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Report shows surge in energy efficiency projects

A surge in the number of energy efficiency projects commissioned has been reported in the latest UK Energy Efficiency Trends report published by EEVS energy analysts and Bloomberg New Energy Finance today.

Over 80% of those responding to the survey confirmed they had authorised new programmes in Q3 of 2015. This is the highest proportion of new projects recorded in a single quarter since the survey began in 2012. It also shows a significant uptick in commissioning, exceeding the long term trend of 70%.

Consumer technologies

Of the technologies being used, lighting continues to outperform other energy saving technologies (Figure 11, below). The specification and use of lighting controls grew, with a noticeable increase during Q3. Boiler controls also experienced growth, perhaps due to seasonal influences, as did projects that included efficiency measures to a building’s fabric. There was a fall in the number of measures specified for heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.

Click here to download this graph: EET Jan 2016 Figure 11

Consumer finance

Survey responses showed that the capital cost profile of energy efficiency projects remained volatile. Q3 saw a strong volume of smaller scale projects (up to £50k) and large projects (over £500k), but the core mid-range (£50 – 500k) was down, accounting for only one in five projects.

Financing arrangements remained stable, but a trend that has emerged throughout 2015 has been the use of combination funding (a mix of in-house and external finance).

Financial payback periods returned to the long term trend of between three and four years, driven by a growth in longer five to 10-year payback projects.

Supplier landscape

Energy efficiency suppliers reporting rising national orders dropped to an all-time low in Q3, whilst overseas orders picked up for 28% of respondents. Supplier demand however remained the biggest single sectoral concern at 31%. When combined, however, 35% of suppliers were concerned about government impacts on performance, with regulation (14%) and subsidy/policy uncertainty (21%).

Corroborating these findings, Jason Thackray, Head of Energy Services at Bellrock FM, said: “In the last six months there has been significantly more interest in energy reduction technologies across the supply chain. This is a really encouraging sign that organisations are focusing on energy and therefore carbon reduction. Bellrock works closely with the supply chain to ensure our clients get the best possible return on investment.”

David Lewis, marketing manager, energy efficiency, Schneider Electric said “It is clear from this report that uncertainty around subsidies and policies exists and this remains a key challenge for the energy efficiency industry. More than this, however, it supports the argument for greater education of existing personnel within organisations, and improved optimisation of existing energy assets, alongside capital investment in technologies and services. In order to successfully fuel continued growth in energy efficiency projects, suppliers must enable greater use of information across their products and services, ensuring that businesses are equipped to make better decisions of an investment or operational nature when it comes to energy consumption.”

Commenting on the findings, Ian Jeffries, Head of Performance Management at EEVS, said “This set of quarterly market results points to something of a ‘a tale of two sectors’.

“On the one hand we have bullish consumers reporting an upbeat set of results and, in particular, an 82% commissioning rate for new energy saving products and services.”

“On the other hand, this buoyancy has not trickled down to our supplier respondents that posted a largely downbeat set of results driven by flat domestic sales and continued concerns over future demand, alongside what is increasingly felt to be an unsupportive policy and regulatory landscape.”

“Taken together – and bearing in mind the wider macro-economic picture and major global uncertainties that will also influence respondents – it is clear that there is a raft of business uncertainties to deal with. Now could be a good time to be on the consumer side of the tracks.”

Of the consumer opportunity, Michael Rudd, co-head of the International Energy Management Team at Bird & Bird LLP, said “The private sector in the UK is pioneering the delivery of energy management solutions. Funders are creating multiple, increasingly sophisticated funding products – there is good, available money in the energy efficiency space. Together with progress in creating bankable project income streams, bespoke insurance products and commoditisation of contractual documents, we are creating a very accessible energy management industry.”

Compiled from the results of a confidential, quarterly industry survey, the UK Energy Efficiency Trends Report clearly evidences industry trends and has become one of the sector’s leading sources of market intelligence. The report covers both energy suppliers and consumers, providing differentiated results for each market sector.

The report is delivered by a research partnership between EEVS and Bloomberg New Energy Finance, and supported by Bird & Bird, Bellrock and Schneider Electric.

Download the full report here.

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Rinnai + Renewables = boosted DHW efficiency and legionella compliance

According to Chris Goggin – associate director of Rinnai UK – renewables technology paired with a continuous flow hot water heating unit can affect major efficiencies in domestic hot water provision.

We need to find ways of using current renewables technology, be it solar thermal, solar PV or heat pump technology, in a practical manner maximised by traditional fuel sources. One of the most ecological and economical methods is to design a system with primary renewable sources and supported by secondary sources such as continuous flow hot water heating.

There has been pioneering products in this category – this includes solar thermal store of hot water and both flat plate and evacuated tube collectors, each with specific benefits to suit the differing design aspects and building envelope needs. Either option will provide years of low-maintenance, low-cost energy for heating water during the summer months – and beyond.

Water heated by the solar panels is stored and technologically this is unlikely to come up to a workable temperature all year round, so the boosting of the pre-heated water to the required temperature by a secondary heat source will be a requirement. With this system it will guarantee maximum solar gain whilst optimizing gas input.

In this scenario a continuous flow water heater can be utilised as the secondary heat source to give the solar heated water the required boost.

These are hot water heating products which are intelligent, fully modulating units, giving an output range from 56kW down to 2.27kW, and only use as much gas as is needed to bring the required volume of water to temperature. For example, if the solar panel array can only achieve a temperature of 40°C within the stored water instead of the required 60°C, and there is a demand on the system of 15 litres a minute, the fully modulating intelligent Rinnai unit will increase the temperature by the required 20°C (±1°C) whilst only using the required 21kW. If the demand drops to say 5l/min the heater will modulate down accordingly to an output 7kW.

As can be seen a Rinnai unit used as a gas booster for solar systems will not only maximize solar gain, it will only use the correct amount of energy for the particular demand at the time. The rest of the time the unit is inactive. It is this, the booster, that ensures never-ending hot water – no matter the demand so people can shower or bath any time of the day or night or whatever the weather conditions. Fossil fuel is only used when the renewable thermal energy store is below its set-point, thus reducing the dependency on fossil fuel and reducing CO2 emissions.

This system is a blueprint for maximizing renewables gain. If you want to make it even more so, opt for one of Rinnai’s condensing water heaters and push the efficiencies envelope even further.

Another technological advantage in using a continuous flow water heat as a booster is that you can wipe out any worries about legionella being a problem with stored water.

If the store is below 60°C the Rinnai Continuous Flow Water heater always ensures that the 60°C minimum is always met, so the system will always comply with Building Regulation L8. If a secondary return system is used again there is a guarantee that the return will always be at 50° again in compliance of L8.

For all-year round domestic hot water, Rinnai Infinity HE gas fired condensing continuous flow water heaters are supplied renewables-ready and are also easily retrofitable with current renewable technology.

Both flat plate and evacuated tubes collectors work best when facing due south. However, evacuated tube collectors will outperform their flat plate counterparts in situations where only east/west facing options are available.

Evacuated tube collectors have multiple glass tubes that heat up by absorbing the sun’s energy. The vacuum insulated tube retains most of this heat and the constant profile of the round tube means that the collector is always perpendicular to the sun’s rays. The energy absorbed is therefore approximately constant over the course of the day.

In the summer months, the flat plate option will be close to that of an evacuated tube unit when facing south. However, evacuated tube collectors have better overall results in both the early and late seasons and are not affected by adverse weather conditions, producing impressive temperatures even on cloudy days. However, flat plate collectors are perhaps more suited to vulnerable locations because of their exceptionally sturdy and durable build.

Rinnai’s award-winning renewable water heating solutions are designed to offer a perfect blend of eco-friendly technologies, guaranteed to provide a constant flow of hot water 365 days of the year. The pairing of a Rinnai Infinity unit with renewables technology really is the perfect fit for a never ending DHW supply.

Rinnai’s expert team is available to help with the design, specification and installation of a renewables heating system.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.

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Rinnai’s comprehensive space heater range covers all options

Rinnai Energysaver fanned convection powered flue gas fired space heaters are designed specifically for use in schools, community centres, libraries, conservatories and churches and other large spaces, where they have earned themselves a considerable fan base over the past 30 years.

Now, with a new super energy efficient addition to the range in the form of the Rinnai Energysaver 559FT with sleek good looks, and a matching new streamlined look for the popular Energysaver 309FT, Rinnai is leading the field in large interior space heating.

Sporting a modern, sleek casing, the heaters simply blend into the background in line with modern demands in terms of modern interior aesthetics while offering exceptionally high efficiencies in operation and subsequently reduced running costs.

Changes have been made to the operation board which is now an easy to use touch control pad sited conveniently and discreetly on top of the appliance, (rather than on the front with a flip up cover). The unit is also supplied with a child lock to eliminate any problem of small hands tampering with the controls.

Add to these advantages timer function and eco mode combined with the new unit’s ability to heat spaces fast and the advantages of this super efficient appliance really do stack up.

The 559FT has an input of 6.4kW and output of 5.2kW. The streamlined unit measures 554mm x 750mm x 250mm.

The Rinnai Energysaver 309FT, like the 559FT, sports a similar sleek casing and turns in net efficiencies of 88%.

It has an input of 3.4kW and output of 2.92kW. The streamlined unit measures 695mm x 465mm x 257mm. Natural Gas usage has been pegged at 0.31m3 while LPG consumption is 0.26kg/hr.

Also available is the Energysaver 1004T with its impressive input of 11.6kW and outputs 10.23kW. Its measurements are 670mm x 930mm x 315mm and it has energy efficiencies of 96% under the guidance of Part L 2014. This puts it in the top rank of space heaters in its class.

Like the Energy Saver 559FT and 309FT, the 1004T heater is also suitable for central timer control. This feature allows the building manager to run any number of Rinnai space heaters off a central time clock providing heat to the largest of spaces. The Energysaver Multi controller is not limited to single Energysavers as the flexibility of the system guarantees units can be mixed and matched to satisfy even the most unique of buildings.

Rinnai Energysaver units are very easy to install as they do not need expensive (and extensive) ductwork, nor do they involve the necessity to run domestic heating circuits for radiators or pipework to boilers. This cuts down drastically on cost and time at the point of installation

Rinnai Energysaver range delivers energy-efficient and consistent warm air powered by Natural Gas and LPG options and is built with fully modulating burners so heat output and energy input is reduced as the space warms up.

The Rinnai Energysaver range comprises fanned convection-powered flue models that exceed seasonal thermal heating guidance under Building Regs Part L.

In a building with high vaulted ceilings, with conventional convector heaters as the heat will immediately rise to the ceiling. With the Energysaver range Rinnai has successfully come up with a solution that heats from the floor up and by modulating gas usage in relation to room temperature, provides unparalleled levels of comfort combined with efficiency.

For more information on the RINNAI product rage visit www.rinnaiuk.com.

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Rinnai UK’s technical knowhow on tap

Rinnai UK, the leading supplier of ‘A’ rated continuous flow Infinity gas fired water heaters, has a dedicated technical service team to ensure customers get service performance that matches the excellence of product performance, with a view of adding value that by far surpasses the transaction stage creating long-term value for our customer base.

Rinnai Technical Services offers all customers help and advice throughout the complete lifecycle of a product – from inception to disposal. The team can and will respond to any queries on specification, installation and operation of Rinnai unit.

Pete Seddon, Technical Team Leader says, “Architects and consultants are really into conservation, energy efficiencies and gas consumption and nowadays they are looking at the complete building whereas before it was all about product choice, space and siting of a unit. We offer assistance and advice – as unbiased as possible – to help them decide.”

Operating from Rinnai UK’s Cheshire headquarters the principle members of the team includes Ian Jenkins, Technical & Compliance Officer; Pete Seddon, Technical & Product Development officer and Danny Kay, Design Support Officer. The tech depart will happily check over designs and schematics and advise on changes.

“Some people need talking through the advantages of changing from a traditional storage system to a wall mounted instantaneous water heater system and we can help them make the decision and then the transition,” says Pete.

“We can also advise on whether they should be using 3, 4 or 5 units or drop a couple off and replace with a storage vessel for a renewables set up instead i.e. 2 x Rinnai 2 x solar storage tanks and/or heat pumps/solar.”

Pete continues: “Caravan and leisure parks especially need lots of hot water concentrated in peak times for showering and if there isn’t enough they can suffer from bad visitor reviews online which can affect bookings. Owners tend to get really involved in the choice of system used – they really get it,” he says. “Again, hot water demands for restaurants are very different from those for domestic use and larger commercial buildings so we can advise on the right system there.”

“The end user will often undertake their own research before installation and they want to hear our advice before they commit themselves. Consumers are smart and want to do their own checking before parting with their money and, of course, they are mining the internet for information too.”

“Rinnai is in its twelfth year in the UK and more and more engineers are having positive experience with the brand. If your first encounter with a infinity is when called to service a unit, we are on hand to take away the fear of taking on unfamiliar technology. Rinnai units are technically advanced but really easy to understand so we can alleviate any fears they may have about undertaking the job.

Installers can also call on the Rinnai technical department for training, which is provided free. “We have recently increased the training portfolio adding different packages and these sessions open engineers’ eyes to the possibilities of Rinnai technology. They are becoming ever more popular and this week alone we trained in excess of 40 people in the UK and Ireland – and all free.

“However, we recognise that for an engineer driving up to Cheshire from Cornwall, for example, that would mean 2 days off work with a stopover so we have been offering remote training at venues closer to home. For this we would need a minimum of four people. If we can’t get an appropriate room nearby then we can always bring along the Rinnai dedicated training trailer.

Pete explains how Rinnai’s recent massive investment in R&D in the products themselves (all ‘A’ rated under stringent ERP energy labelling legislation), increasing the numbers of specialist personnel and improving the Rinnai website is a boon to customers.

“The technical department works as a cohesive group with the customer service team and the sales consultants. We all have our specialisms but we wouldn’t be successful if we didn’t work together. The set up we have at Rinnai UK at the Cheshire headquarters seamlessly links everything together.

“When somebody phones customer services with a technical question it is passed on to us to answer quickly with the caller speaking to a person and definitely not somebody reading from a script,” Pete concludes.

For more details on RINNAI products visit www.rinnaiuk.com.

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Rinnai official event sponsor of FIFA Club World Cup 2015

Rinnai, designer and manufacturer of the A-rated energy efficient Infinity range of continuous flow gas fired water heaters, has announced its official event sponsorship of the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup tournament.

The event, which is FIFA’s largest annual event, will take place in Japan from 10-20 December and is expected to attract millions of TV viewers in 219 countries across the world.

Rinnai’s official event sponsorship provides them with rights locally within Japan and will see its logo reproduced on banners around the perimeter of the pitch at the FIFA Club World Cup 2015 matches as well as on signage around the participating stadia in Osaka and Yokohama. The Rinnai logo will also be imprinted on all official marketing material for the tournament and on the FIFA website.

The football competition is a fitting platform for the company’s sponsorship. Rinnai is a global leader in gas appliance manufacturing, specialising in the development of commercial and domestic water heaters.

The FIFA Club World Cup 2015 sets the winning clubs of the six main continental football confederations competing for the title of Club World Champion 2015 along with a team from the host country.

The FIFA Club World Cup 2015 will feature clubs including River Plate, Barcelona, TP Mazembe, Club América and Auckland City as well as the winners of the 2015 AFC Champions League and of the 2015 J1 League.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.

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Rinnai space heater excels in energy efficiencies

The Rinnai range of Energysaver fanned convection powered flue gas fired space heaters offers the highest efficiencies on the market.

The range has been designed specifically for use in schools, community centres, libraries, conservatories and churches and other large enclosed spaces where they offer exceptionally high efficiencies in operation and contribute to drastically reduced running costs.

The Energysaver 1004T has an input of 11.6kW and outputs 10.23kW. Its measurements are 670mm x 930mm x 315mm and it has energy efficiencies of 96% under the guidance of Part L 2014. This puts it in the top rank of space heaters in its class.

It provides safe, controllable heat with maximum energy efficiency, combined with flexibility of location.

The heater is also suitable for central timer control. This feature allows the building manager to run any number of Rinnai space heaters off a central time clock providing heat to the large of spaces. The Energysaver Multi controller is not limited to single Energysavers as the flexibility of the system guarantees units can be mixed and matched to satisfy even the most unique of buildings.

The units are encased in a low surface temperature (LST) casing to avoid any risk of burns and offer easy on/off operation and intelligent features such as self-diagnostics and a self-learning pre-heat time to maximise heat up time and energy consumption. Warm air is delivered at floor level for greater comfort and coverage of even greater spaces.

Rinnai Energysaver units are very easy to install as there is no need for expensive (and extensive) ductwork, nor do they involve to running heating circuits for radiators or pipework to boilers. This cuts down drastically on cost and time at the point of installation.

The Rinnai Energysaver 1004T delivers energy-efficient and consistent warm air powered by Natural Gas and LPG options via fully modulating burners so heat and energy input is significantly reduced as the space warms up.

“Rinnai energy saver space heaters really do deliver a cost saving on installation, low operational costs and maintenance, lower life cycle costs, lower replacement costs, high energy efficiencies. They are infinitely suitable for refurbishment projects and, due to Rinnai’s confidence in the superiority of its engineering processes, they come with a 15-year warranty on the heat exchanger,” explains Chris Goggin, Associate Director of Rinnai UK.

The Rinnai Energysaver range comprises fanned convection-powered flue models that exceed seasonal thermal heating guidance under Building Regs Part L, while also heating the usable space within buildings, ensuring comfort, efficiency and compliance.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.

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Rinnai – The infinite hot water & space heater solution

Rinnai’s Infinity range of continuous flow gas fired water heaters includes heavy duty and condensing units that are engineered to guarantee high efficiencies and low running costs – and exceed future and current regulations and standards like those proposed by Part L Building Regulations and ERP.

Rinnai is also the manufacturer and supplier of the Energysaver range of space heaters designed for fast and efficient heating. The range comprises of fanned convection-powered flue models that exceed seasonal thermal heating guidance under Building Regs Part L.

And now, new technologically advanced additions enhance the ranges still further.

Rinnai’s heavy duty condensing (HDC) Infinity models

NEW: The latest addition to the range is the Infinity HDC1600i renewables-ready low NOx series, the first heater of its kind to utilise Rinnai’s own patented pre-mix burner technology. The newly developed down-firing burner allows increased efficiency and reduces NOx gases. The Infinity 1600i series is available with an output of 58.4kw producing 16.2 litres of temperature controlled hot water per minute (or 972 per hour) raised at 60°C.

The HDC1200 internal and external models give an energy performance of 107% net efficiency while the larger Rinnai HDC1500 internal and external models turn in 105% net efficiency.

These Rinnai condensing continuous flow water heaters are extremely low NoX, less than 20ppm, with net efficiencies of 105-107% and flow rates up to an excess of 972 litres per hour @ a 60° temperature rise.

Rinnai Infinity bespoke solutions – compliance packages

NEW: Rinnai has devised a bespoke turn-key solution that has now been adopted as the preferred water heating choice for a global fast food chain. The Pack has been designed to provide better on-site efficiency and is supplied to site in bundles, including best in class Rinnai Infinity continuous flow gas fired water heaters and all relevant parts, including scale protection technology where necessary. The pack comes with bespoke installation instructions and schematics inclusive of commissioning sheets for sign off, ensuring a one hit install.

The ERP ready system offers proven 105% efficiency, supports G3 compliance and Legionella (ACOP L8) compliance as well as being best in class under Part L building regulations.

Rinnai Infinity Plus

The Infinity Plus solution for large commercial operations has been developed to provide never-ending hot water without costly storage and brings together multiple units of the company’s award-winning condensing continuous flow water heaters into single, easily manoeuvrable modules.
The comprehensive Rinnai Infinity PLUS range offers specifiers and end users a system that guarantees a constant flow of safe hot water at precisely the chosen temperature. Operated via an easy to use built-in digital controller, the water heater provides near mains pressure flow for as long as is necessary. Rinnai can design these systems to supply in excess of 24,000 litres per hour at 50°temperature rise.

Rinnai Infinity Plus storage

Using a modular system of either internal or external Rinnai HD or HDC condensing water heaters and a stainless steel storage vessel, demands in excess of 20,000 litres per hour can be satisfied. Rinnai Infinity Plus Storage packs represent the best value-for-money hot water storage solutions on the market today with everything delivered direct to site in one complete package.

Rinnai renewables heating solutions

Rinnai units used as a gas booster to solar thermal or heat pump installations. This maximises renewable gains. Rinnai infinity water heaters are the only booster that can modulate from 58kw to 2.4kw ensuring renewable hot water is only complimented by gas. A comprehensive range of renewables products including solar arrays is available.

Rinnai Digital, BMS Gateway and controllers

For commercial buildings, Rinnai’s development and investment in integral smart controls for its appliances makes them compatible with sophisticated BMS system. Rinnai BMS Gateway’s enable the interaction between the water heater and building management systems, allowing easy monitoring which in turn identifies areas where energy is being wasted, error messaging supporting first time repair, trend logging and much more.

Rinnai Solo

NEW: The Infinity Solo condensing low NOX is the first Rinnai product for the UK to combine the advanced technology of its wall mounted continuous flow water heaters with a stainless steel storage cylinder all in one compact footprint.

Because the cylinder is stainless steel it greatly reduces the weight compared to glass lined models, which makes transportation and installation easier. As well as the difference in weight, the cylinders available also have extremely low heat loss figures (as low as 1.5kW/h day), which means the customer pays less to maintain the heat within the tank. The Infinity Solo also has the fastest recovery times on the market these can be as short as 19 minutes.

Common flue header system

Rinnai has also pioneered a common header flue system to streamline manifolded installations of its award-winning Infinity condensing continuous flow gas water heaters. Previously multiple installations in an interior plant room would have meant each unit had to have its own flue and that meant punching a hole through the building fabric for each individual unit, a time consuming and expensive necessity.

Lime scale checker

Another simple but effective idea safeguards against lime scale build up occurring in Rinnai continuous flow water heaters a scale control system continually monitors the appliances for lime scale deposits around the heat exchanger and alerts the end user that it is time to perform a lime scale flush.

Energysaver space heaters

Rinnai Energysaver 559T, 309T and 1004T deliver energy-efficient and consistent warm air powered by Natural Gas and LPG options and are built with fully modulating burners so heat output and energy input is reduced as the space warms up. The units may also be controlled via a central timer for added economy and occupant comfort and are encased in a low surface temperature (LST) casing. The heaters are suitable for central timer control. This feature allows the building manager to run any number of Rinnai space heaters off a central time clock providing heat to the large of spaces.

The Rinnai Energysaver 559T unit turns in efficiencies of almost 92% when you are considering the effective heat generator seasonal efficiency required for UK building regulations. It has an input of 6.4kW and output of 5.2kW. The unit measures 554mm x 750mm x 250mm.

The Energysaver 1004T has an input of 11.6kW and outputs 10.23kW. Its measurements are 670mm x 930mm x 315mm and it has energy efficiencies of 96% under the guidance of Part L 2014.

The Energysaver 309T has an input of 3.4hw supported by 85.9% efficiency making it ideal for smaller light commercial and domestic installs.

HD range

Rinnai has a range of cost effective HD solutions ideal for light commercial and replacement products. The HD range consists of the HD50, HD70E, HD55i and HD55E. The units range from 54kw to 69kw and produce as little as 20ppm NOx whilst having the capability to produce up to 979 ltr/hr at a 50°C rise.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.

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Cool solutions for residential corridor overheating

Dr Chris Iddon, Design Manager with SE Controls, explores the growing issue of corridor overheating and studies into real buildings are enabling effective solutions to be applied to the problem.

In some ways it is ironic that the issue of building overheating can be partly accredited to the increased drive towards improving energy efficiency. This fact has been recognised by the Zero Carbon Hub in its recent report into overheating in homes, as well as CIBSE’s latest revision to its ‘Guide A: Environmental Design’ (8th edition 2015), which specifically identifies the potential causes and consequences of corridor overheating.

It wasn’t that long ago that, if a building’s occupants got too hot, they opened a window or turned up the air conditioning to return the internal temperature to within more comfortable parameters, although there are clearly some significant issues with this simplistic approach to temperature management. However, during the past 25 years or so, concerns over climate change, dwindling fuel resources and increasing energy costs, has resulted a much stricter legislative and regulatory environment governing building design and energy management.

Within this framework, retaining heat within a building is usually a key design goal, as it reduces energy demand for heating and the cost of maintaining a comfortable internal environment, the application of these various energy reduction techniques can have some surprising and unintended consequences.

Multi storey residential blocks, for example, are subject to the specifications for ‘leakage’, ‘infiltration’ and energy performance, yet as Building Regulations deals only with the dwellings themselves a building’s circulation spaces are excluded.

As innovative building designs seek to legitimately maximise rentable space, this often creates ‘landlocked’ spaces that have no ventilation. Given that corridors are often sealed by fire doors and the practice of routing heating pipework through ceiling voids is a common solution, it’s unsurprising that communal corridor temperatures can readily exceed 35 degrees Celsius.

Understanding the dynamics of overheating

For a number of years, SE Controls has been directly involved with various consultants; developers and contractors to not only address the issue by providing specific solutions to improve ventilation and cooling, but also to obtain a more detailed understanding of the dynamics involved in the overheating of corridors and circulation spaces.

By undertaking detailed studies of real buildings and combining them with theoretical computer thermal modelling, it has not only been possible to refine the modelling algorithms and make them even more accurate, but also design effective solutions that can address the problem using a building’s existing smoke control system.

As smoke control ventilation systems are a legal requirements in buildings over three storeys high, it makes financial and practical sense to adapt the existing system, enabling it to undertake the additional role of day to day environmental ventilation and cooling of circulation spaces.

Among the various corridor-overheating projects undertaken, one of the most interesting was a study we undertook that evaluated a London building with circulation space ventilation incorporated within the design from the outset and compared it to one in Kent where no similar ventilation solution had been installed. As overheating issues typically become more intense during summer months, the study was conducted between 19th June and 29th December 2014, which also provided data during autumn and early winter for comparative purposes.

Temperature measurement and adaptive comfort

Hourly temperatures in the first floor lobby of both buildings were monitored to obtain a clearer picture of the internal thermal profile, while corresponding hourly external weather information from RAF Northolt provided relevant ‘ambient’ temperature data for the same period. During the study, a MET Office Level 2 heatwave warning (max temperature of 30 degrees Celsius) was issued for 18th to 20th July.

Results analysis – the heat is on

Over the duration of the study, the external temperature ranged from a minimum of – 6°C during December to a maximum of 30°C in July, giving and average of 12°C throughout the period.

In comparison, the London building, which utilised its smoke ventilation system to provide supplementary environmental ventilation, the average temperature was 18.6°C with corresponding minimum and maximum figures of 10.3°C and 27.3°C respectively.

However, in stark contrast, the Kent building with unventilated corridors recorded some disturbing results with temperatures ranging from 22.3°C up to an extremely uncomfortable high of 33.8°C with an average 28.5°C.

Even more concerning is the fact that for 64% of the total monitoring period, the Kent property’s temperature exceeded 28°C, which is significantly above current CIBSE guidance on overheating thresholds where 28°C should be exceeded for less than 1% of the time.

The comparative temperature distribution analysis for both buildings also showed a significant difference with the most frequent internal temperature for Kent being 28-29°C, while in London, the figures were 8 degrees cooler at 20-21°C.

Although this study was focused specifically on temperature parameters within the two buildings, it must be remembered that where no ventilation is present in sealed or ‘landlocked’ spaces, the air will usually be stagnant and of poor quality, often containing pathogens along with other contaminants, which cannot be readily ‘flushed’ or vented from the building.

By utilising existing smoke ventilation systems and adapting their operation, without compromising their life critical primary operation characteristics, a simple and cost effective solution is already available that mitigates overheating, improves air quality and helps buildings comply with relevant adaptive comfort guidelines.

The only question that remains, is how many other buildings suffer from the same extreme overheating and air quality issues as those measured in Kent, which are likely to be caused unintentionally, purely by complying with Building Regulations? From the results of SE Controls’ own numerous research studies, the answer is …“probably more than we think.”

For more information please visit www.secontrols.com.

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Rinnai Space Heaters give it LARGE for big spaces

All models in the Rinnai range of Energysaver fanned convection powered flue gas fired space heaters are designed specifically for use in schools, community centres, libraries, conservatories and churches. They give exceptionally high efficiencies in operation and subsequently reduced running costs.

A major problem when heating a church or other large public space is the pattern of usage, fabric, design and the age of the building. For example, the building may be heated for a Sunday service, or possibly a mid week meeting and then unused for days at time. It is for just such situations as these that the Rinnai Energysaver range has been devised.

Rinnai energy saver units are very easy to install as they do not need expensive (and extensive) ductwork, nor do they involve the necessity to run domestic heating circuits for radiators or pipework to boilers. This can cut down drastically on cost and time at the point of installation.

Rinnai Energysaver Space Heaters deliver energy-efficient and consistent warm air powered by Natural Gas or LPG options and are built with fully modulating burners so heat output and energy input is reduced as the space warms up. The units may also be controlled via a central timer for added economy and occupant comfort.

The units, encased in a low surface temperature (LST) casing to avoid any risk of unnecessary discomfort, are swift to warm up, easy to control and are very economical to run. They offer easy on/off operation and intelligent features such as self-diagnostics and a self-learning pre-heat time to maximise heat up time and energy consumption.

The Rinnai Energysaver 559T unit turns in efficiencies of almost 92% when you consider the effective heat generator seasonal efficiency required for UK building regulations. It has an input of 6.4kW and output of 5.2kW. The unit measures 554mm x 750mm x 250mm.

The Energysaver 1004T has an input of 11.6kW and outputs 10.23kW. Its measurements are 670mm x 930mm x 315mm and it has energy efficiencies of 96% under the guidance of Part L 2014.

Both heaters are also suitable for central timer control. This feature allows the building manager to run any number of Rinnai space heaters off a central time clock providing heat to the large of spaces. The Energysaver Multi controller is not limited to single Energysavers as the flexibility of the system guarantees units can be mixed and matched to satisfy even the most unique of buildings.

The Rinnai Energysaver range comprises fanned convection-powered flue models that exceed seasonal thermal heating guidance under Building Regs Part L, while also heating the usable space within buildings, ensuring comfort, efficiency and compliance.

In a building with high vaulted ceilings, with conventional convector heaters and wet systems, the heat will immediately rise to the ceiling. However, Rinnai has come up with an innovative solution, that heats
from the floor up and by modulating gas usage in relation to room temperature, provides unparalleled levels of comfort combined with efficiency.

In effect, the heaters provide safe, controllable heat with maximum energy efficiency, combined with flexibility of location.

“Rinnai energy saver space heaters really do deliver a cost saving on installation, low operational costs and maintenance, lower life cycle costs, lower replacement costs, high energy efficiencies. They are infinitely suitable for refurbishment project and they come with a 15-year warranty on the heat exchanger,” explains Chris Goggin, Associate Director of Rinnai UK.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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Panasonic unveils state-of-the-art digital controller

Panasonic has launched its latest controller, an innovative and easy to use interface that offers full functionality with an integrated schedule timer and system controller, making managing heating and cooling systems easier than ever before.

Marc Diaz, UK & Ireland Country Manager comments “This new Panasonic control system, the CZ-64ESMC3, is a significant step forward not just in the functionality it offers, but also in how the user actually operates the system. The new controller features a digital screen and large, simple buttons making it much easier to use, so that even those without experience of heating and cooling systems can operate them and achieve the best solution for their needs.”

The CZ-64ESMC3 will be available from November 2015, and includes Panasonic’s popular schedule timer, which gives users full flexibility over when they want their property heated or cooled. Users can adjust the system for holidays, pausing operations for long periods of time so that energy isn’t wasted heating/cooling an empty home or office. The controller also allows six operations per day to be programmed, including operating or stopping units, and allowing or prohibiting access by individuals. This again ensures that the system is run as efficiently as possible, and that disruption is not caused by unauthorised individuals making frequent changes to operations.

In the past, simply having a schedule timer would not have been sufficient, as it could not control the operation mode or temperature setting, and would have required a separate system controller. However, this new solution integrates these functions, removing the need for more than one controller. By bringing the schedule timer and the system controller together into one easy-to-use unit, installation is simplified, reducing the amount of wiring needed and the complexity of the system.

With the integration of the system controller the user has much more control over their heating and cooling rather than simply setting a schedule of operation for the system. The user can allocate up to 64 units into zones, and then divide the zones into groups, allowing them to control up to 64 individual groups. Settings within each group can then be controlled such as operation mode, fan speed and air flow direction, creating a totally flexible heating and cooling system.

By integrating the schedule timer and system controller into an advanced unit with a digital display, Panasonic has made operating and controlling heating and air conditioning much easier, ensuring more efficient and effective systems.

For more information on Panasonic’s range of control systems, please visit www.aircon.panasonic.eu.

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