bs-news-may_june-2010-web

May/June 2010b u i l d i n g s e r v i c e s n e w snewsbs

Don’t leaveenergy and CO2reductions tochance

BEMS & CONTROLS

Cov May rough:Cover April 2009 (D) 24/05/2010 10:21

T OS H I B A

ToshibaoutdoorAirhandlingunitwithrefrigerantDXcoil(R410A0

Toshibahardwiredcontroller(optional)

RefrigerantpipeworkconnectingoutdoorunittoAHUpipework

AHU Interface

Tel: 01 286 4377Email: [email protected]

Roomairtemperaturesensor(optional)

NO FAULT

FAULT

RBC-FDP3-PE

T OS H I B A

D-BUS RELAYTCC-NET

R2R1CB D1 D2A

OV S4 S5 S6S3S2S1OV

ExternalinputdeviceFDP3(optional)

ToshibaairhandlingunitcontrolkitRBC-AHU1

Optionsn Remoteon/off(volt-free)n Remotefault/runoutput(volt-free)n Weeklyscheduletimer(builtintocontroller)n TCB-PCNT30TLEToshibaTCClinknetworkinterface

Project1:Layout 1 24/05/2010 09:20 Page 1

bs news � May/June 2010

1

Gas safety time-bomb

While the registration of gas installers was a welcome

initiative originally supported by legitimate heating

contractors, a great many are now so disillusioned

with the scheme that they are threatening to withdraw from it.

Despite early complaints about the charges involved, these

have long since paled into insignificance in the face of very

serious concerns about what lies at the heart of the matter –

consumer safety. It is now generally accepted throughout the

industry that there are licensed gas installers operating in the

field who have little or no knowledge or experience.

Quite a number of industry figureheads consider that the

criteria surrounding eligibility for REGII membership, and

more especially the criteria and control mechanisms for

gaining admittance to GID training courses which lead to

REGII membership, are flawed. Even as we go to press the

infamous Bórd Gáis Letter of Introduction is still sufficient to

gain entry to a 10-week GID course run by Fás or private

training organisations.

This is a ticking time-bomb on two fronts. One is the anger

and frustration of gas installers who are now considering

withdrawing from the registration scheme; two is the very

real danger of a gas explosion caused by an incorrectly-

installed gas heating system.

Thankfully, as yet neither of the aforementiond

consequences have unfolded. However, it is incumbant on

those managing and administering the scheme to act now

so that they don’t. �

ContentsNews and products 2

Alan Duggan takes CIBSE chair 9

Designing Building Services 10

Training critical to system performance 13

Gasco Open Day provides welcome boost 14

New Joint Chief Executives at Varming 15

Product review: BEMS and Controls 16

Air source or ground source pumps? 29

RACGS at Bunclody 32

Wiring Rules: Residual current devices 33

Dervan’s Session Aid goes coast-to-coast 36

bs newsb u i l d i n g s e r v i c e s n e w s

ISSN 0791-0878

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36

opinion

9

32

1 Contents:Layout 1 24/05/2010 12:26 Page 1

Hitachi Europe hasenhanced its Summitrange of wall-mounted airconditioners by introducingnew cost-effective unitswith greater energyefficiency capabilities.

The indoor and outdoorunits (RAS/RAC 50FH7,RAS/RAC 60YH7 andRAS/RAC 70YH7) fordomestic and commercialapplications replace theexisting models toincrease energy efficiencyby 23%. Incorporatinginnovative DC PAMinverter technology ontheir compressors andfans, the units also offersuper-low noise levelsand improved air quality.

They come come with awireless remote controllerand there are also twoother wired control optionsavailable – a simplifiedwired controller (SPXRCK3) and a wired remotecontroller with seven-daytimer that includes freezeprotection (SPX WKT1).They are H-LINKcompatible, when using a PSC-6RAD adaptor.The are supported by athree-year warranty.

Contact: Fergus Daly,Sales Manager, Hitachi Ireland. Tel: 01 – 216 4406;Mobile: 087 – 277 9405; email: [email protected]


News and Products

2

Hitachi enhances summit range Mitsubishi Electric ‘R22Replace’ technology Mitsubishi Electric has introduced its second-generation R410A City Multi Replace models whichoffer an 80% increase in COP, halve the install time,and cut installation costs by up to 40% when replacinga 10-year-old R22 air conditioning system. These newunits join the existing splits Replace line-up andcomplete the product rangewith 100% of the City Multi, Mr Slim and M Series modelsnow available with R410A.

The new City Multi YJMReplace model is a modularsystem which comes in bothheat pump and standard-sizesmall module (22 – 100kW),and heat recovery in thestandard larger model (22 –33kW). All currently-availableCity Multi indoor units can beused with the Replace modeland there is also the potential to upgrade the R22 systems of other manufacturers.

Once installed, the City MultiReplace system will performautomatic refrigerant charging,ensuring the optimal amount of R410A refrigerant is used. Following this, the system performs anautomatic flushing of the mineral oil while operating in either heating or cooling modes.

The system saves on installation time by usingMitsubishi Electric’s unique, patented flushingoperation which takes less than two hours andinvolves sending an R410A gas/liquid mix through the R22 pipes to collect any residual R22 refrigerantmineral oil.

Many elements of the existing system can be usedincluding all piping, control wiring and power wiring,as well as circuit breakers. This allows installationtime to be reduced dramatically and makes forsubstantial cost savings on materials, installation and waste.

Contact: Paul Sexton, Mitsubishi Electric. Tel: 01 – 419 8800; email: [email protected]

A model from the new Hitachi Summit range.

R410A City MultiReplace system fromMitsubishi Electric.

New NSAI Plumbing & Solar CodesThe National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has issued two keybuilding services codes of practice for public consultation for a three-monthperiod – from 28 May to 27 August 2010.

The NSAI Code of Practice for Building Services, SR 50, will become asimportant to the domestic plumbing, heating and solar panel market, as IS813 is to the domestic gas industry.

SR 50 Part 1 addresses requirements for the domestic plumbing andheating industry and was drafted by members of the NSAI Building ServicesStandards Committee. Part 2 focuses on solar panels and was initiallydrafted by NSAI Agrément, SEAI and the Department of the Environment.

Both parts of SR 50 will cover requirements for the design, implementationand commissioning for new and retro-fit domestic plumbing and heating, andfor solar panels.

NSAI Code of Practice for Building Services, SR 50 is available todownload from www.nsai.ie under their “comment on draft standards”section. Once all comments have been collated, it is envisaged that theCode of Practice will be published this coming Autumn.

News May 2010:Layout 1 24/05/2010 10:56 Page 1


News and Products

New transmitterfrom Manotherm The Series RH/RHL transmitter from Manothermoffers high accuracy, long-termstability and reliable operation.It is designed for monitoringand controlling humidity, orhumidity and temperature, inbuilding energy managementsystems, HVAC, commercial,residential, clean rooms,museums, climate chambersand other space-monitoringapplications.

It comprises a 2-wiretransmitter with a 4-20mA looppowered output or 0 to 10 VDCoutput. The state-of-the-artsensor recovers from 100%saturation and is calibration-free. A variety of mountingconfigurations are availableincluding wall mount, ductmount, and outside air (OSA) models.

The combined humidity/temperature version providesdual 4-20 mA or 0 to 10 VDCoutput signals to control bothhumidity and temperature withone sensor, which reducesinstallation costs. The ductmount version is also availablewith an optional alpha-numericLCD to provide local indicationof humidity and temperaturesimultaneously.

Applications include room temperature/humiditymonitoring; supply air humidity/temperature monitoring;exhaust air humidity//monitoring; and outside air humidity/ temperaturemonitoring.

Contact: Bob Gilbert, Robert Gilbert or Conor Stead,Manotherm. Tel: 01 – 452 2355;email: [email protected]

Nuaire nowdirect frommanufacturer Traditionally, Nuaireproducts have beendistributed throughoutIreland via a network ofappointed dealers but now,with the expansion of theLisburn office, the entireportfolio of commercial anddomestic fans is availabledirect.

Over the last 12 monthsNuaire conducted anextensive review of itsmarketing strategy forIreland. It engaged withcustomers all over tthecountry and, having

considered their views,decided that a directoperation was the only wayto deliver the expectedquality products, at acompetitive price, supportedby a great service.

“You can now buy our

complete range ofcommercial and domesticfans directly from Nuaire”,says Ireland ManagerMichael Kane. “We haveexpanded our Lisburn officeand now have people on the ground calling toconsultants, mechanicaland electrical contractors,developers and housingassociations, to talk aboutour extensive product rangeand how it can deliversolutions for their clients.

“Whether it is largeindustrial air handling unitsfor commercial applications,or small positive-input fansthat will improve the livingenvironment for housingassociation tenants, wehave a suitable product inour extensive portfolio.”

Nuaire – The air of trueinnovators.

Contact: Nuaire, Republicof Ireland customers. Tel: 048 – 9267 0363email: [email protected];www.nuaire.ie; Nuaire, Northern Irelandcustomers. Tel: 028 – 9267 0363;email: [email protected];www.nuaire.co.uk

Hevac reinfoirces technical sales supportHevac Ltd has appointed David Doherty tothe position of Technical Sales Manager.David has many years experience in thebuilding services sector in Ireland, andmore recently in the UK. He has worked onboth consultancy and the contracting sideof the business and managed projects fromdesign, coordination and procurementthrough to commissioning and handover.

David’s experience has been across the commercial,residential and industrial sectors.

A building services engineering student of DIT and GlasgowCaledonian University, David is a registered CEng engineerwith CIBSE and Engineers Ireland. He holds a primary honoursdegree in building services engineering, complemented with aMasters in Business Administration from Dublin City University.

Hevac Director, Karl Carrick commented: “This appointmentre-affirms our committment to strengthening still further thetechnical support and advice we provide across the entirespectrum of our extensive product portfolio. By continuing toup-skill the expertise within the company, consultants,contractors and architects are assured of the highest-qualityservice.’’

Contact: Karl Carrick, Hevac. Tel: 01 – 419 1919; email: [email protected]

Nuaire Ireland team – Thomas Fynes with Ryan Gregg, ChrisSchoffield, Paul Cassin, Conor Hickey, Steve Martin, AlisonMcCormick and Michael Kane.



News and Products

5

Daikin Europe NVhas expanded itsConveni-pack range forconvenience shops withthe new AC 17 that boastshigher heating andrefrigeration capacity; R-410A refrigerant formore efficient refrigerationand lower environmentalimpact; greatercompatibility with indoorunits; and longer pipinglengths.

Conveni-pack results inreduced energyconsumption and CO2

emissions, low noiselevels, and a verycompact footprint. It alsoincorporates asophisticated controlsystem, invertertechnology, and the ability

to use heat recoveredfrom refrigeratedshowcases andcoldrooms to heat thebuilding. This can result inenergy savings of up to50% compared to

traditional systems.Conveni-pack consists

of one or more inverter-driven outdoor units and a system controller. Itsmodular and scalabledesign, and very lownoise levels, makes itsuitable for a large rangeof applications. Largerinstallations can besupported via multipleoutdoor units in a variety of configurations(blocks, rows, ordistributed throughout the building).

Contact: Liam Kirwan,Daikin Ireland. Tel: 01 – 642 3430; email: [email protected]

Daikin Conveni-pack rangeexpanded

humidifi cation-for-life.com

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News and Products

Toshiba air conditioninghas introduced a newAHU interface whichallows connection of theenergy-efficient digitalinverter (DI) and superdigital inverter (SDI)outdoor units onto an AHU or over-door curtain.As the interface isdesigned around thestandard DI and SDIindoor PCB, it is possibleto use all of the DI/SDIcontrols options, includingdigital and analogueinterfacing.

Basic control andconfiguration can beachieved by connectingthe AMT32 wall controllerand, for time control,using the AMS41controller. The interface issupplied as standard withauxiliary contacts offering

remote enable, controllerlock, system operationand fault-indicationcontacts.

Air handling unitapplications with DXheating and cooling are

easily dealt with and, withno additional valves ormechanical componentsrequired, the installation ismade very simple indeed.

The Toshiba range ofoutdoor units produce

cooling up to 27kW andheating up to 31.5kW(minimum air ontemperature for heatingrequirement is +18ºC).

Contact: Derek Phelan,GT Phelan. Tel: 01 – 286 4377; email: [email protected]

New AHU interface unit from GT Phelan

T OS H I B A

ToshibaoutdoorAirhandlingunitwithrefrigerantDXcoil(R410A0

Toshibahardwiredcontroller(optional)

RefrigerantpipeworkconnectingoutdoorunittoAHUpipework

Roomairtemperaturesensor(optional)

NO FAULT

FAULT

RBC-FDP3-PE

T OS H I B A

D-BUS RELAYTCC-NET

R2R1CB D1 D2A

OV S4 S5 S6S3S2S1OV

ExternalinputdeviceFDP3(optional)

ToshibaairhandlingunitcontrolkitRBC-AHU1

Optionsn Remoteon/off(volt-free)n Remotefault/runoutput(volt-free)n Weeklyscheduletimer(builtintocontroller)n TCB-PCNT30TLEToshibaTCClinknetworkinterface

6

Trapp’s kitman will shelve and rack itDick Redmond, Giovanni Trappatoni’s kitman, has set up a new storage solutions venture calledSuperior Racking Ltd with two of his former colleagues.

Between them the three – Dick, James McEvoy and Alan Byrne – haveover 50 years experience in the storage solutions sector and can now offeran unrivalled service. Superior Racking sells all types of pallet racking andshelving, new and second hand, with Stow Racking being the main brand.

The company also supplies and installs mezzanine floors, office andindustrial partitioning, conveyors, storage bins, industrial cages, andspecial shelving for hanging garments.

All are thoroughly familiar with the entire product range but, on a day-to-day basis, Dick handles sales (when not looking after Trapp’s kit!), Jamesoversees the installations, while Alan looks after warehousing and logistics.The company is based at Unit 24, Tolka Valley Business Park, Ballyboggan

Road, Glasnevin, Dublin, 11. No matter what your storage requirements, Dick and the lads have asolution.

Contact: Dick Redmond, Superior Racking. Tel: 087 – 207 6518; email: [email protected]; www.superior-racking.com Photo shows Giovanni Trappatoni with Dick Redmond, who is a director of the newly-establishedSuperior Racking.

C&L expands C&L Industrial has appointed NoelFurlong as representative to furtherdevelop a local sales and servicepresence in Co Laois.

C&L Industrial specialises in thesale, installationand service of arange of qualityindustrialproducts,including Bogecompressors andThermobile wasteoil heaters andhot water boilers.

Noel will be responsible formanaging the delivery of C&LIndustrial’s comprehensive sales andservice portfolio to Co Laois, and thewider Leinster province.

Contact: www.candl.ie; Tel: 091 - 773422.



News and Products

A press briefing was heldat Engineers Ireland inClyde Road, Dublin 4recently to mark theestablishment of KNXIreland. The KNX standardhas been adopted by manyinternational controlsmanufacturers whotogether provide a vastarray of KNX-certifiedproducts.

Choosing from this pool of interoperabletechnology, integrators and contractors can buildentire control solutions by bringing together avariety of off-the-shelf

components which are truly interoperable.

These products have all been thoroughly testedand certified to be KNXcompliant and all operateseamlessly together,programmed by theintegrator using onecommon software tool.Because they all “speakthe same language”, they can operate together across the samenetwork, resulting in lesscabling and higherfunctionality.

KNX-compliant productsare available for the control

of lighting, HVAC, intruderalarms, audio visualsystems, householdappliances and energy

management. KNX is theworld’s only open standardfor home and buildingcontrol and is compliantwith EN50090, EN13321-1and ISO/IEC 14553.

KNX Ireland to spearhead controls integration

7

Distribution Design and the 4thEdition ETCI Rules

Pictured at the CIBSE lecture in DIT Kevin St on “DistributionDesign in the context of the New 4th Edition ETCI Rules” werespeakers Keith Sunderland, Martin Barrett and Kevin Kellywith the then CIBSE Chairman Tony McKinley.

Suddenly, it’s extremely quiet in class.With the new heat recoveryXBOXERS2-S5 fromNuaire, that is.

At Nuaire we are always providing leading edge technology and that’s why we’ve spent time on our low noise S2-S5 ensuring it is

the quietest unit ever. For optimum energy-efficiency, the XBOXER’s tamper-proof Ecosmart control panel uses a range of sensors

to activate the systemonlywhen the room is occupied.Other units such asour ‘Classaire’ classroomunit alsomeets BB93with low

SFP. Why not arrange to visit our all-new purpose built mock classroom to see the units in action now?

The supremely quiet newXBOXERS2-S5 fromNuaire. It’s best in class.

Nuaire.The air of true innovators.

XBOXER S2-S5low profile unit.

“The newXBOXER S2-S5.Quiet in class!”

Call your local Nuaire office on (ROI): 048 926 70363, (UK): 028 926 70363, contact our NuaireTechnicalManager Steve Martin on 086 0448355 or visitwww.nuaire.ie/schoolsQuote reference code BSN0610



News and Products

PM Group wins major Balkan projectsPM Group’s international consultancy division has won EU-funded consultancyprojects worth e10 million in the Balkan Region.

PM Group competed against some of Europe’s leading consultancy companies incountries such as Belarus, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldovaand Serbia to win the high-profile contracts.

Projects include waste governance in Moldova and Belarus; environmental andeconomic sector projects in Bosnia; competition and state aid in Croatia; SMEDevelopment in Kosovo; strengthening of Macedonia’s Civil Service Agency on behalfof the European Commission; and environmental and municipal projects in Serbia.

In addition to these successes in the Balkan Region, PM Group has begun work in Brussels with the European Commission to assist in effectively coordinating activities with other donors (World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction andDevelopment, European Investment Bank etc) in the Western Balkan region and Turkey.8

Mitsubishi Electric Zubadan offersenhanced performance Mitsubishi Electric has introduced a new series of outdoor units for both theCity Multi and Mr Slim air conditioning systems. Called Zubadan, the newrange provides excellent heating performance, even at outside ambienttemperatures as low as -250C.

The new models incorporate flash-injection technology which delivers fullcapacity down to -150C and improved capacity heating down to -250C. Thetime and frequency that these models run in defrost mode is also reduced,with start-up times to achieve full heating capacity being reduced by up to50% when compared to standard (non-Zubadan) models.

Four new models are available in the new City Multi Zubadan heat pumprange (PUHY-HP) offering capacities from 22.4kW to 56kW. These offer up to40% improvement in heating capacities over standard models at low ambient

temperatures. The units have pipe runs of up to 300 metres and can connect up to43 indoor units to offer increased flexibility of design. With energy-saving inverter-driven outdoor compressors, the units are extremely energy efficient and have verylow starting currents.

Four new models are available in the Mr Slim range – two single-phase units(7.1kW and 10.0kW) and two 3-phase models (10.0kW and 12.5kW). All have theability to connect to the new PKA wall-mounted units, the PEAD concealed ductedmodels, and the latest PLA ceiling cassette models for both single and twin splitsystems.

The City Multi Zubadan range is ideal for medium to large commercial applicationswhere maintaining heating performance and comfort is essential, even at extremelylow ambient conditions. The Mr Slim Zubadan models are more suited to small tomedium-sized applications.

Contact: Paul Sexton, Mitsubishi Electric. Tel: 01 – 419 8800; email: [email protected]

How to designand installcopper systems The UK Copper Board’s“Copper PipeworkCompendium” CD is nowavailable to all installers andapprentices. It includes a wealthof educational material on howto install and design copperpipework systems, as well asmore technical information forthe experienced plumber.

In addition to the detailedpages on Copper Tube inBuilding and the Guide toBending & PipeworkInstallation, there are pdfs of the very popular InstallationTips publication and a series of webcasts – narratedPowerPoints – which show step-by-step approaches topipe-sizing for water and gas services.

The CD forms part of aCopper Club pack, which isavailable to all plumbers andstudents who complete theonline registration form available on the UK Copper Board website –www.ukcopperboard.co.uk.


Alan Duggan takes the chair


Alan Duggan, a long-standing servant of CIBSE inIreland, was elected Chairman of CIBSE Republicof Ireland Region at the recent AGM. Alan has held

various officer and committee roles over the years and has“shadowed” his predecessor, Tony McKinly, for the last 12months to ensure that the policies and objectives hepursues continue on the same development theme.

In assuming office his first action was to congratulateand thank Tony McKinley for the sterling work he didthroughout his tenure in office. He also acknowledged themassive contributiuon of the officers and committee and, indoing so, formally welcomed on board the new committeemembers. These include Declan Kissane, Rodney Phelan,Jim Rogers, David Doherty and Damien Flynn.

He also thanked Derek Mowlds and Gary McKeown whohave taken on the respective roles of Vice-Chairman andSocial Secretary for the coming 12 months.

Margaret Dolan was also signled out for special mention.Margaret has served the CIBSE Republic of IrelandRegion in virtually every capacity, culminating in a stint asChairman a couple of years ago. She continues to make asignificant contribution but is, as yet, the only female oncommittee. So, let’s see some other female engineers lendher support!

The CIBSE recently published its Key Issues Statementwhich embodies two main themes – Delivering a Working,Low-carbon Built Environment; and Delivering EffectiveLow-carbon Engineers. These objectives demonstrate theInstitute’s commitment to delivering energy-efficient,sustainable, building services in Ireland and to promotingbest practice across all the building services disciplines.Key focal points in trying to realise these objectives will bean emphasis on:

– Refurbishment of existing buildings;

– Achieving legislative compliance;

– The importance of real, measured energy performancedata;

– Building operational engineering;

– Realistic, clear objectives;

– Skills for the future;

– Design team collaboration;

– Engineering excellence.The coming year’s PD programme will reflect these

objectives, especially at the Dublin and region-basedtechnical evenings, and will also carry through to jointactivities with fellow-institutions in the broader construction sector.

“The aforementioned themes and issues must be takenon board at a time of unprecedented turmoil where manyof our members find themselves unemployed, on shorttime, or working longer hours for less pay”, says Alan.“However, while necessity may be the mother, adversity isprobably the father of invention. We must rise to meet thechallenges together as alone we will surely be left in thewilderness. We must look for new areas and ways toupdate and market our skills, being mindful that others areseeking opportunities within our field of expertise. We mustbe ahead of the game.” �

Tony McKinley, immediate Past-Chairman, having handedthe chain of office over to the new incumbant, Alan Duggan.

Some of the attendance – including officers and committeemembers – at the recent CIBSE Republic of Ireland Region AGM. 9

CIBSE News

CIBSE page:Layout 1 24/05/2010 10:54 Page 1

Material propertiesThe first step in area classification is the determination of the explosiveproperties for materials. Hereby it isnecessary to differentiate betweengas/vapour hazards, for which data is usually readily available, and dusthazards for which data is usually not.

For liquid/vapour hazards, the criticalfactor is the flashpoint of the liquid. If the client has an official Safety DataSheet for the material, then theflashpoint will be usually found in thesection on physical properties. Web-based databanks can also be consulted.If the material has been classified by the EU as a dangerous substance, thendetails will be available on the EuropeanChemicals Bureau website.

For many materials a comprehensiveSafety Data Sheet is available fordownload as a pdf file which contains adetailed section on physical properties.If the material has not been given aformal classification by the EU, thenanother useful and comprehensivesource is the GESTIS (hazardousmaterial information system) database of the German Safety

Association, available in English at the HVBG website.

Failing identification of the materialproperties in these “official” databases,manufacturers’ databases, such as

Merck-Chemicals International site orSigmaaldrich, can be accessed.However, these are not subject to thesame formal review process and shouldbe used with great care.

Dust explosion properties areconsiderably more difficult to acquire. Asthe properties are highly-dependent onthe particulate properties, they will varyfrom supplier to supplier. For orientation

Classification of hazardous areas


Pat Swords BE CEng FIChemE CEnv MIEMA, is a Fellow of the Institute of

Chemical Engineers and a Chartered Environmentalist, and is PM Group’s

principal process and environment, health and safety consultant. Since

graduation from University College Dublin in 1986 Pat has worked in developing

the high technology manufacturing industry in Ireland. His work experience has

also included projects in over a dozen other countries throughout Europe and

North America. Since 1999 he has worked extensively on EU Technical Aid

Projects in Central and Eastern Europe helping to implement EU Industrial

Pollution Control and Control of Major Accident Hazards legislation.

10

Designing Building Services

Figure 1 – Example of zoning of gas cylinders from German ExRL.

This article provides guidance on the subject of “AreaClassification”, and the steps involved in identifying anddealing with the key issues which need to be addressed.

Designing BS:Layout 1 23/05/2010 12:36 Page 1


11

purposes, the German SafetyAssociation has a dust-explosiondatabase (GESTIS-DUST-EX)developed with the support of the EUCommission and available in English on the GESTIS website.

Under Section 16 of the 2005 Safety,Health & Welfare at Work Act, “IrishStatute Book”, suppliers have a duty toprovide adequate information for thesafe use of material. For powders whichare a potential dust hazard, this wouldinclude the relevant dust-explosionproperties such as St Class andMinimum Ignition Energy. In reality,suppliers do not have a good record in providing this information, mainlybecause the testing is expensive,running to about e7,000 per compound.

Determining zonesThe practice of area classificationinvolves a knowledge of the behaviors of combustible dusts and flammablegases and liquids when they arereleased from containment. Soundengineering judgement based on the standards for hazardous areaclassification, EN 60079-10-1 forgas/vapour hazards and EN 60079-10-2for dusts, give a limited number ofexamples of the shape and extent ofzones, while various national andindustrial codes exist to provide moredetailed guidance. Indeed, EN 60079-10-1 states clearly that for detailedrecommendations regarding the extentof hazardous areas in specific industriesor applications, reference may be madeto the codes relating to those industriesor applications (Figure 1).

As a small nation Ireland does nothave the resources to produce detailedtechnical guidance on hazardous areaclassification. Germany, in keeping withits status as having the largest industrialsector in the EU, has produced the mostdetailed technical guidance onhazardous area classification, namely:

– The German Ex-Regulations referredto as ExRL or BGR 104 and issuedfor over 30 years by the NationalSafety Association(Berufsgenossenschaft). Currently,

these are being adopted as aGovernment technical regulation,TRBS, as part of the implementationof the ATEX legislation(Betreibssicheitsverordnung). Thereare also the German Government’stechnical regulations on flammableliquids (TRbF) which contain sectionson hazardous zoning for storagesystems, filling systems, pipelines,petrol stations, etc (Figure 2).

In the UK, specific guidance has notbeen given by the authorities althoughthe Institute of Petroleum Model Guideof Practice (Area Classification Code forPetroleum Installations, 2002) isreferenced but is limited in scope torefinery and petrochemical facilities. EN 60079-10-1 has broader applicabilityand makes a clear direct link betweenthe amounts of flammable vapour thatmay be released, the ventilation at thatlocation, and the zone number.

The standard also contains asimplistic calculation for relating the size of the zone to the release-rate ofgas or vapour but is not helpful for liquidreleases, where the rate ofvapourisation controls the size of the hazardous area.

Indeed, when using this equation,regard must be paid to the fact that:

– It is rare that a gas vapour release-

rate can be specified with certaintygiven complex operating scenariosand release modes;

Research by the UK authorities using computational fluid dymanics(CFD) modeling of low-pressure gas jets for area classification purposes(HSL/2005/11) has shown that for low-pressure releases the simple formula inEN60079-10-1 may be over-estimatingthe volume of the explosive atmosphereby two to three orders of magnitude.

Based on these uncertainties, there islimited benefit in completing detailedcalculations which reflect with a limitedaccuracy the actual conditions. Instead,a better approach for determining theextent of the hazardous area is asrecommended in the scope of EN60079-10-1 and that is to makereference to the codes relating to thespecific industry sector or application. If necessary, these can then besupplemented by gas or vapourdispersion characteristics, such asmeasurements or calculations and/or astudy of the ventilation characteristics inrelation to the flammable material releaseparameters so that the effectiveness ofthe ventilation can be evaluated.

Ultimately, the output of the hazardousarea classification is an assessment ofthe likelihood that explosive

Example of gas storage cabinet zoning from German ExRL.


12


atmospheres will occur, and theirpersistence. Given the huge number ofvariables in this process, it cannot beseen as a precision tool. Under ATEX,the operator is responsible for the risk-assessment and documenting it in theexplosion protection document. Whileexamples of zone extent, such as in the codes already mentioned, provide a sound basis for the evaluation, theyare not legally binding, even in theirMember-State of origin such asGermany, as legally-binding nationalstandards would hinder both adaptationto technical progress and free trade in equipment for use in explosiveatmospheres between Member States.

Practical approach to hazardous area classificationOne of the main failings of hazardousarea classification is that an overly-conservative approach is taken which,when it comes to compliance, can leadto huge additional costs or, in somecases, the inability to achievecompliance. It is therefore highly-important that the definition of the zones

is correctly applied. In particular, therewas a tendency in the past – whenhazardous area classification was thepreserve of electrical engineers – toclassify large areas of productionbuildings as a high-risk Zone 1. This is a conservative approach reflecting thereality of the situation that mostelectrical equipment is, by default, Zone 1 compliant.

However, Zone 1 compliance is nolonger a simple matter of electricalequipment. Electrostatic precautionsnow have to be taken in Zone 1 whichseverely restrict the extent of non-conductive materials, such as plastics.Furthermore, Zone 1 has to beseparated from non-hazardous areas,such as a control room, by a double-door airlock arrangement, while for Zone2 a simple self-closing door will sufficeand there are no restrictions on non-conductive materials.

A further advantage of a high-classification plant which is classified asa low-risk Zone 2 is that a leak couldoccur in one area, but not in all areas,served by the same ventilation system.

Therefore, it is possible to demonstratethat the ventilation system can beclassified as non-hazardous given theextent of the dilution available.

It is also necessary to criticallyexamine the relationship betweenzoning and occupational hygiene limits.For most common gases and vapours,the lower explosion limits are over ahundred times higher than theOccupational Exposures Levels (OELS) for these compounds. Similarlyfor dusts, the relationship is shown in Figure 3.

By classifying large areas of industrialbuildings as Zone 1, the hazardous area classification team are, in effect,stating that in normal operation,occasional concentrations are going to be several times the legal exposurelimit. This is of course totallyunacceptable and leads to only one oftwo conclusions (a) the plant is in suchpoor circumstances that it should beupgraded as soon as possible or (b) thezoning doesn’t reflect actual conditions.

With regard to (b), in reality mostcompanies complete some form ofoccupational monitoring, whichinvariably shows that the levels ofexposure within the general plant arebelow the relevant occupationalexposure levels. Unfortunately, this data is often overlooked by thehazardous area classification team infavour of a conservative approach.

The UK Health & Safety Executive(HSE) has classified this matter further –“The alternative of specifying the extentof zones more conservatively is notgenerally recommended, as it leads to more difficulties with equipmentselection, and issues in respect ofcontrol over health effects from vapours assumed to be present. Where occupiers choose to defineextensive areas as Zone 1, the practical consequences could lead to an over-complication of the practicalityof implementation and considerableexpense. A more practical approachcould be achieved by a site inspectionwith the relevant production personnelso as to observe how the plant operatesin reality. �Figure 3 — Relationship between occupational hygiene limits and explosion limits.

Relationship of Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) and Critical Limits

Dust Concentration

60 g/m3

60,000 mg/m3

30 g/m3

30,000 mg/m3

20 g/m3

20,000 mg/m3

LEL of dusts from pharmacy, food, plastics etc.

LEL of dusts according to VDI 2263

Emission value for total dust according to “TA-LUFT” (Clean Air Code) 2002 (Environment)

General dust limit insoluble dusts (workplace)

Example of workplace limits

Sandstorm

Explosion protection

Environmental protection

Industrial health and safety

0.01 g/m3

1 mg/m3

0.03 g/m3

3 mg/m3

0.02 g/m3

20 mg/m3


As part of the Baxi Group, PottertonMyson Ireland has nearly 40 yearsexperience in providing heating and hot

water solutions to the Irish market. Always atthe forefront of technological development andinnovation, Baxi Group has invested heavily inresearch and development to provide smarter,more energy-efficient heating systems. Thisincludes a comprehensive range of boilers and a market-leading portfolio of low-carbonproducts, including heat pumps, biomass, BDR Thermea and micro CHP.

However, with regulatory compliancebecoming more onerous and products andsystems becoming more sophisticated, theimportance of installer training has becomecritical. Consequently, PMI takes training veryseriously and has invested heavily in a state-of-the-art training facility at itsheadquarters in Whitestown Business Park, Dublin 24.

Here PMI runs a continuous programme offering first class training toindividuals and organisations working within the H&V industry. It includestailored courses designed for each market segment, such as installers,engineers, architects, etc.

Specific courses cover the following:– Domestic gas

appliances;– Commerical boilers;– Heating controls;– Micro CHP;– Gas fire installation.

Where necessary,more advancedcommercial training canalso be provided. CPDcourses include:– Modern boiler

products; – Hot water solutions– The integration of

solar thermal with direct-fired storage water heatersThe ultra-modern facility at Whitestown is purpose-designed to suit the

industry’s needs and includes fully-functional installations to ensure practicalhands-on experience. Where appropriate this is complemented by powerpointand theatre-style presentations, creating an open forum where ideas andconcepts are discussed and debated in a workshop format. �

Training critical to system performance

BSNews � May/June 2010

Industry Training

Market SegmentsServed by PMI

Key market segments cateredfor, and the brands represented,include:

� Domestic Boilers PottertonBaxi

� Commercial BoilersPotterton Commercial

� FiresValorWonderfire

� Water HeatersAndrews Water heatersSantonHeatrae SadiaElsen

� RenewablesDomesticCommercialSEI Products

� RadiatorsMyson

� PumpsCirculating Pumps

Installers Michael Murray, Donal McNally and Paul Foxwith Brian Dowling, PMI Training Instructor.

Brian Dowling, PMI TrainingInstructor with installers JohnBrady, Noel Henry and MichaelReynolds.

13

Training:Layout 1 24/05/2010 07:36 Page 1

bs news � May//June 2010

This year’s annual Gasco Open Day proved particularlysuccessful with something like 150 visitors attending throughout the course of the day. They were treated to a vast

array of new products, systems and workwear from 16 market-leadingsuppliers who each had a stand manned by experts in theirrespective fields.

The mood was positive and uplifting with a strongemphasis on emerging market opportunities and areas ofpotential growth and profit. The mood was business-like andprofessional though, as is always the case with Gasco, it waspresented in a very relaxed, friendly manner.

As is now customary, the proceedings kicked off atapproximately 8.30am with magnificent freshly-madebreakfast rolls, followed by a continuous b-b-q running for theremainder of the day. The mouth-watering menu hadeverything from burgers through to salmon steaks, and thefact that it was a beautiful day weather-wise addedenormously to the occasion.

All in all the day generated a much-needed buzz and sense of optimism which has carried forward into the industry atlarge since then. �

14

Dave Killalea, Carel with Zac Keane, Paragon Air Conditioning, and Ian Dennis, Gasco.

Vern and Brad from Advanced Chemicals with Simon Daly,Sauermann.

Gasco Open Day provideswelcome boost

Neill Stewart, Yellow Jacket, with DesMcGovern from Airconditioning andMaintenance.

Colin O’Connor, Artic Air with Sean Stenson, MSS .

Denis O Neill and Colin McCreavy from BSE Airconditioning andRefrigeration, with Neil Stewart, Yellow Jacket.

Dave Killalea and Les Mason from Carel, with engineers GrahamJones, Derry Peacock and Declan Young from Masser Montgomerys.

Gasco edit:Layout 1 25/05/2010 09:43 Page 1

Darmody and Kavanagh appointed Joint Chief Executives at Varming


“Past successes

and awards are

confirmation of our

ability to develop and

adapt to new

technologies”

The Board of Directors of Varming ConsultingEngineers has announced the appointment of Gerry Darmody and James Kavanagh as Joint

Chief Executives.

“As we are all aware, the current economic downturnposes great risks and challenges to our industry. VarmingConsulting Engineers has been in existence since 1946and has Irish offices in Dublin, Cork and Roscommon. In that time it has survived many economic downturns,aided in no small part by its tradition of strong leadershipallied to close financial control. The appointment of Gerryand James to their new roles continues this tradition”, said Chairman John Purcell.

Gerry joined Varming Consulting Engineers in 1976. In 1992 he was appointed to the management team asAssociate responsible for the management of a portfolio of projects, primarily in the healthcare and institutionalSectors. In 2005 he became a Director of the company.

“Our task”, says Gerry, “is to ensure that our clientscontinue to receive outstanding results by providing soundadvice, supported by a tradition of excellence and inspiredby a spirit of innovation”.

James joined Varming Consulting Engineers in 1990. In 2000 he too was appointed to the management team as Associate responsible for a portfolio of projectsprimarily in the educational and industrial sectors. In 2006 he became a Director of the company.

“Past successes and awards are confirmation of ourability to develop and adapt to new technologies”, says

James. “We as a company take pride in our pastsuccesses but the key to future success is an ongoingability to constantly maintain and adapt to differing needs and constraints”.

Varming Consulting Engineers embraced thesustainable evolution early on and has a dedicatedsustainable engineering group headed up by Director Jim Rogers. The core activities of the group are ongoingstaff training, software analysis, presentation of specialistpapers, external lectures, documentation creation,specialist advice and project support.

Varming Consulting Engineers are recognisedthroughout the industry as being pro-active, forward-looking and innovative leaders in building servicesconsultancy services. Their project list has given exposureto various types of sustainable solutions which, togetherwith the in-house training, has developed individuals withknowledge and understanding of sustainable solutions.

The appointment of Gerry and James to their newpositions comes as the company gets ready to formallylaunch the Varming International Alliance. This consists of several Varming offices which are located in Ireland, the United Kingdom (in London and Edinburgh) and inAustralia (in Sydney and Canberra).

The combined strength of the Varming InternationalAlliance in terms of resources, specialist knowledge andexpertise, together with a broad client base, encompassesa culture of progressive international experience andexpertise. Recent developments arising from the Alliancehas seen Varming International recently shortlisted for two major hospital projects in Denmark. �

Gerry Darmody and James Kavanagh,Joint Chief Executives, VarmingConsulting Engineers. 15

Varming page:Layout 1 22/05/2010 11:06 Page 1

The Sustainable Energy Authorityof Ireland (SEAI) states that“BEMS can be expected to save

20%, and occasionally more. Savingscan be expected to recur year after year,leading to improved competitiveness inthe market and therefore higher profits.”

Building Regulations Part L 2008require specific measures in relation tocontrols and this approach is likely toincrease with the expected revision toPart L later this year and with the re-castof the Energy Performance of BuildingsDirective (EPBD). Coupled with this

there is now a legal requirement on allbuildings greater than 1000sq m, andoccupied by a public body to produce aDisplay Energy Certificate (DEC) and to update this annually. Sub-meteringthe various parts of a building for“separable” energy uses will be anecessary step towards improving the DEC rating.

The recent publication of CIBSE’sproposed Energy Hierarchy1 (Figure 1)demonstrates the importance of controlsand BEMS in terms of energy saving.Energy Efficient Systems are placed

third in this hierarchy and are deemedmore important than renewables. Abuilding energy management system isfundamental to achieving these goalsand is an essential step to be undertakenprior to the introduction of renewables.

According to CIBSE, “it is far too easyto install state-of-the-art, energy efficientkit, but then to connect it together ininappropriate ways, with inadequatecontrols and operator or occupanttraining, and lack of awareness andinsufficient maintenance”.

What is a BEMS?A building energy management system(BEMS) is simply a programmable controlsystem used to provide automatic


16 Figure 1

Studies have shown that even well-managed buildings

waste a significant proportion of the energy they purchase

and that, typically, businesses could cut their energy

consumption by 25%. Good controls are therefore essential

for the safe and efficient operation of modern buildings and

a well designed and conscientiously operated controls

system will cut greenhouse gas emissions that are driving

climate change. PJ Ryan explains.

Sustainable aspects of BuildingEnergy Management Systems

PJ Ryan is a Chartered

Engineer with Varming

Consulting Engineers. He is

a member of the Varming

Sustainable Engineering Group

and is actively involved in both

the design and sustainable

aspects of a wide variety of

building services projects. PJ

is also a registered BREEAM,

Non-Domestic BER and DEC

Assessor.

Fabric Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficient plant

Energy Efficient Systems

Renewables

Zero Carbon

Min. Level

CarbonCompliance

AllowableSolutions

BEMS and Controls

BEM edit:Layout 1 24/05/2010 08:16 Page 1

TRV 2 Way Petite RADPAK

MPE Range of motorised valvesProgrammable Room Thermostats

heatingthroughinnovation.

Pushfit Standard 1/2”

Hard wire

Radio Frequency

MYSON the made in Ireland brandBuilt specifically for Ireland, only Myson supply 1/2”valves directly from their new state of the art factory

at Newcastle West, Co Limerick, including the ever popular TRV 2 WAY, the new Petite RADPAK and the

MPE range of motorised valves. Also check out the new range of Programmable Room Thermostats built

especially for the Irish market. Myson Controls - Made here for you.

Potterton Myson Ireland Ltd.Unit 7 Whitestown Business Park, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland

Telephone: (01) 459 0870 Fax: (01) 459 0880 Email: [email protected] Web: www.potterton-myson.ie

Project1:Layout 1 24/05/2010 08:51 Page 1


The cost ofdiscomfort is not acommon phrase in the building or energymanager’s repertoire,but the concept iscertainly somethingmost would befamiliar with. HereKen Browne, SalesEngineer – Ireland, forvalve manufacturerTour & Andersson,explains what it is and the pre-emptiveprocedures to avoid it.

It is estimated that one in three buildings have problems with their indoorclimate. For the building services or energy manager the efficiency andperformance of the HVAC plant and equipment can be a constant headache.This is because the indoor climate of a building is one of the first things that

staff and visitors will notice. Comfortable working conditions are vital for ahappy, productive workforce, yet all too often complaints arise from the fact thatstaff are either too hot or too cold. Associated with this, excess noise from thewaterborne heating and cooling system can also cause disruption resulting incomplaints.

Staff who are too hot or too cold will invariably reach for the thermostat, butunless the system is designed and maintained correctly, this can place extrademand on both the boiler and the pump, resulting in an inefficient system thatcosts more to run. Fluctuations of just one degree above 20ºC can increaseheating costs by at least 8%, while one degree below 23ºC can increase coolingcosts by up to 15%. Room temperatures can swing, particularly at low andmedium loads, even though the terminals have sophisticated controllers.

Because water will always find the easiest route, a system that is not properlydesigned and maintained may mean that some rooms in the building do notreach the set temperature until much later in the day, and some not at all. Whenstarting up after a break, for example after the weekend or a night set-back, thedesign capacity cannot be transmitted across the whole system, although therated capacity of the production units may be sufficient. The knock-on effect isthat the thermostat is altered again, placing yet more demand that the system isnot equipped to deal with.

For the energy or building manager, and the owner, the cost of heating andcooling the building can escalate, with inefficiencies in energy use amountingnot only to cost but also to unnecessary carbon emissions, with furtherimplications for an Energy Performance Certificate or Display Energy Certificateand other environmental legislative compliance measures.

Controllers work only when the design flow of the system prevails and theplant is working under design conditions. A well-balanced plant will operate tofull capacity, recovering the set indoor climate quickly. If a plant starts up just 30minutes quicker, 6% of the energy consumption per day can be saved. Oftenwith existing buildings a solution sees additional pumps added to the system,altering the load, causing disruption and inconvenience for tenants withadditional cost for the building owner.

However, by consulting with a specialist technical expert, a set of technicaldesign criteria that allows for trouble-shooting when needed can remove thecost and instead result in a system that is controllable, efficient and cost-effective to run. The best means of regaining control to reduce running costsand eliminate the cost of discomfort is to ensure the system is balanced.

18

Tackling the cost of discomfort

Tour & Andersson DPS:Layout 1 24/05/2010 09:07 Page 1


19

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Tour & Andersson (UK & Ireland) Ltd.Unit 3 Nimbus Park, Porz Avenue,Dunstable, Beds. LU5 5WZTel: +44(0)1582 866 377Fax: +44(0)1582 865 655

www.tourandersson.ie

Bearing in mind that 80% of newcommercial buildings are subject to last-minute design changes, an adaptableand accommodating system is requiredto provide quicker and cost effective re-balancing and fault finding. Goodhydronic balancing can actually cut theenergy use of the system by up to 40%,equating to a considerable section of abuilding’s overall energy cost.

When the flow of a waterborne systemis altered with the introduction of abalancing valve, the pressure losschanges in the valve and pipeline.Following this, the differential pressureacross other balancing valves alsochanges. The importance of balancingcannot really be overrated. Bybalancing, the flows in a plant – majordistribution flows as well as smallterminal flows – are methodicallymeasured and adjusted to fit designconditions, accomplishing the rightprerequisites for the plant to workproperly. At the same time the plant isbeing checked for anomalies, whichduring operation otherwise might causeboth discomfort and higher costs.

When working with a hydronicbalancing specialist, they will seek tofulfil three important hydronic conditionsso that the plant can reach its fullpotential and avoid failures. These are: – the design flows must be available atall terminals at full load; the differentialpressure across control valves must notvary too much; and flows must becompatible at system interfaces.

In practice, the perception is thatregular measuring and balancing of thesystem can be time-consuming andexpensive, two elements the buildingservices or energy manager will want toavoid. At this point it may seem that a “fitand forget” option is more preferable.However, even the best-designedsystems must be balanced through

regular manual measuring to ensure thecost of discomfort does not overload thesystem and create energy waste. Inaddition, software programmes such asTA Select 4 and balancing instrumentssuch as the TA-SCOPE, or centralisedcommissioning modules such as the TA-HUB, substantially cut the timerequired to design systems that arecontrollable and can be easilymeasured. A technical partner will beable to suggest routes to achieving this.

Installing a variable flow system savespump energy, particularly in coolingwhere pump energy is 6%-12% of achiller’s energy consumption in a coldwater system. Where the flow isvariable, the differential pressure in the system is also variable. This canaffect the conditions for modulatingcontrol valves, wasting some 15%-20% of energy.

The challenge for the facilitiesmanager is that if the differentialpressure varies too much it is necessaryto stabilise in order to prevent incorrectflow. Being able to keep differentialpressure constant will improve control,ensuring a comfortable indoor climatewith less noise, shorter start-up times,as well as reduced maintenance costswhile providing an overall energyefficient operation. Installing devicessuch as differential pressure controllersor pressure-independent balancing andcontrol valves (PIBCVs) will helpeliminate this problem.

It is important for an organisation toget the best out of a waterborne heatingand cooling system in order to ensure itruns with optimum cost efficiency, both

in terms of energy used and the onusplaced on businesses for their carbonemissions. To do this the system needsto be controllable, but this can only beachieved when design flows prevail inthe plant when necessary, withoutplacing excess demand on the pump.The support of a technical partner canhelp to successfully achieve a well-balanced system; minimising energywaste and ensuring legislative complianceand the comfort of staff and visitors,driving out the cost of their discomfort.

Contact: Ken Browne, Tel: 087 – 280 1095; email:[email protected]; �

The support of a technical partner

can help to successfully achieve

a well-balanced system

Ken Browne, Sales Engineer – Ireland,Tour & Andersson.

Tour & Andersson DPS:Layout 1 24/05/2010 09:07 Page 2


control of building services and otherenergy-consuming plant. A BEMS differsfrom conventional control systems in a number of important ways, allowing:

– Integrated control of heating,ventilation, cooling and lightingsystems;

– Networked control of complex heatingand cooling strategies;

– Simple easy-to-use controls interface;

– Data logger and the integration withmonitoring and targeting systems.

Used to its fullest potential, a BEMScan offer not only system control, butalso data acquisition facilities. The plantperformance and energy consumptiondata recorded by the BEMS may betransferred to proprietary monitoring andtargeting software. This can generatecustomised performance systems orusage reports, thus providing a powerfulenergy and maintenance managementtool. This feature is what defines a BEMSover a traditional BMS (buildingmanagement system).

A BEMS will accept inputs from andprovide controlled outputs for a wholerange of controllable plant, includinglighting. These are useful stand-alonefeatures but when combined with thecontrol of other HVAC plant, significantenergy savings can be made.

LightingFor example, with the correct wiringarrangements, a BEMS can be used toprovide zone or local control including:

– Daylight detection and automaticswitching or dimming of all orindividual banks of lights;

– Presence detection and automaticswitching of all or individual banks oflights.

Heating and coolingAchieving optimum comfort conditionsthroughout a building in summer andwinter requires a flexible system with the

potential to control conditions in discretezones. If appropriate zoning exists, aBEMS can implement energy efficientheating, cooling and ventilationstrategies automatically:

– By measuring outside temperatureconditions the BEMS can estimatethe pre-heat time required and adjuston a daily basis the boiler start time toensure that the building has reachedtemperature at the start ofoccupancy;

– A BEMS can control conditions withinindividual zones “intelligently”. Forexample, on a sunny winter’s day, therooms on the south side will requireless heating than those on the coldernorth side;

– Effective co-ordination of heating andcooling can be provided for individualzones by varying setpoints. Thisavoids simultaneous operation of heating and cooling systems;

– Maximum heating or cooling is onlyrequired for a small number of days each year. The BEMS canadjust boiler and chiller outputtemperatures to match actualdemand on a continuous basis, thus saving energy.

VentilationMaking the best use of naturalventilation reduces building energycosts. However, factors like humidity cannot be adequately controlled whenrelying on natural ventilation alone and some element of mechanicalventilation is required. Under thesecircumstances a BEMS may be usedeffectively to:

– Control ventilation fans (and theirdampers), or even automated blindsand windows, in a co-ordinatedmanner that will maximise thebenefits of natural ventilation andminimise the level of mechanicalsupport required to maintain comfortconditions;

– Provide integrated support for activecooling systems by ensuring the bestuse of natural ventilation, by forexample, pre-cooling a building at night.

HardwareA BEMS is basically a networked directdigital control system, often with one ormore permanent operator stations. Afront-end PC, or user panel, is a userinterface which is capable of a widerange of system functions, and it can beremotely located, for example at acompany head office, where it canmonitor a number of buildings. Theterminal screen can display text orgraphics of system performance andsettings and enable the user to monitorsystem operation or change settings e.g.the temperature settings for a particularspace or building. A BEMS is a veryimportant tool for facilities management,either directly or from a remote location.

In very small building managementsystems every sensor, etc, can be linkeddirectly to the main operating system.However, in larger buildings this requiresextensive wiring throughout the building.In this case, sensors and actuators in aparticular area are linked into outstations.These can act as just a data gatheringpanel to send information back to acentral controller via a single data cable,or in larger systems via the local areanetwork (LAN), which then sends theinformation to the operator terminal.

Commonly, the outstation is itself“intelligent”, and can processinformation, i.e. “distributed processing”.In this case the network merely allowsinterrogation of control data from aroundthe system. Outstations incorporate thefollowing components or modules:inputs, outputs, microprocessor,memory, RAM, Eprom with configurablestrategy, modules, time-clock, powersupply, ethernet card, local RS232 portfor supervisor.

BEMS and Controls

20


Standard Control Systems

Standard Control Systems

DUBLIN * BELFAST * CORK * GALWAY

& now

LONDON

The Right Products in the Right Locations

The art of having control

Connecting minds and machines

Head Office

Standard House, Riverview Business Park, New Nangor Road, Dublin 12, Ireland.

Tel: 01 – 429 1800; email: [email protected]

www.standardcontrol.ieEstb. 1984. Standard Control Systems is the trading name of Southern Control Systems Ltd.

Registered in Ireland No. 103296

Standard Controls ADvert:Layout 1 24/05/2010 09:12 Page 1


BEMS network andcommunications hardwareIn accordance with the EuropeanCommittee of Standardisations,communications within an intelligentbuilding may be divided into three areas:(1) Level 1: Field level, covering

sensor and actuators, lighting systems;

(2) Level 2: Automation level, covering the outstation/ controllers;

(3) Level 3: Management (i.e. supervisory) level.

Communications protocols include:Ethernet, BACnet, ARCNET, ModBus,LonWorks, KNX and Internet (Figure 2).In Figure 2 above. CIBSE Guide Hprovides a more detailed analysis ofsystems, networks and integration.2

Integrated SystemsA BEMS can be a fully integrated system (including security and fire alarm,maintenance, etc) and this offersconsiderable advantages to the building user.

Note that it is not possible for the BEMSto take the place of a fire alarm controlsystem. See Figure 3 for examples ofintegration between systems.

Monitoring and targeting(M&T)s“If you can’t measure it, you can’tmanage it” – Peter Drucker.

It is becoming increasingly important to install a “monitoring andtargeting” (M&T) system. Revisions to Part L will most likely drive thisrequirement in the future. The UK’sconsultation on changes to the technical guidance for Part L issued in June 2009 proposes3:

– “At least 90% of the estimated annualenergy consumption of each fuel”,within the “Part L Boundary” must beassigned “to the various end-usecategories (heating, lighting, etc)”by main meters or sub-meters;

– The output of “any renewable energysystem provided as part of the works”must be separately monitored;

– Metering provisions should “facilitatethe benchmarking of energyperformance” and new “buildings witha total useful floor area (TUFA) >1000sq m” will require “automaticreading and data collection” facilities;

– Community heating systems shouldinclude “heat meters either at thetime of installation” or make provisionfor their inclusion “at a later datewithout major pipework changes.”Additionally, “a heat meter should beinstalled to measure the heat energysupplied and to monitor the maximumheat demand, the maximumcommunity heating flow rate and thereturn temperatures into thecommunity heating network.”

– CHP systems must have, atminimum, “metering to measurehours run, electricity generated andfuel supplied to the CHP unit”;

Figure 2

Integrated systems Features

Access and HVAC Access control system informs the system of the number of occupants in an auditorium which adjusts ventilation rate accordingly

Security and CCTV If a visitor is denied access, CCTV and PA systems are activated, allowing the supervisor to see and speak to the person and take appropriate action

Energy management The energy metering system reports that and HVAC maximum demand limit may be exceeded, so

that the HVAC controls may shed load

Lighting and security Occupancy detectors in the lighting control system inform the security system of the position of occupants’ out-of-hours working.

Figure 3

Computer

Modem

Outstations

CommunicationsControllers

Outstations

Printer

Computer

Sensors and Actuators

Boiler AHUs Lights Chiller Meters Environmental

Network PC

Control PC withSupervisorySoftware

Management LayerLevel 3

Automation LayerLevel 2

Field Layer Level 1

BEMS and Controls

22


– Metering of lighting “for new andexisting buildings (to record thelighting energy consumption) shouldmeet minimum standards” detailed inthe consultation document.

Assuming Ireland will adopt similar strategies to the UK in thisregard, it is worthwhile considering theeffects of these possible futurerequirements in relation to specifying a BEMS or to upgrading an older BMS to incorporate energy managementfeatures. Another driver for M&T isimprovement in DEC rating. Many public buildings and campuses achievepoor ratings and this is, in part, due to the absence of metering for“separable” energy uses as defined inCIBSE TM46 Energy Benchmarks4

(Figure 4). The current list of “separable” energy uses is also likely to increase over the coming years to include, for example, car park lighting.

Energy monitoring and targeting is defined by SEAI as the “collection,interpretation and reporting of energy use. Its role within energymanagement is to measure and maintain performance and to locateopportunities for reduced energyconsumption and cost.”

Monitoring and targeting has twomajor functions:

– The control of current energy use, by monitoring consumption andcomparing it against historical data and benchmarks for similarbuildings;

– Improvements in the efficiency ofenergy usage by setting of futuretargets.

The benefits of energy monitoring andtargeting include:

– Reducing the environmental impact ofenergy usage;

– Achieving energy consumption andcost savings, typically 7% - 12%.

The cost savings yardstick above can

be used to support decisions on the levelof investment in metering.

Energy metering hardware consists of some, or all, of the followingcomponents:

– Meter module, which measures the desired quantity and converts the value to an electrical output,typically pulses; specialist pulsemetering cards in outstations arebecoming less common as these are being replaced by low-costmetering with Modbus or LonWorksbus outputs for connection to BEMS,and are able to measure mostelectrical circuits. There must be areal-time connection between themeter and the data logger. Hardwiringis the most common, being simpleand reliable. Where meters aredispersed over a large site, it ispossible to use a radio link betweenthe meters and logger;

– Display module, which displays thepresent value of the rate of energyconsumption, plus other derivedquantities;

– Data logger, which accepts pulsesfrom the meter, processes and storesdata on energy consumption andtransmits data on demand to thecentral computer containing the M&T software;

– Data transmission system, whichconnects one or more data loggers tothe central computer;

– Computer containing the analysissoftware.

Data analysis andreportingFor a simple system, it may be sufficientto use a spreadsheet for data analysis.However, once there are several meterswith half-hourly energy readings, it willalmost certainly be better to employ acommercial software package foranalysis.

Upgrading BMS to BEMS with full M&TMost BMS suppliers offer upgraderoutes to BEMS which can be carried out incrementally. Grants are availableunder the Accelerated CapitalAllowances programme and these allow the upgrade cost to be written off against profits in the first year,assuming a minimum projectexpenditure of e5,000. �


DEC separables Benchmark category

Regional server room General office

Trading floor General office

Bakery oven Large food store

Sports floodlighting Dry sports and leisure facility

Furnace, heat treatment University campus

Hospital (clinical or research)

Laboratory or operating theatre

Workshop

Blast chilling or freezing Cold storage

Figure 4

References(1) CIBSE Journal, April 2010, Fabric of

success(2) CIBSE Guide H 2009 – Building Control

Systems Chapter 4(3) Department of Communities & Local

Government – Proposals for amendingPart L & F of the Building Regulations –Consultation; Volume 2 June 2009

(4) CIBSE TM46: 2008 – EnergyBenchmarks, Table 1

or forming process

24


Today’s electronic controlsshould be easy to understandand operate, they should alsobe straightforward to installand offer a full range of controlfor today’s highly-efficientheating systems. Myson’snew range of controls fromPotterton Myson offers all ofthis, and includes useful andunique features. It is alsocompliant with the RevisedBuilding Regulations – Part L,2001/2002, and revisions for 2006.

The range is extensive and varied, and includesthermostats, motorisedvalves, programmers, and programmable roomthermostats. All incorporateinnovative design features

and advanced technologies,such as the Smart Startsystem in the newprogrammable roomthermostat range.

The Smart Start systemvaries the start-up times toensure that the buildingachieves temperature by the required time. It iscontinually learning thetemperature rise requirement, delaying thestart-up of the system,therefore saving energyduring milder weather.

This new range is availablein both hard-wired and radiofrequency (RF) versions.Features common to bothinclude:

– Smart Start technology

(saves fuel by delayingheating ‘start up’ on warm days);

– Easy to programme withthree adjustabletemperature settings;

– 2-in-1 programmablethermostat 24-hour or 7-day (installer set-upoption);

– Backlit display with easy- to-follow instructions;

– One-hour high-temperature boost button;

– All 24-hour temperaturesettings shown on display;

– Volt-free 2-wireconnection, ideal forcombination boilers;

– Service required (installerset up option);

– Holiday override 1-99days;

– Oil/gas boiler setting;

– Load compensation;

– Lockable keypad.

In addition to the above,

the remote includes wireless,radio frequency connectionand stand.

Other innovative additionsto Myson’s electronic controlsrange are the MEP1c single-channel timeswitch and theMEP2c dual channelprogerammer. Features and benefits include:

– Can be set for 24-hour,5/2-day or 7-dayoperation;

– Easy to read, backlitscreen;

– Pre-set clock;

– Automatic summer/wintertime change;

– Memory saver –programmer and clock willnot require resetting in theevent of power loss;

– Advance and up to three-hour extend features;

– Timeswitches are ideal forcombination boilers andcontrol of additional zonesetc. (volt-free contacts);

– Suitable for fully-pumpedor gravity heating systems;

– Independent timedprogrammer (MEP2c);

– Up to three timed periodsper day;

– Ideal replacement productfits more backplates thanany other programmer.

As always, PottertonMyson provides full producttraining across the entirerange. The company runs acontinuous educationprogramme at its state-of-the-art facility in Dublin andinstallers are invited toparticipate in one, or more, ofthe many courses on offer.

Contact: Potterton MysonIreland. Tel: 01 – 459 0870;email: [email protected]


BEMS and Controls

POTTERTON MYSON

Innovative Mysonelectronic controls

The new Potterton Myson range includes thermostats, motorised valves, programmers, and programmableroom thermostats. 25

BEM Potterton:Layout 1 24/05/2010 08:08 Page 1

Standard Control Systems(Southern Control SystemsLtd) has been trading since1984 and over that time hasseen many highs and lows,and some extremely turbulenttimes. However, what is nowbeing witnessed within thebuilding services industry isunprecedented, writes SeanO’Toole.

With credit terms beingstretched inexorably andcontractors trying to insert“paid when paid” clauses into

contracts (which oftentransmute into “paid if paid”towards the latter stages of a project), there is severepressure on the sub-contractor. Pity then the sub-sub-contractor – indeed,it seems that the more “subs” you have before yourcontract, the less secure you are.

Of course things are tightand margins, if indeed thereare any, are wafer thin.However, there is nothing tobe gained in the longer term

by driving performingcompanies out of

business.

Commitments made inthese straightened timesneed to be honoured, andwhatever cash there is in thesystem has to keep movingwithin the system. There is aneed now, more than everbefore, for heightened levelsof honour and integrity.

As the construction industrycontracts by up to 70%, there will of course beattrition. First among thevictims will be companieswho forget first principals –if you buy something for X,you should always try to sell it for at least X+1, not X-1.Furthermore, if someoneagrees to pay you X+1, andthen decides to settle hisaccount by paying you X, orX-1, you need to pursue themfor what is rightfully yours.Always remember what yourdear granny told you: “if youwork for nothing, you’ll neverbe idle”. If a company buysinto the X-1 strategy, thenquite simply they deserve the inevitable outcome.Conversely, if we all adhereto the X+1 strategy and themoney keeps flowing, thenwe might just survive.

Like many others in theindustry Standard ControlSystems (SCS) has cut itsoverheads, seen marginssqueezed and contract pricesfall significantly. However, it will not compromise onquality and the overridingethos within the businesshas, and always will be, todeliver a quality product foran agreed sum on an agreed date.

This strategy has helped itbuck the downward trend, somuch so that it recently tookon two very experienced

controls engineers from TR Controls. It has alsoexpanded into NorthernIreland where theappointment of Antrim man Gary Hamilton leaves it well placed to build on thesuccess of winning the huge BMS project withBombardier in Belfast (main contractor: Sisk).

The UK and mainlandEurope also beckon and, notsurprisingly, these are seenas the primary target areasfor SCS’s expansion plans in the coming years. Thisprocess has alreadycommenced and thecompany is currentlyoperating in Glasgow,Bradford, London and inseveral locations withinGermany.

As SCS General Manager,Seán O’Toole says: “We have a highly-motivated andexperienced workforce towhom we are deeplycommitted. We want to build on our successes of the past 26 years, operate innew markets, and deliver abroadened product range. But above all else, whateverwe do and wherever we do it,we want to be professional inall our endeavours. Uponcontract completion, we wantto be paid within a reasonabletime, we want to do likewisewith all our suppliers, and wewant to be confident thateveryone in the supply chain has had a reasonablypleasant experience in doingbusiness with us”.

Contact: Sean O’Toole,Standard Control Systems.Tel: 01 – 429 1800; email: [email protected]


BEMS and Controls

STANDARD CONTROL SYSTEMS

Quality alwaysoutlasts turbulenttimes

26

Sean O’Toole,Director, Standard

Control Systems(Southern Control

Systems Ltd).

BEM Standard Controls:Layout 1 24/05/2010 07:49 Page 1

With the recessionaffecting so many businessesacross the globe, it isrefreshing to see one marketpresenting such opportunity –the green technology sector.People are increasingly takingnotice of the need to put long-term environmentally-friendlymeasures into place and,despite delays on a collectiveglobal agreement to tackleclimate change, governmentsare continuously introducingnew legislation mandating theuse of renewable energy.

Worldwide investments inrenewable energy increasedfrom $39.24 billion in 2001 to $336.78 billion in 2009, a figure forecast to reach$653.35 billion by 2015. It is critical that specifyingconsulting engineers,architects, contractors andend users are aware that theycan benefit financially in a bigway from legislation, and bypurchasing the correct energyefficient equipment.

Here Fergus Daly, SalesManager of Hitachi Ireland,highlights exactly howinstallers can benefit by takingadvantage of AcceleratedCapital Allowance (ACA)when specifying buildingenergy management systems.

Taking advantage of ACAIf installers choose greentechnology that qualifiesunder the Accelerated Capital

Allowance (ACA) scheme,companies can write off100% of the purchase valueof the product against theirprofit in the year of purchase.Introduced under the FinanceAct 2008 in October of thatyear, the ACA will run for aninitial period of three years.

One of the scheme’stechnology categories coversbuilding energy managementsystems (BEMS). Thesecomputer-based systems aredesigned to monitor andcontrol building energy usewith the aim of optimisingenergy efficiency and to meetspecified efficiency standards.

For a BEMS to be listedunder the ACA scheme it hasto meet strict conditions.Buyers are not only able toget their money back, but arealso guaranteed a productthat leads the market in

energy efficiency. Thecompliance conditions include:

– Primary inputs to thesystem must include dataon energy usage and/orenvironmental conditions;

– The system must have thecapability to monitor andrecord operational data insufficient details for theuser to fully control energyuse. In addition, the systemmust be able to export thisdata in a standardinterchange file format;

– All components necessaryto perform the energy-

saving function have to beincluded in the BEMS;

– The overall system mustinclude an interface.

Central controlHitachi Air Conditioning andRefrigeration Group’s energy-saving management systemand control for air conditioningunits – CS Net Web – qualifiesunder the ACA scheme. Thestand-alone controller allowsusers to monitor and controlthe energy consumption ofthe air conditioning systemfrom anywhere with webaccess.

CS Net Web can manageup to 160 indoor units and upto 64 outdoor units whenconnected to the Hitachi H-LINK communication system.Single or multiple sites canbe monitored from onecentral point and the user caneasily ascertain the systemperformance at all times.

Flexible and user-friendlyThe Hitachi control system isdesigned to give customersthe flexibility to manage theirair conditioning set-up in atailored fashion, taking intoaccount factors such as roomsize, number of people andclimate. The optional touch-screen allows the customerintuitive control of up to four CS Net Web centralcontrollers, and it can bemounted on either a wall ortable. Different readings fromthe system can be accessedremotely, enabling fast andefficient maintenance andmonitoring of the system.These parameters are stored on the internal memory for a finite period to aid maintenance.

The CS Net Web is alsothe only other central controlsystem to offer cold draftprotection. The controller hasthe ability to vary the off coiltemperature of the indoorunits individually. Thisfunction provides the user with the ability tosimultaneously minimiseenergy waste and optimizecomfort.

Contact: Fergus Daly,Sales Manager, HitachiIreland. Tel: 01 – 216 4406;Mobile: 087 – 277 9405;email: [email protected]


BEMS and Controls

HITACHI

CS Net Webaccredited underthe ACA scheme

27

BEM Hitachi:Layout 1 24/05/2010 07:41 Page 1

It has never been easier toinstall advanced energy-efficient central heatingcontrol. Honeywell Sundial

RF² packs are unique inbeing the only wirelessproducts with the receiverbuilt into the timer. Each pack

includes a wireless-enabledtimer and a wirelessthermostat – simply replacethe timer and the thermostatworks automatically, with noadditional wiring. Packs forspace heating and stored hotwater also include a wirelesscylinder thermostat

Installation is quick andeasy, with no control cablesto run, so no disruption duringwiring and no damage to thedécor.

The controls and largedisplays have been carefullydesigned to be very easy-to-use by people of all ages and abilities.

They feature TPI (TimeProportional and Integral)advanced energy-savingcontrol, which provides moreaccurate temperature controlthan traditional home controls

and uniquely, also matchesboiler firing to system load, so the boiler operates muchmore efficiently.

The packs provide an ideal solution to providingadvanced energy savingcontrol for the very highpercentage of homes whichlack the minimum controlsrequired by BuildingRegulations in new systems,and the many more lackingeven a thermostat. The packs also provide advancedenergy-saving control for new heating systems.

Three pack types areavailable to match a heatingsystem’s exact needs.

– Pack 1 for space heatingsystems provides thetraditional layout of awireless-enabledtimeswitch and a separatewireless room thermostat;

– Pack 2 for systems withspace heating and storedhot water has a wireless-enabled programmer anda wireless room thermostat;

– Pack 3 for systems withspace heating and storedhot water has a wireless-enabled programmer,wireless room thermostatand wireless cylinderthermostat.

The two-way RFcommunication used byHoneywell is extremelyrobust and reliable. A signalstrength test feature allowsthe installer to site the systemcomponents where signalreception is strong.

Contact: Honeywell HomeControls. Tel: 0044 - 1344 656511email: [email protected]


BEMS and Controls

HONEYWELL

Installing energy-saving centralheating control hasnever been easier

Honeywell Sundial RF² packs are unique in being the only wireless products with the receiver built into the timer. 28

BEM Honeywell:Layout 1 24/05/2010 07:45 Page 1

Although consideration isoften given to the use ofgeothermal heat pumps,

very little thought goes into thepossibility of using air to water heatpump technology. This is verystrange, writes Paul Schweppe ofCore Air Conditioning, when youconsider that:

– A correctly-designed and installed air to water system can provide efficiencies

comparable to that of a ground source system;

– The costs associated with the installation of air to water heat pumps are a fraction of those associated with ground source

– The ROI on air to water heating solutions is closer to the designed life expectancy of a plant than a similarly-sized GSHP.

Carrier, who are acknowledged

experts in the provision ofrefrigeration-based solutions to the HVAC market, have long beenaware of these realities and will onlyrecommend the use of a groundsource heat pump where the annualclimate results in 10 consecutivedays at, or below, -10oC.

Effect of climate on airsource heat pumpsSo, why do some building servicesengineers stick so resolutely to


The current building regulations (SI 666 – 2006) require that anyperson “who commissions the construction of a large newbuilding” must investigate the use of a heat pump as part of an overall alternative energy strategy.

Air source or ground source …that is the question

29

Air Source Pump edit:Layout 1 22/05/2010 11:02 Page 1


ground source heat pumps? The main reason appears to be thebelief that air source technology justcan’t cut it at the lower end of ourclimate scale. While theperformance of an air to water heat pump is undoubtedly reducedat lower air temperatures it is, by no means, the full story.

Figure 1 shows the average airtemperature expressed in degreedays per annum and averaged overa 10-year period from 1999 to 2009.Here are some interestingobservations:

– The number of degree days between the lowest temperaturerecorded (-5oC) and the no heating point (+15oC) averages out at 312 days/year;

– An air temperature of -3oC represents 1 degree day/year or 0.32% of the total heating period;

– The number of days between 7oC and 15oC is 225.48, or 72% of the heating period.

Clearly, the practice of evaluating an air source heatpump’s performance at a singlepoint of -3oC will not provide anaccurate indication of its year-round potential.

Carrier estimates that a unit which delivers 65% of the heatingneed at -3oC could provide over

99% of the annual heating load (kW/hrs).

Use of weathercompensation The well-established principle ofweather compensation involvesvarying the output of the heatingsystem in relation to outsideambient temperatures. Typically,this is achieved by mixing hot waterfrom a primary loop into the coolersecondary loop connected tounderfloor heating or radiators. However, many “typical” weathercompensation controls are all butuseless when it comes to optimising

efficiency on heat pumps as theyhave no control over the primaryloop temperature.

Data taken from the performance figures for a Carrier 30RQS039 (40kW nominal heating capacity) heat pumpindicates that:

– At 0oC (dry-bulb) and LWT of 50oC, capacity is 35.4 kW/total input of 14.9 kW = 2.37 COP;

– At 0oC (dry-bulb) LWT 30oC, capacity 35.8 kW/total input of 10.9 kW = 3.28 COP

This clearly shows that, whenmeasured against fixed ambientconditions, the output and

Water temperature

HP stop temperature

code 03: R esulting primary setpoint

code 13: Summer water temperature setpoint

code 08: Minimum regional outside temperature

code 09: No heating outside temperature

code 11: No exchange water temperature

code 12: Maximum water temperature in winter

Winter Hysteresis

Outsidetemperature

Weather compensation — for an outside temperature of 7°C, the calculatedtemperature (resulting setpoint) of the primary circuit will be 30°C; the water will bemaintained between 30°C and 32°C due to the hysteresis.

Figure 1.

353025201510

50

NU

MB

ER

OF

DA

YS

Climate profile, number of days (24hr) at every outdoor temperature

-15 -13 -11 -9 -7 -5 -3 -1 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17

1 Birr

30



efficiency of an air to water heatpump will vary inversely to leaving-water-temperature i.e., the lower the LWT the higher the output and the higher the COP.

If we are to get the topperformance out of a heat pump weneed to use a weather compensatorthat reduces the leaving-watertemperature to the minimum

possible without impacting comfortconditions. This is exactly how theCarrier system works.

Carrier System The Carrier multi-zone solution can provide for up to 30 individualtemperature-controlled, weathercompensated zones connected to a central controller. This central

controller will, among otherfunctions, start and stop the heatpumps, boilers and/or other back-upsources of thermal energy.

By using real time data and aversion of “priority selection”, theCarrier system will ensure that theheat pump is always running at thelowest possible LWT for any giveambient temperature, therebymaximising energy efficiencywithout impacting on comfortconditions.

Now consider again the Carrier30RQS039 heat pump:

– At 0oC (dry-bulb) and LWT of 50oC, capacity is 35.4 kW/total input of 14.9 kW = 2.37 COP;

– At 7oC (dry-bulb) and LWT of 30oC, capacity is 42.8 kW/total input of 10.3 kW = 4.16 COP

Clearly there is something to begained here and it is certainly worthfurther investigation. The reality isthat, when assessing the suitabilityof an air to water heat pump,consideration must be given to thefactors that affect both efficiency(COP) and output (kW). Theseinclude:

– The local climate of the site and minimum/maximum temperatures at which we require heating;

– The degree/day profile of the site in heating mode;

– The minimum LWT required against ambient temperatures (through the use of proper, weather-compensated, temperature controls);

– Whether or not the unit will be expected to provide 100% of the heating load or is a back-upheat source provided;

– What is the ROI on an air source heat pump versus a ground source heat pump?

Contact: Paul Schweppe, Core AirConditioning. Tel: 01 – 409 8912;eemail: [email protected] �

If we are to get the top performance

out of a heat pump we need to use

a weather compensator that reduces

the leaving water temperature to

the minimum possible without

impacting comfort conditions.

This is exactly how the Carrier

system works.

XA

XA

Nexa

XBCi 300-3

300 l

V3V

V3V

V3V

Chaudière

Conex II

Conex II

Conex II

Under flooror radiatoror fan coil


XA Nexa

Nexa

Nexa


PCRX

Outsidesensor

House OutsideBalancingvalve

Returnsensor

Gas separatorSludge inhibitor

Thermalsafety

Pressuregauge

Safetypressure

Expansionvessel35 l

Outletsensor

Outletsensor

Outletsensor

Schematic illustrates how multi-zone systems function.

31


Ryan triumphs atBunclody


The weather was fantastic,the course was spectacular and thecraic was mighty – that was theunanimous verdict on the FridgeSpares-sponsored outing toBunclody Golf Club.

The near-perfect conditions made for excellent scoring withsome close-fought battles,especially for the individual class prizes.

Derek Byrne from Fridge Spares was on hand throughoutthe day to pass out water and give encouragement. He also presented a wonderful array ofprizes to the winners at the post-competition meal. �

Results were as follows:

Overall WinnerJohn Ryan (15), 38pts

Class 1

First: Ger Darcy (11), 35pts

Second: Kevin Roden (15), 34pts

Class 2First: Liam Carroll (16), 35ptsSecond: Don Ryan (21), 32pts

VisitorsFirst: Jack Donnelly (12), 31ptsSecond: Robbie Burns (21), 23ptsFront 9Dave Kirwan (15), 20pts

Back 9Jack Elstead (15), 18pts

Nearest the PinDon Ryan

Longest DriveVincent Barrett

Above: Visitors’ prize winner Jack Donnelly, Aer Rianta with Derek Byrne, Fridge Spares.Below: Longest drive winner Vincent Barrett, RDLand RACGS President with Derek Byrne, FridgeSpares.

R A C G SRight: Secondvisitors’ prize winnerRobbie Burns,Fridge Spares, Corkwith Derek Byrne,Fridge Spares(sponsor).

Below right: Overall winner John Ryan,Ryan Chilling Group, with Derek Byrne,Fridge Spares.Below: Nearest the pin winner Don Ryan,Ryan Chilling Group, with Derek Byrne,Fridge Spares.

32

RACGS page:Layout 1 22/05/2010 10:38 Page 1

The role of RCDs has beensignificantly enhanced in anumber of contexts such as

inclusion on certain circuits withinbathrooms, as well as increased priorityin construction installations and inagricultural and horticultural sites.Indeed, in non-standard installations

or where there are requirements forspecial installations or locations, therehave been changes and new entriesinto the ETCI Rules.

Finally, and perhaps the area wherethe most significant changes haveoccurred, the whole process ofverification, testing and certification ofelectrical installations has changed tobe cognisant of the requirementspertaining to electrical safety as defined by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).

Residual Current DevicesRCDs are selected for protection incase of a fault (indirect contact) inaccordance with 411.3 and for additionalprotection against direct contact inaccordance with 416.1. Clause 531.2expands on the requirements for RCDsand there is now a new annex, Annex53A, summarising RCD requirements.This annex details information includingRCD application; sources of energyutilised for device operation; the effectsof dc components — prevalent with ITequipment — which can be embeddedon the supply; issues governingselectivity of RCD operation; andcauses of nuisance tripping. Some of the main changes relating to RCDs include:

• There is now a requirement for adedicated RCD (30mA) to protectall circuits, i.e. (including LVluminaires) located within thezones of a bathroom with the

exception of Safety Extra LowVoltage (SELV) circuits;

• Construction and demolition sitesocket outlets rated in excess of32A must be protected by anRCD with residual currentsensitivity rating not in excess of 500mA. In addition to thisrequirement, the device must beof type A or B (depending on thedc component present);

• Agricultural and horticulturalinstallation socket outlets rated inexcess of 32A must be protectedby an RCD with residual currentsensitivity rated not in excess of100mA. For all other (related)circuits requiring an RCD, theassociated residual currentsensitivities cannot exceed300mA and, if selectivity might bean issue, time delay of RCDoperation (upstream) may beimplemented (Type S RCD).

See web-link to Guide to theSelection & Use of Residual CurrentDevices ET214:2005 Edition 1 ET214(www.etci.ie/doc/ET214.pdf).

A major change introduced byNational Rules for Electrical Installations(ETCI Rules) – 4th Edition concernsproblems associated with “stiction”.Stiction is a colloquial term used todescribe incidences where the inertia of the tripping mechanism results indelays or even in-action of the trippingmechanism, leading to – in someinstances – fatal consequences. Themaximum allowable tripping time forRCDs with IΔN = 30mA is 300 seconds. In order to ensure the tripping mechanism is operatingproperly, regular activation of the device (mechanical) is required. Inaccordance with 531.2.2.2, RCDs shallbe installed so that the test-device iseasily accessible and beside a clearly-visible notice to the effect that the test-device should be operated regularly by the user. The label illustrated isavailable from ETCI free of charge(Figure 1).

Residual Current Devices


Wiring Rules

33

This article concludes our three-part series whichgave an insight into the National Rules for ElectricalInstallations (ETCI Rules) – 4th Edition ET101 (2008)by presenting the changes associated with ResidualCurrent Devices (RCDs), installations in “speciallocations” and the logistics encompassing verification,testing and certification of electrical installations.

Keith Sunderland is an electricalengineer and is currently engaged inresearch within the School ofElectrical Engineering Systems at theDublin Institute of Technology. Hismain research focus concerns theapplication of micro-generationtechnologies from the perspective of

network tolerance toissues includingpower quality andload side demandmanagement.Formerly anelectrician withIarnród Éireann, heis currently lecturingin the Department ofElectrical ServicesEngineering, DIT.He is a member ofTechnical Council 2

(TC2) of The Electro-TechnicalCouncil of Ireland (ETCI) whoseprimary task is the publication of theNational Rules for ElectricalInstallations in Ireland. He is also acommittee member of the CharteredInstitution of Building ServicesEngineers (CIBSE, Republic ofIreland Region).

Wiring Rules MAY:Layout 1 24/05/2010 08:03 Page 1

34

Special SituationsPart 7 (Requirements for specialInstallations or Locations) serves tosupplement, enhance or modify thegeneral requirements of other chapterswithin the ETCI Rules. The FourthEdition of ET101 has introducedmodifications on some of the existinginclusions in this section, as well as introducing new types ofindustrial/commercial applications(Figure 2). There have been changes in701 (bathrooms) as outlined above inthe discussion on RCDs, as well as inconstruction sites and agricultural andhorticultural installations. Again in theseinstallation types, the role of the RCDhas been enhanced. In agricultural andhorticultural installations, temperaturemarking of luminaires is required inareas considered high risk. Also, wherehigh-density livestock rearing isprevalent, automatic life supportsystems are required.

Verification, Testing and CertificationThe requirements when performinga visual inspection (as contained inAnnex 61A) have been significantlyexpanded and indeed, the wholeemphasis of inspection has beendeveloped to engage “all thesenses”.

There are a number of changesaffecting this area. Testing ofelectrical installations is divided intotwo priorities: pre-connection testingand post-connection testing:

The first such change relates tothe formal introduction of a test –which has been custom and practicewith electrical contractors – amongthe pre-connection suite of tests.This “new” test (which was actuallyintroduced in an amendment to theThird Edition!), the detection oferroneous connections, is detailedin 613.4. The test is meant to reveala phase to phase fault;

• The values associated withinsulation resistance havebeen effectively doubled;

• A factor has been applied tothe values associated withearth fault loop impedance tobe cognisant of thermaleffects increasing the effectiveimpedance of wiring systems;

An erroneous connection canoccur in the context of a ring circuitwhere one of the circuit conductorsis inadvertently connected – in error– to an adjacent protective devicefuse or MCB; or in the case where,for example, a nail in a wall “shorts’between two circuits. The test is


Figure 1.

New inclusions in Part 7 (ET101: 2008)

702A Fountains708 Caravan Parks709 Marinas710 Medical Locations711 Exhibitions, Shows and

Fairs712 Solar Photovoltaic power

supply systems715 ELV lighting installations717 Mobile or transportable

units721 Caravans and Motor-

caravans; Temporary installations for structures

740 Amusement devices (booths), fairgroundsand circuses

753 Floor and ceiling heatingsystems

Pre-Connection Tests

613.2.1: Continuity of Protective/Bonding Conductors. Annex 61B613.2.2: Continuity of all conductors of final ring circuits613.3: Insulation Resistance (in accordance with Table 61A)613.4: Detection of erroneous connections between circuits613.6: Verification of conditions for automatic disconnection of

supply including earthing and bonding613.8: Polarity

Pre-Connection Tests

613.13: Fault-loop impedance measurement613.14: Verification of operation of RCDs

Figure 2.


implemented through measurementof insulation resistance. In thecontext of results associated withthe measurement of insulationresistance, there have beenchanges. The values of minimuminsulation resistance associatedwith all circuit categories have beendoubled. For instance, circuitsgreater than extra low voltage (ELV)but less than or equal to 500 volts(including functional extra lowvoltage, FELV), have a minimumvalue of 1 Mega-Ohm (1MΩ) –Figure 3.

Clause 613.13 relates to earthfault loop impedance measurementand the methodology formeasurement outlined in Annex 61Fand collated with respect to Tables61C-1 and 61C-2. The main changeis associated with the measuredvalues. The “new” valuespermissible under this test havebeen reduced by 33% to takeaccount of the thermal influence onthe cables due to the fault current inthe effected circuit. Up to now,these values were described as“cold values” with no adjustment ineffect for heating affects from faults.

In relation to the requirements ofChapter 62, Periodic Inspection andTesting, a new Periodic InspectionReport Form has been included (anexample being contained in Annex62 A). Significant work has beeninvested into this report so thatfilling out the form is a transparentprocedure with minimal opportunityfor “personalising” or“interpretation”, where opinions areminimised and replaced with actual“black and white” entries. Thisobviously facilitates easiercomparison of reports across the breadth of the sector.

There have been widespreadchanges associated with theprocess of certification. This areahas been strongly influenced by theintroduction of the new regulationparadigm and, as a consequence,

there have been furtherdevelopments since the publicationof ET101:2008. The changes to theCertification process will beexplicitly detailed in the 1stAmendment to ET101:2008, butone such change concerns therecord of the post-connection tests,where it is mandatory for theelectrical contractor to submit acopy of these results to therespective Safety Supervisory Body(SSB), eg, Register of ElectricalContractors of Ireland (RECI) orElectrical Contractors Safety andStandards Association (ECSSA).

Indeed, under the new regulatorysystem, a completion certificate willonly be considered fully completedfollowing the return of a copy to therelevant SSB with post-connectiontests successfully completed andrecorded. �

The views expressed in this documentrepresent a personal opinion and should not in any way be construed as a definitiveinterpretation of ET101:2008 or indeed of the ETCI itself. This is not a legalinterpretation; in the event of a specific legal question, the reader should consult a practicing solicitor or a member of theIncorporated Law Society.

Figure 3 — Reference: Pg 156 ET101: 2008


35


Apart from the day job,Brendan’s principal “after-eight” pursuit is playing music

with a bunch of fellow sessionmusicians. They play at variousfunctions and events but have aweekly residency at Faugh’s HurlingClub in Templeogue. They playeverything from trad to folk, country,blues, Beatles and Irish ballads.

When the Haiti disaster occurredBrendan got the idea of a fund-raiser with a difference – a coast-to-coast musical marathon acrossIreland playing at various venues,both outdoor and indoor, along theway. They called it simply Coast-to-Coast Session Aid.

They started on Bray Seafront

on the afternoon of 12 March, andthen played Faugh’s GAA Club thatevening; Saturday saw them playbeside the Joe Dolan statue inMullingar at 12noon, the MarketSquare in Longford at 2pm, theMarket Yard in Carrick-on-Shannonat 4pm, and the Mill Race Pub inDrumshambo at 10pm. Theyarrived in Sligo on Sunday for a livesession at Toblegate Lane at 1pm,before concluding the marathon at3pm with a gig and photo shoot inRosses Point.

At the conclusion of theweekend Brendan and his fellow-musicians had raised e15,000which has now been handed overto Trócaire to provide support forthe Haiti earthquake victims. Todate, Trócaire has:

– Distributed food to over 600,000 people;

– Supplied emergency shelter kits to over 60,000 people;

– Created child-friendly spaces in camps, and provided

counselling services for children;

– Begun the construction of shelters made from wood and galvanized sheeting that will help to improve the living conditions and safety of families until permanent housing is constructed;

– Distributed medical supplies to over 10,000 people through health teams working in 10 camps;

– Established three functioning operating rooms, a laboratory, blood bank, and an x-ray roomin St Francois de Sales Hospital, Port-au-Prince.

While the initial funds raised have already been handed over to Trócaire, contributions are still coming in and being accepted.If you want to support this worthycause, contact Brendan directly at email: [email protected] �

Dervan’s Session Aid goes coast-to-coast


Haiti Disaster Appeal

When Brendan Dervan of Dervan Engineering conceived the idea of SessionAid in response to the Haiti earthquake disaster, little did he know that hewould raise e15,000 for Trócaire, with 100% of all the money going directly to Haiti. But, like all really good ideas … small beginnings sow the seeds of big things to come.

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Back Row: Shay McGlynn, fiddle;Brendan Dervan, tin whistle; DaveBracken, travelling fan; Niall Tobin,mandolin; and Brendan Moran, guitar.Middle row: Aileen Dervan, Brendan’swife, fellow-director and “mammy” tothe group; Pearce Power, bodhran; andJoe Gleeson, bass. Seated: Tom Nulty,guitar; Mick Dervan, roadie; and SeanDervan, guitar.

Jen Murphy, Trócaire, receiving thecheque from Brendan Dervan.

Session Aid:Layout 1 22/05/2010 10:28 Page 1

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