Posts

Rinnai, manufacturer of the Energysaver super energy efficient range of gas fired wall heaters, is keeping the congregation of St Mary’s Church in Saltcoats, Ayrshire, nice and warm.

Ayr-based installer O’Neil Gas Services was asked to specify and install a new heating system to replace St Mary’s old ducted warm air set up.

O’Neil Gas Services is a family-run company founded by John O’Neil and now presided over by his son, Brian. The company, which offers domestic and commercial services, covers the whole of Ayrshire, East Kilbride and South Glasgow and has four separate divisions – installation, service & repair, care and retail. O’Neil operates a fireplace and bathroom showroom at its office designing and planning bathrooms from start to finish.

Amongst its other commercial work, O’Neils recently won the Irvine Housing gas maintenance contract for an initial 5 years and a 5 year Gas maintenance contract for Cunninghame Housing Association.

Ross McWhirter of O’Neil’s explains that like most churches St Mary’s sees the bulk of use is at weekends with maybe a few mornings in the week, so the important factor was to design a system that would give instant heat when required, quickly and efficiently and not wasting fuel when not in use.

Ross McWhirter comments, “We used six Rinnai 1004T units siting them in the best location for effectiveness and for the convenience of the customer. The biggest part of the job was lifting the floors and running the gas and electricity supply to the units.

“Everyone I have spoken too at the church since we completed the installation has said that it has never been as warm as it is now. St Mary’s should also see a big difference in gas usage as the Rinnai units are more economical to run than the old system.

“This was the first time we have used the Rinnai heaters and I was very impressed with the outcome of the job. They are very quiet while running and get the church up to temperature very quickly,” says Ross.

Energysaver 1004T units run on Natural Gas or LPG and as the units are fully modulating, heat output is reduced as the space temperature rises. The heaters also come with a tiny 80mm flue for a neater finish and the heaters themselves sport safer low temperature casing so there is no danger of burns. Warm air is delivered at floor level for greater comfort and coverage even in large spaces like churches and the units can be time controlled for added economy. The Rinnai 1400T is also suitable for central time control.

Chris Goggin, Associate Director, Rinnai UK comments: “A major problem in heating a church or other large public space is the pattern of usage, the age of the building and the building envelope materials.

“For example a church may be heated for a Sunday service, or possibly a mid-week meeting. Then there are occasions when heat is required at fairly short notice. The buildings often have high ceilings, and the size and distribution of the occupants can vary from time to time.

“Rinnai provides an innovative solution to these issues by heating from the floor up and by modulating gas usage in relation to room temperature, enabling Rinnai to provide unparalleled levels of comfort and efficiency.

“They provide safe, controllable heat with maximum energy efficiency, combined with flexibility of location and they can do this very quickly indeed.”

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

Rinnai’s Infinity Plus Cascade is a major move into bigger sites and applications which have a high demand for hot water and energy efficiency, the design parameters of the cascade systems mean that upgrading the traditional water heater to a technologically advanced continuous flow system is simple.

Rinnai, leading innovators in the manufacture of continuous flow water heaters, can now offer commercial hot water provision which is virtually limitless in this custom-made solution with a choice of either two unit or three unit modules of its award-winning condensing continuous flow water heaters.

Infinity Plus Cascade has been developed by Rinnai to guarantee high volumes of temperature accurate hot water. The design parameters of the cascade systems offer ease of integration into new and existing buildings even when retrofitting from traditional storage systems. The modules incorporate Rinnai’s proven energy-saving 1500 or 1200 condensing continuous flow water heaters with its newly developed common header flue system technology.

Infinity Plus Cascade is designed to deliver high efficiencies for the building operator whilst also streamlining the installation in one “turnkey package.” As any number of modules can be manifolded together, it is an ideal solution for large sites and for those applications – where there is a heavy demand for constant hot water.

Installers will find fitting the modules easy and straightforward as Infinity Plus Cascade comes with its own made to measure rack making installation simple and quick, and with no need for excessive rejigging of pipework. The compact footprint of Infinity Plus Cascade means it can be housed in a small space and still be easily accessible for maintenance and servicing.

Not only does the choice of Infinity Plus Cascade give highly significant cost savings over other forms of water heaters, but there also the added remedial work savings, for instance there is no need to knock through walls to cater for the movement of large cumbersome water heating equipment, valuable internal space can be created or saved.

Hot water downtime is also virtually eliminated as the modular nature of the system means that when service and maintenance is performed, elements of the system are still operational saving on service interruptions.

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

More dates have been added to Rinnai UK’s 2016 training programme to cater for the increasing number of engineers and specifiers turning on to the energy saving benefits of gas fired continuous flow water heaters.

Rinnai has seen a massive increase in interest for its complete and comprehensive range of highly efficient ErP labelled A-rated continuous flow water heaters. The company supplies models from the smallest domestic unit to super-size industrial appliances, and since the introduction of energy labelling, demand from engineers for training on the Rinnai Infinity range has rocketed.

The demand has led Rinnai, which believes in making it easy for professionals to experience hands on training with its technologically advanced product, to schedule a new tranche of tailor-made, flexible courses that allow engineers the opportunity to explore at first hand the practical and energy saving benefits of continuous flow gas fired water heaters and to familiarise themselves with the technology.

Rinnai training specialist Ian Jenkins says: “Since ErP, enquires for Rinnai Infinity units have increased exponentially as the transparency of energy labelling allows specifiers and end users to compare products and make an informed choice. As a result of this surge in interest, so far this year we have trained 66% more engineers. These have included our bespoke courses designed to fit in with the modern time demands for professionals. We have also seen a large increase in CPD modules all over the UK.”

“The most popular course modules are ‘Understanding ACOP L8 and hot water system design’ and ‘System design incorporating continuous flow and renewables’,” says Jenkins.

The hands-on training events are aimed primarily at engineers and facilities managers, and cover both traditional and new technologies for commercial water heating and highlight the considerable energy and monetary savings that can be achieved by installation of a continuous flow hot water system.

Courses can be arranged to suit individual requirements either at Rinnai’s Runcorn, Cheshire HQ in the dedicated training facility or if preferred, Rinnai will take the module to the customer’s workplace or other venue convenient to delegates.

Since August and up to October Jenkins has organised a course every week for Gas engineers as well as catering for the needs of other customers and consultants in the private and public sectors.

The additional course dates announced by Rinnai for engineer training are:
27 September and 27 October, 24 November: ‘Service and fault diagnostics (Water heaters)’. These courses are open to engineers, are free, and available at Rinnai’s Runcorn HQ.

The comprehensive engineer training course line-up for 2016 includes nine modules: Rinnai product overview; Continuous flow and the future of water heating; Intermediate water heater; Continuous flow – Excellence in design; Service and fault diagnostics (Water heaters); Service and fault diagnostics (Energy saver warm air units); Understanding ACOP L8 and hot water system design; Maximising renewable gain in hot water design; and, Continuous flow as an innovative method of satisfying energy and regulatory demands.

CPD Roadshow courses are also available, designed by Jenkins for M&E consultants and specifiers, design and build engineers, facilities managers and gas contractors. These courses have already attracted praise from CIBSE. For example, it says of the CONTINUOUS FLOW WATER HEATING SYSTEM SIZING AND DESIGN course: “The course delivers what it outlines and is well constructed.”

“As demand for the A-rated Rinnai range continues to grow, our flexible training ensures key market personnel at all levels, nationwide training from our highly skilled team of technical experts, guaranteeing expertise with the products both for specification, system design and installation. The courses also ensure delegates will be up to speed with any changes in legislation and product developments,” says Chris Goggin, Rinnai UK Associate Director.

For more information contact Ian Jenkins on +44 (0)1928 531 870 or email ianjenkins@rinnaiuk.com.

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

Rinnai, the UK’s leading manufacturing supplier of high efficiency continuous flow hot water heating and delivery units, has announced a major investment in London and the South East with the formation of a dedicated sales team covering the whole region.

This major investment follows the opening of a London office also dedicated to serving the region.

The new sales team will work in tandem with the Rinnai UK sales centre and technical support at the company’s Runcorn, Cheshire HQ.

“The new premises have been set up in response to high demand for Rinnai product and expertise. Specifiers and installers in the London area now have a direct line to the Rinnai sales force which is ready to offer advice on the latest technologies and legislation and will be a vehicle to inform the industry of new developments, new technologies and new ways,” says Managing Director Tony Gittings.

The team and their areas are, as follows: Scott Amass will look after North London and the associated Home Counties; Steve Richards will be heading sales in West London and associated Home Counties; Kim Wullf will be looking after South London and their Home Counties. All three have extensive experience and track records in the hot water delivery business.

Rinnai’s comprehensive range of A rated energy efficient products for hot water solutions qualify for additional energy efficiency points, boosting building energy performance. The product range far exceeds energy efficiencies in current Building Regulations (Conservation of fuel and power) and legislation. For owners of existing commercial buildings, the use of Rinnai Infinity condensing and high efficiency water heaters qualifies for extra heating efficiency credits.

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

Rinnai, manufacturer of the energy efficient range of Infinity continuous flow water heaters and a complete range of gas fired wall heaters, is providing a brand new heating and hot water solution to offices in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales.

CST Renewables – the building services engineers – were keen to get to grips with installing a new system. This included a bespoke boiler and hot water heating package.

CST Renewables was established by Control and Service Technology in response to growing interest in the renewables market from clients looking to improve energy efficiencies and dramatically lower running costs. The company, based in the Welsh town of Bridgend, is an acknowledged specialist in the commercial market but also completes domestic installations, service and repair work.

The first UK installation of the Rinnai system was at a large office building where CST had been called to assess the best energy efficient replacement for a failing forced draught, flued modular boiler set up.

The old system was low efficiency and costing the client, a property leasing company, a substantial amount in repair bills annually. The building is rented to a variety of organisations and businesses such as call and administration centre businesses.

Mark Hillier-Rees of CST says: “It was obviously the site needed to move on to something more energy efficient. We removed the old boiler and replaced it with two new Rinnai boilers on a cascade system. The redundant flue was removed and we put in place the Rinnai co-axial flue.

“This new Rinnai system is highly efficient – and due to its lack of moving parts and easy maintenance has very low annual service costs.”

The large 100kW condensing heating boilers are ideal for providing heating to buildings such as the Merthyr Tydfil office block and are extremely flexible as they can also provide hot water when placed in a cylinder. The Rinnai boilers are also available in 50kW and 75kW sizes.

Chris Goggin, Associate Director, Rinnai UK comments: “There are clear benefits in terms of efficiencies, when considering heating and hot water as two separate systems. I am pleased that we can provide two high efficiency market leading products in one simple turnkey solution.”

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

Rinnai’s latest innovation in the energy efficient fast delivery of instantly useable hot water is the Infinity Solo Re-Circulator water heater.

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

The design parameters of this product empowers specifiers, designers, installers and engineers to benefit from unique Rinnai technology in applications it was once not previously possible. For instance, the Infinity Solo will have both 35kW and 54kW sized appliances, ensuring sites with a smaller gas meter can readily use this technology. The larger Infinity Solo model will also act as a high-efficiency alternative to gas fired storage appliances that exist in today’s market.

The cylinder is stainless steel and this reduces the weight compared to glass lined models, and it makes transportation and installation a lot easier. As well as the difference in weight, the cylinders also have extremely low heat loss figures (as low as 1.41kW/h day), so the user pays less to maintain the heat within the tank.

One other benefit of the Infinity Solo using a stainless steel cylinder is that the life expectancy of the material is far greater than that of a glass-lined equivalent as glass suffers from thermal shock causing it to crack after a period of time.

The Infinity Solo range is also renewables compatible and supplied pre-fitted with a coil, meaning that the primary energy source will always be from renewable gains and the complementary Rinnai water heater will only apply the precise amount of gas to boost the difference in temperature.

Rinnai manufactures the energy efficient Infinity range of gas fired continuous flow water heaters and space heaters. The Infinity brand carries the widest range of condensing water heaters on the market today with the most impressive efficiencies in operation, leading the field in technological innovation.

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

Rinnai scored a big success at PHEX 2016 with its Solo recirculator water heating range, an industry-leading A class commercial and domestic hot water heating unit suited to all domestic and commercial sites and installations.

The Rinnai Infinity Solo condensing and low NOX water heater is the first of its kind to combine the advanced technology of wall mounted continuous flow water heaters with a stainless steel storage cylinder, all in one compact footprint.

“Rinnai innovation and advanced technology is now a known alternative to traditional technologies. The show established that the Rinnai brand is now synonymous with the values of quality and cost effectiveness, it was incredibly satisfying to speak to so many installers and users who have become brand fans” says Rinnai’s Chris Goggin.

The design parameters of the Solo empowers specifiers, designers, installers and engineers to benefit from unique Rinnai technology in applications where it was not previously possible. For example, the Infinity Solo with both 35kW and 54kW sized appliances, ensures sites with a smaller gas meter can readily use this technology. The larger Infinity Solo model will also act as a high-efficiency alternative to gas fired storage appliances that exist in today’s market.

The cylinder is stainless steel and this reduces the weight compared to glass lined models, and makes transportation and installation a lot easier. As well as the difference in weight, the cylinders also have extremely low heat loss figures (as low as 1.41kW/h day), so the user pays less to maintain the heat within the tank.

One other benefit of the Infinity Solo using a stainless steel cylinder is that the life expectancy of the material is far greater than that of a glass-lined equivalent as glass suffers from thermal shock causing it to crack after a period of time.

The Infinity Solo range is also renewables compatible and supplied pre-fitted with a coil, meaning that the primary energy source will always be from renewable gains and the complementary Rinnai water heater will only apply the precise amount of gas to boost the difference in temperature.

Rinnai manufactures the energy efficient Infinity range of gas fired continuous flow water heaters and space heaters. The Infinity brand carries the widest range of condensing water heaters on the market today with the most impressive efficiencies in operation, leading the field in technological innovation.

The company’s technically advanced condensing hot water heating units are precision engineered to provide simple, effective solutions for all types of commercial applications from caravan parks, restaurants and laundries to factories and office buildings as well as social and domestic housing projects. The units are renewable-ready (suitable for use as a temperature booster for solar thermal and heat-pump).

Rinnai also offers a complete design and selection survey to assist with any domestic or commercial project.

Rinnai personnel reported that throughout PHEX 2016 the Infinity Solo had the most enquiries of all products on the stand.

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

Rinnai’s range of condensing hot water heater units using LPG are more economic to run than other sources such as oil or electric counterparts and they deliver lower carbon emission figures, greater energy efficiencies – this makes them the first choice for off-grid installations.

For installers, helping an off-grid user select an energy efficient water heater is critical — and a condensing continuous flow water heater using LPG is one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly options available. By choosing a continuous flow water heater, an end user can reduce energy costs by up to 50% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 61% (compared to electric equivalents). When compared with oil-fired systems this saving is even greater.

Tests show that a Rinnai Infinity condensing water heater has 107% efficiency and is low NOX compared with an oil boiler that emits approximately 364 mg/kwh NOX. That means a Rinnai condensing water heater emits approximately 10% of the NOX that an oil boiler emits, a 90% reduction. Therefore, combining a gas boiler and a Rinnai water heater will radically reduce NOX.

The EU is recommending that the maximum NOX level be reduced to just 56mg/kWh by 2018. Rinnai water heaters are already compliant with this proposed standard. This forms part of the new rules under the Eco-design of Energy-using Products Directive (ErP).

If we now compare the production of CO₂ between gas and electricity we find that for every GJ (277.78kW) of energy used gas will produce 44.44kg compared to 103kg with electric. We can see that for the same energy used electricity will produce twice the amount of one of the major greenhouse gases.

Then if we look at the emission per kW from thermal generation of electricity we find that electricity will produce 0.5kg of CO₂ compared to 0.16kg for the same kW generated with LPG, NOX production works out at 258kg per KW as compared to only 0.184kg.

The efficiency of this type of electrical generation is as low as 40%. So if we now compare the use of electricity to LPG to heat hot water we find that electricity is 40% efficient in comparison to a Rinnai water heater which returns 107% efficiency.

Electricity is not the ‘green’ fuel that its marketing portrays it to be. It has potential to produce more CO₂ and NOX and can be very costly.

A Rinnai LPG continuous flow water heater is an ‘on-demand’ system. When a hot-water tap is opened, the unit reads the demand and starts the heating process. The water flows through a heat exchanger, where it heats to the desired temperature using only as much gas as is needed. When the tap is turned off, the heater automatically shuts off.

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

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 offer fastest heat up at lowest running cost.

The Rinnai Energysaver 309FT has had a stylish makeover to offer contemporary cabinet styling that matches its superior energy saving performance. The new, sleek good looks of this popular model bring it in line with modern minimalist tastes in interior aesthetics. It is eminently suited for architects, specifiers and installers tasked with projects demanding both top end styling and performance.

Sporting a modern, sleek casing, the heater simply blends into the background while still offering exceptionally high efficiencies in operation and subsequently reduced running costs.
Rinnai has also provided the appliance with a no-quibble 15-year guarantee on the heat exchanger, positive proof of its confidence in the periority of its quality Japanese engineering.

Rinnai Energysaver 309FT, with its low surface temperature (LST) casing to avoid any risk of burns, offers 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 309FT delivers warm air at floor level for greater comfort and coverage of even greater spaces and turns in efficiencies of 85.9%. Because the heater heats from the floor up and modulates gas usage in relation to room temperature, the unit provides unparalleled levels of comfort combined with efficiency for large spaces, such as churches with vaulted ceilings.

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.

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 dramatically on cost and time at the point of installation.

Standard flue is 240mm-400mm with alternative flues to fit walls ranging from 5mm-1000mm. Flue hole diameter is 80mm and maximum flue length is 7 metres.

Rinnai Energysaver 309FT 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 – a valuable cost saving benefit.

The heaters are also suitable for central BMS 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 Multicontroller 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 more than exceed seasonal thermal heating guidance under Building Regs Part L.

“Rinnai Energysaver 309FT space heater really does deliver a cost saving on installation, low operational costs and maintenance, lower life cycle costs, lower replacement costs, high energy efficiencies. It is infinitely suitable for refurbishment projects and comes with a 15-year warranty on the heat exchanger, which is testament to the superior engineering quality of the appliance,” explains Chris Goggin, Associate Director of Rinnai UK.
For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.

Rinnai’s Chris Goggin explains why hybrid technology is an attractive option for reliable and cost effective hot water provision as it becomes abundantly clear that renewables, on their own, just aren’t delivering.

Energy efficient continuous flow condensing gas fired water heaters clearly have their part to play as we head into ‘greener’ country. This ‘tankless’ form of hot water delivery is growing in popularity and offers huge ongoing financial benefits to building owners and tenants even before the advanced energy saving technologies of the units themselves are taken into account.

This makes the argument for their inclusion as a component in a hybrid renewables/gas boosted hot water system even more compelling. It is becoming abundantly clear that there is not one single method to achieve energy efficiencies as renewables on their own just aren’t delivering. There is no point in waiting for the perfect renewable solution to come along we can utilise a very effective mix of existing renewables and traditional technologies.

In effect 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 – in this instance, gas, whether Natural or LPG.

Modern renewables-ready heavy-duty condensing water heater units guarantee the highest efficiencies and therefore the lowest running costs of any commercial water heater. In short, a HE unit used as a gas booster for solar or ASHP systems maximises solar gain, as it only consumes energy when more hot water than the panels can cope with is needed. The rest of the time the unit is inactive.

The use of evacuated tube or flat plate solar collectors can make a big difference when paired with condensing continuous flow water heaters as a boost. Doesn’t it make sense to store the free energy collected by an array of solar panels within in a solar thermal store which can be heated to the required temperature on demand by a gas fired water heater or the water to the outlet can be easily boosted, taking advantage of the expansive range of modulation associated with Rinnai technology.

A gas fired continuous flow water heater is also the only booster that ensures never-ending hot water – no matter how fierce the demand. Fossil fuel is only used when the renewable store is below its set-point, thus reducing the dependency on fossil fuel and reducing CO2 emissions.

Easily ‘retro-fitable’ with current renewable technology, these units are a better environmental option than an electric booster. By using gas, a direct energy source, you can significantly reduce greenhouse gases.

Renewables ready Rinnai Infinity condensing HDC1200 internal and external models show an impressive energy performance of 107 per cent net efficiency while the larger Rinnai HDC1500 models turn in 105 per cent net efficiency*.

For large commercial, operations Rinnai has just launched the Infinity HDC1600i, its premium condensing water heater which has been tested to below 20 ppm NOx, producing the lowest emissions on the market, with 107 per cent gross efficiencies*.

Infinity HDC 1600 renewables-ready, retro-fitable low NOx series is the first heater of its kind to utilise pre-mix burner technology. The newly developed down-firing burner allows increased efficiency and reduces NOx gases. The patented burner also reduces the possibility of flame lift, which has previously been a problem with premix down firing burners. It has a 13-1 turn down ratio – the largest on the market – of 58.4kw-4.5kw and is ultra quiet in operation – so quiet that you wouldn’t know it was on unless you glance at the number on the display.

The Infinity 1600i low NOx series is available with an output of 58.4 kW producing 16.2 litres of temperature controlled hot water per minute (or 9.73 per hour) raised at 50°C. That is .2 litres a minute more than the existing Rinnai Infinity 1500 HDC.

*Tested and certificated by Technigas to EN 26.

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