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RINNAI: UK ENERGY FOR THE FUTURE

A GUIDE TOWARDS NET ZERO AND LOWER CARBON EMMISSIONS – UK ENERGY FOR THE FUTURE

 

 

 

Rinnai’s Chris Goggin lists a brief guide to national & local power variables that do, and might, in the future, supply the UK end-user and consumer. He looks at what is currently on offer and how that energy is manufactured and operates within the total UK mix of fuels.

 

As the UK is now firmly in an era of energy transition it is important that all interested parties – heating engineers, contractors, consultants and end-users – should be aware of what alternative energy is currently available and future options being actively considered.

Carbon heavy fuels are currently being phased out and replaced with a variety of low carbon alternatives. Instead of oil, natural gas and fossil fuel-generated electricity, renewable sources such as wind, wave and solar are being gradually introduced into the UK energy mix.

Biofuels such as BioLPG and RDME could also become UK market relevant along with green gasses such as hydrogen, which is supported by the UK hydrogen strategy and a myriad of pilot schemes across the UK. Energy policy in the UK is also planning to increase nuclear capacity with the construction of several new facilities, with the objective of providing low carbon electricity and potentially hydrogen. Following is a short exposition of each energy vector.

 

HEAT PUMPS

Heat pumps are an old but current technology – the first was invented by Peter von Rittinger in 1867. They can be considered zero carbon at the point of use. However, the carbon intensity of the system is dictated by the electrical grid generation method. A heat pump works by extracting heat from air outside and elevating its temperature using a compressor. Compressed heat Is then transferred into a body of water for heating and DHW.

Residual heat is stored in a hot water cylinder used for showers and baths. If installed correctly on to an appropriate property a heat pump will prove to be an energy efficient, effective tool of decarbonisation to the end-user.

Heat pumps are widely used in Scandinavian countries and other major European economies such as Germany. Mainstream UK media support heat pumps as do governmental grants that supply most initial purchase costs. Heat pumps are available with approved technology that encourages decarbonisation.

SOLAR ENERGY

 

Solar energy absorbs sunlight into photovoltaic panels which produces an electrical charge. This charge of electricity is then converted and transported into a domestic or commercial application. The UK government encourages domestic renewable energy installation. Homeowners can partly subsidise their solar panels through several governmental grants.
One example of UK homeowners incentivised towards solar thermal installation through a governmental scheme is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) which allows homeowners to receive payments for unused excess energy exported back to the national grid.

Solar power is viewed as holding the potential to contribute meaningfully towards the current and future domestic UK energy mix as well as multiple others across the globe. Only recently it was announced that Global renewable energy company – Low Carbon, has announced construction of 3 new large solar farms in Essex, Derbyshire and Buckinghamshire. Construction in Buckinghamshire will begin immediately. Once complete the facility will provide clean power to more than 7300 homes. Capacity of this site will be 23.4MW. Work on the 28.8MW Derbyshire and 23MW Essex locations will begin in the early new year – 2023. Similar installations are being constructed across every continent.

WIND ENERGY

Renewable wind energy is created when wind turbines are pushed by natural currents of air which is then converted into electricity via a generator. Current UK direction of onshore wind energy is convoluted. At present there is a ban on installing new onshore wind farms inside the UK. However, some media outlets report that the ban is lifted, others maintain the ban is still in effect. Offshore wind farm capacity is being expanded to meet future demand. There are several new installations being constructed inside UK and Irish waters.

Offshore wind facilities under construction and due to begin operations. Amongst the new sites to be introduced is the Dogger Bank Wind Farm off the coast of Yorkshire, Northeast England which will begin operations in 2025. £8.27 billion has been invested into this project and is a joint venture undertaken by SSE Renewables, Equinor and Eni Plenitude.

WAVE ENERGY

Wave energy is created once captured kinetic energy gathered by tidal movements pushes a turbine, which in turn produces electricity. Wave and wind energy rely on the same concept of utilising kinetic energy to generate power. Wave energy is considered 100% carbon neutral. Wave energy is expensive to produce and maintain but is also effective. UK policy adjustments in market and planning legislation could see wave power become expanded to meet future demand.

Further on-land construction work is continuing on the £35 million Holy Island Tidal Energy Scheme, in North Wales. 35 sq km of seabed will be used to generate as much as 240MW of clean tidal electricity, enough to power 180,000 domestic properties.

rDME

Renewable DiMethyl Ether – known as rDME – is a molecule-based fuel that can be produced through a wide range of renewable feedstocks which allows for quick and long-term sustainable production. rDME contains a similar chemical composition to Butane and propane and can be mixed with LPG in existing appliances to continue product operations.

rDME combusts cleanly and releases no “soot” emissions. It has many fuel properties that make it easily used in sites and appliances currently using diesel as a fuel. It has a very high cetane number, which is a measure of the fuel’s ignitibility in compression ignition engines.

Future capacity of rDME is set to rise sharply, further increasing the likelihood of rDME being introduced nationally at some stage soon. A demonstration plant is to be opened later this year, whist the first operational commercial site manufacturing rDME will be on-line in 2024 in Teesside.

LGP & BioLPG

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a low carbon fuel source that is supplied in two forms – propane and butane. BioLPG is 100% carbon neutral and produced through renewable feedstocks such as plant and vegetable waste. Both are considered future forms of carbon friendly energy.

LPG producers see a role for Bio-LPG in the future whether that be blended with LPG or BioLPG. The fuel can be theoretically drop in, meaning limited disruption and user familiarity. Companies have invested over £260 million to date in developing clean liquid gases, including bioLPG and rDME to market. During the transition to renewable liquid gases LPG will remain a valuable part of the low carbon energy mix.

As economies and industry attempt to decarbonise fuel supplies, demand for LPG and BioLPG will rise. Legislation amendments introduced by the US, EU and Japan could see both demand and produced volume of BioLPG increase.

NUCLEAR ENERGY

Nuclear energy occurs when a reaction from either uranium or plutonium is stimulated to generate electricity. The UK government is keen to expand nuclear capacity.

As of writing, it has been confirmed that the UK government will inject £700 million of taxpayer’s money in developing Sizewell C nuclear power plant. Doing so will provide 6 million homes with low carbon electricity for more than 50 years and strengthen national energy security.

HYDROGEN

Hydrogen is produced in various forms signalled by a spectrum of assorted colours: blue, green, pink, brown, grey, yellow and turquoise.

 

  • Blue hydrogen is formed once natural gas is heated with steam in a process called Steam Methene Reforming (SMR). Hydrogen and carbon dioxide are created as a result meaning that emissions must be captured and stored for blue hydrogen to become a low carbon fuel source.
  • Grey hydrogen uses Steam Methene Reforming without capturing any emissions.
  • Green hydrogen occurs once water molecules are split into oxygen and hydrogen using renewable energy to power an electrolyser which sits in a water basin. Green hydrogen is considered 100% carbon neutral and is regarded as a source of future clean energy.
  • Pink hydrogen is created through nuclear powered electrolysis whilst yellow hydrogen is produced through solar powered electrolysis.
  • Turquoise hydrogen is made using a process called methane pyrolysis which produces hydrogen and solid carbon.

 

An extensive list of major international energy companies, such as BP and Equinor has announced various projects costing billons that explore the introduction of hydrogen as a major contributor towards future global energy needs. Spanish renewable energy company Iberdrola are planning to develop a green hydrogen production facility at the UK’s largest port in Felixstowe. Iberdrola is prepared to invest £150 million in the project which is expected to be operational in 2026.

Closer to home the UK issued its Hydrogen strategy in 2021, with the objective of achieving 10GW of Low Carbon Hydrogen by 2030. The strategy is also seeing rapid developments in pilot schemes using 100% hydrogen across the UK.

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RINNAI HOT WATER ON DEMAND – FUEL, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND FINANCE EFFICIENT – AND NOW EASY TO CHOOSE

Rinnai – makers of units delivering limitless, on demand supplies of hot water – are offering end-users an easy-to-choose facility via online interface.

 

The end-user simply visits the www.rinnaiuk.com website for instant assistance on choosing the right products to deliver fuel, energy and environmentally efficient hot water, reliably and constantly.

 

Says Chris Goggin, “Whatever your industry we have innovative products and systems that give your site or sites limitless supplies of temperature-controlled hot water which are designed with the environment in mind, with low emission technology and high efficiencies, as well as a host of other great features, as well as costing you significantly less than any other mode of hot water supply.”

 

We recognise that every application is unique and that choosing the right product can be a little daunting so we invite end-users to visit our website www.rinnaiuk.com and find the ‘Help Me Choose’ facility and we will do everything else from there,” adds Mr Goggin.

 

Rinnai recently completed the installation of 2 x HDC1500i continuous flow hot water heating units at a busy laundrette serving businesses and the public in Stafford. Rinnai products were chosen on the recommendation of another laundrette owner, in Lancashire, who praised the efficiency and major cost savings because of switching to cascaded continuous flow hot water units as they guarantee almost unlimited supplies of hot water at peak demand whilst savings on fuel costs.

 

Word of mouth is the best possible marketing and a site survey was duly arranged and completed to confirm the best solution in controlling operational costs and efficiencies. The existing system was a heated stored water system – this meant that the site was paying to heat water it was not instantly using.

 

It was clear from the site survey that Rinnai units configured to maximise both space and energy efficiency – and critically – the system’s reliability – would yield seriously large cost savings to the owner.

 

Given that the Rinnai units were being wall mounted and externally flued, this gave extra storage space to the premises as there was no need for a dedicated plant room.

 

Comments Ray Gallimore, proprietor of the Weston Road Launderette, “The old storage system had become completely impractical, inefficient and needlessly expensive to run.

 

“For example, the washers tend to be used sporadically. During a busy weekend there could be a demand for eight to ten people battling to use the machines at once, during the week there might be one or two. That meant we had to store a decent volume of hot water ‘just in case’ in the form of a storage water heater. Needless to say, keeping the stored volume at optimum temperature 24/7 was often wasted energy, a really bad, expensive idea all round.”

 

Clearly the site needed to change the system to one that could cater for these fluctuations without running up huge energy bills and the solution wasn’t hard to find.

 

“I was made aware of Infinity water heaters installed in similar applications to mine and in general their experiences with their products and their personnel, such as the local Rinnai sales consultant, were consistently positive and professional.”

 

“The beauty of working with Rinnai is the service they offer. We presented the project to Rinnai’s Technical Sales team who came up with the design, configured the sizes of unit required and delivered the system complete and to a very tight timescale – this was key as the existing water heater had developed a leak and I was extremely mindful that the business had to remain operational to satisfy local demand. We are very happy with Rinnai and will be spreading the word,” adds Ray Gallimore.

 

Now two HDC1500i internal mounted water heaters with secondary circulation provide hot water for 12 commercial machines, plus a sink and a wash hand basin.

“The Rinnai system has resulted in an energy reduction and gas saving due to higher efficiencies and because we are no longer maintaining large amounts of stored hot water. It’s not rocket science to work that out!”

 

“In terms of gas usage running costs compared to the old wasteful storage system, our bills have virtually been halved since the Rinnai system went live five months ago which is absolutely tremendous,” says Gallimore.

 

Rinnai’s heavy-duty condensing range uses two heat exchangers to capture residual heat from flue gases to pre-heat incoming water, with the HDC1500i turning in 105% net efficiencies*. These figures add up to considerable on-going energy savings when compared with traditional gas fired stored water systems.

 

With a Rinnai condensing unit, temperature is regulated to within +/-1ºC via ‘smart’ internal controls without any variation of temperature at the outlet even when water is drawn off elsewhere. All models have full electronic ignition, no pilot light and operate on demand only, so there is no gas consumption when the unit is idle.

 

The units are easily configured in a manifold arrangement, ensuring there will never be a shortfall of instant hot water whatever the demand.

Rinnai, the UK’s leading manufacturer of the ErP A-rated Infinity range of continuous flow condensing gas-fired water heaters, supplies the best energy efficient range of low-NOx water heating units currently on the market.

 

Advanced condensing heat exchangers combined with innovative burner technology ensures that every cubic metre of gas is used to the maximum on HDC 1500i.

 

Legionella proliferation is answered by Rinnai: the company has developed additional ‘SMART’ controls for secondary return DHW systems in the form of an advanced temperature control system which allows for safe running of water at 42°C core temperature during the day and 60°C at a time when the building is closed. By the time the building reopens, core temperature is 42°C for safe use.

 

Another Rinnai innovation addresses an age-old industry problem with hot water delivery – lime scale build-up. The company’s integrated scale control system is an innovative solution and comes in the form of an LC (lime check) code on the display of the controller.

 

Almost all water-fed appliances, including plate heat exchangers, boilers and water heaters will accumulate scale deposits when used within hard water areas over time. Lime scale consists of calcium carbonate (calcite) with lesser amounts of other calcium salts such as the sulphate. Sometimes lime scale deposits contain corrosion debris and this scale build-up can affect the water heaters by reducing their efficiency and overall performance.

 

Ultimately, ongoing use with hard water may shorten the lifespan of conventional water heating appliances and systems. To safeguard against this Rinnai units continually self-monitor for lime scale deposits around the heat exchanger. If a lime scale build up has being identified, a message is sent to the built-in interface panel on the front of the appliance. The message is displayed as ‘LC’, which alerts the end user that it is time to call a Rinnai service agent to perform a lime scale flush to clear the potentially harmful deposits. This avoids and eliminates the adverse effects associated with lime scale build up, including lower energy efficiencies and rapid product de-generation.

 

Rinnai’s HDC range offers condensing technology with up to 107% gross efficiency, ultra-low-NOx of less than 20 ppm, a widely expansive modulation range of 54kW-4kW and high flow rates of 37/ltr/min. Add to these benefits are the peace of mind of an extended warranty, a top A-rating exceeding the demands of eco-labelling legislation, the flexibility of external wall mounting and delivery to site with all relevant accessories and the knowledge that the HDC range is future-proofed against future regulatory and legislative changes.

 

* Tested and certificated by Technigas to EN 26.

 

For more information visit www.rinnaiuk.com

 

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THE ENERGY QUESTION IS NOW A ’TRILEMMA’

Chris Goggin of Rinnai looks, in detail, at the future of energy supply in the UK with some of the likely outcomes and possible scenarios in response to the inevitability of changing consumer habits and behaviour in the face of the urgent needs to conquer climate change.

 

There is now a consensus that climate change must be halted now by a whole raft of changes to our behaviour and habits unless we wish to play chicken with irreversible global consequences.

 

Climate change affects all of us, unless, of course, you happen to be the 45th President of the USA, in which case you can carry on Twittering.

 

Or maybe he has a point? Are the claimed dire consequences overplayed and overstated for wider political purposes? Well, if you accept the logic that even fake news can be genuine sometimes then we need to look at the facts. The simple, accepted facts.

 

This article identifies the emerging theme of the “energy trilemma within the UK” and critically discusses the three main tenets of the energy trilemma:

  • energy security
  • sustainability
  • affordability

66% of energy used (officially verified figures) domestically in the UK is for heating, so both the UK heating industry and the UK government have a vested interest in preventing the potential impact of this macro-environmental theme.

 

There appears to be an urgent need for awareness campaigns that aim to change our perception and habits of using energy in the home environment. These campaigns should be driven by the UK heating industry whilst calling for support from the UK government to assist in changing the energy consumption behaviors of consumers nationwide. There is substantiated evidence from other areas of the globe that change can happen and take effect with the strategic response of social marketing in the form of “nudge” based campaigns.

 

A key element of the energy trilemma is related to the security of energy supplies which is crucially important if the UK are to produce a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (Spataru et al, 2015). It is noted by many sources that North Sea oil and gas reserves are in decline, a point highlighted by Lovell et al (2009, pg.12) who states that “the UK’s North Sea oil and gas reserves appeared to have peaked”. This statement is supported by Macalister (2010) who states that “the UK will find itself on the brink of losing its energy self-sufficiency”

 

The UK had previously been a major exporter of energy however, it is again a major importer of fossil fuels (Pollitt, 2017). This reduction in fossil fuels is coupled with several of the existing coal and nuclear sites coming ‘off system’ in the coming decade (DECC, 2012). This is leading to significant fears over the threat of the lights going off (Abdo & Kouhy, 2016, pp 20). This point is supported by (Spataru, et al 2015, pp 95) and the UK energy regulator has stated that the statistical probability of severe power black outs would increase.

 

The lack of energy sustainability coupled with a loss of energy security leads to the final element of the energy trilemma – affordability. The UK energy agenda is dominated by concerns regarding affordability of energy supplies, unambiguously related to domestic heating needs as noted by (Day, Walker and Simcock, 2016, pp, 256) UK agenda has always been dominated by concerns about the affordability of heating specifically, linked with anxieties about public health. These anxieties stem from an increase in deaths during cold weather mainly due to poor insulation of UK housing stock, official statistics for the UK show every year a peak in the number of deaths during winter months that run to the tens of thousands (Office for National Statistics, 2014).

 

This presents the government with the issue noted by (Bolton & Foxon, 2015, pp 169) UK government is reluctant to let prices rise to a level required for new low carbon investment because of concerns over the impact on the affordability. This policy hiatus is further enhancing the potential impact of the energy trilemma and presents significant potential to impact the UK heating industry as 66% of energy used domestically is used for heating and hot water (appendix.1.).

 

In the works of (Hamilton, 2005) on the impact of oil prices on the macro economy, he notes that a key mechanism whereby energy price shocks affect the economy is through disruption in consumer spending on goods and services other than energy (Hamilton, 2005, pp. 10). This point is further supported by (Beranke et al, 1997) who discovers that an increase in energy prices slows economic growth through its effect on consumer spending.

 

Industry and government action will need to focus on changing normative and social actions, a point supported by (Chan, 1999) who found that green consumption behavior is significantly related to concern for the environment and behavioral intentions, and that green consciousness and the promotion of environmental protection and green consumption by the government are both effective predictors of green consumption behavior. This points to the need for educating the consumer base to change the normative behaviors as noted by (Wu & Chen, 2014, pp. 119) education of the consumer can lead to changes in consumption behavior and the incorporation of green choices into his/her daily life.

 

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To avoid the outcomes of the energy trilemma, the UK must transform its energy sector, this transformation is hindered by great uncertainty as to the central policy objectives and agendas which are driving UK governance (Bolton & Foxon, 2013). Therefore, it appears that one of the most rational avenues of action be that the heating industry, supported by national government, undertake a program of social based “nudge” campaigns to allay and reduce the impact of the energy trilemma by reducing long-term consumption. It is pleasing to see such “nudge” techniques happened with smart meters but more can be done.

 

‘Nudge’ techniques are described by (Thaler and Sunstein, 2008, pp.6) as actions that alter people’s behavior in a predictable way without forbidding any options or significantly changing their economic incentives.

 

The UK government has failed with policy approaches that have sought to incentivize energy reductions in light of the issues stemming from the energy trilemma. For example, the green deal aimed at incentivizing more energy efficient behavior. The failings of the green deal are described by (Rosenow & Eyre, 2016. Pp. 141) poor policy design, limited financial appeal and narrow engagement with consumers.”

 

The heating industry, supported by national government, can utilize a social marketing agenda to reduce energy consumption and subsequent costs, through education and “nudging”. The expertise of the industry and its knowledge of the consumer supported by government regulation and incentives could create the winning formula.

 

The key failings of the ‘green deal’ and other government approaches was its inability to truly understand the audience benefit. These benefits need to be elicited to tap into and satisfy the underlying motivation of groups as discussed by (Lefebrve, 2011, pp.58) and these benefits may not be health, a cleaner environment, access to services or even money.

 

This step change away from monetary incentives towards energy reduction programs could focus on audience benefit, with an educational approach to changing and evoking social norms related to energy consumption.

Sounds drastic? Many would argue that we are in drastic times requiring drastic measures. Or we just go on Twitttering….

 

For more information visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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RINNAI HOT WATER – RELIABLY INSTANT, ENERGY EFFICIENT AND LOWER FUEL COSTS FOR UK HOMEOWNERS

Rinnai’s range of ErP A-rated continuous flow gas-fired hot water heaters now includes models specifically aimed and designed for the UK domestic market. The units guarantee high efficiencies and low running costs combined with consistent water temperatures seven days a week.

 

Rinnai’s range of continuous flow water heating units are being specified and installed in the whole range of domestic properties – studios, flats, houses, high-end residential houses – as installers and end users become aware of the ease of installation, and the energy & cost saving benefits.

 

Rinnai manufactures over 2million water heaters every year and as such is at the forefront of creating unit cost advantages for installers. Competitively priced, the units offer all technological advances and innovations, all at a similar cost to lower specification competitor models.

 

The reason for the increase in popularity is that continuous flow heating systems are proven to be more energy efficient than conventional ones and are now the preferred method of hot water provision. Rinnai units meet the demands of any size of home and are ideal where high volumes are demanded at intermittent times of the day, delivering safe temperature useable hot water.

 

Rinnai’s multipoint 17i water heater, for example, eliminates the problem of sudden changes in water temperature, resulting in cold showers or scalding hot baths – the water temperature you set is the water temperature you get. So, if somebody is happily showering at 42°C and a tap is turned on to draw a bath elsewhere in the property, the temperature does not vary, and there is no chance of either user running out of hot water.

 

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The Rinnai 16i interior model measures just 675 x 370 x 139mm and weighs in at 18kg – a one-man lift. The room-sealed unit has a temperature range of 35°C to 60°C with direct electronic ignition. Gas consumption ranges between 4.7kW-6.5kW for Natural Gas and 4.9kW-36.8kW when using propane. Hot water delivery flow is an impressive 16ltr max flow. Nominal operation pressure is 1-7 bar and it uses a 230V AC 50Hz 1ph power supply with an electrical consumption of 68W.

 

Meanwhile, where an external installation is required, the Rinnai 17e external multipoint water heater offers greater flexibility at the design stage and offers a viable solution where flue runs are problematic or internal space is not available. Capable of flow rates of up to 510 litres per hour at a 50°C rise, the 17e is suitable for multiple applications and can be specified for use with Natural Gas or propane.

 

The 17e has full frost protection and is available with a range of external ancillary items, including pipe cover box – and security cage where necessary.

 

For smaller properties, the Infinity 11i interior unit differs from the 17i as it weighs 2kg less at 16kg and consumes 6.10kW-21.60kW of Natural Gas and has an 11-litre maximum flow.

 

Key features of the 24kW Rinnai 11i are: Compact & lightweight unit for easy installation; Robust, durable heat exchanger; User friendly digital controls; In-built frost protection; Ideal replacement for large obtrusive and bulky cylinder; Compact design to fit a limited space.

 

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

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FREE HOT WATER ENERGY AUDIT FOR ALL HOSPITALS & MEDICAL CENTRES – courtesy of RINNAI

Rinnai is offering FREE audits for all hospitals and medical centres in order to maximise energy and financial efficiency in the delivery of hot water at the point of use. Maximising efficiencies can lead to fuel savings, alone, of up to 30% on current energy prices as the hot water is heated only when it is used – turn the tap off and the energy costs can stop immediately.

 

The audit, in close co-operation with the site, measures all data concerning use and presents a full and detailed report prepared by CIBSE recognised engineers. This is all free of any charge.

 

Rinnai is the world’s leading manufacturer of continuous flow hot water systems a range of units that can be manifolded to supply, virtually, limitless temperature accurate water to a site of any size. It also means less space spent on plant rooms and no or little maintenance as all units are proven to be robust with extended working life and warranties to support this.

 

Rinnai’s Sensei N Series water heating range offers a new and compact design with enhanced combustion that allows for easier and quicker installation – and gives high levels of operational performance.

 

All components in the range are designed and manufactured by Rinnai, and this ensures maximum quality and reliability from the world leader in commercial continuous flow water heating products and systems.

 

The Rinnai Sensei N Series is also the first ever continuous flow hot water heating unit manufactured with stainless steel heat exchangers to be available in the UK – this gives a greatly extended working life. Added to this is the Sensei N Series market leading extended warranties.

 

The advanced burner controls with the Sensei N Series models ensure that all the appliances are well ahead of the NOx requirements set within ErP. The current level of permissible NOx set by ErP is 56 mg/Kwh.

 

The Sensei N Series range have been third-party tested at 28 mg/Kwh making them one of the greenest water heating appliances available.

 

As the units do not incorporate storage their ‘green credentials’ are further recognised by BREEAM and score additional credits under the building regulations.

In answering the threat of Legionella proliferation – continuous flow technology is recognised as heavily reducing the risk of Legionella proliferation when compared to other types of hot water delivery. The main reasons for this are that there is no storage, system turn over is regular and the area for debris is much lower than storage type systems.

 

The industry uptake of Rinnai’s continuous flow heater systems is proven to be more energy efficient than conventional storage systems and are increasingly the experts’ preferred method of hot water provision. Rinnai units easily cater for any size projects that need high volumes of water at intermittent or any times of day.

 

Rinnai manufactures over 2million water heaters every year and as such is at the forefront of creating unit cost advantages for installers. Competitively priced, the units offer all technological advances and innovations, all at a similar cost to lower specification competitor models.

 

Contact the company direct by telephone or email info@rinnaiuk.com for your FREE audit on hot water usage on your site.

 

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

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RINNAI CONTINUOUS FLOW HOT WATER SYSTEM SPECIFIED IN FOOD MANUFACTURE PLANT

A Rinnai continuous flow hot water solution has been installed at a large-scale seafood processing and manufacturing plant on the North East coast. The system was installed by H Pickup & Sons having used Rinnai products for several years on major projects.

 

H Pickup Mechanical & Electrical Services Limited were established over 100 years ago and are based in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The company offer a comprehensive range of mechanical & electrical services direct to their clients: Electrical Building Services; Mechanical Building Services; Planned & Reactive Maintenance; Gas Servicing; Heating and Plumbing Services; Electrical & Mechanical Design & Installation Services and Contract Management.

 

“We employ our own staff engineers both on site and in contract management in order to enable us to deliver unprecedented service and ongoing support to our customers”, says Mike Joy for Pickups.

 

The food manufacture site had an old stored hot water system which was no longer able to cope with the demand for the high volume and high temperature hot water needed for cleaning down production areas as the site increased its production lines, as it expanded its market ordering and product range. The site was also looking to substantially increase energy, fuel cost efficiency and reliability by removing the stored hot water.

 

“There were long periods of time with no requirements for hot water, then sudden high demand as production areas need deep cleaning. Running out of hot water would result in substandard cleaning, especially the removal of grease, and industrial cleaning products used to clean many of the surfaces. Another deciding factor for the site – Rinnai’s ability to resist Legionella breeding which is a risk with a “lukewarm” hot water system. With Rinnai continuous flow units water temperature for distribution is accurate to ±1˚C. The fact that there is no stratification as there is no storage, ensures a continuous, permanent even temperature. There is no requirement to heat a volume of water just to ensure the elimination of Legionella bacteria as the minimum temperature that a continuous flow unit achieves is in excess of advisory levels.

 

The modular nature of the Rinnai Systems also removes a single point of failure from the hot water system, ensuring hot water will always be available and not run out. The site used 3 x HDC1200i Natural Gas Water Heaters and also featured the Rinnai Limescale Protection Package.

 

The Rinnai HDC 1200i continuous flow hot water unit has the capacity to easily deliver in excess of 1560 litres of hot water in excess of 50 degrees C temperature per hour, with an overall gross efficiency of more than 95%. These levels of performance, with unbeatable efficiency levels, mean the Rinnai 1200i is more than capable of meeting and exceeding the hot water demands of all applications.

 

This precision engineered unit can also be combined as multiple units into one single, easy to handle module incorporating cascade frames and common flue. Both the HDC 1200 internal and external models turn in a market leading energy performance of 107% net efficiency and offer superlative ranges of modulation as the systems internal analytical system can modulate the burner modulation range from 54kw to 2.4kw. The Rinnai HDC 1200i is engineered for minimal energy wastage and maximum energy performance.

 

It is worth remembering that Part L of the Building Regulations 2013 has set minimum thermal efficiency levels of 90% for natural gas and 92% for LPG, consequently outlawing non-condensing gas fired water heaters for use in new build projects.

 

Rinnai is the only manufacturer that can supply a complete range of internal and external ultra-high efficiency condensing continuous flow water heaters, aligned not only to comply but surpass changes on the regulatory horizon.

 

Rinnai units and systems are now the number one choice for any size of site or large building or business with a heavy demand for constant hot water or where high peaks of demand occur at certain times. Any number of modules can be manifolded, so the water handling capacity is truly infinite and there is no risk of the ‘cascade’ of hot water ever running out.

 

The manifolded 1200i units can be delivered direct to site in one complete, easy to manage package and at a very competitive price. For the end user this guarantees considerable cost savings over other forms of hot water generation. The relatively compact footprint of all Rinnai units and systems means it can optimise plant room space and safeguard accessibility for maintenance and servicing.

 

There is huge potential for on-demand style water heaters such as the Rinnai HDC 1200i units to play their part in new build and in refurbishments projects alike, where in the latter there are still many old systems that need replacing. By replacing this older technology with new condensing appliances will help support the UK drive towards greener industry.

 

The Rinnai Infinity HDC 1200i water heater uses heat exchanger technology to allow the largest capacity flow rates, thereby guaranteeing all the hot water needed, when it is needed. As well as increasing capacity, the Rinnai Infinity water heater has lower greenhouse emissions because of the new reduced NOx burner technology and as there is no storage, this scores well with BREEAM.

 

The only time the site uses energy to heat water is when there is a demand, in other words, it is only burning gas when a tap is being run.

 

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

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RINNAI AND THE ART OF ZEN + ZEN PLUS

Rinnai re-imagines home hot water & heating systems

Rinnai, global leaders in continuous flow hot water heating products and systems, is introducing the Zen and Zen Plus home hot water & heating system which marries established and proven manufacture durability with new technologies to offer great energy efficiencies, user control and, importantly, unparalleled level of comfort.

Rinnai UK will be launching this innovation plus several other cutting-edge appliances during 2019.

The Rinnai Zen and Zen Plus system will increase comfort and reduce energy usage whilst also providing a highly economically solution for today’s changing marketplace.

‘Our core expertise is the mass production of long-term reliable combustion products with advanced technologies – we are a global leader and make over 2 million water heating units every year for domestic, residential and commercial applications. We have been researching and monitoring the UK domestic heating market for several years until we had a proven system. That time is now, and we are offering hot water heating units together with a superior performance combi boiler in 24, 29- and 35-kW outputs,’ says Chris Goggin, head of Rinnai UK operations.

‘We are not launching into the mass UK boiler market – that is, in our view, a saturated and oversubscribed market which is in the throes of a major upheaval in its structure due to the advent of online direct sales platforms. We are offering something very different. And we are aiming to serve a market sector previously overlooked and almost ignored – the provision of luxury levels of hot water at affordable sums to the middle and top end of the marketplace.

‘Another major difference with the Rinnai Zen & Zen Plus is that the route to market is with installers. We are committed to working with installers as our route to market. The installer is still the major player and, in our view, always will be.

Some of the features of Zen & Zen Plus are: IOT controller as standard; Fast heating mode; DHW pre-heat function – saving wasted water; Energy monitor function allows user to monitor energy usage; flue runs up to 30 meters, Rinnai boiler App for android and IOS; constant temperature-accurate hot water delivery at continuous flow rates.

There is also smart Wifi controller and App benefits; The Rinnai app seamlessly connects to the controller in the property; the user can control the boiler remotely adjusting temperature, setting weekly and daily programmes, receiving alarm functions, monitor energy usage and set limits. The Wifi and boiler controller also uses GPS from the user’s mobile to bring on the heat when you are getting close to home to ensure the house is warm when you arrive.

Rinnai Zen & Zen Plus are available for use with both natural gas and LPG.

For more information visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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RINNAI CELEBRATES ITS FIRST 100 YEARS OF MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS TO SERVE ITS CUSTOMERS

Rinnai, best known in the UK for its comprehensive range of hot water and heating home units, is globally celebrating its first 100 years of manufacture in serving its customers with a three-year period of planned anniversary related events to connect to the start of the company’s next centenary.

The Rinnai Corporation was founded in Nagoya, Japan in 1819 and today operates in 17 nations and regions around the world with sales of kitchen appliances, air conditioners, hot water heating & home heating units in over 80 countries.

Says Rinnai UK Managing Director Tony Gittings, ”The company has evolved and developed into a group that produces a diversity of products and services that directly benefit ordinary people in their daily lives.

“Our policy is to help enrich the lives of people in local communities by providing optimal solutions that fit the lifestyle culture, climate conditions, and the energy situation of each country around the world. The three-year period is aimed at connecting the first century to the next one. The theme will be named – Connected in passion for the next 100 years.”

This follows the other significant corporate developments on the global presence of Rinnai – the issuing of a new logo and a new brand statement – ‘A Healthier Way of Living’.

In the UK Rinnai is the acknowledged leader in continuous flow hot water heating technology. The company offers a comprehensive range of A-rated units plus large systems for any size of site or application.

For more information visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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RINNAI INTRODUCE THE SENSEI N SERIES

NEW GENERATION OF OUTSTANDING CONTINUOUS FLOW CONDENSING HOT WATER HEATING UNITS AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS – CAPABLE OF DELIVERING MORE THAN 950 LITRES OF TEMP. CONTROLLED HOT WATER PER HOUR AT COMMERCIAL TEMPERATURES FROM A SINGLE UNIT.

Rinnai, the world’s leading manufacturer of continuous flow hot water systems, is introducing the Sensei N Series to the UK marketplace, as the new generation of maximum quality and reliability in hot water heating delivery.

The new Rinnai Sensei N Series water heater range offers a new and more compact and enhanced combustion design that allows for easier installation and enhanced operational performance together with increased levels of serviceability.

All components in the range are designed and manufactured by Rinnai, and this ensures maximum quality and reliability from the industry leader in commercial continuous flow water heating products and systems.

The Rinnai Sensei N Series is the first ever continuous flow hot water heating unit manufactured with stainless steel heat exchangers to be available in the UK – this gives a greatly extended working life at optimum performance to each of the four models in the range. Added to this is the Sensei N Series market leading extended warranties.

The four models are: the N1600i giving 954 litres per hour; the N1600e (external) also giving 954 litres per hour (at 50 degrees); the N1300i giving 775 litres per hour and the N1300e also giving 775 litres per hours of temperature controlled at 50 degrees. The two 1600s have load profiles of XXL and are water efficiency class A rated, while the 1300s are load profile XL and are also water efficiency class A rated.

Other features include:

  • flue up to 30+ metres for concentric
  • Turbo Fan
  • Built-in controller as standard on both internal and external models
  • Cascade Cable assembly allows up to 24 water heaters to be connected and function as one total and complete system Any number of N-series Rinnai water heaters can be manifolded together enabling the largest capacities on the market.
  • Built in flue damper
  • Air inlet filter
  • Frost Protection – minus 15°C on the internal versions and minus 20 °C on the external versions
  • New PCB Design
  • Controller as standard – Lockable, set up of appliance, Temperature set up to 75°C
  • Maintenance Monitor for engineers

Rinnai manufactures over 2 million hot water heating units each year and so can offer advantageous cost savings for installers and end users. The N Series are probably the most competitively priced type of their kind currently available to the UK sector.

All the range are also low-NOx and the Sensei N Series utilises Rinnai’s patented advanced burner technology with a 13-1 turn down ratio – the largest on the market – with extremely quiet operation. Integral controls on the units enable the water heater to achieve high efficiencies because of advanced burner control and high modulation ranges.

In reducing Legionella proliferation, Rinnai has developed additional ‘SMART’ controls for secondary return DHW systems in the form of an advanced temperature control system which allows for safe running of water at 42°C core temperature during the day and 60°C overnight.

The advanced burner controls with the Sensei N Series models ensure that all the appliances are well ahead of the NOx requirements set within ErP. The current level of permissible NOx set by ErP is 56 mg/Kwh. The Sensei N Series range have been third-party tested at 28 mg/Kwh making them one of the greenest water heating appliances available.

As the units do not incorporate storage their ‘green credentials’ are further recognised by BREEAM and score additional credits under the building regulations.

The industry uptake of Rinnai’s continuous flow heater systems are proven to be more energy efficient than conventional storage systems and are increasingly the experts’ preferred method of hot water provision. Rinnai units easily cater for any size projects that need high volumes of water at intermittent times of day.

 

For more information visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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RINNAI HOT WATER – RELIABLY INSTANT, ENERGY EFFICIENT AND LOWER FUEL COSTS FOR UK HOMEOWNERS

Rinnai’s range of ErP A-rated continuous flow gas-fired hot water heaters now includes models specifically aimed and designed for the UK domestic market. The units guarantee high efficiencies and low running costs combined with consistent water temperatures seven days a week.

Rinnai’s range of continuous flow water heating units are being specified and installed in the whole range of domestic properties – studios, flats, houses, high-end residential houses – as installers and end users become aware of the ease of installation, and the energy & cost saving benefits.

Rinnai manufactures over 2million water heaters every year and as such is at the forefront of creating unit cost advantages for installers. Competitively priced, the units offer all technological advances and innovations, all at a similar cost to lower specification competitor models.

The reason for the increase in popularity is that continuous flow heating systems are proven to be more energy efficient than conventional ones and are now the preferred method of hot water provision. Rinnai units meet the demands of any size of home and are ideal where high volumes are demanded at intermittent times of the day, delivering safe temperature useable hot water.

Rinnai’s multipoint 17i water heater, for example, eliminates the problem of sudden changes in water temperature, resulting in cold showers or scalding hot baths – the water temperature you set is the water temperature you get. So, if somebody is happily showering at 42°C and a tap is turned on to draw a bath elsewhere in the property, the temperature does not vary, and there is no chance of either user running out of hot water.

The Rinnai 16i interior model measures just 675 x 370 x 139mm and weighs in at 18kg – a one-man lift. The room-sealed unit has a temperature range of 35°C to 60°C with direct electronic ignition. Gas consumption ranges between 4.7kW-6.5kW for Natural Gas and 4.9kW-36.8kW when using propane. Hot water delivery flow is an impressive 16ltr max flow. Nominal operation pressure is 1-7 bar and it uses a 230V AC 50Hz 1ph power supply with an electrical consumption of 68W.

Meanwhile, where an external installation is required, the Rinnai 17e external multipoint water heater offers greater flexibility at the design stage and offers a viable solution where flue runs are problematic or internal space is not available. Capable of flow rates of up to 510 litres per hour at a 50°C rise, the 17e is suitable for multiple applications and can be specified for use with Natural Gas or propane.

The 17e has full frost protection and is available with a range of external ancillary items, including pipe cover box – and security cage where necessary.

For smaller properties, the Infinity 11i interior unit differs from the 17i as it weighs 2kg less at 16kg and consumes 6.10kW-21.60kW of Natural Gas and has an 11-litre maximum flow.

Key features of the 24kW Rinnai 11i are: Compact & lightweight unit for easy installation; Robut, durable heat exchanger; User friendly digital controls; In-built frost protection; Ideal replacement for large obtrusive and bulky cylinder; Compact design to fit a limited space.

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

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