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ADVANCED MEASUREMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

STUDENT ID: W13030003

CHOOSEN STUDY BUIDLING: ELLISON BUILDING

COURSEWORK TITLE: BUILDING DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE

CRITIQUE

MODULE CODE: BE 0898

MODULE TUTOR: ALAN DAVIES

WORDS: 2562

SUBMISSION DATE: 10 FEBRUARY 2015

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Contents

1.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Potential of Refurbishment ............................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Boiler system ................................................................................................................................. 4

2.2 Ventilation ..................................................................................................................................... 5

2.3 Lighting .......................................................................................................................................... 6

2.4 Windows ....................................................................................................................................... 8

2.5 Solar Power ................................................................................................................................... 9

2.6 Facade ......................................................................................................................................... 10

3.0 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................... 12

4.0 Reference ........................................................................................................................................ 13

5.0 Appendix ......................................................................................................................................... 16

Appendix 1 ........................................................................................................................................ 16

Appendix 2 ........................................................................................................................................ 18

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1.0 Introduction Northumbria University can be count as one of the best professional universities in UK.

Northumbria University is the largest University in the North East of England. A great part in

subject areas of degrees that offers by Northumbria University which specialising in

programmes involve to arts, design and social sciences, business and law, heath and life

sciences to engineering and environment. Ellison Building is a part of Northumbria

University which will be usually use by students who study Degree in Health and life

Sciences and The Faculty of Engineering and Environment. Ellison Building can be divided

to five blocks with different function. Block A is a wet bench style labs which use for

investigating a range of environmental issues. Block B is a Virtual Reality Suite. Block C is a

special architecture studio for students of the Built an Environment to access. Block D is a

Geographical Information System computer labs and lastly Block E is a Houses facilities for

Computing, Engineering and Information Science which involving programmes that special

in industry standard engineering equipment is needed.

Ellison Building needed some refurbishment to improve its usability and environmental

performance. The benefit of refurbishment on occupied land is much more efficient compare

to replace it. Other than that, present resources can be re-using, re-cycle and re-place to slow

down global warming. In addition, refurbishment of Ellison Building helps to improve the

sustainability and cost effective way (BREEAM, 2014). When the existing structure of a

building is remaining, more energy savings will be achieved.

Figure 1: Ellison Building Block A

Source: (Shing, 2015)

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2.0 Potential of Refurbishment

2.1 Boiler system

Ellison Building is using Gas Fired System. Previously, for a building such as school

commonly will use gas and oil as a fuel for boiler system. But at the present, electricity is

approximately to take place of gas and oil (Reid, 2013).Recently, the prices for gas has rise

and is likely to remain high due to United Kingdom (UK) is no longer self-supporting in gas.

Therefore, the growing demand from other countries will need to compete with UK

(WHICH?, 2014).

In addition, the main disadvantages of fuel-burning machine are the dangers of fire-setting.

Gas Fired system require labours to control it function. This boiler system will resulted

pollution of the atmosphere as it will produce carbon monoxide (CO) (Vlok, 1996).This

system cannot be considered as a clean source of energy because it will produce carbon

dioxide as well when it’s burned (WHICH?, 2014).Furthermore, Gas Fired system needs to

service annually to assure it can be function efficiently ( WHICH?, 2014). Gas Fired System

will only condense efficiently when average of the water returning back to the boiler is under

temperature of 55 degree Celsius. However, the benefits that provided by Gas Fired System

will be lost due to the current systems most boiler only condense at the beginning of the stage

but the return temperature is always over 55 degree Celsius (Superseal, 2014).

To improve its usability and environmental performance, Central Heating System is more

suitable for this huge building as this system is more eco-friendly compare to Gas Fired

System. The heating sources for Central Heating System can run on gas, electric energy, solar

power or oil. This system provides energy-efficient heat sources (eHow, 2014). Central

Heating System is more economical compare to Gas Fired System since this heating can

controls itself if programmed correctly. Central Heating System can be controlling with a

programmable thermostat. In all place of building, the temperature can be regulated by the

use of a thermostat. Each room have an individual thermostatic control. When a room

reaches the desired temperature, this system will automatically switch off with a thermostat

controlling the heating system. The energy costs will go down since this system is not

running all times (level, 2013).

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2.2 Ventilation There need a refurbishment for Rutherford Hall. This hall is using mobile mechanical

ventilation. Proper ventilation is very important for students. Room temperature of a study

place is important. It will influence every student’s mood and concentration. This hall is quite

big, using mobile ventilation is not sufficient to provide proper ventilation for the students.

Rutherford Hall cans refurbishment to use mixed mode ventilation. Using mixed mode

ventilation not even can provide enough and proper ventilation for students but also achieve

to reach low energy consumption (Yannes, 2014). Mixed mode ventilation and can be known

as hybrid ventilation. Mixed mode ventilation can provide the requirement flow rate by the

natural driving force. When the natural ventilation flow rate is too low then the mechanical

ventilation will be replace it (Heiselberg & Bjorn, 2002).

The principal of mixed mode ventilation is that will take maximum advantage of environment

conditions. The special characteristic of mixed mode ventilation is limitation of temperature

during the working day. The act of both natural and mechanical ventilation will result in

energy savings. The use of windows to provide natural ventilation thus the mechanical

ventilation can be reducing of using it. Hence, the energy cost will reduce as well (Croome,

2002).

Case Study: Swiss Re Tower

The Swiss Re Tower is known as a 40-storey office, 180m tall and designed by Foster and

Partners. Swiss Re Tower is located at 30 St Mary Axe in the centre of London. The concept

of this building is to take advantage of combination of building structure and building

services within the architectural design. This building is using mixed mode ventilation

(Mumovic and Santamouris, 2013).

Figure 2: Mobile Mechanical Ventilation used in Rutherford Hall

Source: (Shing, 2015)

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2.3 Lighting Carefully choosing the correct lighting system to achieve a quality lighting environment plus

satisfy both performance and aesthetics needs. To provide comfortable and visually

interesting environment for the students, high quality energy efficient lighting systems that

take advantages of both the natural and electric sources is a must. The lighting system that

used in Rutherford Hall need to refurbishes from fluorescent up and down luminaries to curve

luminaries. Rutherford Hall is using natural lighting system as well. Even though fluorescent

tubes have fantastic longer lifespan but it will dramatically cut the lifespan of the bulb if the

lights are regularly switch on and off since this is a study area, there will be a lot of students

using the hall for seminars and exams. This can be resulted to cost more money in long run

(Fluorescent Strip, 2012).

The main disadvantage of fluorescent lamps is the lamp size. Because of the large size,

storage, handling and relamping will be a problem. Fluorescent lighting may be dimmed thus

is not suitable for study and exam hall (Bradshaw, 2010).A further disadvantage for this type

of lighting is that they can be influence to health and safety problem. Fluorescent tubes will

produce tin amounts of mercury which is very hazardous if the tube is broken (Fluorescent

Strip, 2012). Curve luminaries are to be refurbishment to this hall is because curve luminaries

can give out the light at more angle compare to fluorescent lamps. Curve luminaries are more

flexibility of workplace position but fluorescent lamps are lack of personal control over

lighting ( Rostron, 2005).

Figure 3: Fluorescent up and down lighting used in Rutherford Hall

Source: (Shing, 2015)

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Other than that, Castles Restaurant need to refurbishment from incandescent lamps to

fluorescent lamps. Incandescent lamp has shorter life span and low energy efficiency. To

achieve the usability and environmental performance, fluorescent lamp can be use in Castles

Restaurant. The advantage of fluorescent lamp is they have a longer life span because keep

switching on and off is unnecessary as it use in a restaurant. Another advantage is fluorescent

lamp produce less heat compare with other types of lights, thus this mean that is more

suitable to use in a cafe as it give more comfortable for the students to enjoy their meals

(Fluorescent Strip, 2012).

Figure 4: Incandescent lighting used in Castle’s Restaurant

Source: (Shing, 2015)

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2.4 Windows The whole Ellison Building is using Single glazing windows and need to refurbish to Double

glazing windows. Double glazing windows have dramatic effect on energy cost savings. Up

to 50% of heat lost can be reducing by using Double glazing windows. Particularly, a study

area with large windows, the changing of temperature will be easier to be notice (Home

Improvement, 2014). Double glazing windows provide airtight construction, this can give off

less flow of incoming and outgoing heat. As result, the cost of energy to heat up or cool down

the space will be reducing (Replacement Windows For Dummies, 2011).

Furthermore, single glazing windows normally not good in insulation. Noise level from

outside will be noticeable, thus will influence student concentration on their study (Home

Heating Guide, 2014). Double glazing windows made up of two panels of glass which will be

construct between the outer and inner of the frame. Normally, the Argon gas will fill at the

void of these two glass panels. The Argon gas can be acts as an insulator of noise and heat,

hence creating barrier between the study area and environment outside (Replacement

Windows For Dummies, 2011).

Double glazing window is tougher to break compare with single glazing window, thus this

can increase the security of the school. They are tougher to be open from the outside because

they are sealed tighter compare with single glazing window (Home Heating Guide, 2014).

Besides, Double glazing windows can help reducing the sun and heat entering the room,

which means that its help to decreasing the damaging of furniture, carpet and computer by

sun outside (Replacement Windows For Dummies, 2011).

There are some disadvantages of using Double glazing window which can be turn to

advantages to Ellison Building. Double glazing windows will trap heat. Because Newcastle

would not be too hot even during summer time, thus these types of windows would not affect

outside (Replacement Windows For Dummies, 2011). There might be not a good match for

older building due to Double glazing windows are modern looking but this would not effect

to the Ellison Building as well but in return, after refurbishment, Ellison Building will be

appear to a modern building appearance indeed (Replacement Windows For Dummies,

2011).

Case Study: Senate House, University of London.

Senate House is the oldest and largest in the UK. Previously, it was designed as the

administrative headquarters of the University. Today the building was designed by Charles

Holden. In 21st century, Senate House which made up of a central tower and two adjoining

wings is being refurbished. The existing Crittal Windows have been changed to double

glazing windows to provide insulation zone (SEH, 2014). Please refer to Appendix 1 for

further details.

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Figure 5: Single Glazing Window used in Block A

Source: (Shing, 2015)

2.5 Solar Power To achieve the environmental performance, solar panel will be installing on the roof of

Ellison Building. Nowadays, global warming is a critical problem around the world. Thus,

one of the most important solutions for this problem is using solar power. With using solar

power, society can saves billions or trillions of pounds. Global warming has been a

threatened to the society. If global warming is left unabated, this will cost society trillions of

pounds. The using of solar power can help to fight the global warming will likely to save

billion or even trillion of pounds (Clean Technica, 2013).

Solar power is sustainable and even renewable. They will ever run out of it. Solar power is a

natural source to generate electricity. There is totally a silent produce of energy that using

photovoltaic panel to convert sunlight into usable electricity. Solar electricity power plants

would not give out any emissions during the operation, this means that solar power would not

cause any pollution (Ryan, 2009).

Solar power can save money even the installation of solar panel might be expensive. Solar

power is a long term investment. But there are continual advancements in solar panel

technology, this can help to increasing the efficiency and lowering the cost of production.

Hence, this will make it more cost savings (Greenough River Solar Farm, 2014).

Case study: New Campus, University of Nottingham, UK

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In year 1998, Michael Hopkins and Partners prepares a master plan for a 6-hectare expansion

of the University of Nottingham. University of Nottingham is providing heating through

passive solar gain. This project is particularly on green principles (Edwards, 2014).

2.6 Facade Ellison Building can be considered as a huge old building. The major key to reducing the

carbon footprint and improving environmental performance is to refurbishment the building.

Facade change can be advantages to society as well. Aluminium rainscreen cladding will be

added to the whole Ellison Building to achieve for modern appearance. Aluminium

rainscreen cladding would be the ideal choice for Ellison Building because of its usability.

Aluminium rainscreen cladding is available in a variety of range of metallic and powder

coated colours (Vivalda, 2013). Aluminium is considered as a lightweight material.

Aluminium is 66% lighter compare with steel (Rathi and Amrutvahini, 2013).Aluminium can

be designed a variety of shapes because it is flexible (Eaglewindow, 2014).

Aluminium cladding is functional with unlimited coloured and design. It can give a good

protection to any project (Vivalda, 2013). Aluminium cladding is durability and is naturally

oxidise when exposed to air. Because of it oxidization process on the aluminium surface,

aluminium is excellent in corrosion resistance (Europe Aluminium Association, no date).

Aluminium is durable because it is made up from alloys. An alloy is resistant to corrosion,

weather and UV rays (Rathi and Amrutvahini, 2013).Aluminium cladding is strong and low

maintenance (Sorba, 2015). It is very easy to clean (Proteus, 2015) and easy to install (Bailey,

2014). Aluminium rainscreen cladding has a design life more than 40 years (bdonline.co.uk,

2013).

Case study: The University of Liverpool.

Aluminium rainscreen cladding was used for Ronald Ross Bio-Science building at the

University of Liverpool. This highly engineered facade has met the requirement for excellent

air tightness (Eltherington, no date). Please refer to Appendix 1 for further details.

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Figure 6: Existing old building of Ellison Building Block E

Source: (Shing, 2015)

Figure 7: Ronald Ross Bio-Science building at the University of Liverpool

Source: (Eltherington, no date)

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3.0 Conclusion The refurbishment of Ellison Building is a key resource which is important to the

achievement of the Northumbria University’s academic success. A great planning for

refurbishment of existing building will achieve a greater efficiencies and an increase of

satisfactory to Ellison Building of providing improvement in it usability and environmental

performance. This report introduced of using of Central heating system is the most

economical and best way to heating up a large building like Ellison Building. Proper

ventilation that provided for the students to helping them learns better. Mixed mode

ventilation let the room temperature to be average, without too cold or too warm. Appropriate

lighting amount to provide is an important source for students to concentrate in their study.

To achieve energy and cost saving, refurbishment to double glazing window is the most

appropriate way. Even thought the solar PV panels are expensive but, solar power are long

terms invest. With proper planning and use of solar power, can attain saving of money. New

facade with using aluminium rainscreen cladding will produce a fresh modern look to fit in

21st Century. Hence, a necessary refurbishment for an existing building like Ellison Building

is a must to achieve a more sustainability and a better environmental performance.

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4.0 Reference 1. Arch-online (2015) Toilets for Disabled: Disabled Toilets Access Regulations.

Available at: http://arch-online.org/toilets-for-disabled-disabled-toilets-access-

regulations.htm(Accessed: 10 November 2014).

2. Atkison, J. (ed.) (2009) Natural Ventilation for Infection Control in Health-care

Settings. World Health Organization.

3. Bailey (2014) Rainscreen Cladding. Available at: http://www.bailey-

uk.com/building-envelope/facade-systems/rainscreen-cladding/ (Accessed: 20 January

2015).

4. bdonline.co.uk (2013) Rainscreen Cladding. Available at:

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/cpd-8-2013-rainscreen-cladding/5052281.article

(Accessed: 23 January 2015).

5. Bradshaw, V. (2010) The Building Environment: Active And Passive Control Systems.

3rd

edn. John Wiley & Sons.

6. BREEAM (2014) BREEAM UK Domestic Refurbishment. Available at:

http://www.breeam.org/page.jsp?id=228(Accessed: 30 October 2014).

7. Clean Technica (2013) Advantages & Disadvantages Of Solar Power. Available at:

http://cleantechnica.com/2013/10/08/advantages-disadvantages-solar-power/

(Accessed: 25 November 2014).

8. Croome, D.C. (ed.) (2002) Naturally Ventilated Buildings: Building for the Senses,

the Economy And Society. Routledge.

9. Eaglewindow (2014) Made Strong. Available at:

http://www.eaglewindow.com/About-Us/Made-Strong.aspx (Accessed: 14 December

2014).

10. Edwards, B. (2014) University Architecture. Taylor & Francis.

11. eHow (2014) The Advantages of Central Heating Systems. Available

at:http://www.ehow.com/info_8124673_advantages-central-heating-

systems.html(Accessed: 6 November 2014).

12. Eltherington (no date) The University of Liverpool. Available at:

http://www.eltherington.co.uk/university-of-liverpool-case-study.html (Accessed: 28

January 2015).

13. Europe Aluminium Association (no date) Sustainability of Aluminium in Buildings.

Available at:

http://www.alucobond.com/uploads/media/3A_Sustainability_of_Aluminium_in_Buil

dings.pdf (Accessed: 15 December 2014).

14. Fluorescent Strip (2012) Advantages And Disadvantages for Fluorescent Tubes.

Available at: http://fluorescentstrip.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/advantages-and-

disadvantages-for_2293.html(Accessed: 12 November 2014).

15. Greenough River Solar Farm (2014) Benefits of Solar Energy. Available at:

http://www.greenoughsolarfarm.com.au/solar-energy/benefits-solar-energy

(Accessed: 29 November 2014).

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16. Home Heating Guide (2014) Double Glazing - Is It Really Worth It?. Available

at:http://www.homeheatingguide.co.uk/double-glazing.html (Accessed: 20 November

2014).

17. Home Improvement (2014) Why Choose Double Glazing Over Single-Glazed

Windows?. Available at: http://coolshire.com/why-choose-double-glazing-over-

single-glazed-windows/ . (Accessed: 13 November 2014).

18. level (2013) Central heating systems. Available at:

http://www.level.org.nz/energy/space-heating/central-heating-systems/(Accessed: 6

November 2014).

19. Mumovic, D. and Santamouris, M. (2013) A Handbook of Sustainable Building

Design and Engineering: "An Integrated Approach to Energy, Health and

Operational Performance". Routledge.

20. Proteus (2015) Aluminium. Availble at:

http://www.kmearchitectural.com/materials.php (Accessed: 18 January 2015).

21. Rathi, M.K. and Amrutvahini, A.K. (2013) Use of Aluminium In Building

Construction. Available at: http://www.engineeringcivil.com/use-of-aluminium-in-

building-construction.html (Accessed: 12 December 2014).

22. Reid, E. (2013) Understanding Buildings a Multidisciplinary Approach. Routledge.

23. Replacement Windows For Dummies (2011) Double Glazed Windows: Advantages

And Disadvantages. Available at:

http://www.replacementwindowsfordummies.com/articles/double-glazed-windows-

advantages-and-disadvantages(Accessed: 15 November 2014).

24. Rostron, J. (ed.) (2005) Sick Building Syndrome: Concepts, Issues and Practice.

Routledge.

25. Ryan, V. (2009) Advantages And Disadvantages Of Solar. Available at:

http://www.technologystudent.com/energy1/solar7.htm (Accessed: 27 November

2014).

26. SEH (2014) Case Studies University of London. Available at:

http://www.sehcommercial.co.uk/case-study/university-of-london/ (Accessed: 4

December 2014).

27. Sorba (2015) Aluminium: More than Environmental Friendly. Available at:

http://www.sorba.co.uk/en/facades/aluminium-cladding/ (Accessed: 16 January

2015).

28. Superseal (2014) Central Heating Management System. Available at:

http://www.supersealltd.co.uk/central-heating-management-system/(Accessed: 4

November 2014).

29. University of Bedfordshire (2014) General Facilities and Support. Available at:

http://www.beds.ac.uk/student-experience2/studying-at-bedfordshire/student-

support/disabilities2/general-facilities-and-support (Accessed: 1 December 2014).

30. Volk, M.E. (1996) Manual of Community Nursing and Communicable Diseases: A

Textbook for South African Student. Juta and Company Ltd.

31. Vivalda (2013) Aluminium Cladding. Available at:

http://www.vivalda.co.uk/decorative-cladding/aluminium-cladding.html (Accessed:

10 Decemebr 2014).

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32. WHICH? (2014) Home heating systems. Available at:

http://www.which.co.uk/energy/creating-an-energy-saving-home/guides/home-

heating-systems/gas-central-heating/

(Accessed: 2 November 2014).

33. Yannes, S. (ed.) (2014) Environmentally Friendly Cities: Proceedings of Plea 1998,

Passive and Low Energy Architecture, 1998, Lisbon, Portugal, June 1998. Routledge.

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5.0 Appendix

Appendix 1

University of London

SEH Commercial, the property improvement expert, is part-way through an installation of

bespoke secondary double glazing (SDG) units in the University of London’s Grade 2* listed

Senate House as part of a major refurbishment project.

Senate House, when it opened in 1936, was designed as the administrative headquarters of

the University, one of the oldest, largest and most diverse in the UK. Today the building,

designed by Charles Holden, houses a number of the University’s Central Academic Bodies

and Activities including the office of the Vice-Chancellor, the University of London

Computer Centre, the School of Advanced Study and Senate House Library, with a collection

of over 2 million items.

Senate House, which consists of a central tower and two adjoining wings, is being

refurbished, rewired and restored to create a building fit for purpose in the 21st century. As it

was not possible to change the existing Crittal Window designed fenestration, SDG – an

independent frame located internally from the main window with an air gap between the two

to provide the insulation zone – was the only possible solution. However, the task was made

more difficult as the listed-building status required that any secondary glazing was not visible

from outside.

SEH Commercial’s technical team, after surveying the site, set to work on producing an

appropriate design. Working with supplier Arc Aluminium’s EcoFit aluminium product, SEH

Commercial created a bespoke prototype which was installed at Senate House for acceptance.

Once approved, SEH Commercial scheduled a programme of works to install SDG

throughout to ensure minimal disruption to the building’s occupants.

Mick Kyprianou, contract manager for SEH Commercial, explains some of the task: “A large

proportion of the building consists of library space. This poses obvious challenges in terms of

noise and, with many of them having split-level galleries with tall runs of glazing, we had to

maintain the Company’s strict health and safety criteria to protect our installers and users of

the libraries.”

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SEH Commercial designed a schedule of weekend work and began the installation of

horizontal sliding secondary glazing and vertical sliding windows throughout the building

with three teams of installers. The first phase was completed, with no complaints, in just less

than five months.

Duncan Clough is the University of London’s senior project manager and responsible for

overseeing the refurbishment works on the building: “We had over 700 windows included in

the South Block, first phase of the project. From start to finish the SEH Commercial team has

been extremely professional. The team leader has managed the installers and schedules well.

The improvements on the noise levels are really noticeable and the completed block is

noticeably warmer.”

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Appendix 2

Case studies // Solutions // Rainscreen Cladding

Eltherington supplied aluminium rainscreen cladding and extrusions for the state-of-the-art

Ronald Ross Bio-Science building at the University of Liverpool. This prestigious building is

named after Ronald Ross, the academic who discovered the link between malaria and

mosquitoes.

This new facility houses the accommodation currently embedded in the Royal Liverpool

University Hospital. Phase 1 provides laboratory accommodation (containment level 2 and

3), write up areas and offices. Phase II will accommodate the remaining university space

from the existing Hospital site

The building design has incorporated many energy saving features including:

A commitment to BREEAMM

Energy efficient infrastructure for heating and cooling

High frequency lighting with daylight detection

Connection to the university electrical and district heating infra-structure

Thermal capture from mechanical exhaust

Air tight construction

Super insulated

High efficiency boilers