 at full load and excellent part load efficiencies. Designed for the supply of chilled water at temperatures down to -100C, it is fitted with micro processor control and a new Daikin ‘Pcaso’ controller with user friendly and powerful LCD interface.

The McQuay air handling unit delivers high levels of air filtration up to H11 standard and incorporates ‘free cooling’ motorised modulating dampers to enable fresh air to be used for cooling during low ambient conditions. At Uniq Prepared Foods, the conditioned air is delivered via ceiling mounted textile ‘socks’, which run the length of the production area and gently distribute it evenly and without turbulence and draughts.

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