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As the requirement for cleaner heating solutions gathers pace, condensing biomass boilers – boilers that burn wood pellets made from recycled sawdust or virgin timber from managed sources – are increasingly being seen as sensible options for people looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

One of the leading manufacturers of wood pellet boilers is Grant UK, a company that has been designing and manufacturing reliable, high quality, easy to install heating products for more than 35 years. Perhaps best known for their award winning oil fired condensing boilers, Grant UK has expanded its business very successfully into the new world of renewable heating technologies, offering the most efficient air source heat pumps, a sector leading eco efficient solar thermal system as well as the Spira Wood Pellet boilers – all in a range of sizes that would complement virtually any UK residence.

Grant has welcomed The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) decision to include the Grant Spira range of Condensing Wood Pellet Boilers in the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (RHI). The MCS approved Grant Spira Condensing Wood Pellet boilers are available in outputs of 6kW up to 72kW and deliver efficiencies up to 97.4% which is impressive by any standard. Models are available for domestic properties or small scale commercial installations, the latter achieved by using two boilers mounted side by side. The solution is very efficient as the precise electronic burner control allows both units to modulate as one, down to just 25% of maximum load when the full output is not required.

With most pellet burning boilers, up to 20% of the energy that is produced is lost to atmosphere via the flue system. The Spira range features a unique secondary condensing heat exchanger designed to capture some of this lost latent heat energy, conveying additional warmth for the home. It’s just one example of the intelligent, value added design features you can expect from Grant UK products.

The Grant Spira Wood Pellet boiler requires very little maintenance in comparison with other wood pellet appliances. It has a self-cleaning system for the primary and secondary heat exchangers ensuring the system is debris free. The self-cleaning burner uses a premium EN Plus A1 standard pellet with low ash content, requiring minimal maintenance.

Wood pellet boilers are generally larger than traditional oil or gas boilers and will require a hopper to store the fuel, sited adjacent to the boiler. The Grant Spira is designed to be located in a garage, store or outhouse building, so it’s important to consider its position prior to installation. In addition, ventilation is a crucial factor for the appliance and the flue in order that its operation is safe and efficient. The boiler has an automated cleaning cycle which does result temporarily in an increase in noise levels, so that too should be considered when selecting a location for the boiler.

The Pellet storage is available in capacities from 3 to 6 tonnes. Pellets can be auger fed from storage hoppers into the intermediate pellet store supplied as standard with the boiler. Alternatively, for installations where an auger fed hopper is unsuitable, there is the Grant SpiraVac unit which swiftly and conveniently moves the pellets from the Grant external store to the internal Spira boiler hopper via vacuum hose. The system enables the bulk pellet store to be positioned up to a distance of 20 metres from the boiler.

Managing Director of Grant UK, Paul Wakefield says: “Our training team are seeing a huge increase in demand for knowledge in this arena and courses are at capacity.” Full details of the Grant UK Spira Wood Pellet boiler range and accessories can be found at www.grantuk.com.

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Wavin – a leading supplier of water management, plumbing and drainage systems for the building, construction and utilities markets – has upgraded all insulation products in its Thermoboard Underfloor Heating (UFH) range so that it is now easier for builders and developers to score highly when following the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH).

The upgrades affect Thermoboard Low-Build, Pocketed Polystyrene and Foiled Polystyrene heating panels, improving both their strength and environmental characteristics.

The change in the extruded polystyrene insulation employed means that Long Term Strength is now 300% of what it was and that its Global Warming Potential (GWP) has been reduced to less than 5. Compressive Strength has risen from 200kPa to 300kPa while the figures for Long Term Strength, over 50 Years with 2% compression, have risen from 40kPa to 130kPa.

The reduction in GWP benefits all properties being assessed against CSH, where credits are awarded when all insulants used within a property have a GWP of less than 5. Now builders and developers following the Code can attain higher scores with minimal effort.

The Thermoboard range of products provides the ideal answer to surface heating and cooling within any domestic or light commercial environment, being designed and tested to the highest industry standards.

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Iron technology leader Saint-Gobain PAM UK, part of leading international materials company, Saint-Gobain, has further demonstrated its environmental commitment through several major investments at Holwell, near Melton Mowbray, including one which has seen CO2 emissions from its cupola furnace – the biggest of its kind in the UK – fall dramatically.

The previous installation of a dry bag filter system has meant particulate emissions have been reduced by 99 per cent from the cupola furnace. As a result, emissions are now less than 0.3kg per tonne of castings, while the company has reduced site water use by 63 per cent and electricity by 9 per cent, and completely eliminated the use of caustic soda previously employed for cleaning the wet filtration system. The move also brings a reduced risk to permitted drainage discharge points.

A second substantial investment has been the installation of a heat exchanger to recover waste heat from combustion gases. The energy regained by the heat exchanger will be used to re-heat input air to the furnace, resulting in an annual saving of 2,200 tonnes of CO2. A new control system has also been established at Holwell, which will facilitate both the cupola furnace’s filter system and the new heat exchanger.

Paul Minchin, Managing Director of Saint-Gobain PAM UK, added: “It is important to us that we continue to invest in measures that will put environmental savings at the forefront of business. The investment in the cupola furnace’s new filtration and heat recovery system has reduced CO2 emissions enormously, and is just one example of our business ethos, which has minimising our environmental impact at its heart. These measures will pave the way for further developments in optimising energy use, reducing gas consumption, use of low level waste heat and the recycling of collected particulates.

“The investment also shows our commitment to maintaining a UK manufacturing base, with our site near Melton Mowbray providing a truly local service to UK customers, removing the supply chain delays which can occur with imported products.”

For further information visit www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk/access-press.

Pictured in front of the cupola: project team members (left to right) Richard Brown, John Mcleod, Tim Benton

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British Gas (the UK’s leading supplier of services to energy customers) has recently started using Hep2O plastic systems alongside, or instead of Copper for installations. This now means that British Gas’s network of around 10,000+ engineers and the many thousands of heating projects they install and maintain each year, will be able to benefit from Hep2O’s multiple advantages in both installation and use.

For installers, the product is quick, simple and safe to use and is backed by an industry-leading 50-year guarantee, a UK-wide distribution network and comprehensive technical support. The customer benefits from a product that will never be compromised by either scale or corrosion and is quieter in use than more traditional equivalents.

Gareth Samuel, Wavin Product Manager Comments “British Gas went through a rigorous process in selecting a plastic system, and by adding Hep2O to their approved products they are giving installers the choice to select the most appropriate product for the installation.”

Gareth adds “We are delighted to be involved with British Gas and will be working with their training academies to show installers how to maximise the benefits of the system, and save valuable time on their installations”

Another major innovation incorporated into this product is In4Sure™ joint recognition and HepKey™ secure demounting.

Developed to give installers a fool-proof means to test that a joint is secure, the In4Sure™ ‘joint recognition’ technology allows the user to simply push in the pipe and twist so they can ‘feel the rumble’. The profiled end of the re-designed SmartSleeve™ interacts with castellations inside the Hep2O fitting to know that they have made a fully secure connection.

The HepKey™ demounting system allows the system to be adjustable but secure, so that pipes can be released easily and quickly as the HepKey Plus™ releases the grab-ring within the fitting allowing removal of the pipe from the otherwise tamperproof joint; while the smaller pocket size HepKey™ provides a handy pocket-size alternative. Hep2O pipes and fittings are available in four diameters: 10, 15, 22 and 28mm.

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This is the slogan with which Daikin Europe announces the launch of its new online controller. Available for use with a wide range of Daikin split units, the new solution enables a heat pump system to be controlled, irrespective of its location via a laptop, tablet or smart phone with access to the internet or via wired remote control.

It is easy to forget to turn off a heat pump system before leaving the premises or because of a delay in returning, to be faced with needlessly re-warming or cooling them. In the past these avoidable problems would have resulted in wasted energy but this need no longer be the case. The new Daikin online controller provides round the clock control via a laptop, tablet or even smart phone to access the heat pump system via the internet. Fault conditions can also be detected remotely, allowing a quick response to problems.

Control of the heat pump system is possible from anywhere with internet access achieved simply by entering the URL or running the app on a supported device to gain access to the system’s main functions. Whether the operator is a residential user or the manager of a chain of shops requiring control of groups of units, the Daikin online controller ensures the peace of associated with having full control.

The online controller is compatible with selected Daikin split systems such as Daikin Emura and Nexura as well as other wall-mounted, floor-standing and ducted systems in the split range and is available wef January 2012.

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

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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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A new joint venture between FM Conway and AECOM has been created to provide integrated multidisciplinary highways expertise. The CONWAYAECOM venture has already been successful in qualifying for Transport for London’s “London Highways Alliance Contract” tender process for the delivery of all highways maintenance and improvement schemes across London.

Andrew Hansen, Chief Operating Officer at FM Conway, said: “We have put in place a strategic joint venture with AECOM to deliver exceptional capabilities at the consultancy, operational and delivery levels. Past collaborations have shown that we work well together, having a similar business ethos.

“As one of London’s main infrastructure services providers we want to deliver an outstanding service within London and the South East, and by teaming up with AECOM we will be able to do so. Our strengths are complementary, which allow us to deliver true enhanced contractor capability. AECOM provides exactly the right expertise and global experience, and I can only see a bright future for this very practical and progressive partnership.”

Richard Robinson, AECOM’s managing director of transportation, Europe, added: “With increasing demands for greater levels of value and efficiencies, we are confident that the integration of our respective design, delivery and maintenance capabilities will provide substantial client benefits. The joint venture has been established to develop and deliver practical and sustainable solutions for highways and maintenance schemes throughout London and the South East, and its capabilities can be extended into other regions.”

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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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REHAU will shortly become the first manufacturer to extrude pre-insulated polymer pipework in the UK for use in biomass and district heating applications.

Production of REHAU’s RAUVITHERM pipework will start at REHAU’s factory in Blaenau, North Wales in May and will offer UK based contractors and specifiers a local source of pipe with a lower carbon footprint and improved lead times.

Martin Hitchin, REHAU’s Chief Executive, commented on the move: “We have invested in new manufacturing technology at our largest UK factory in order to meet growing demand from the market for a UK produced pipe.

“It will be produced to exactly the same specification and quality as the RAUVITHERM pipework which we currently supply from our factory in Germany but will have a much lower carbon footprint.”

This is the latest positive indication of REHAU’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions across the entire supply chain and will start to have an impact almost immediately. The carbon savings will be ongoing and are expected to increase significantly as demand for the product continues to surge in the UK.

Steve Richmond, Business Team Leader for REHAU’s Renewable Energy products, added: “In the past year, REHAU has seen sales of RAUVITHERM increase by 100%. This is being driven by the booming UK biomass and district heating markets and, more recently, by the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme launched in November 2011.

“By transferring production to the UK, we will have greater flexibility to meet this growing demand and will be able to offer customers shorter lead times.”

RAUVITHERM is a pre-insulated PE-Xa pipe constructed with layers of cross linked PE insulation and a robust HDPE outer jacket which is longitudinally watertight. It is popular in the UK market because of the high degree of flexibility it offers which simplifies and speeds up installation and because it uses REHAU’s renowned EVERLOC compression sleeve jointing system – proven millions of times in heating and plumbing applications to deliver a permanent leak free joint.

REHAU provides design support for RAUVITHERM installations, assisting specifiers and contractors with pipe sizing, heat loss calculations and drawing up bill of materials from heat network drawings.

RAUVITHERM is part of REHAU’s package of solutions for the district heating market which also includes closed cell RAUTHERMEX pre-insulated pipework, RAUGEO ground source energy solutions and underfloor heating systems.

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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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