Hot Water Heating Continuous Flow Systems shows dramatic savings – says independent report

A recent independent report emphatically concluded that continuous flow water heating systems have a clear advantage in terms of initial capital costs as well as life cycle costs over 20 years, when compared with traditional stored hot water systems*.

The study** shows that continuous flow water heating systems can be up to 7% more economical than equivalent ‘traditional’ stored hot water systems but that capital costs can be 41% less than indirect systems and a whopping 49% less than direct systems.

“In terms of maintenance you need to be realistic and not theoretical,” says Rinnai managing director Tony Gittings. “If a site has direct or an indirect system then it has to effectively shut down for maintenance. There’s no way around this problem. Not so with Rinnai continuous flow units as we cascade them together so that the demand for hot water can be met without closing down the whole site.”

AECOM, the world’s biggest building services consultants, was commissioned to carry out a totally independent life cycle study on continuous flow water heating systems, and to provide a comparison with conventional storage systems. Two case studies were provided on projects using continuous flow water heating systems.

AECOM then determined an equivalent storage based system for each case study and compared operational and capital costs.

For the life cycle comparison, the analysis period was 20 years, based on the expected service life. The net present value (NPV) calculation is based on a discount rate of 3.5% (The GREEN BOOK – HM Treasury), an inflation rate of 2% for servicing costs and projected retail fuel costs from DECC1.

In both case studies the continuous flow system showed a clear advantage in terms of initial capital costs, as well as life cycle costs over 20 years, with the continuous flow system consistently lower in energy use than the two storage systems.

Case study 1

This was a system for a typical, small, pre-fabricated fast food restaurant. It is assumed the system only serves the hot water demand.

The life cycle analysis includes the initial capital costs, projected annual fuel costs, and estimated annual servicing costs which are assumed to increase by 2% each year. The annual fuel cost assumes the same daily fuel consumption over the whole year.

The servicing cost is based on £130/year per boiler, and £160/year for a boiler and cylinder. The resulting net present values of the three showed that the continuous flow system is 6 – 7% lower than the two storage systems based on that 20-year analysis period.

Case study 2

This was a system for a shower block in a holiday camp, with six showers and four basin taps.

For the continuous flow option, the analysis is based on a configuration of 4 continuous flow water heaters that each have a nominal output of 48 kW, which, for this particular application, because there is a very short run of pipe work between the water heaters and the fixtures, it is possible for the water heaters to generate water at 40°C. The risk of legionella is overcome by the regular turnover of the system.

For the energy required to deal with the instantaneous hot water demand the analysis assumes that the bulk of the hot water demand would be due to the showers. Each shower would typically have a flow rate of around 9 litres per minute, which if mixed to 40ºC would equate to an instantaneous load of around 19 kW each, so even if there was only one shower running, the load on a single continuous flow water heater would equate to an efficiency of 95% based on the performance curve. As the hot water demand increases, the modular nature of this particular configuration would allow the 95% efficiency to be maintained for the bulk of the demand.

The difference in daily fuel costs between the three systems is around 7%. The usage profile for this case study is particularly suited to continuous flow systems (i.e. high but infrequent demand over the day), which is why there is an advantage in fuel consumption over the storage systems.

Systems employed in the study

* Indirect fired storage systems

This consists of separate heat source and storage cylinders, where for this study the heat source will be gas fired boilers running on 80ºC flow and 60ºC return with gross efficiency of 89%. As the hot water is stored at 60ºC in insulated cylinders there will be standing heat losses. The standby electricity is assumed to be 15W per boiler, and 60W when operating to cover fan and controls.

Direct fired storage systems

This is where the hot water storage cylinder has an integral gas burner to directly heat the water, and the key difference with indirect fired storage systems is that they are designed to operate in condensing mode and generally achieve gross efficiency up to 96%. A disadvantage of direct fired storage systems is that the standing losses are around 3 times higher than indirect storage cylinders.

Continuous flow systems

This is essentially a gas boiler that is designed to instantaneously heat mains water for supply directly to water fixtures without any storage. The key advantages with this type of hot water heating, is firstly saving in space needed for hot water cylinders and the associated standing heat losses. The challenge is that instantaneous hot water demand can vary hugely for most systems and therefore the continuous flow heating system needs to have a wide modulation range as well as maintaining efficiency over that range.

For more information on the RINNAI product range of high efficiency condensing continuous flow hot water heating units and systems visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Shape and form with Forbo’s new Allura collection

Forbo has refreshed its popular Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) collection, Allura, in response to the growing trend for combining shapes, sizes and colours to create contemporary floor spaces,. By playing with scale, direction and combinations across the range, the manufacturer has introduced new shapes and sizes to the market, alongside innovative digital print options.

The Allura collection now includes new large scale 180 x 32cm giant oak planks and 1m x 1m tiles, as well as small 50 x 15cm planks. The new XXL plank sizes have been designed to help achieve the illusion of larger and lighter areas in buildings where space is limited, and can be used to create more spacious and social interiors whilst emulating the Scandinavian design trend for a neutral feel and finish. The smaller planks can be used creatively in smaller areas or within the body of more traditional floor designs. A new Hungarian Point plank, cut on a 45-degree angle allows realistic herringbone and chevron designs to be created with ease.

Part of Forbo’s largest wood offer to date, there are also exciting new contemporary solids and more planks than ever before, with in-register embossing to bring designs to life. For a fresh approach to stone, the new marble options bring a soft, natural angular flow to a timeless floor design.

“Allura is 100% phthalate free, REACH compliant and produced in Europe with low emission levels“, says Julie Dempster, Marketing Manager at Forbo. “The excellent dimensional stability ensures safe and hygienic floors, as dirt isn’t trapped in the seams; and the superior embossed lacquering system guarantees long lasting appearance retention and improves the resistance to stains and scratches. Our customers will also find natural stress-reducing designs and high LRVs in the collection. These are just some of the many ways in which Allura can help to create better indoor and outdoor environments.”

For more information please telephone 0844 822 3928, email info.flooring.uk@forbo.com or visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/allura.
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Engineering innovation gives glass balustrades more view, but less posts

A new look in glass-walled balconies is coming this Spring, with the release of a leading-edge system designed by Surrey balustrade specialists Balconette.

The new system is called HYBRID®. It creates a new category of balustrade, to sit in between the traditional alternatives of post-supported and structural frameless glass. HYBRID® balustrades offer the open views of frameless glass at the cost and convenience of the older post-supported styles.

The HYBRID® category enables wide runs of glass with no, or few, vertical posts. Its ease of installation and lower cost bring the very high-end look into range for many projects for the first time.

“People buy a glass balcony to enjoy the view, not look at a row of metal posts. Fully frameless glass gives great views, but is expensive and requires complex structural fittings” says Balconette’s CEO Effi Wolff. “The HYBRID® category offers the uninterrupted views of structural glass but at around half the cost”.

The innovative engineering design at the heart of HYBRID® uses invisible bracing within an elegant self-supporting handrail, which achieves excellent structural integrity. The design of the rail means few vertical supports are required – often none at all.

Up to 4-metre glass runs are now possible without vertical supports – and where the balcony turns a corner or is curved the postless spans can be even longer. A three-sided balustrade square can have 12 metres without posts. In place of the extensive footings usually required for structural glass, HYBRID® balustrades use slim surface-mounting which is easy for builders and even DIYers to install.

“We went back to the drawing-board to solve some long-standing problems with balustrade design” continued Balconette’s CEO and designer Effi Wolff. “The HYBRID® category makes wide, open glass balustrades possible at a cost similar to old systems requiring a metal post every metre.

“Builders & developers tell us they love the ease of installation, and architects say it gives them a practical alternative to structural glass, with the same clean lines. Homeowners are effectively getting the most expensive style at half price.

Handrails for the HYBRID® system come in two styles: Orbit and Aerofoil. The Orbit handrail has a circular profile and allows for up to 3.3m runs without posts when attached either side to a wall or structural element. The Aerofoil handrail provides the longest post-free spans of up to 4m without posts. Both systems include panels of 10mm toughened glass, which can be produced in a variety of tint options including the standard clear, and customised blue, grey, bronze, green, and satinised (opaque).

For more information and downloadable images, go to www.hybrid.balconette.co.uk/press
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Asia’s first vertical forest will be completed in 2018

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Nanjing Green Towers, promoted by Nanjing Yang Zi State-owned National Investment Group Co.ltd, will be the first Vertical Forest built in Asia.

Located in the Nanjing Pukou District (an area destined to lead the modernization of southern Jiangsu and the development of the Yangtze River economic area), the two towers are characterized by the interchange of green tanks and balconies, following the prototype of Milan’s Vertical Forest.

Along the facades, 600 tall trees, 500 medium-sized trees (for a total amount of 1,100 trees from 23 local species) and 2,500 cascading plants and shrubs will cover a 6,000 Sqm area. A real vertical forest, contributing to regenerate local biodiversity, that will provide a 25 tons of CO2 absorption each year and will produce about 60 kg of Oxygen per day.

The taller tower, 200 metres high, crowned on the top by a green lantern, will host offices – from the 8th floor to the 35th – and it will include a museum, a green architecture school and a private club on the rooftop. The second tower, 108 metres high, will provide a Hyatt hotel with 247 room of different sizes (from 35 sqm to 150 sqm) and a swimming pool on the rooftop. The 20 metres high podium, will  host commercial, recreational and educative functions, including multi-brands shops,a food market, restaurants, conference hall and exhibition spaces.

Nanjiing Vertical Forest project, which is scheduled to be finished in 2018, is the third prototype, after Milan and Lausanne, of a project about urban forestation and demineralisation that Stefano Boeri Architects will develop all over the world and in particular in other Chinese cities such as Shijiazhuang, Liuzhou, Guizhou, Shanghai and Chongqing.

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Intratone launches new products with pre-paid 3G communications

Intratone, one of Europe’s largest access control specialists, has launched Intracall, a new one-way intercom system that includes a pre-paid, 3G communications module with 15 years of unlimited audio communications.

The system, which is easy to install and can operate seven pre-set phone numbers (each allocated to a different time), overcomes one of the major headaches of existing systems that are ‘pay as you go’ as Nicolas Gaine, Export Sales Manager at Intratone, explains: “The problem with systems using 3G and SIM cards is what happens once the credit has expired,” he says, “and who is responsible for meeting the ongoing cost.

“In developing Intracall, we have removed this problem completely by providing a pre-paid SIM that lasts for 15 years. Not only does this remove the risk of a new system becoming redundant through lack of funds, but it also brings more certainty and visibility to pricing and future running costs.”

Ideally suited for multi-use and 24/7 premises including car parks, commercial businesses and hospitals, Intracall includes the option to integrate a remote analogue PAL camera to enable operators to both hear and ‘see’ their visitors. The system itself is also easy to use; a single button dials one of the seven pre-programmed phone numbers, depending on the time of day and the operators’ specific settings.

In addition to Intracall, Intratone has also launched a new coded keypad that is ideal for gate automation and access control professionals. The new keypad comes in an INTRABOX package that includes the coded keypad and a GPRS data module with an integrated RF receiver.

“Code management for many installers and property managers can be a challenge,” Nicolas continues. “A code’s life expectancy is short and needs to be regularly changed as a large number of people can know the code.”

“Changing a code often requires lengthy trips to sites, which are inefficient and expensive for installers. Intratone’s new coded keypad solves this by being web-based, so the code can be changed remotely and at any time. Time profiles can be added to the codes, ensuring operators can keep them secret for longer, while it also comes with ten years of pre-paid data to pay for the 3G web-based communications.”

For more information please visit www.intratone.com.

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Domus Ventilation MVHR wall units now with Bluebrain control

Following the launch of its ceiling/void mounted HRX-aQ Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) appliances with intelligent air management, Domus Ventilation, part of Polypipe, has introduced this same advanced ‘Bluebrain’ control to its wall mounted MVHR units.

The new Domus HRX-D and HRX-2D wall mounted MVHR units intelligently match ventilation rates to the internal environment and occupants’ requirements, for maximum homeowner comfort. This is achieved through advanced AMIE (Air Management for Indoor Environments) technology including features such as digital humidity control, automated summer bypass and accurate system balancing.

By accurately measuring air humidity, the HRX-D’s extract speed automatically changes from background to boost as the level of humidity increases, thereby providing optimal ventilation performance. The thermal (summer) bypass feature operates in a similar manor, automatically activating when the air temperature reaches a pre-set level, allowing in cooler, fresh, filtered air, instead of distributing air which has been warmed from the waste energy extracted from the kitchen and wet rooms.

For the homeowner, a key benefit is that these features can be easily programmed by them based on time and temperature. This flexibility enables all comfort levels to be catered for, regardless of the type of property and its construction.

At the heart of this intelligent air management is Domus Ventilation’s compact Bluebrain control, which also provides homeowners with helpful maintenance reminders for cleaning and replacing filters to ensure performance of the unit is maximised and air quality maintained.

As with Domus Ventilation’s previous MVHR ranges, the new HRX-D remains extremely efficient. When used with a kitchen and one wet room, at typical installation, the HRX-D provides an 88% heat exchange performance and boasts a very low Specific Fan Power down to 0.66W/(l/s). It is also exceptionally quiet, with background (normal) ventilation at 24dB(A) (typically whisper quiet).

The HRX-D has been designed to work most efficiently when used with Domus duct systems, including its new Flow Control Plenum and High Efficiency Green Line Bends, which reduce duct bend resistance by up to 60%. Domus duct systems offer improved system performance through the exacting tolerances and engineered fit of the system, whereby pressure drops are minimised and air leakage virtually eliminated.

Sitting alongside the ceiling/void mounted HRX-aQ unit, the HRX-D has been designed for installation smaller properties, whilst the HRX-2D for larger houses. They are suitable for installation in a cupboard, utility room or loft.

Domus Ventilation has a well deserved reputation for quality, supported by excellent technical support, from a market leading manufacturer and designer. It is well placed to offer immediate, practical solutions to Building Regulations Parts F & L. The company continues to provide differentiated solutions in the private and social housing sectors, transforming the way developers, specifiers, installers, home owners and distributors meet emerging environmental standards.

For further information on the Domus Ventilation HRX MVHR appliances, please go to www.bluebrain.co.uk or call on 03443 715523.
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Marley Eternit launches game changing new Universal Dry Verge

Marley Eternit has launched a ground-breaking new Dry Verge system that will make it quicker and easier for contractors and housebuilders to fit to NHBC and British Standards, whilst offering outstanding performance and durability.

Unlike anything else on the market, the new Universal Dry Verge is compatible with all three major interlocking tile types – large standard, medium format (15” by 9”) and large format thin leading edge, as well as Marley Eternit’s own Lincoln clay interlocking pantile.

This means contractors only need to buy and carry one type of dry verge for use with the majority of manufacturers’ interlocking tiles and merchants can consolidate their stock holding with just one system instead of multiple versions.

Marley Eternit’s new system has also been designed to be much easier to fit than existing dry verge products. Developed in conjunction with roofing contractors, it includes a quick starter-verge fixing that can be installed even if the gutter is already in place. This provides an easy-to-install, robust method of securing the first verge unit – providing subtle, yet visible evidence to housebuilders and the NHBC of a correct and secure fix.

Gavin White, technical product manager from Marley Eternit, explains: “The decline in mortar use means the dry verge market is huge, with many products to choose from. Some of these are limited in compatibility and also value engineered to make them more affordable, which inevitably has implications on the performance and durability of the systems. At the same time, the correct and secure fixing of dry verge systems is coming under greater scrutiny, particularly by warranty providers such as the NHBC.

“We were the first manufacturer to launch an interlocking dry verge system back in the 1980s and our original Dry Verge was a revolutionary product. As such, we wanted to use our expertise to design a brand new Universal Dry Verge system that takes the best from the original version, with its renowned aesthetics and quality, and builds on it to make it even easier to fit to BS 5534 and NHBC standards, with the greatest compatibility of anything currently on the market.”

While many dry verge products are sold as being universal, to date, none have been compatible with all three main interlocking tile types. Marley Eternit’s new Universal Dry Verge has been designed with a unique internal rail system and leading edge hinge, so it can be used with the majority of popular interlocking tile types from most manufacturers. This saves roofers the hassle of buying and carrying different verges and enables merchants to keep just one verge unit in stock that is compatible with many tiles, saving cost and space.

In addition, the new Universal Dry Verge is made from an extremely durable form of polypropylene, which has outstanding weather resistance – particularly to freeze/thaw cycles and UV degradation. It includes unique drainage features which help correctly channel rain water to prevent gable end staining – a common problem for some verge systems that do not incorporate this functionality. This means specifiers and installers get a product that gives peace of mind in terms of product longevity and no call backs.

For more information about the new Universal Dry Verge, go to www.marleyeternit.co.uk/universaldryverge.
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Stone Show outing for Ceralsio and CRL Quartz

CRL Stone will be unveiling its new ranges of quartz and porcelain surfaces at The Natural Stone Show.

Fabricators, architects, designers, developers and retailers visiting the three-day show, held at London’s Excel, can visit Stand AA1 to see the new collections and to learn about the many advantages that quartz and porcelain offer on all types of applications.

Drawing on its 20 years’ experience in the stone industry, CRL Stone offers more than 60 colours and finishes of porcelain and quartz surfaces. CRL Quartz is a highly durable engineered quartz stone, available in 32 colours, with a polished finish and in thicknesses of 20mm and 30mm. The extra-large slabs measure up to 3200 x 1650mm. Enabling designers and architects to respond to interior trends while meeting the demands of modern living, CRL Quartz is non-porous, stain, scratch, heat and shock resistant.

Ceralsio porcelain is a beautiful, hard-wearing and versatile range, available in 27 colours and three thicknesses – 12mm for a slim worktop, 10mm for floor tiling and 6mm for wall cladding. With its many benefits including a strong resistance to wear and tear, scratch, stain and ultra-violet, Ceralsio is suitable for interior and exterior use.

A highlight of the CRL Stone will be large displays of Ceralsio in the versatile Calacatta Gris with a Polished finish, that emulate the beauty of real marble, Rio Marron and Marquina, as well as CRL Quartz Colorado, White Water and Mystic Grey will also draw the eye.

See CRL Stone on Stand AA1 at The Natural Stone Show, from 25 to 27 April at Excel London.

For more information please call 0800 0421 6144 or visit www.crlstone.co.uk.
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Cembrit continues to expand its slates sales team

Image: Justin Ranstead, UK Sales Manager (left) and Simon Porter, Regional Sales Manager Fibre Cement and Natural Slates (right)

Cembrit, the leading roofing and cladding specialist, has announced two further additions to its UK sales force. Justin Ransted and Simon Porter have joined the pitched roof sales team to drive sales of natural and fibre cement slates in UK and South East England respectively.

Justin Ransted joins Cembrit UK as UK Sales Manager. With over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry, Justin brings with him a wealth of knowledge. He joins the company following roles at Icopal, Triton, Sika Ltd, Acheson & Glover Ltd and Hanson UK. As part of the sales team in all these roles, he was responsible for selling building products to contractors, property developers and self-builders.

“I am delighted to be joining Cembrit UK and relishing the challenge of leading the sales team to a successful 2017 and beyond,” comments Justin. “The company manufactures a broad range of innovative pitched roofing solutions and has a reputation for delivering reliable products in the market. The skills and knowledge I have developed in my previous roles will equip me to grow Cembrit sales across the country.”

Simon Porter is taking on the role of Regional Sales Manager and will be centered at Cembrit’s Reading office. Simon draws on over 15 years of construction industry experience, including three years with Monier Redland, and over ten years with Wavin UK. With wide-ranging industry contacts and knowledge, Simon is in an excellent position to grow Cembrit’s presence in the South East area.

“Cembrit manufactures high quality products and has a great customer service philosophy, so I was very keen to take up the opportunity of joining the company,” says Simon. “The company has enjoyed an impressive period of growth recently, and I look forward to contributing to the future success of the business.”

For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email sales@cembrit.co.uk or tel: 0208 320 1184.
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Titon Sonairs bring the sound of silence to Kingstone Grange

575 Sonair acoustic (sound attenuating) filtered air supply units from Titon have been installed across an array of properties at Kingstone Grange in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Previously the site of Kingstone School, the new development consists of 115 three and four-bedroom townhouses, semi-detached and detached homes. The Titon products were fitted by Doncaster-based contractors South Electrical, adhering to the specification provided by Taylor Wimpey.

Richard South, Managing Director at South Electrical, said: “Titon’s Sonair is compact and easy to install, while it adheres to necessary building and sound attenuation requirements. The units have been designed to let air into a property for ventilation while shielding occupants from unwanted outside noise. This means no unwanted noise from the road outside can be heard inside the houses.”

Commenting on how the products came to be specified, Mark Lyon, Senior Commercial Manager at Taylor Wimpey, added: “We have fitted Titon ventilation units on other developments previously, with no issues. For the Kingstone project, we opted for the Sonair products as they met all the requirements outlined in the noise impact assessment, which took into account the level of traffic noise, as well as ambient sound from other nearby sources. The mechanical input ventilators also ensure the properties comply with the indoor ambient noise levels as recommended in BS 8233 (Residential).”

Sonair is a low energy, wall-mounted input fan featuring touch control with an LCD display. It has been designed for use in buildings where noise or air pollution presents a problem. The units are mechanical input ventilators that can also provide background ventilation as an alternative to trickle vents. Independently tested by the BRE, Sonair offers exceptional sound attenuation up to 56dB, while units are effective in reducing pollutants in the home and improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), reducing the risk of Toxic Home Syndrome.

 

All Sonair acoustic ventilation units come with a G3 filter as standard, which captures 50‐70% of particles larger than 10μm under normal dust load conditions. If dust loads are moderate to high, the optional F6 filter captures 99% of all dust particles including pollen, spores, cement dust and excreta of the house dust mite – making it ideal for occupants with allergies or asthma.

Kingstone Grange is located in the heart of Yorkshire, just a few minutes from the centre of Barnsley. The development has been designed with a mix of properties from two to four bedrooms to suit all needs.

For more information about Titon, please visit: www.titon.co.uk.
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