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In HVAC system terms, heat recovery is a process of capturing, and putting to good use, heat that would, in the normal course of events, be “rejected to atmosphere”. One example is heat energy that is absorbed and rejected by an air conditioning system during its cooling cycle. This, to all intents and purposes, is free heat that can be successfully redirected for space heating, domestic water heating or any other process that requires heat.

Heat recovery is being successfully applied in all types of buildings, schools, manufacturing plants and office buildings. It typically provides a very attractive return on investment for building owner/operators.

Hotels with their relatively high year-round internal cooling loads combined with high hot water demand are excellent opportunities for “green” heat pump, heat recovery chiller technology.

Importantly, heat pump heat recovery systems can allow for substantially downsizing or even eliminating fossil fuel, combustion based heating equipment such as gas boilers. This was the case in a project undertaken and described here by the Daikin Distributor, Space Airconditioning plc.

Space Air has enjoyed a partnering agreement with a leading UK hotel group for over 20 years and, for a refurbishment project in the heart of London, supplied a 320kW Daikin air-cooled chiller with a heat recovery option. In addition to satisfying specific, almost continuous cooling demands, this chiller also provides warmed water to 4 x 500 litre indirect DHW cylinders.

The hotel’s hot water supply is pre-heated by the chiller’s heat recovery process; this in turn dramatically reduces the output required of new high efficiency gas fired water boilers.

The result is significant kW savings in energy and huge reductions in mains gas consumption.

The Hotel Group had committed to refurbish the Covent Garden Hotel including all guest bedrooms as well as function rooms, reception areas and restaurants.

Space Air technicians in conjunction carried out a survey with the hotel’s maintenance company. It was determined that whilst the existing Air Handling Unit serving the common areas and restaurants etc. was in good condition and could be re used, an existing air cooled chiller needed replacing, due to the fact that it was designed to operate with R22 refrigerant (the use of which for service purposes will be banned from 2015) and was in a state of disrepair with only one working compressor circuit.

The concept that a new Daikin Chiller to replace the old machine, could also provide cost effective heat recovery features, created interest because the hotel’s existing gas boilers were due to be replaced.

Space Air presented the features and specification of the Daikin Heat Recovery system to the client. Space Air was able to illustrate cost savings the Heat Recovery option would provide, and combined with the reduced costs for the smaller gas boilers, substantial reductions in the hotel’s hot water services operational costs could be realised.

The Hotel group decided it made good financial sense to proceed with the Heat Recovery option.

The new Daikin heat recovery chiller operates 24/7 and an existing back up (cooling only) Daikin chiller is only used in case of unlikely
failure. This means the new chiller provides virtually continuous pre-heated water for the DHWS.

On a seasonal basis it has been calculated that the chiller will produce an average of 236.6kW of hot water, free of charge. This takes into account the chiller operating for 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 day a year (8760 hours).

Four x 500 Litre indirect cylinders provide pre-heated water on a separate circuit to the secondary heat exchanger in the basement, which serves the main feed to the showers, and DHWS for the hotel guestrooms.

Allowing for losses in the cylinders and pipework etc., the system achieves delta T of approximately 20°C. So the mains water supply to the DHWS heat exchanger is increased by this temperature rise resulting in a much lower demand than usual on the new gas boilers.

To put this into perspective the cost to heat 2000L of water based on a ∆T of 20°C with a gas boiler was calculated and compared with the ‘extra’ cost of providing a heat recovery option on the chiller price to perform the same function.
Approx. 46.44kWh (per hour) of energy is required. Over one year based on 24/7, 365 days (8760 hours) operation and with gas at 4p per kWh, the cost of gas would be approx. £16k.

The premium cost for the optional HR circuit on the Daikin Chiller plus the required tanks, pumps, pipework etc. Installed = £30/40k (Estimated). This equates to a payback period on the investment of less than 3 years.

So far the client is delighted with the cost savings achieved and is looking to apply similar heat recovery principles in more of his property portfolio.

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One of the leading radiator brands in the UK has announced the launch of the first LST radiator under the brand. The Henrad LST Standard adds the important facility to specify and install LST radiators from the same range as the leading Compact radiators in the UK.

Radiators play an important role in today’s lifestyles. They are the focal point of many rooms, so they should reflect the aspirational needs for good looks as well as a comfortable environment. Henrad is increasingly the radiator range to satisfy all these expectations.

As part of the Ideal Stelrad Group, Henrad has a highly respected pedigree. Within the current portfolio, the Compact range is unsurpassed, offering over 140 variants to meet specific needs. And, representing the demand for leading edge design, the Verona, Everest Line, Alto Line and Column styles are already well established.

Recently, Henrad added some stunning new products, including the Arno Single, Arno Double, Arno Curved and Verona Towel Rails to give even more choice for the home. There are also plenty of variants that now include the option of stylish modern colourways to further enhance the decor in any room.

Now the new Henrad LST Standard radiator has been added to the brand to provide yet another option for Henrad specifiers and installers. The Henrad LST has been especially designed to meet the highest standards for low surface temperature radiators. It meets the NHS guidance for safe hot water and surface temperature. It offers the option to reverse the attractive outer casing to suit the pipe layout and comes as one complete package – with all the components needed to fit it. For added peace of mind for many of the environments in which it will be fitted, its paint finish is anti-bacterial. The radiators are tested to the highest standards – the emitter has a maximum working pressure of 116psi (8 bar) and conforms to BS EN 442. As you would expect from a radiator of this quality the emitter comes with a 10 year warranty and the casing comes with a 5 year warranty.

For more information on the new LST Standard from Henrad and the rest of this exciting range, go to www.henrad.co.uk.

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The Haus Profi® range has been designed to provide lightweight, lead-free flashing solutions for gas, oil and wood burner flue penetrations and for roofing abutment work. Offering the perfect means of eradicating metal theft, the BBA-certified Wakaflex® is proven throughout Europe, the USA and Australia. It provides similar flexibility and malleability to lead and can also be stretched without the need for a lead forming tool, enabling it to be used for complex detailing and over deeply profiled tiles. Unlike some lead-free flashings, the facing is largely unaffected by stretching so the end result will retain its neatness. Colours are available to match commonly used tiles and slates and the product can be cut using either a knife or scissors. Its surface is smooth and repels dirt while the butyl, self-adhesive backing provides immediate weatherproofing, retains its high bond strength and can usually be used without a primer. Wakaflex is not susceptible to thermal movement so can be laid in long lengths without fixing clips. For overlap repairs, its backing ‘welds’ to the facing guaranteeing they will remain fully waterproof.

Sabetoflex® collars are also coloured and are adjustable for use with any diameter flue. In conjunction with Wakaflex they provide the ideal way to seal flues on plain tile and other double-lapped roofs without using a specialist roofer.

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FAKRO FTT U6 triple-glazed roof windows have been used in combination with in-roof solar thermal panels of the same size in a self-build within Bath’s Central Conservation Area. Head of Sustainable Design at Architects Stride Treglown, Rob Delius installed 6 FAKRO roof windows and 6 FAKRO solar thermal panels using B12/1 horizontal combination flashings on the south aspect. Airtightness was key to the highly sustainable design and with an installed U-value of 0.81W/m2K the FAKRO FTT U6 performance surpasses Passivhaus requirements.

The building, which utilises passive stack ventilation, also has a rainwater harvesting system, green roof area, PV tiles and  sheepswool insulation.

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Online RIBA Approved CPD

Newton Waterproofing recently filmed recently filmed Commercial Director Toby Champion presenting the RIBA Approved Double Points CPD ‘Structural Waterproofing Design Strategies to BS8102:2009’ in our training facilities. The presentation is 20 minutes long and we are offering it to architects and specifiers as an alternative to booking a CPD at their premises.

There are a number of advantages with this approach: architects can watch the presentation in a time convenient to them, they can forward it to their colleagues to watch and they can refer to it again at a later date. When the architect has watched the CPD, they will e-mail us with the names of all those who have watched the CPD and we will issue them their RIBA certificates.

Announcing The New Members Area

The CPD will sit on the new Members part of the Newton Waterproofing website. The members area features:

• The 20 minute CPD presentation
• A downloadable pdf version of the CPD
• Our upcoming training schedule and
• An area to download all our Datasheets, MSDS, Brochures and
• Drawings

“We are really excited about the launch of the Newton Members Area and Online CPD. Based on our market research, we have found that many architects prefer being able to watch the CPD online in their own time, and also be able to share the presentation with their colleagues. We welcome and feedback about the new venture” – Lucinda Muschialli, Marketing Director

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With class-leading noise rejection – twice that of most comparable instruments – and enhanced software filtering with four user-selectable options, Megger’s new S1 series 5 kV and 10 kV dc insulation resistance testers deliver dependable results in even the most severe electrical environments, including extra high-voltage substations.

• High performance, 8 mA noise rejection, with 4 digital filter
• High output current 6 mA for fast charging of capacitive loads
• Tough dual case design
• Rapid charge Li-ion battery – meets IEC62133
• Operate with flat battery from an AC source
• Remote control with indicator beacon

Noise and altitude not a challenge

Not only has the performance of these ground-breaking instruments been exhaustively proven in the laboratory, it has also been convincingly demonstrated in the field. Accurate and consistent results were, for example, obtained in a working 765 kV substation where no other dc insulation tester had been able to operate successfully.

Megger S1-series insulation testers are available in two models. The S1-568 tests at up to 5 kV and can measure insulation resistance up to 15 TO, while the S1-1068 operates at up to 10 kV and measures to 35 TO. Both models have a high short-circuit current of 6 mA to ensure rapid charging of items under test and both have a CAT IV 600 V safety rating at altitudes up to 3,000 m.

Remote control

Other innovative features include provision for remote control via a fully isolated USB port, which makes the instruments ideally suited for use in production environments, and internal storage for date- and time-stamped results. Stored results can be recalled to the display, downloaded via a Bluetooth wireless link or accessed via the USB port.

Won’t get caught out

To ensure that testing is never delayed through lack of power, S1 insulation testers incorporate rapid-charge Li-ion batteries that give up to 6 hours of continuous testing on a full charge for the 5 kV model and 4.5 hours for the 10 kV model. It takes just 2 hours to fully charge the battery and even on a 30 minute top up charge you can get in excess of an hour of continuous testing, or alternatively the instrument will operate from an AC supply even if the battery is completely flat.

Full suite of diagnostic tests

Compact and light, the S1 insulation resistance testers feature a tough dual-case design and, with the lid closed, they have an IP65 weatherproof protection rating to safeguard against dust and moisture ingress. They offer timed insulation resistance (IR), dielectric absorption ratio (DAR), polarisation index (PI), dielectric discharge (DD), step voltage (SV) and ramp diagnostic test modes, and also have a dedicated ac and dc voltmeter function.

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The Brick Development Association (BDA) announces the appointment of Michael Ankers OBE as its incoming Chairman. Michael, who served as the BDA’s Chief Executive from 1995 to 1998, will rejoin the Association in December of this year, following the retirement of Alan Baxter.

With over 40 years’ experience in various industry sectors, Michael most recently held the position of Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association which he established as a highly effective representative body for that £50 billion industry during his 13-year tenure. In the course of his career, he has held various positions within government departments as well as serving as Director of the Chartered Institute of Building.

Michael commented on his appointment: “I am honoured to have been invited to chair the Association. The brick industry has an important part to play in the recovery of the construction industry and particularly the creation of the additional housing that politicians in all the major political parties recognise the country urgently needs. These are exciting and challenging times for the brick industry, and the Brick Development Association has an important role to play. I am very much looking forward to playing my part in this”.

During his previous time with the BDA, Michael developed a new business strategy designed to raise the profile of the brick industry and the BDA’s role within the sector. He also strengthened links with the Government and the other main political parties, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Masonry Alliance, as well as the Better Brickwork Alliance which encourages closer ties between manufacturers and brickwork subcontractors.

Michael has represented the UK brick industry at European level, and is currently Chairman of the Considerate Constructors’ Scheme, and council member and trustee at the BRE. His non-executive positions include Director at the British Board of Agrement and Director of the CIC Approved Inspectors’ Register. He is also Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Constructors and Freeman of the City of London.

In 2009, Michael was awarded an OBE for services to the construction industry. Three years later, he received a Special Lifetime Award from the Chartered Institute of Marketing for services to marketing in the construction industry, and last year he was granted Honorary Life Membership of the Construction Industry Council.

Alan Baxter commented: “We are delighted with the appointment of Michael as our new chairman. Michael and I worked together previously when I was Chairman of the BDA in the late nineties, and his time at the CPA. We are confident with Michael’s invaluable experience the BDA will continue to provide exceptional service to its members”.

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Six individual ranges at astonishing published prices

Stelrad has launched a new series of six selected radiator ranges under the Stelrad Vita branding that includes an entry level Stelrad Vita Value range, right through to the beautifully designed Ultra product with colour options. The Vita series is set to revolutionise the radiator market.

Stelrad is dedicated to continually developing innovative products and widening the extensive range to offer the largest selection of technically-advanced and attractive steel panel radiator styles in the UK, but importantly at the best prices on the market. With the introduction of the Vita series, Stelrad has excelled itself again.

The Vita series is made up of six expertly selected ranges of radiators, offering value and design options to suit every budget and taste. It features simple and transparent pricing, using published trade prices so that installers can purchase the products and recommend the best quality solutions to their customers, at known, affordable prices.

“We’re conscious that some installers and plumbers are persuaded by the lower quality products available to them online and via non-specialist outlets,” says Stelrad’s Chris Harvey, “but now, with the Vita series you can have a market leading Stelrad branded radiator at market leading prices. You can now choose the best in terms of quality and value.”

The Stelrad Vita series comes in six selected ranges of radiators from the entry level Vita Value, through the Vita Compact, the Vita Eco for those wanting an energy saving option, Vita Deco for those wanting a designer radiator look, to Vita Plan – a flat faced, smooth fronted design and finally the designer look, Vita Ultra – with bespoke colour finishes available.

Prices start from as little as £14.63 for the Vita Value which compares favourably with any other radiators you can buy. And the designer versions start at £31.60 – which for radiators of this quality and appeal is astonishing value for customers.

Full details of the new Vita Series can be found on www.stelrad.com, you can call for brochures and information on 0844 543 6200 or email marketing@stelrad.com . You can follow Stelrad on Twitter @Stelrad or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StelradLimited.

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Saint-Gobain PAM UK has been awarded a major contract to supply more than 70km of its EN545 approved Natural ductile iron pipe range for a flagship project for Wessex Water.

The water company is constructing a number of schemes as part of its water supply grid project to help meet future demand without developing new sources. The project will allow Wessex Water to improve the security of supply for customers – even in the event of a catastrophic failure – and meet reductions in abstraction licences required by the Environment Agency to improve flows in some rivers and protect their ecology. It will also help deal with seasonal or occasional deteriorating raw water quality – particularly increasing concentrations of nitrates at some groundwater sources – as well as meeting future water supply demands. It includes the construction of a new water main to transfer water from the south of Wessex Water’s region, in Dorset, to Salisbury in Wiltshire via Blandford and Shaftesbury.

Due for completion by 2018, much of the pipeline route passes through the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has been designed to avoid environmentally sensitive areas.

The first order will see around 17km of DN350 pipe supplied for a twin main section between Sturminster Marshall and Snowsdown.

Wessex Water held a number of initial consultations with Saint-Gobain PAM UK to discuss the options for pipe materials. Ductile iron was ultimately selected by Wessex Water for the majority of the project for its strength. The design was able to achieve a bed and haunch to support the pipe, which has reduced the import and export of materials, lowering the impact on the environment. Ductile iron pipes also offer installation flexibility, with multiple pipes in a single trench, as well as a relatively short and discreet installation period, meaning trenches do not need to be left open for extended periods. With the native soils being primarily chalk, the ability to rapidly backfill trenches quickly is key, as chalk left at a trench side for long periods could be exposed to the effects of heavy rainfall, making it more difficult to reinstate.

The Natural range, available in diameters from DN350DN to DN600DN, offers strong corrosion resistance in soils with resistivity as low as 500ohm cm through its 400grm Zinc Aluminium alloy protection. The protective coating also eliminates the need to identify transition points between medium and low resistivity soils, where alternative systems may require a change from standard to supplementary protection.

Simon Cottingham, Director of Key Accounts and Major Projects at Saint-Gobain PAM UK, commented: “We worked closely with the Wessex Water team to define the scope of the project and recommend a solution which would allow the customer to benefit fully from the performance attributes offered by ductile iron pipes. We are very proud of taking part in this project and contributing to its success.”

Davin Eversett, Project Manager at Wessex Water commented: “Wessex Water’s project management team in conjunction with the internal design and procurement teams have worked with Saint-Gobain PAM UK in the development of this pipeline and concluded that ductile iron pipes will offer the lowest whole life cost as well as the flexibility to deliver what will be a challenging construction programme.”

Visit www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk for more information on the products and services offered by Saint-Gobain PAM UK.

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Iron technology leader Saint-Gobain PAM UK, part of international materials company Saint-Gobain, has introduced new stainless steel grip collars into its acclaimed Ensign cast iron above ground drainage range.

The new grip collars, incorporating captive nut assembly, can be fitted over the ductile coupling either at the time of installation, or as an addition to existing stacks. The collar ensures the joint connection will perform up to 5 bar without the need for restraining brackets. This provides a more flexible and cost effective option to the installer, particularly in situations where space is limited and bracing becomes difficult.

Fully Kitemark accredited to BS EN 877, the Ensign system is easy to install with unrivalled strength and longevity, while boasting strong acoustic performance and fire resistance, as well as excellent sustainability credentials.

The stainless steel grip collars are available to suit 100, 150 and 200mm diameter pipes, with further diameter products to be introduced in 2014.

Mike Rawlings of Saint-Gobain PAM UK, said: “The Ensign range continues to grow through new innovations to simplify installation for today’s modern plumbers with speed of assembly and flexible solutions being key. With a 5 bar pressure capability, the new grip collars are the ideal solution for soil and rainwater stacks on tall buildings.”

For more information on the Ensign range, and other products and services offered by Saint-Gobain PAM UK, visit www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk.

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