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Daikin Europe N.V. has added to its green energy bank by the installation of almost 2,000 solar panels at its Ostend, Belgium production plant. Designed to produce around 400,000 kW electricity per year (the equivalent consumption of 115 households), the system went on stream at the end of August and the energy generated will help power Daikin’s on-site operations.

Daikin Europe originally considered the use of solar panels some five years ago but since the efficiency of the then available technology was inadequate, purchased green electricity on the market, reducing its environmental footprint and resulting in a drastic reduction of CO2 emissions. However, solar panel efficiency has improved considerably and the decision to install panels was examined again and approved in 2010. Work began at the end of April and the system became operational at the end of August.

The deployment of solar panels is very much in line with the overall environmental policy of the company and its intention to decrease dependence on electricity suppliers and the choice of solar panels was taken after considering other solutions including wind turbines. The installation will result in a yearly savings of up to 160 tonnes of CO2. System capacity of 400,000 kW per year was dictated by limitations in the region’s electricity grid due to the high number of renewable systems already in place.

The solar panels are located on certain plant roofs at Ostend site and to highlight the effort and increase environmental awareness the performance of the installation will be visible via screens in the factory and reception area. Real time data will include daily energy production, CO2 saved and comparisons with previous periods. Minimum life of the installation is 20 years but actual life is expected to be 30-40 years.

Daikin Europe N.V. announces the expansion of its Daikin Altherma heat pump range to cover large-scale commercial applications in which space heating and hot water production are a priority. Due to the use of Daikin Altherma cascade technology, large volumes of hot water (with temperatures up to 80°C) can be produced efficiently, making the system ideal for applications with a high demand for space heating and/or hot water heating.

Large capacity hot water production for the commercial market

The optimised Daikin Altherma Flex Type series produces leaving water temperatures from 25° to 80°C, making it suitable for all types of radiators, under floor heating, fan coil units, heat pump convectors as well as hot water production. Typical applications include hotels, fitness centres, spa facilities, hospitals, libraries and schools. The high leaving water temperatures also make it ideal for upgrading existing heating systems, allowing retention of existing high temperature radiators.

The use of Daikin Altherma cascade technology: two refrigerants – R-410A and R-134a – in a cascade configuration, enables the system’s high leaving water temperatures to be produced without an electric heater. The outdoor unit elevates the temperature and pressure level of the first refrigerant cycle (R-410A) and the indoor units raise this to even higher levels with the second refrigerant cycle (R-134a), resulting in water temperatures up to 80°C using only heat pump technology.

Hot water temperatures up to 75°C result in highly efficient hot water production with rapid heat-up times and the system can be connected to Daikin hot water tanks as well as to (existing) 3rd party tanks. Daikin solar heating can also be integrated for even greater efficiency.

Low running costs
Daikin Altherma cascade technology, in combination with inverter controlled compressors and weather dependant temperature control, results in extremely efficient operation. Running costs can be up to 36% less than comparable oil or gas installations, with up to 35% less primary energy use and up to 71% less CO2 emissions.

Furthermore, optimal dimensioning further enhances efficiency, the system’s modular construction and several different capacity classes of indoor and outdoor units allowing precise configuration for specific needs. The indoor and outdoor units are compact and lightweight, for quick, flexible installation.

The Daikin Altherma Flex Type units extend the existing Daikin Altherma range of low temperature and high temperature systems intended for individual houses and apartment blocks.

Daikin Europe products are distributed in the UK by Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd and Space Airconditioning plc.

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FAKRO's new generation of contemporary awning blinds includes the AMZ Solar which, in addition to being solar-powered, is also activated by photovoltaic sensor. It is around 8 times more effective than an internal blind in terms of passive heat reduction while still allowing light through. In addition to preventing heat absorption, the AMZ Solar opens automatically in cloudy weather to increase availability of natural light. In winter, it reduces noise from rain and hail and protects the window from accumulation of snow and leaves.

The blind's construction ensures that the correct fabric tension is maintained between guides, enabling it to withstand gusts of up to 120 km/hr and lateral winds of up to 220 km/hr.

The AMZ Solar can be operated either automatically or by using the remote which is supplied for complete flexibility in terms of positioning. It can also be supplied for use within a Z-Wave system.

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Power and data delivery specialist Marshall-Tufflex has beefed up its Underfloor to Desk range with the launch of a new raised floor box strong enough to withstand the combined weight of ten baby elephants.

The new box is quicker and easier to install and comes as standard with a market-leading 3mm support plate allowing it to handle ‘medium load’ traffic. For installations requiring ‘heavy load’ classification a steel sub-frame can be ordered and quickly inserted (at a later date if building usage changes) to support the lid without restricting space for wiring and accessories.

During load testing this steel sub-frame, which also allows for fine adjustments to accommodate uneven flooring, proved itself capable of withstanding a 1.25 tonne load – more than the combined weight of 10 newborn elephants.

In addition, the floor box has been designed with earth fixing points at each end, giving installers greater flexibility when positioning sockets. It is supplied with dividers that make it suitable for use as either a three or four compartment box.

“Our aim when designing this floor box was quite simple, to provide installers with one product that meets a wider range of needs, offers more flexible installation and can be upgraded to increase load capacity as required. Earth fixing points at either end solve the problem of modifying boxes on site (saving time) and the compartment dividers simply drop in to give either a three or four compartment unit, massively simplifying the specification and ordering process,” said Jeremy Dodge, Marshall-Tufflex Head of Marketing & Technical Services.

The 83mm deep unit, which replaces existing Marshall-Tufflex floor boxes URF32/URF42, is supplied with two easy fit cable retainers/guides, a cut-out within lid for carpet/carpet tiles of up to 6mm deep (extra deep lids are also available), metal screws to attach trim to surrounding carpet for a more secure fix, pre-punched fixings, a barrel lock option for extra security (installer to fit), other box depths, an RCD option and pre-wired option with MT32 Connectors.

The floor box has been designed and manufactured in accordance with the latest standards (BS EN 61534-22:2009, BS EN 60670-1:2005, BS EN 60670-23:2008, BS EN 50085-1:2005 and BS EN 50085-2-2:2008).

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The country’s architects have access to a new information source on renewable technology with the installation of a permanent exhibition stand at the Building Centre in London’s Store Street from Mitsubishi Electric which focuses on sustainability in the built-environment.

The company, which has long pioneered energy efficiency in our buildings, is using the space to highlight the potential that heat pumps offer in reducing the energy load required to heat, cool and ventilate both commercial and residential properties, and is also focusing on the energy producing potential of Photovoltaic panels.

“The Building Centre is renowned for providing essential information for all involved in the built environment, so it made perfect sense for us to use this venue to convey the energy saving potential of these technologies,” explained Sharon Oliver, Marketing Communications Manager for Mitsubishi Electric’s Photovoltaic and Domestic Heating Divisions.

Both air source and ground source heat pumps are classified as renewable technology by both the European Union and the UK Government because they harvest free, renewable energy from the air to maximise efficiency and minimise energy consumption.

Mitsubishi Electric has led the way in the use of heat pumps for commercial air conditioning and has pioneered air source heat pumps for both domestic and commercial heating systems.

The permanent stand at the Building Centre includes a touch screen panel which provides essential information on the technologies and highlights how their energy saving potential can be used to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes and other energy performance legislation. In addition to gaining advice on reducing energy costs and emissions levels, architects can also source information on equipment to help with indoor air quality and ventilation.

“Everyone involved in the construction industry, whether new-built or retro-fit is under immense pressure to demonstrate how low carbon the buildings they design now are and we wanted to raise awareness of the potential that this equipment can offer,” adds Oliver.

The Building Centre – established in 1931 – has developed to become an independent forum dedicated to providing information and inspiration to all sectors of the built environment. It is open from 9:30am – 6pm, Monday to Friday and on Saturday’s from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Further information can be sourced by visiting www.buildingcentre.co.uk.

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At ELGA Process Water, we specialise in providing process water systems and services for industrial, pharmaceutical, scientific and healthcare industries. We have over 80 years of experience in our field, and can offer innovative and environmentally friendly solutions to meet our client's process water requirements.

With our water treatment services, we offer our extensive expertise along with 250 market-leading technologies. We are one of the leading water treatment companies, and we provide effective solutions that can be tailored to the needs of each of our clients.

We know water, and when it comes to reusing and recycling water for clients we try to offer as much value as possible. Our cutting-edge technologies are designed to produce pure water and can be utilised to reuse waste water. We offer a wide range of water processing systems from benchtop water purifiers to centralised pure water delivery systems

Our solutions are sustainable, and we can help our clients meet expectations to reduce the environmental impact of their processes. We are trusted by our clients to meet the strictest safety and performance standards.

With our unique profile of technologies, we deliver patented processes, standardised products, packaged systems, and engineered solutions. The majority of our technology is developed in-house, and are manufactured using high quality materials to strict standards. We offer flexible, responsive service and maintenance, and have 135 business units worldwide so we can provide local water treatment and support when you need it.

Where complex and demanding engineering projects are required, our specialist teams will engineer turn-key water treatment solutions based on client specifications. These solutions will cover project design, technologies and process selection, construction and contract management, and plant commissioning.

What Products And Services Do We Provide?

We are specialists in the following fields and would be delighted to have an opportunity to audit your'Blue Risks' and establish if you could save money or increase production in your business.

• Pure water systems
• Water treatment chemicals
• Pure water deionisers
• Water filtration systems
• Reverses osmosis (RO) water systems
• Water polishing technologies
• Ultra violet water treatment
• Water quality meters
• Mobile water treatment
• Emergency water treatment
• Water recycling
• Sustainable solutions for water use
• Wastewater treatment and reuse

Our services include:

• Service Deionisation (SDI)- our SDI team can supply an eco-friendly cylinder exchange service to suit your needs.
• Mobile water purification solutions – we can provide you with pure water, wherever and whenever you need it.
• Water treatment chemicals – improve the management of your boilers, membranes and conventional water treatment equipment with our specialist chemical knowledge and experience.
• Water system refurbishment – with our refurbishment services, we can extend the life of your water system without having to compromise on quality or reliability.

ELGA Can Help With All Your Water Treatment Requirements

We can provide water treatment services for a wide range of clients and industries. If you want to know more about our services and what makes us one of the leading water treatment companies, contact us today.

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The £3m development of two blocks for sixth-form boarding in Housman Hall at Bromsgrove School will create 49 new en-suite study bedrooms. The first building was completed in October 2013 with the second due to be finished by the end of August. Robothams Architects specified Klober's air-open roofing underlay Permo® air as one of only two membranes approved by the NHBC Standard for use without supporting high level ventilation.

The old central house at Housman Hall, formerly the home of Old Bromsgrovian poet AE Housman, is listed with the site overall in a conservation area. Permo air therefore enables both long span roofs to be unaffected by vents within a roofline which is in the vernacular style. As such, Permo air made a tangible contribution to a development which preserves and enhances the character of Housman Hall by replacing the former boarding wings with a more sympathetic development.

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The BBA has just taken delivery of a new rig which tests the hygrothermal performance of solid wall insulation systems called external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) to the European Technical Approval Guideline (ETAG) 004. ETICS are external wall insulation systems (EWIS) comprising insulation coated with render. The new rig is extremely versatile and can meet the requirements of a number of different test specifications.

The ETAG 004 test regime involves subjecting an insulated solid wall to a series of extreme temperature cycles. This tests how the insulation system will react over time to changes in moisture (humidity) and temperature. The tests and assessment methods outlined in ETAG 004 have been written with an intended working life of 25 years in mind.

The test regime subjects the insulation system to repeated cycles of heat and rain, then heat and cold, and finally heat, rain, freeze and thaw. These cycles are completed in strict order for a set amount of time. During these series of cycles the system can be exposed to temperatures as high as 70°C and as low as -15°C mimicking the extreme weather conditions the insulation system could face during its expected working life. Once complete the test wall is assessed for damage such as surface blisters, flaking, delamination, cracks and other visible changes.

Although mainly aimed at ETICS, other materials such as cement particle boards, glass reinforced plastic (GRP) and MgO boards can also be tested.

The new rig is a significant investment by the BBA and it has been made to address the growth of interest in hygrothermal testing of external wall insulation systems due, in part, to the ability to CE mark this type of insulation system. Although CE marking remains voluntary, for products that do not fall within the scope of a harmonized European Standard (hEN), a manufacturer can obtain CE marking through assessment against the appropriate European Technical Assessment (ETA) and a system of assessment and verification of constancy of performance procedure.

The ETAG 004 hygrothermal test is significantly shorter than other similar tests and coupled with the improved efficiency and versatility of the new rig, cycle times are significantly reduced compared to the test rigs previously used by the BBA. This means a quicker throughput of work increasing the capacity to cope with the anticipated higher level of demand. However, companies are advised to contact the BBA as soon as possible to ensure their products can be scheduled for testing in plenty of time.

To contact the BBA e-mail testing@bba.star.co.uk or telephone 01923 665300.

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Jestico and Whiles design becomes London landmark

London Bridge station, the capital's oldest railway terminus, presented a major bottleneck through lack of capacity either to increase train frequency or service longer trains. Three different operating companies use it with six lines continuing to Cannon Street, Charing Cross and Blackfriars. Of 86 trains each hour only one Thameslink train could be accommodated in the face of demand for 18.

A new 400 metre viaduct and 1,080-tonne, 70-metre bridge over Borough High Street was therefore built to address the congestion issue. Described by architects Jestico and Whiles as an iconic structure, its distinctive appearance is provided by 2200m2 of VMZINC curved cassette panel facades in pre-weathered QUARTZ-ZINC®. The material was fabricated by EDM Spanwall and installed by specialist architectural metalwork and faÇade contractor the McGrath Group. The material will retain its appearance for years to come and in doing so requires minimal cleaning and maintenance.

In addition to construction of the viaduct work also included demolition of existing buildings, temporary relocation of Borough Market to adjacent land and removal, refurbishment and reconstruction of the existing cast iron market structure.

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Easilift Loading Systems has launched the Advanced Control Centre, an intuitive management system that helps distribution centres and warehouses to efficiently and pro-actively take care of loading bays and vehicle traffic.

The system comprises four easily accessible web-based modules – Service; Dock Management; Facility Management; and Statistics & Reporting – providing a comprehensive overview of loading bay activity.

Benefits of the system include faster maintenance, more effective servicing, reduced waiting times, and improved safety, security and energy savings.

“The modern technology of the Advanced Control Centre integrates a whole host of useful functions into a complete operational solution,” explains Rob Fay, managing director of Easilift. “With unprecedented control over loading bay processes, warehouse co-ordinators can optimise efficiency for maximum uptime.”

The Service module supports everyday operation with 24/7 monitoring of maintenance requirements. An Easilift specialist is automatically notified upon any equipment breakdown, so that problems can be immediately analysed and solved – sometimes before the problem is detected on-site. Where possible, this is achieved remotely, significantly reducing disruption as well as avoiding service engineer call-out charges.

By delivering an ongoing audit of loading bay activity, the Advanced Control Centre can also measure usage to ensure that periodic maintenance is appropriate to the specific bay. Automatic planning arranges routine maintenance at the correct service intervals to extend product lifetime.

Dock Management offers real-time information on the status of all loading and unloading dock stations to enable the swift and appropriate allocation of vehicles. With remote reservations ahead of arrival and automatic re-allocation upon vehicle departure, bottlenecks are minimised and dock usage maintained.

Facility Management complements these capabilities with an ‘at a glance’ inventory of essential station data. With expensive utilities energy lost every time a door is opened unnecessarily, or internal lighting systems left on, warehouse co-ordinators can restrict usage only to active bays. And with security paramount, the system can augment or replace existing walk-around surveillance.

The final module, Statistics & Reporting, gives the customer up-to-date information on everything from loading bay station usage rates to average loading and unloading times. As well as substantiated analysis to optimise the flow of traffic and goods, it delivers an overview of operational costs.

“Effective business management means knowing what is happening in the workplace, in order to reduce wastage and focus on the essentials. With our Advanced Control Centre, distribution centres and warehouses now have an authoritative tool to co-ordinate all loading bay activity,” confirms Rob Fay.

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Amtech, the market-leading software developer for the UK building services industry, has launched Service Manager Mobile for use on the Android mobile platform. Service Manager Mobile works in conjunction with the Service Manager desktop application to improve visibility of job and engineer status and to maximise the productivity of service engineers while they are on site.

Suitable for use with all Android tablets and smartphones, Service Manager Mobile maintains regular communication with the desktop application by ‘polling’ at pre-determined intervals (e.g. every 60 seconds). In doing so it receives job information from the office and transmits data such as change of job status and GPS tracking information back to base. Job and engineer status is then automatically updated in the desktop application so that service managers have a strategic overview in real time.

Service Manager Mobile incorporates a host of advanced features to improve communication and ensure mobile engineers are provided with all relevant information. For example, in the case of planned preventative maintenance the job information can include multiple equipment items and service information such as forecast hours and spares requirements.

Once the jobs have been accepted by the engineer a ‘job response history’ is created in the desktop application that records travel and work progress, along with any additional information and file attachments (e.g. photos). Incomplete jobs are also recorded and their progress tracked.

Spares and mileage values, as well as other cost-related information, are assigned to relevant Job Costs in the Service Manager desktop.

Amtech Group CEO Mark Tindall commented: “Service Manager Mobile is the most recent development from an ongoing programme that will see the benefits of mobile communications being introduced to a wide range of applications. Built on feedback from customers, our mobile applications are designed to add value to users’ businesses by boosting productivity and improving profitability”.

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