Adveco TOTEM m-CHP, a Lesson in Reduced Energy Cost and Lower Emissions

Bootham School selects Adveco TOTEM m-CHP based system for heating and domestic hot water

  • System design modelling accurately predicts operational costs and payback period
  • Savings of approximately £37,000 per annum

Bootham School in York, a charitably run independent boarding school, has selected a TOTEM micro-cogeneration (m-CHP) based system from commercial heating and hot water specialist, Adveco Ltd., for sustainable and cost-effective provision of power and heating throughout the school estate. The system provides £37,000 in annual operational cost savings and reduces the school’s CO₂ generation helping adhere to its Quaker values.

Working in partnership with Brentwood Consulting Engineers and contractor John Wright Electrical and Mechanical, Adveco recommended the installation of two TOTEM T25 m-CHP units and an. Electrical generation by the m-CHP would decrease the energy import of the school, as well as lowering carbon dioxide emissions. Heat generated would be delivered to the hot water circuit which operates constantly through the entire school.

Adveco

Adveco also provided Bootham school with a Full Maintenance Contract, covering all moving parts and controls, that guarantees long-lasting CHP unit efficiency. “Whilst there are high servicing costs, we factored all of that into the total lifecycle costs. This means after 10 years rather than replacing the whole unit we can simply extend the contract with Adveco, saving the capital cost of installing new units,” says Craig Pierotti, Estates Manager, Bootham School.

Running data was analysed against the pre-contract predictions which shows that the units are performing better in terms of cost savings per run hour. By extrapolating the figures to give a full year’s running (6,677 hours) the payback periods for the project will be achieved and Bootham School should save an estimated £36,996. Importantly, the CHP system also enables the school to adhere to its Quaker values with CO₂ savings of more than 115,500 (kg.CO₂). The NOx emissions are also greatly reduced with emissions from the TOTEM units less than 40 mg/kWh of electricity output.

“The installation was completed on time, to cost, and successfully due to the team effort. Everyone was on board and got on with it, otherwise, I don’t think we would be in the situation where we are, producing the results we are today,” says Craig “Adveco are constantly monitoring the CHP’s for us and contact us only when they want to come and service the units. It is literally fit and forget. It’s absolutely fantastic!”

Discover more about the Bootham School TOTEM m-CHP project at www.adveco.co
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BMI lifts the Vale with primary school project

Safe, robust and theft-proof, Romilly Primary School is now set for many maintenance-free years thanks to the work and market-leading guarantee from BMI UK & Ireland and its BMI Redland and BMI Icopal products.

The school roof posed a tough challenge to Vale of Glamorgan Council as it was not only old, it was also immensely complex and susceptible to burglary. Built in 1893, the school is in a picturesque, exposed position upon a hill overlooking the sea. The roof not only incorporates many hips and valleys, it also has a 250m2 flat roof at its centre.

Owing to its position, the pitched roof had been damaged by high winds and the ridge mortar had degraded over time. The problems from the natural causes had been compounded by crime – thieves had stripped most of the lead from the roof details, so the roof not only leaked, it also threatened the safety of the children in the playground beneath. There was also the issue of replacing the flat roof area in the centre of the school.

Paul Hynam, the council’s construction consultant, set out a specification for the new roof: it should be secure, look like the existing roof, be low maintenance, resistant to theft and address environmental issues. The roof should also be quick to install so it could be fixed during the school holidays, eliminating potential disruption to the schools 700 pupils.

“I chose BMI UK & Ireland because, by using their BMI Redland and BMI Icopal products, they offered a solution that met the design brief, and provided support throughout the project,” explains Paul. “Using their SpecMaster service gives you a 15-year guarantee complete with the design and on-site supervision – so you know that the roof has gone on correctly. In effect you can forget about the roof and maintenance for 15 years. BMI Redland’s Cambrian Slate also meets our environmental criteria – it’s recycled – and it’s Welsh”.

“Using BMI’s pitched and flat roofing products together gives confidence that both parts of the roof integrate – due to the collaborative details – and the result meets the required performance and reliability and is aesthetically pleasing. As Redland and Icopal are now one company they are able to take full responsibility for the design of construction details to ensure that they worked together.”

The council had previously used different manufacturers for the flat and pitched roof, which caused issues. When there was a problem, usually at the point that the two different systems met, the manufacturers would very often blame each other and neither would accept responsibility. By using pitched and flat solutions together from BMI they will no longer have this problem.

For the pitched roof covering, BMI Redland Cambrian Slate was specified. An interlocking slate with three fixings, Cambrian works well in exposed situations and is made from recycled waste slate in nearby Merthyr Tydfil. To reduce maintenance, the slates were installed using a dry system, with fixings on the ridge and hip system to imitate the previous roof.

Because the school had a vaulted ceiling construction within it, venting was an issue at eaves level so BMI 4.5k ThruVent Tiles were deployed, rather than standard eaves vents.

The flat roof covering chosen was BMI Icopal Universal® – a 3.2mm single ply covering that is UV resistant and tough but also light and malleable, making it ideal for detailed roofing features. To boost thermal performance, BMI Area Technical Manager specified Thermazone Roofboard Insulation, which was laid on the existing PUR/ PIR insulation and employed the existing vapour control layer as a vapour check. To deal with the potentially problematic interface between the pitched and flat roofs, it was specified that the waterproofing was taken under the slates and up to the top of the eaves batten – a detail monitored during installation.

Now Vale of Glamorgan Council has peace of mind for years to come with the both pitched roof and flat roofs variously guaranteed or warrantied under the schemes provided by BMI UK & Ireland when roofs are designed and installed to its specifications.

For further information please visit www.bmigroup.com/uk
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Dunham-Bush sign exclusive manufacturing and distribution agreement with Eco-Airvent

Eco-Airvent M.D. Gary Morgan [left] with Dunham-Bush M.D. Mike Holding seen following the signing of the manufacturing and distribution agreement

Dunham-Bush, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of heat emitters and chillers, has signed an exclusive agreement with Eco-Airvent Ltd to manufacture and distribute the company’s range of innovative, energy efficient ventilation products, including its patented Classmaster® and VHR heat recovery units.

Developed over several years, the new products will offer a proven solution to the requirements of BB 101: (Ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality 2018) and will be available throughout the UK and Southern Ireland through Dunham-Bush’s existing sales network.

‘These cutting edge products complement our existing range and will help to improve indoor air quality in school classrooms and colleges in an energy efficient manner by making use of variable heat recovery,’ said Dunham-Bush MD, Mike Holding. The agreement was signed on behalf of Eco-Airvent by Managing Director, Gary Morgan.

Dunham-Bush’s current range includes chillers, LST radiators, radiant panels, fan convectors, door curtains, trench and perimeter heating and fan coil units.

For further information contact Dunham-Bush Ltd
Tel: 023 9247 7700 Email: info@dunham-bush.co.uk
www.dunham-bush.co.uk
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Dunham-Bush provides a master class in low energy ventilation for classrooms

Dunham-Bush has signed an exclusive agreement with Eco-Airvent to manufacture and distribute their range of innovative, energy efficient ventilation products, including the patented Classmaster® and VHR heat recovery units.

Air quality in classrooms has a major bearing on the academic performance and productivity of occupants and with air pollution levels continuing to rise in the UK, especially in cities, it has become increasingly important that these issues are addressed.

Released by the government last year, BB101: ‘Ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality 2018’ has been instrumental in the most significant changes in ventilation design, regulation and guidance in schools since 2006. Working in parallel with BB93: ‘Acoustic designs for schools, performance standards (2015)’, it gives a detailed holistic approach to the internal environment in schools with the emphasis very much on energy efficiency.

BB101 guidelines on ventilation, include standards for all spaces within a school or college and new guidance for science labs and other practical areas.

All ventilation systems must have the capability to operate in typical UK weather conditions, including high winds and rain. Final ventilation designs will depend on the following key factors:

  • Building location
  • Type of construction
  • Site ambient noise levels
  • Local air quality / levels of pollution
  • Amount of glazing / solar gain
  • Patterns / type of use

Preventing overheating in summer is a major factor in school design and CIBSE TM52 ‘Limits of Thermal Comfort: Avoiding Overheating’ is intended to correctly model schools. Good ventilation combined with an effective night cooling strategy is recommended, especially where appropriate building thermal mass is present, to maintain acceptable internal room temperatures during summer months.

The Classmaster heat recovery ventilation unit has been developed specifically for classrooms and along with all the VHR range of units now available from Dunham-Bush, fully complies with the very latest BB101 and BB93 guidelines. With nine chassis sizes and airflows ranging from 50 to 600l/s, Classmaster delivers the very highest standards of air quality to meet every classroom requirement.

Key features include a patented variable air mass flow heat exchanger, which maintains thermal efficiency at both 100% and 50% airflow levels by cleverly keeping turbulent velocity airflow across the heat exchanger. This is not possible with conventional heat exchangers, as airflow goes into a laminar flow with no exchange of thermal energy.

The unique configuration of low resistance heat exchangers, used in conjunction with 100,000 hour long life, low energy EC fans, delivers minimal sound levels and an impressive heat reclaim efficiency up to 89%.

In line with the latest BB101 guidance bulletin, Classmaster units have the option of ePM2.5 (F7) filters for inner city installations.

With a low profile height of only 300mm, Classmaster can be installed within a ceiling void or surface mounted. Space heating options are available across the complete range of Classmaster and VHR heat recovery and ventilation units, with a comprehensive range of frost and heating coils pre-installed in insulated casings and matched flanges to fit directly onto heat recovery units.

Versatile control options

The factory fitted Eco-Pro 3 controller offers a plug and play capability and is ideal where stand-alone control is required. Units can be activated either via volt free contact (VFC) from a time switch or BMS (enable / disable signal). The controller can   give fault outputs either to the Eco-Fault panel or BMS panel. Individually adjustable fan speeds on trickle and boost settings with frost protection, automatic summer by-pass and night time cooling options are included as standard. Fans switch automatically to boost speed when CO2 is detected.

The factory fitted Trend IQ422 Controllerm offers individual and adjustable fan speeds on trickle and boost settings in all modes of operation. Frost protection, automatic summer by-pass and night time cooling options are standard.

Full integration with BMS BAC net or Trend systems for energy management and monitoring is available with filter monitoring via built in PDF switches. Additional ultra-low energy summer trickle mode and a full space heating facility using a re-circulation damper and LPHW coil are included in the programming. Optional colour touch screen user fan controllers with built-in temperature and humidity sensors are also available.

The result of several years’ research and development, these innovative products offer a proven solution to the requirements of BB101: 2018. They will be available throughout the UK and Southern Ireland, via Dunham-Bush’s existing sales network.

Mike Holding, MD of Dunham-Bush, said the addition of these high efficiency ventilation products will complement their existing range of heat emitters and chillers and make a significant contribution to improving indoor air quality in classrooms by making full use of variable heat recovery.

For further information contact Dunham-Bush Ltd:
Tel: 023 9247 7700 Email: info@dunham-bush.co.uk
www.dunham-bush.co.uk
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Festool Tools helps design students build new hall on campus

Located in Hooke Park, Dorset, Wakeford Hall has been constructed by students as part of the Architectural Association School of Architecture’s Design and Make Programme. The project includes the construction of a brand new library, lecture theatre and reception facilities, all of which have been built using tools from leading power tool manufacturer, Festool. Once completed, Wakeford Hall will provide a beautiful working environment for both the students based at Hooke Park campus and the general public.

The six-year project, due to be completed in 2023, will see students of the Design and Make programme construct the entirety of Wakeford Hall, a 210sqm building within Hooke Park. Currently, the students are working on the library area, which will consist of an 85sqm ground floor and 40sqm mezzanine space. The students have carefully considered the surrounding forest area throughout the construction process to incorporate innovative uses of timber within their designs. Working together, the students adopted buildability through the use of models and prototypes of the structure, which assisted them in creating a beautiful library that can be used by the next generation of students to study at Hooke Park, as well as the general public.

The project is using an extensive range of Festool products on the site. Most recently the students have been using the circular saws to cut and shape the stack laminated wood that is being used for the structural frame of the library – the structure includes 14 interlocking glue-laminated timer frames, showcasing the students’ innovative approach to timer construction. Combining Festool’s circular saw with the guide rails have ensured that the students are producing precise quality cuts, repeatedly. With the spring-mounted guide wedge, preventing kickback, the Festool circular saws help minimize the risk of injury to the students – a key consideration for the project managers overseeing the students’ work.

Festool’s cordless drills are also being used on the Wakeford Hall project. The cordless drills enable the freedom of movement of battery powered tools with torque needed to drill into the wood effortlessly. Festool’s QUADRIVE cordless percussion drill in particular has been proved to be popular enabling the team to drill long timber screws easily, guaranteeing the stability of the structure.

Project Manager at Wakeford Hall, Jack Draper, said: “Festool’s tools have been a huge assistance to us on site. The students have been able to create cuts and finishes that would have been far more difficult to achieve with alternative products. The guide rail has enabled us to achieve pin-point accuracy with cuts, and the long battery life of the cordless products has allowed the team to work on site for longer, without the need to constantly recharging or replacing the battery packs.

“Festool’s SYSTAINER T-LOC system has been another major benefit to us. Working in a forest means that all of our tools have to be packed away at the end of each day and brought back onto site the following day. This can be a lengthy process, however the SYSTAINER T-LOC enables us to connect multiple tools together and transport them easily to and from the workshop. We could not be happier with the functionality of the Festool system and the work that it has enabled us to achieve at Wakeford Hall so far.”

The Wakeford Hall project has been divided into phases – each year, the new Masters-level students on the Design and Build programme complete a new phase of the build. So far, Phase 0 (the prototype and development stage) and Phase 1 (planning and constructing the library structural frame) have been completed. The students are now in Phase 2, the development of the library structure and construction of its external envelope.

To date, 19 Design and Build students have taken part in the project, along with a further 68 from the Architectural Association’s Summerbuild programme, an intensive course for architecture, design and engineering students and young professionals looking for hands-on experience.

FESTOOL

Philipp Glaser, Marketing Manager at Festool said: “We are thrilled to have been able to assist in the creation of Wakeford Hall and be a part of the education of the next generation of architects and builders. The Festool system has been designed for improved usability and fantastic results – the work completed by the students so far has showcased this.”

Hooke Park is a 130 hectare working forest, which was acquired by the Architectural Association in 2002. In 2010, the Design and Make programme for Masters students was created, with the aim of providing hands-on experience for those interested in architecture – with a focus on the innovative use of timber within construction.

To find out more about Festool and its range of products please visit: www.festool.co.uk
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EQUITONE specified for Scottish School sports pavilion

EQUITONE [linea] fibre cement facade material has created a durable, low maintenance exterior for a brand new sports pavilion in Edinburgh.

The facility at St George’s School for Girls – the city’s only all-girls’ schools – has been given a crisp aesthetic by the EQUITONE facade, which displays a linear surface that highlights the raw inner texture of the core fibre cement material.

The new build facility was designed by local architects DRD Architects and is one of the first projects in Scotland to use EQUITONE [linea] in this scale.

Joanna Smith, architect at DRD Architects, said: “Due to the buildings location beside sports pitches, we wanted a high-quality material that was durable and able to withstand all weathers. The school was also very keen on a finish on the building that was as low-maintenance as possible.

“These factors led to us choosing EQUITONE for the facade, and we chose EQUITONE [linea] as we particularly liked the way we could create light and shadow on the facade by rotating the boards in different orientations, allowing the texture of each one to create different light patterns.”

The project used approximately 340m2 of EQUITONE [linea], and incorporates new changing facilities, ancillary accommodation, and a multi-function meeting and conference facility.

EQUITONE

Joanna added: “The overall look of the facade is very uniform and precise, yet the patterns the boards form when the light shines on them make each elevation look different and visually interesting.

“The quality of the material is high and it looks great on the building. Overall, we think the look of the material has been successful and its durability will also bring a key added benefit.”

EQUITONE [linea] is a unique 3D shaped, through-coloured facade material that plays with light and shadow and has a life expectancy of at least 50 years and a fire classification of A2-s1, d0. All EQUITONE materials are available in a range of colours, finishes and fixing options, giving full creative scope.

For more information on EQUITONE facade materials, visit www.equitone.com/en-gb.
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College Avenue: Setting the standard for Student Accommodation

Queens University Belfast’s (QUB) brand-new student accommodation at College Avenue, beautifully brings together a suite of multi-functional systems from architectural aluminium systems’ company, Metal Technology.

With an overall project value of £35,000,000, the state-of-the-art student accommodation brings together effective space optimisation and practical design to create a safe space for students in a central Belfast location with a range of purpose-built areas to facilitate a balanced approach to study, health and wellbeing.

Spanning 11 floors and an impressive 240,000ft2 the accommodation features Metal Technology’s System 17 high rise curtain walling on all facades in combination with System 5-35Hi+ turn only windows, System 23 louvres and System 5-20D Hi+ doors . These purpose designed louvres have been tested to BS6180 for guarding providing a safe environment even when the full height windows are fully opened.   Key considerations when choosing these products included practicality, safety, acoustics and thermal performance throughout the building.

Internally, the building features 747 student accommodation units, a gymnasium, study spaces, refreshment and recreational areas as well as dedicated IT suits.

All Metal Technology systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Used individually or together, they offer complete design flexibility for creative aesthetics with the assurance of value engineered structural, weather and security performance.

For more information visit www.metaltechnology.com

 

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Able Canopies creates bespoke shelter for University transport hub

As part of a £5 million infrastructure development for Bournemouth University, a new bus hub has been built to offer bus passengers a high-quality purpose-built facility for their journeys to and from the Talbot campus. Together with Atkins architects, Able Canopies designed and erected two bespoke canopies providing shelter for the hub and incorporating transparent photovoltaic glass technology into an attractive, practical and modern design.

Bournemouth University was looking to build a large capacity bus hub aimed at improving the quality of its bus service by providing bus users with central and convenient access to the Bournemouth’s Talbot Campus, improved sense of arrival and allowing for future growth in bus use.

Construction company Mildren Construction was selected to deliver this project and awarded the detailed design and build of the bus hub canopy to Able Canopies, who created a bespoke solution that built on the merits of one of its bestselling products.

Josh Foord, Technical Sales Manager at Able Canopies was involved heavily with the specification process. On the design he commented: “The shelter had to complement the design concept of the bus hub and had to deliver on the University’s sustainability goals by utilising transparent photovoltaic glass technology to increase on-site energy generation capacity. A bespoke solution based on our stylish Kensington system allowed us to meet those needs and build in effective drainage, seating and under canopy wind protection.”

Able Canopies’ successful Dual-Pitch free standing Kensington was an ideal solution, allowing for the easy incorporation of the additional elements required by the site. Two Kensington canopies were created, measuring approximately 22 by 5 metres each, from a powder coated and hot dip galvanised steel frame and ten-millimetre thick toughened glass panels, alongside the solar glass inserts. With its robust steel frame, the structure is able to withstand all weather conditions. The Kensington system is able to withstand wind downforce of 0.46kN/sqm and a uniform snow load of 0.6kN/sqm .

The canopies’ unique styling provides a strong aesthetic statement with an incline from three metres in height in the middle of the hub to four meters at the hub’s ends. Bespoke rounded glass end panels were also fitted to each end of the hub to create a stylish finish. Having previously used the Kensington on installations where solar power was required, the Able Canopies team knew that solar integration would be possible, as requested by the Bournemouth University specification.

Throughout this process Able Canopies worked closely with the solar glass provider and with some minor alterations to the system the panels were able to fit perfectly into the Kensington roof.

Another key consideration was how the solar panel cables were going to be concealed but easily accessed for maintenance at a later date. To achieve this, access panels were installed in the two support posts at the taller end of each canopy. One post carries the DC cables from the solar panels and the other carries the AC cables for the lighting. The two posts at the other end of each canopy were designed to be integral rain water pipes which disperse all water from the roof into a drainage connection below the paving.

Josh continued, “The result was a standout look for a practical transport hub, providing effective weather protection and a long term pay back via renewable energy generation. The project demonstrates the opportunities available to organisations to maximise the use of roof panels and turn what could be seen as dead space into an added value shelter with renewable energy generation.”

Marcin Grabowski, Programme Manager at Bournemouth University Estates commented: “I think it was a great idea to change the originally proposed bespoke canopy with timber roof to a product based on an established system that not only looks great but will provide continuous return both in terms of carbon and capital expenditure. The power generating canopy is just one example of how the Bournemouth University is investing to reduce its environmental impact and it is expected to save up to 8 tons of CO2 per year, contributing to Bournemouth University’s carbon reduction target of 40% by 2020/21. Overall, we have enjoyed working with Able Canopies and are looking forward to more future ventures involving new, green technologies’’.

With a life expectancy of up to 25 years, dependant on finish, Able Canopies’ Kensington Dual-Pitch is ideal for a range of applications within the education and leisure industry, providing shelter for outdoor education, dining, car parks and waiting areas. With the addition of solar panelling, a Kensington can create a safe and comfortable space with an ecological outlook – allowing for the generation of renewable energy for use in and around the canopy.

For more information on the Kensington Dual Pitch and other Able Canopies systems, please visit www.ablecanopies.co.uk/canopies/.

 

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Heat recovery units from Air Vent Technology

Models from Air Vent Technology’s extensive range of heat recovery units are particularly suited for installation into schools, ensuring that buildings are properly ventilated, whilst keeping heat loss during the winter months to a minimum.

The new range of Infinity® low profile heat recovery units are available in 10 standard sizes with airflow up to 4.33 m3 /sec. Options are side, or bottom access, a stacked arrangement if desired, and for internal or external installation.

Units are available with either an EHB or LPHW heater battery, and are only some of AVT’s extensive range of ventilation products (air handling – heat recovery – energy efficient with EC motors – cabinet and twin fans and emergency smoke extract units).

For further information please contact Email: Sales@airventtechnology.co.uk Web: www.airventtechnology.co.uk

 

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Klober Permo® air gets public sector performance recognition

Klober has received a significant boost for its market-leading low resistance air-open underlay Permo® air with certification by Local Authority Building Control (LABC) for its Registered Details scheme.

LABC, which represents all building control teams in England and Wales, ensures that buildings are safe, healthy, inclusive and efficient, and meet the standards set by the Building Regulations. Its Registered Details scheme is a one-off certification process that proves compliance with Building Regulations and Standards across England, Wales and Scotland

In the past, variable performance of vapour permeable underlays led to the NHBC and BSI deciding that only air-open membranes could be used without supporting high level ventilation.

Designed to meet this requirement and prevent condensation forming in the roofspace, Klober Permo® air offers an exceptional level of breathability. It has a water vapour transmission sd-Value of 0.009m and a water vapour resistance confirmed to be as low as 0.045 MNs/g. As a result, it has been specified for roofing upgrades of many high profile and historic buildings.

For new builds, particularly those with complex roof designs, underlay performance is put under greatest strain during the critical drying out period. Permo® air’s use on both cold and warm roof installations avoids the additional cost of supporting ventilation and offers the additional benefit of having been tested for wind uplift resistance by the BRE. It found the membrane to be suitable for use up to Zone 5 on the BS 5534:2014 + A2:2018 wind zone map (with laps taped or battened in zones 4 and 5).

BBA and IAB approved, Permo® air not only avoids the additional cost of supporting ventilation, but also interruptions in the roofline caused by traditional tile or slate vents. Being manufactured from polypropylene, it is also fully recyclable.

Commenting on the certification Graham Copson, Product Systems Manager – Components, said: “Certification from LABC for its Registered Details scheme is great news for Klober. Registering Permo® air with LABC increases industry confidence in this already popular product and it helps ensure acceptance by all local authorities across the country.”

To find out more about Permo® air, visit: http://klober.co.uk/shop/category/air-open-underlay
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