bsnews-july_august-2010-web

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

Underfloor heating – the sustainablesystem solution

Investment for energysaving

All change atRefrigerationSkillnet

Face2Face:Paul Clancy Potterton Myson

Cov July 2010:Cover April 2009 (D) 03/07/2010 07:15

Project2:Layout 1 03/07/2010 08:33 Page 1

bs news � July/August 2010

1

Heating and plumbingcontractors to formnational federation

The groundswell of disquiet and concern among heatingand plumbing contractors across the entire country hasfinally reached critical mass. A nationwide movement

has now emerged which will see the establishment of regionalrepresentative heating and plumbing contractor associationsover the coming months.

Cork is already well organised and, as we went to press,Dublin contractors met in Morans Red Cow Hotel to decidehow best to proceed. A capacity attendance of 350 peopleparticipated in the meeting with an interim committee chairingand hosting the gathering.

Over a period of an hour and a half views and opinions onall matters relating to the heating and plumbing sector wereexpressed, the overall consensus being that there wereserious issues which needed to be addressed.

A unanimous show of hands gave the interim committee the mandate to proceed to the next stage. They will convene a further general meeting shortly, at which they will presentproposals for the formation of the association and the electionof officers and a committee.

In the interim they intend to meet with the Cork Alliance ofHeating & Plumbing Contractors, and also enter discussionswith groups of contractors in Waterford, Limerick and Clonmelwho are in the process of setting up regional representativeassociations.

More encouraging still is the fact that they have allconfirmed their intention to affiliate to a National Heating & Plumbing Contractor Federation so that the industry canfinally speak with the one voice. �

ContentsNews and products 2

RACGS 6

BTU golf news and results 8

R22 Replace technology from Mitsubishi 11

Face2Face – Paul Clancy, PMI 12

Underfloor heating 14

T&A: Investment for energy saving 24

All change at Refrigeration Skillnet 26

Carrier AiroStar AHUs 27

Hitachi celebrates 100 years 28

SEAI tax and grant incentives 29

BIM fast coming down the tracks 30

Carel solutions for AHUs 31

Back Issues 32

26

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

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12

opinion

1 Contents:Layout 1 05/07/2010 12:32 Page 1


News and Products

Humidity/temperature/dew pointtransmitter The Series RHP-W wall-mount humidity/temperature/dew point transmitter fromManotherm is one of themost versatile transmitters on the market. The housingis stylish but also well vented to provide airflowacross the sensor to improve accuracy.

An optional LCD displaycan be integral to thetransmitter, or a remotedisplay can be ordered forbuilding balancing or LEEDvalidation. The LCD displayindicates the ambienttemperature, along with thehumidity or dewpoint.

The transmitteralso has internaldip switches toselect thetemperatureengineering unitsand, whether thetransmitteroutputs humidity or dewpoint.

The humidity and dewpoint are measured using acapacitive polymer sensorthat completely recoversfrom 100% saturation. Thehumidity and dew point canhave either a current orvoltage output, while theoptional temperature outputcan be a current, voltage,RTD or thermistor. To reduceservice costs the sensors arefield replaceable.

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

Armitage Shanks Washrooms Facelift Armitage Shanks has introduced a new range of products designed to changethe face of commercial washrooms. It includes rimless pans, basins, taps andmixers, new wall hung WCs and contemporary grab rails, along with a full rangeof complementary taps andmixers.

The new products have beendesigned around market changesand new demands which addressrequirements for water efficiency,safety and hygiene. For instance,the rimless pans featureinnovative low-flush rimlesstechnology that only requires 4.5 litres of water.

Further new designs includebasins such as the new Contour21 which includes a back-outletbasin in 50cm and 60cm, the new Portman 21 bottom-outletbasin in 40cm, 50cm and 60cm,and the Contour accessible basinfor wheelchair users available in 55cm and 60cms.

Gerard Walsh, Managing Director for Ideal Standard said: “We are extremelyexcited and proud of our latest products; it cements our commitment to findingnew ways to develop innovative products that support commercial washroomrequirements in terms of hygiene, function, water saving and design.”

Young Lighter and Irish LighterAwards 2010There was an excellent response to this year’s Young Lighter and Irish Lighter Awards – sponsored by Enlighten, part of the Fantasy Lights Group – with the number ofsubmissions, and their quality, reflecting the growing importance of lighting in respect of sustainable and energy-efficient building services solutions.

The adjudication process is now underway with the shortlisted finalists preparing theirmore detailed submissions which are due in by mid-August. Thereafter, each of thejudges will individually and collectively formally assess the entries, marking themaccording to the set criteria.

For the final stage in the assessment process each of the entrants will present theirsubmissions to the judges in DIT Kevin Street on Thursday 30 September 2010, afterwhich the final marks will be given and the totals calculated. The judges will then have a short private meeting and decide on the overall winners, before the awards arepresented.

2

Style and elegance are the main features of thenew Contour 21 range of washroom productsfrom Armitage Shanks.

News July:Layout 1 05/07/2010 08:55 Page 1

The Nuaire team isdedicated to spreadingNuaire knowledge and

expertise throughout allsectors of the industry. It comprises dedicated

representatives who pridethemselves on buildingand developing long-term,mutually-beneficialrelationships with clientswithin the commercial andresidential .

Their expertise covers

all sectors – commercial,healthcare, education andresidential – and theydeliver ventilationsolutions to accuratelyreflect the needs ofcommercial clients and the discerning homebuilder. The ranges everything from largeindustrial air handling units to small, positive-input, fans for domesticdwellings.

“At Nuaire we alwaysseek to meet the coreventilation requirements ofour clients” said MichaelKane, Regional Manager.This is what sets us apartfrom our competition.Nuaire … the air of trueinnovators.”

News and Products

With its new intelligent control panel, Ecosmart from Nuaire represents the most flexible energy-saving ventilation control system on the market today.

There’s no wasted energy because air volume can be precisely set through the integrated speed control. As part of a constant pressure system,you get ventilation on demand, only when a room is occupied, to achieve the maximum possible savings. There’s also a trickle function asstandard enabling you to set a background ventilation rate to keep rooms fresh when unoccupied too while still conserving energy. Whileintegrated BMS features enable any central system to control and monitor the fan or air-handling unit. But that’s not all.

Because Ecosmart doesn’t just save energy. With its new state-of-the-art, easy to use touch screen control panel, it saves your client’senergy too. In fact, saving so much energy has never taken so little effort.

Ecosmart from Nuaire. It doesn’t cost you the earth.

ES-LCDM. Simple touchscreen

navigation and control.

“The new Ecosmart intelligent control panel from Nuaire.Who said nobody’s lifting a finger to save energy these days?”

For further information please contact:

N. I. Chris Schofield M 078 0750 9373 T 028 9267 0363 E [email protected]

R.O.I. Steve Martin M 086 0448 355 T 048 9267 0363 E [email protected]

Or visit www.nuaire.co.uk/Product/Commercial_Products Quote ref code BSN0710 3


Steve Martin, CommercialConsultant Managerm: 086 044 8355

Thomas Fynes, CommercialSales Managerm: 086 044 8363

Conor Hickey, ResidentialSales Managerm: 086 044 8358

Nuaire – the air oftrue innovators



News and Products

NUI Galway hasintroduced a BEProgramme in EnergySystems Engineeringwhich will be based in the new EngineeringBuilding currently underconstruction at NUIGalway. It has beendeveloped in partnershipwith key members of theenergy industry includingESB, GE Energy, Airtricity,Bord Gáis, Wavebob,ARUPS and RPS.

Speaking at the recentlaunch, Minister forCommunications, Energy and NaturalResources Eamon RyanTD, said: “TheGovernment has set out ambitious plans forenergy, and particularlyrenewable energy, overthe next 10 years. In

order for these plans tocome to fruition, we mustseek to build on ourtechnical expertise, and continue to add to the highly-skilled energyworkforce in this country.”

The NUI Galway EnergySystems Engineeringprogramme willincorporate aspects of

traditional civil, electrical

and mechanical

engineering, with

emphasis on energy

policy, economics,

environmental issues and

a strong focus on

informatics. It will also

include a range of optional

modules which will provide

students with maximum

flexibility to choose from

diverse career paths. The multi-disciplinary

programme will culminate

in integrated designprojects that address the sourcing, conversionand utilisation of energy.Subjects on offer will also include strongelements of civicengagement and servicelearning with, for example, studentvolunteers travelling to India and Africa to install solar systems.

Students are alsorequired to study a broadrange of related subjects,including economics,sociology and politics,

Energy Systems engineeringprogramme at NUI Galway

Pictured at the announcement of the new Energy SystemsEngineering Programme at NUI Galway were Minister forCommunications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon RyanTD and President of NUI Galway, Dr James J Browne.

Renewable energytargets being met The latest SEAI report on renewable energy confirms thatIreland generated 14.5% of its electricity requirements lastyear, while EirGrid has confirmed that our target of 15% for2010 has already been achieved.

Every year Ireland spends e6 billion on the importation offossil fuels, and harnessing the power of the wind and sunreduces this bill, as well as carbon emissions. Work onocean energy also has the potential to deliver furthersavings.

Taken together, these measures are contributingsignificantly to our 2020 target to have 40% of Ireland’selectricity produced from renewable energy. When viewed inthe context of the Electricity and Gas Prices Report, it alsoappears that the drive towards greener energy does notnecessarily mean higher prices.

ContractorSafetyManagement The Construction SafetyPartnership has just publishedSMP20, a safety managementpack to help small contractorsestablish and maintain aneffective safety managementsystem.

Small contractors havestatistically accounted for thelargest number of workplaceaccidents and fatalities downthrough the years. Therefore,this new pack is specificallydesigned to help them protecttheir workers more effectivelyand increase competitiveness,in an increasingly challengingcommercial market.

Kevin Kelly, Chairman of theConstruction Safety Partnershipsaid: “It is our hope that thismanagement pack will becomethe standard for all smallcontractors, allowing them toeffectively manage their safetysystems”.

Far-InfraredHeatingThe Sunjoy heatingsystem employs the samemethod as that of sunlight,which travels through spacein a vacuum and heats theearth. Specially-designedheating plates are installed inthe ceiling, or can be buriedin the ceiling and painted.

Within conventionalheating systems there canbe a 10°C differencebetween the ceiling and floor, whereas the claimeddifferential with Sunjoy is 2°C.

Contact: Sunjoy (UK &Ireland). Tel: 086 – 812 6007;email: [email protected]



News and Products

As part of DCU’s

continued drive to reduce

energy usage on campus,

it has nominated McCool

Controls & Engineering

(MC3) as preferred

partners to provide

automatic Monitoring &

Targeting (M&T) solutions

at its 85-Acre campus on

Dublin’s Northside.

M&T software provides

a comprehensive, fully-

automated reporting

package to allow

meticulous monitoring of

utility usage by means of

a user-friendly softwarepackage. It allows fullanalysis, validation andmanagement of meterdata through custom-designed reports,including benchmarking,

multi-utility reports,historical datacomparison, billing etc.

MC3E is the incumbentsite BEMS specialist andalso has a proven trackrecord of M&T and

metering installations in

other prestigious sites

such as Microsoft and the

Central Criminal Courts,

the Aldi Distribution

Centre, Mitchelstown,

Sligo IT Library Building,

Sligo IT Technology

Building and Honey Park

mixed-use development,

Dún Laoghaire.

Contact: Eóin McCool,

MC3E Dublin Office.

Tel: 01-8550542;

or Philip O’Reilly,

Munster Office.

Tel: 021-4382055).

5

Visit www.seai.ie/aca for full details on how to submit products to the ACA listings

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is financed by Ireland’s EU Structural Funds Programme co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union

20 new technologies added in the following categories:

Suppliers and manufacturers are invited to submit eligible products for consideration.

included, providing a real energy efficiency benchmark

Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) product submissions invited

MC3E preferred partners at DCU


Old Head presentsstiff challenge

The Old Head of Kinsale golf course is quite unique and always aspecial experience for golfers. The recent RACGS outing was noexception and, while the sun shone, the slight breeze made it a day

to remember. Apart from the golf, views out to sea are stunning and, no matter how

focused, you cannot but stop to admire this special place as you play.Sponsor on the day was Emerson Technologies and Robert Kebby was onhand the persent a lovely array of prizes. �


R A C G S

Robert Kebby, Emerson Technologies with with overall winner Stephen Mahonand RACGS President Vincent Barrett.

Dave Killalea, first Class 2, with Robert Kebby,Emerson Technologies.

Dave Kirwan, winner Back 9, with Robert Kebby,Emerson Technologies.

Matt Noonan, second Class 1, with Robert Kebby, EmersonTechnologies.

Stephen Mulvaney, second Class 2,with Robert Kebby, EmersonTechnologies.

Winners were as follows:

Overall WinnerStephen Mahon, H16, 33pts;

Class 1First: Michael Clancy, H13, 30pts; Second: Matt Noonan, H14, 30pts.

Class 2First: Dave Killalea, H18, 28pts; Second: Stephen Mulvaney, H20, 25pts.

Front 9: Vincent Barrett, 18pts;

Back 9: Dave Kirwan, 17pts

VisitorsFirst: Neill Lester, H12, 34pts; Second: Derek Deasy, H10, 31pts.

Longest Drive: JS O Brien;

Nearest the Pin: Brian Carty

6

Racgs July:Layout 1 03/07/2010 08:40 Page 1

Unit A6, Centre Point Business Park, Oak Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22Tel: 01 - 409 8912; Fax: 01 - 409 8916; email: [email protected]; Web: www.coreac.com

Air Treatment

39SQ

Core Advert July 2010:Layout 1 03/07/2010 08:12 Page 1


8

Baltray Kicks Off BTU Season

BTU Golf News

The first outing of the BTU season, sponsored by Ideal Standard, wasplayed in Baltray Golf Club recently. The course was in mint condition,set off by the beautiful sunshine, but the cool breeze made for

challenging golf.BTU President Terry Maherr presented incoming Captain John Littlefield

with his badge of honour (a gold tie pin) and also presented overall winneron the day Padraig Gillan with his prize.

Baltray resultsOverall Winner Padraig Gillen, H19, 37pts

Class 1First: Des Prendergast, H7, 36pts(back 9)Second: Conor Lennon, H9, 36ptsThird: Robert Kenny, H7, 34pts

Class 2First: John Littlefield, H16, 35ptsSecond: Michael Bready, H14, 34pts(back 9)Third: Gerry Tobin, H16, 34pts

Class 3First: Terry Maher, H23, 35ptsSecond: Tony Gillen, H18, 33ptsThird: Gerry Maher, H23, 32pts

Front NineFrank Lynch, H14, 18pts

Back NineGer Hutchinson, H5, 8pts

Visitors’ PrizeDave Neville, H22, 34pts

Baltray Outing – Martin O’Reilly, Ideal Standard (sponsor) with Tony Gillen,second Class 3 and BTU Captain John Littlefield.

Baltray Outing – BTU President Terry Maher presenting overall winner PadraigGillen with his prize.

Baltray Outing – BTU President TerryMaher presenting incoming BTUCaptain John Littlefield with his badgeof honour (a gold tie pin).

BTU GOLF:Layout 1 03/07/2010 08:07 Page 1

Leading the way in cutting edge heating solutionsBaxi EcogenTM Micro-CHP

Baxi has long pioneered innovative technology, from the

offering, the Baxi Ecogen.

conditions to generate electricity

demand in the home

or call 353 (01) 459 0870



Superb day at Hermitage

The May outing at Hermitage Golf Club was a great success – greatweather, great golf course, superb greens and excellent scoring.Credit to all involved at Hermitage, especially Eddie Farrell and his

team. BSS Ireland sponsored the outing and Brendan Coghlan was on handto present a wonderful array of prizes.

BTU Nationals at Forrest Pines Golfand Country Club, East Midlands

Irish Provincial and Metropolitan teams visited East Midlands over 10and 11 June this year to take part in the BTU Nationals, hosted by EastMidlands BTU. This bi-annual event consists of 14 teams of 12 players,

including two teams from Ireland, sponsored by Potterton Myson Ireland.It is a logistics nightmare with teams travelling from all corners of theBritish Isles to participate.

Congratulations and thanks go to East Midlands BTU Golf Society forhosting a wonderful tournament. From beginning to end, planes, coaches,golf, accommodation, meals, hospitality, etc all went like clockwork. It isworth noting that all planning and organising is carried out a voluntarybasis, by a very small group of people – well done to all involved.

Also congratulations to worthy winners North East Btu (Geordies) fortheir well-deserved victory. They visited Irish BTU in Arklow in June of thisyear and the experience obviously stood to them.

Hermitage resultsOverall Winner Michael Matthews, H8, 36pts

Class 1First: Desy Haughton, H11, 35ptsSecond: Robert Kenny, H7,34.5pts(35 - 1/2)Third: Des Prendergast, H7, 34pts(36 - 2)

Class 2First: Seamus Kiernan, H14, 35ptsSecond: Kieron Ryan, H12, 33ptsThird: Bernie Costelloe, H15, 32pts

Class 3First: Des Binley, H20, 35ptsSecond: Gerry Tobin, H16, 34.5pts(35- 1/2)Third: Bill Treacy, H19, 34pts

Front NineLiam McDermott, H13, 20pts

Back NineJohn Littlefield, H16, 19pts

Visitors’ PrizeTom Fitzpatrick, H26, 36pts

Overall Winner Mick Matthews withBrendan Coghlan, BSS Ireland.

Top left: John Littlefield, BTU Captainwith Liam McDermott, winner FrontNine and Brendan Coghlan, BSSIreland.

Left: John Littlefield, BTU Captain withKieron Ryan, second Class 2 andBrendan Coghlan, BSS Ireland.

10

BTU GOLF:Layout 1 03/07/2010 08:07 Page 2


‘R410A City Multi Replace’ end-uersbenefit from lower energy bills

End-users of Ireland’s first R22replacement systems are benefitingfrom increased performance, better

indoor environment and lower energycosts following the installation of theunique Mitsubishi Electric system R22 Replace technology.

When clients look to replace theircooling-only air conditioning, MitsubishiElectric advises them to look at alloptions, including an upgrade of theirboiler and heating plant. Invariably, andafter a great deal of discussion andresearch, they choose to replace the oldair conditioning with a heating/cooling City Multi Y Series, using the ground-breaking, second-generation, R401A City Multi Replace models.

The Mitsubishi Electric Replace Multisystem allows clients to keep their existingpipework and wiring, update the indoorand outdoor units, and remove the old, environmentally-unfriendly R22refrigerant. Using the existing pipeworksignificantly reduces the time it takes toget the system up and running and allows the new air conditioning to beinstalled in days instead of weeks.

“The speed of installation is a key factor in the decision-making process”,says Mitsubishi Electric’s MichealSheehan, “along with the increasedoperational efficiency, regulationcompliance, excellent core reliability, and of course significant energy costssavings. Indeed, we have developed anentire range of R22 replacement solutionssince launching the opriginal Replacetechnology and these can also be used to replace the R22 systems of many othermanufacturers.”

Mitsubishi Electric has also developed a unique Audit Tool which compares therunning costs and COP levels of today’s,modern systems with old, fixed-speedR22 units. This readily highlights thereduction in monthly energy bills that can be achieved with advanced modernsystems such as R401A City Multi replace models.

On the broader front, the advanced line-up of air source heat pump systems andpower generating photovoltaic equipmentfrom Mitsubishi Electric can reduceenergy bills and help ensure high buildingenergy ratings. For instance, the Ecodan

air source heat pump range is proven tolower emissions over gas boilers by up to50% and running costs by around 30%.

“Ecodan addresses the need for lowcarbon, mass market heating and worksequally well with traditional radiators orunderfloor heating systems,” explainsMichael Sheehan. The full Ecodan rangeis covered by the European Ecolabel,which is only given to class-leadingproducts that meet the European Energy Directive environmental criteria for heat pumps.

“Meanwhile, our range of photovoltaic(PV) power generating products for bothresidential and commercial applications is unique within the PV industry. This is because we manufacture all of thecomponents ourselves, including the cells and panels which convert the DCelectricity from sunlight into usable ACpower for the home.

“Our PV modules use solar cells toconvert sunlight directly into electricity,allowing for reductions in both propertyrunning costs and environmental impact.They work throughout the hours ofdaylight, even when it is cloudy, and feed additional electricity not used in the home straight to the national grid.

“As the foregoing clearly illustrates,research and development at MitsubishiElectric is all geared towards devising a product portfolio that is sustainable,regulation compliant, energy-efficient,cost-effective to install and run, and has a long life-cycle. In addition to theproducts mentioned here, we have awhole programme of new similarly-innovative product releases coming on steam over the next 12 months.”

Contact: Michael Sheehan or Paul Sexton, Mitsubishi Electric. Tel: 01 – 419 8800; email: [email protected];www:mitsubishielectric.ie �Mitsubishi Electric’s new R410A City Multi Replace system. 11

Mitsubishi Replace edit:Layout 1 03/07/2010 08:46 Page 1

It is against this background that BaxiGroup, and De Dietrich Remeha Group,took the visionary step to form BDRThermea, a new world-class companyproviding innovative climate and hot watersolutions and services. The agreement wasformulated this time last year and wassubsequently completed following EUcompetition approval, putting the newgroup in a leading position across allwestern European countries.

“Potterton Myson Ireland is delighted tobe part of this new group”, says PaulClancy, Managing Director, PMI, “as therationale behind the move enables us toforge ahead with the objectives set out byRob van Banning, the new CEO of BDRThermea. Cost synergies can be createdthrough implementing best-in-classtechnological platforms and efficientoperations across the entire group, therebyreinforcing the quality and scope of theproducts and services we deliver to ourcustomers.

“It also leads to a greater return oninvestment in R&D, and results ininnovative products and systems which setnew industry benchmarks. Our expertiseand skill at designing award-winningproducts was confirmed recently when twoBaxi Group products – the Baxi Ecogenmicro-CHP unit and the Baxi Bermuda BBUHE boiler – won highly-coveted industryawards (see panel).

“These two products clearly demonstrateour ability to meet very diverse ends of the market – the Baxi Ecogen is at theforefront of modern ‘green’ technology and is the first domestic micri-CHP unit

Changing industry demands


F a c e 2 F a c e

12

Paul Clancy, Managing Director, Potterton Myson Ireland

Face2Face:Layout 1 03/07/2010 08:52 Page 1

available in Ireland; meanwhile, theBaxi Bermuda is an excellentexample of our ability to take a verytraditional product and bring it rightup-to-date to meet today’srequirement for a high-efficiencydomestic heating solution.

“That said, innovative productsand ground-breaking technology areonly half of the picture. Critical tobringing such innovative products tomarket is the partnership we enjoywith installers. Training is an integralpart of this relationship and hence

the continuous training programmewe run at our purpose-designedtraining centre at PMI headquartersin Dublin 24. The standard modulesare always over-subscribed whilewe are now getting more and morerequests to conduct tailoredmodules on specific subjects forvarious groups and individualcompanies.

“The same holds true for system designers, consultingengineers and large mechanical and electrical contractors.

“Comprehensive support isprovided in terms of systemintegration design, sales andtechnical assistance, commissioning and after-salesback-up. By involving us at theearliest possible stage in a project,optimum system benefits can beachieved by combining optimumperformance with the lowest carbon emmissions and reducedenergy costs.

“As the foeregoing clearlyillustrates, we at PMI – inconjunction with our installer andmerchant partners – are nowperfectly placed to deliver theinnovative low to zero-carbonclimate, heating and hot warsolutions the marketplace nowdemands”. �

s lower carbon technologies


In a fast-changing industry faced with challenges never before experienced in terms of minimising the

impact of carbon emissions on the environment, it is essential that key market leaders remain flexible in

their approach when devising business models to meet these challenges. By doing so they will ensure

the continued allocation of resources to invest in developing low to zero-carbon technologies, and

thereafter secure the technical expertise and knowledge base to speedily bring them to market.

“Innovative products and ground-breakingtechnology are only half of the picture.Critical to bringing such innovativeproducts to market is the partnership weenjoy with installers. Training is anintegral part of this relationship and hencethe continuous training programme werun at our purpose-designed trainingcentre at PMI headquarters in Dublin 24”.

13

Coveted industry awards Prestiguous industry awards from highly-respected, independent sources are the

highest accoladea product canreceive. In thatcontext BaxiGroup is theconfirmed marketleader on a number of fronts.

Just recently the Baxi Ecogen micro-CHPunit received Building Magazine’s GreenInnovation Award for being a “ground-breaking development that will play a vitalrole in helping meet the industry’ssustainableity goals”.

Also paving the way in highly-efficient, yetpractical, solutions is the Baxi Bermuda BBUHE which won the IGEM/SBGI Gas IndustryInnovation Award. The judges commented:“This product will help reduce fuel bills andcarbon emissions in millions

households”. It was also a finalist in the H&V Domestic Product of the Year Awards.

Face2Face:Layout 1 03/07/2010 08:52 Page 2

The current building regulations– with Building Energy Ratingsin the range of B2 to A3, with

air tightness in the range of 2.5 – 10 m

3/Hrm

2and with double-glazing

with low glass u-valves beingachieved and even triple-glazing insome buildings – allows the veryeffective use of underfloor heating inboth circulation, working and livingareas where there is a low heatdemand.

But what is underfloorheating?Large surface areas are warmed to low temperature and the heat isradiated into the space at an evenrate of dissipation providing thewarmth. Remember, the basic law of physics is that heat rises like the steam in a kettle so the heat in the floor rises into the space in all areas at walls, windows and doors.

Modern heating systems aredesigned for 21

oC which is the

mean temperature for general human comfort level. Most radiator or convective heating systemsmeeting this criteria will have a muchhigher temperature above headheight due to the stratification effect

of the heat convecting in the space.This stratification, with high-levelhigh-temperatures is not successfulas it can not affect human comfortlevels and it also costs to create it.

The average person experiencesthe most thermal comfort at their feetwhich should be slightly warmer thantheir head. If our feet are cold thenwe are cold, so if we warm the floorto the range of 23

oC – 26

oC it gives

a very comfortable feeling and atemperature at head height can be maintained in the range of 19

oC – 20

oC.

Body core temperature is about 37

oC and the body metabolic

functions generate heat so the heatloss to the surroundings must be in balance. This is all controlled by the brain which acts like atemperature sensor.

The brain receives the informationfrom the nervous system and thebody either sweats and cools orshivers, which are all reactions toadjustments in the core temperature.In cold conditions the blood vesselscontract and slow the heat loss while,in warm conditions, the blood vesselsopen, increasing blood flow to allow the excess heat to reach theextremities of the body, i.e., feet and

hands. Thus, if you heat the feet thebody will be warm and thermalcomfort will exist.

Conventional heating systemscreate a vertical temperature profile,colder at low floor level and warmerat the ceiling and upper levels.

This is the opposite of what we have outlined in the warm feetconcept so we need an underfloorheating system to allow an evendispersal of heat in the occupiedspace.

Most people are concerned withallergies of one type or another andwe now find that most buildings areusing sustainable timber floors andnatural stone for tiling floors. Theseare ideal for underfloor heatingsystems and also minimising dust mites.

The even distribution of heat also helps prevent the formation of


14

Underfloor heating is a very clean and simple

form of heating, ideally suited to today’s well-

insulated, low-energy and airtight buildings.

In ancient times the Romans used this form of

heating, mainly with false floor on pedestals to

affect the warmth in their buildings in winter,

and also to cool them in summer.

Underfloor heating in asustainable system

Jim Rogers is a chartered

engineer with Varming

Consulting Engineers. He is

the director responsible for

the Varming Sustainable

Engineering Group and is

actively involved in both the

design and sustainable aspects

of a whole variety of building

projects. He is also a BREEAM

Healthcare Assessor.

Underfloor Heating

UFH Intro:Layout 1 05/07/2010 11:24 Page 1


15

condensation on cold surfaces andmould growth on damp surfaces inbathrooms and shower rooms whichare now relatively airtight.

This even level of heat dispersion is also aided very much by the thermal fabric insulation in thewalls and ceiling and roof of the

buildings, and uses the whole floor asa radiator. This means the surface area is very big which can result in reduced water flow temperaturesbut the floor still provides the sameheat output. The low temperature of the floor means that the velocity of convected warm air is very low,

resulting in even gentle warmth rising throughout the building.

TemperatureAchieving the ideal comfortconditions means achieving the idealtemperature. Temperature control canresult in significant energy reduction.

Underfloor Heating

Figure 1: Ideal heat distribution profile. Figure 2: Heat profile underfloor heating.

Figure 3: Heat profile radiators. Figure 4: Heat profile convector heating.

16oC 20oC 24oC

16oC 20oC 24oC 16oC 20oC 24oC

16oC 20oC 24oC



Radiation accounts for 50% of theheat emission from the floor, the floorcan be operated to achieve an airtemperature of say 19

oC and this

results in a 10% to 12% reduction infuel energy from the 21

oC norm.

Radiator systems are designed to work at 80

oC in mid-winter to

achieve a comfort level of 21oC

whereas a floor system can work at a temperatures of 35

oC – 50

oC.

This means the following heatgenerators are all now usable as the heating source for an underfloorheating system.

– Heat pumps geothermal boreholetype;

– Heat pumps geothermal horizontalbed collection;

– Condensing boiler low nox type;

– Combined heat and power units;

– Solar thermal heat collectingsystem;

– Hydro Archimedes screw linked to river water as the primarypower provider linked to heatpumps;

– Heat pumps air-to-water types.All these systems can provide

primary heating water at 55oC or

below which reduces the amount offuel usage and the carbon dioxideproduced.

Thermal fly-wheel effectTake, for example, a system usingconcrete slabs for underfloor heatingwhich includes a good reliable controlsystem; a floor temperature sensor;the concrete floor insulated to theBREEAM green guide standards; andthe plastic piping embedded into thefloor on a grid arrangement. Thewarm concrete will emit heat all dayinto the occupied space and at night,when the heating is off, the flywheeleffect of the stored heat in thestructure will remain.

This is helped significantly by the

good levels of thermal fabricinsulation in the wall and roof, andthe glazing and the buildingairtightness. Buildings will only cool3

oC – 4

oC overnight with such a

system. Underfloor heating can also be

used in timber floor constructionwhere pre-formed sections have agroove to take the heating pipe –again the system must haveunderfloor insulation below thepiping. Timber floors do not enjoy the flywheel effect but the warmth isretained by the perimeter structures.

ControlsThe control system, like in anyheating system, is the key tosuccess. It should be designed tomatch the application and individualareas should have independentcontrol. Controls must be simple inuse and the ability of the user tounderstand the system, and adjustthe set-point to match the conditions,results in real fuel saving.

Modern systems do thisautomatically when the heat is on; if the passive solar design allows the floor to be warmed by the sun the heating system can turn off thewater flow into the floor.

Systems should operate on a flow-and-return manifold arrangement witha circulating pump in the manifoldand motorised valves to adjust water-flow temperature. Room temperaturesensors with adjustment, and floortemperature sensors, should also be installed to provide the overallsystem control and allow the comfort levels to be maintained in the space.

Features and benefits ofunderfloor systems– Speed of installation in

construction;

– No radiators to be accommodated;

– Clean clear lines in the space;

– Even temperature in the space;

– The floor can be used for dryingout a building when it is beingcommissioned;

– Recognised standard for the products which aremanufactured and tested to both DIN standards and BA Board of Agreement and GreenBuilding Standards, together with various German and Swedish Government Bodies;

– Flexibility for the layout of spacesand furniture.

One possible disadvantage is the lack of flexibility when replacing a system, or if some element isdamaged or piping is punctured.Consequently, it is very important to have the piping areas clearlyidentified and recorded on thedrawings.

Underfloor heating systems should be purchased from recognised suppliers and should be installed and commissioned bytrained installers. The systems should be designed by experiencedunderfloor heating designers basedon an overall heating concept for abuilding.

Natural ventilation systems areoften used in conjunction withunderfloor heating and, in theseinstances, it is important that they do not conflict with each other.Motorised dampers and windows will aid the overall comfort levelcontrol in these applications.

Using heat pumps as wasmentioned earlier as the primaryenergy driver also allows the floor to be used for cooling in very warmsummer months, or to reduce acooling load in the space beingserved. However, this is a subjectfor another day. �

Underfloor Heating

16


Residential & CommercialUnderfloor Heating Systems

Profile panel system with11mm or 35mm insulation

Multilayer pipe system with staples

Pex Pipes 14mm 16mm & 20mm

Multilayer Pipes 16mm to 63mm

Oventrop Manifold & Regulator


Unitherm Heating Systemsis one of the leading andmost innovative companies in Ireland for designing andsupplying quality heating andDHW systems solutions using renewable and high-efficiency technologies.Initially involved in designingunderfloor heating systemsfor residential andcommercial projects,Unitherm soon realised thenecessity to be able to offerintegrated and total systemsolutions, including completecontrols packages. It is nowrenowned for supplying high-quality products fromEuropean manufacturers whohave achieved the higheststandards and approvalssuch as Oventrop GmbH,Fränkische, KaMoSystemtechnik, Solartherm,Mitsubishi Electric etc.

The benefits of properly-controlled underfloor heatingsystems are now wellrecognised and widelyaccepted by consultants,

specifiers, architects, heatingengineers and the generalpublic. The Unithermunderfloor heating system isbased upon Germantechnology and experiencesover the last 35 years. Thesystem components areexported worldwide and have achieved an enviablelist of over 100 approvals and accreditations in mostEuropean countries. A mostimportant element inunderfloor heating systems is the controls and Unithermpromotes Danfossthermostats due to theirreliability.

All Unitherm underfloorheating systems areindividually designed and

supplied with supportingmechanical and electricallayout CAD drawings. Thecompany’s strength is in itsability to interface with theelectrical contractor as wellas the heating installer. A 10-year warranty is offered onsystems designed, suppliedand installed in accordancewith BS EN 1264

Unitherm also offers arange of innovative high-efficiency renewable heatsource solutions, such asgeothermal heat pumpsfrom 6kW up to 26kW;Mitsubishi and Daikinair-to-water heatpumps ranging inoutputs from 5kWup to 16kW;Solartherm solarcollector panels;Evacuated solartubes; Alphacondensinggas boilersranging from12kW up to

115kW in both natural gasand LPG; Grant condensingoil boilers, etc.

Unitherm also provides arange of WRAS-approvedstainless steel single coil,dual coil and triple coilcylinders from 200lts to500lts, as well as a range of Eco-combi multi-energytanks with capacities from570lts to 2000lts, completewith 316L stainless steelcoils. These tanks cancombine heat pumps, solarpanels and solid fuel stovesor oil/gas boilers.

Unitherm has alsodesigned and supplied anumber of district heatingprojects including heatingstations, heat meters, data

loggers, pre-insulated pipes,as well as underfloor heatingand controls.

With offices in Dublin andGalway, Unitherm HeatingSystems has a team of fully-trained engineers with manyyears experience designingheating systems. At itspremises in Galway, Unithermhas an SEAI-approvedtraining facility with manyfully-working models ofrenewable energy sourcesinstalled. The training coursescover every facet of therenewable sector and are run on a continuous basisthroughout the year.

Contact: Unitherm DublinOffice. Tel: 01 – 610 9153;Fax: 01 – 621 2939; GalwayOffice. Tel: 091 – 380038;Fax: 091 – 380039: email: [email protected]; www.uni-therm.net


Underfloor Heating

UNITHERM

Engineered heatingsolutions

Eco-Combi Multi-Energy tank. Geothermal heat pump.

Right: Solartherm solar panel.

18

Feature; Unitherm:Layout 1 03/07/2010 12:20 Page 1

Despite the relatively recentintroduction of the HitachiYutaki heat pump range to Ireland, consultants andcontractors alike arespeficying and installing it in increasing numbers in allmanner of applications. It is the ideal heating solution,incorporating as it doesintegrated features andcontrols which deliver all thefunctions of a fully-fledgedheating system. It is theperfect replacement for atraditional, boiler-led, set-upand comes in four mainmodels (six in total as the 5hpand 6hp are available in 1phand 3ph versions). Outputsrange from 8kW to 17.5kW.

Hitachi Yutaki is particularlyfavoured by providers ofintegrated heat pump,underfloor heating and solarthermal systems, such asDublin-based GreenthermLtd. Principal Enda Ruxtontold bs news that he sees itas the perfect complement to integrated systemsincorporating underfloorheating with features andbenefits that are ideally suitedto Irish climatic conditions. He noted in particular Yutaki’s

ability to operate in extremetemperature conditions, citingthe excellent performance of systems Greentherm hasinstalled during the severeweather of last winter.

“For us it is all aboutmanaging people’sexpectations and delivering a purpose-designed,integrated heating solutionthat is energy-efficient, offerssignificantly-reduced CO2emissions, is flexible to

operate and cost-effective toinstall and run. Hitachi’sYutaki is a key element inmeeting this objective.”

Fergus Daly, SalesManager, Hitachi Irelandsays: “With one of the bestCOPs currently available(capable of reaching inexcess of 4), the Yutaki unitscan reduce CO2 emissionsby up to 50% compared toboiler-led systems. They arecheaper and easier to installthan a ground source heatpump, and integrateseamlessly with differenttypes of heating systemssuch as traditional radiatorsand underfloor heating. They

can also contribute to thedomestic hot water.”

The Yutaki works byconverting the latent energyin the air into cost-effectiveheating energy, with everyone kilowatt of electricityused to power the heat pump providing up to threekilowatts of extra free energyin a well-insulated property. It is controlled by weather-compensation sensors thatdetect the difference between inside and outsidetemperature, to ensureefficiency and comfort.

Yutaki features inverter-driven compressortechnology – a high-pressureDC inverter scroll compressoroperating at variable speeds.This varies the amount ofenergy used, depending onthe temperature in thebuilding, to meet the demandrequired, thereby reducingoperation costs. Its wirelessprogrammable thermostat isintuitive and quick to use, and other key featuresinclude pre-configured,multiple-heating programoptions, system frost-protection and low noiseemissions.

In conclusion, Daly says:“Yutaki returns efficiencylevels of up to 400%, a greatimprovement on the averageboiler with only 90%efficiency. For cutting-edgetechnology capable of savingenergy, installation andoperation costs, look nofurther than the Yutaki.”

Contact: Fergus Daly,Hitachi Ireland. Tel: 01 – 216 4406; Mobile: 087 – 277 9505;email: [email protected]


Underfloor Heating

HITACHI IRELAND

Yutaki ideal forunderfloor heating

Hitachi Yutaki is the perfect replacement for a traditional, boiler-led,set-up and is available in outputs ranging from 8kW to 17.5kW.20

Yutaki Key Benefits � High COP’s

� Low running costs

� DC inverter technology

� Guaranteed hot water

� Ideal for any application

� Programmable wireless controller

Feature Hitachi:Layout 1 03/07/2010 12:23 Page 1

www.irishmetalindustries.com

IRISH METAL INDUSTRIES:

TUBE WITH BUILT IN QUALITY

WHEN QUALITY AND RELIABILITY COUNT, SPECIFY TUBE FROM IRISH METAL INDUSTRIES

Thousands of properties in Ireland have a built-in quality

product – copper plumbing tube from Irish Metal

Industries. With its 25 year guarantee and carrying either

the Irish Standard Mark or BSi Kitemark, our tube offers

you proven and trouble-free service, year after year.

You can rely on Irish Metal Industries tube – so ask for

it by name.

Irish Metal Industries LtdCronin House, Damastown Industrial Park,

Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

t: 01 - 809 7028f: 01 - 809 7001

e: conor.lennon@irishmetalindustries.comwww.irishmetalindustries.com

IMI A4 advert House:IMI A4 advert House 20/07/2009 15:07 Page 1

Metal Industries (IMI)supplies a complete range of copper tube for underfloorheating, hot and cold waterinstallations, gas services,sanitation, central heatingand all other buildingservices-related applications.Being wholly-owned byYorkshire Copper Tube, amember of the KME Group of companies, IMI also hasaccess to the strengths andresources of Europe’s largestproducer of copper andcopper alloy products.

The primary copper tubecategories stocked are:

– Irish plumbing tube;

– WICU plastic-coated coils;

– Full range of metric tube

– Full range of degreasedtube;

– Roofing copper.

All tubes are manufacturedto IS EN 1057 and IMI islicensed to engrave them with the coveted IrishStandard Mark, which is the registered quality mark of the National StandardsAuthority of Ireland.

Best for quality andreliability, copper is suitablefor all manner of modern-daybuilding services applications,and especially so underfloorheating. It is easy to workwith, while ever-more-advanced fittings makeinstallation simpler andquicker. It also has excellent

health-related advantages,evidence-based studiesdemonstrating that it iseffective in preventing thegrowth of dangerouspathogens such asLegionella, and limiting theproliferation and spread ofE.coli bacteria.

“Another unique benefit of copper is its excellentresistance to corrosion, heat,pressure and fire”, says IMIGeneral Manager ConorLennon. “This is particularlyimportant given that today’spreventative treatments anddisinfecting techniques arecarried out at much highertemperatures to reduceflushing times. Copper is ideal in that it remainsunaffected by highertemperature cycles over thelifetime of a water system.

“Finally, there is the matter of sustainability, a key requirement for buildingservices installations. In thisrespect copper simply has no

equal”, concludes Lennon.Irish Metal Industries has

offices and a dedicateddistribution centre locatedwithin the massiveMulhuddart-based complexoperated by Cronin – The Art of Moving, in Dublin 15.Cronin is Ireland’s premierlogistics company and theclose working partnership isdesigned to strengthen stillfurther the comprehensiveservice provided by IMI, andto reinforce its stockholdingand nationwide distributioncapability.

“Customer interface is with IMI”, says Lennon, “butour order-processing anddispatch procedures havebeen further refined to deliverthe ultimate in customerservice through the servicesof Cronin. We now carry more extensive stocks across the entire range andaim for an order turnaround of within 24 hours in Dublin,and 48 hours throughout the rest of Ireland.

“As Cronin – The Art of Moving are experts inlogistics for high-valueproducts that requirespecialised handling, we at IMI now provide anintegrated information system that links orderprocessing, inventorymanagement and producttracking with physicaldistribution. This transformsthe efficiency of the supplychain, thereby turning it into a competitive advantage forour customers”.

Contact: Conor Lennon,IMI. Tel: 01 - 809 7028; Fax: 809 7001; email: [email protected]


Underfloor Heating

IRISH METAL INDUSTRIES

Quality of productmatched by dedicatedlogistics support

An order being prepared for dispatch at IMI’s base in Mulhuddart, Dublin 15.22

Feature IMI:Layout 1 03/07/2010 12:30 Page 1

Potterton Myson (Ireland),the market leader in heatingtechnology, is going fromstrength to strength. MysonFloortec, the underfloorheating division formed lastyear, following the mergerwith Vogel and Noot, hasintroduced Smart Starttechnology to itsprogrammable roomthermostat.

The new innovativetechnology works in harmonywith underfloor heatingsystems, allowing variedstart-up times to ensure that the building achievesoptimum temperature in therequired time. Smart Starttechnology continuallymonitors the temperature rise requirement, delaying the start up of the heatingsystem, therefore savingenergy during milder weather.

All Myson Floortecunderfloor heating systemsare supplied withcomprehensive timingoptions. These range fromthe traditional MEP1Cprogrammer to the

sophisticated MPRTprogrammable roomthermostat.

Constant temperaturesystems are available whereMyson Floortec underfloorheating systems mix returnwater from the underfloorheating with flow water fromthe primary pipework. Themixed temperature iscontrolled at a constant level and the proportions offlow and return water arevaried accordingly.

Heating systems can also be tailored to the user,including night-set-backtemperature settings, whichallow each room to maintainan individually-programmedminimum background level of heat during an “off” period and individual roomcontrol settings.

More than ever, today’selectronic controls should beeasy to install, understandand operate. This is why

Myson Floortec has developeda range of controls that areinnovative and sophisticated,but simple to use.

PMI also runs acomprehensive installertraining programme at itspurpose-designed trainingcentre in WhitestownBusiness Park, Dublin 24.The training centre has beenset up to allow installers theopportunity to learn more

about using the products with sustainable technology,including air source heatpumps.

Typically 20% to 30%cheaper to run thanconventional heating,underfloor heating isbecoming an increasinglypopular method to heathomes. It offers manybenefits to customers – from improved energyefficiency to a more naturaland even distribution of heat.

Potterton Myson (Ireland)has been at the forefront ofheating for many years andwith Myson Floortec, the newSmart Start controls, and thecustomised training centre,customers in Ireland willbenefit from the continuedadvancement and innovationin the rapidly-growingunderfloor market.

Contact: Vincent Broderick,Potterton Myson Irteland. Tel: 01 – 459 0870; email:[email protected]


Underfloor Heating

POTTERTON MYSON IRELAND

Myson Floortecspearheads innovation

Myson Floortec components are designed for easy handling andquick installation.

Smart Start technology has nowbeen incorporated into theprogrammable room thermostat.

Benefits of Myson Floortec include a more natural and evendistribution of heat and improved energy efficiency.

23

Feature Potterton:Layout 1 05/07/2010 14:19 Page 1

Tour & Andersson has designed its highly-successful programmeof CPD seminars to provide building services professionals withvery specific knowledge of hot and cold water systems, helping

them to develop their expertise and competence in this specialist field.As part of this programme, Dr Jean-Christophe Carette of the TA Hydronic College, will present Investment and Energy SavingOpportunities in Variable Flow Systems in Dublin on Thursday 30 September 2010. The seminar will focus on providing energy savingadvice for HVAC consultants, mechanical contractors and end clients in the public and private sectors.

When comparing waterborne heating and cooling systems in thecurrent environmental landscape, a variable flow system presents a far more attractive option, largely due to its energy saving credentialsover more traditional, constant-flow systems. Savings in both cost andcarbon for the client, the building/facilities manager, the tenants and owner are made possible due to the reduction in pump speed.

However, while this measure alone can deliver initial energy savings,it is necessary to ensure that the system is installed and commissionedto operate at the design flow, otherwise these savings will graduallyreduce as the system becomes less efficient over time.

Without regular maintenance and manual service checks, the systemwill not run at its optimum level of efficiency. As such, further problemscan occur that will affect the internal ambience of the building. Forexample, if the pump is forced to work harder as a result of a poorly-balanced system, it will generate noise that will travel throughout thecircuit and infiltrate the rooms below.

Additionally, in situations where a refurbishment project is undertakenin a large open-plan space, further problems can occur as the layout isaltered. This can lead to problems with the system as, in most cases,the system itself will not be changed to accommodate the new plan. As such, rooms can overheat or become too cool as the temperate aircannot flow through the space as it would have done previously.

It is important to ensure that terminal units are operating at thedesired flow, delivering a consistent level of performance throughout thebuilding, even in those areas that are located furthest from the pumpitself. If the system is not commissioned and regularly checked for flowaccuracy, the resulting temperature in different areas of the building islikely to vary. As such the thermostat will constantly be altered to try and

Investment for energy savingEvery day, consultants, contractors and building servicesengineers have to face challenges of increasinglycomplex system design, installation and commissioning,all set against a backdrop of changing regulations and aneed to reduce emissions. Ken Browne, Sales Engineerin Ireland for Tour & Andersson, explains what expertise is available to support them.


24

Tour Andersson spread:Layout 1 03/07/2010 12:33 Page 1


25

counteract differences in indoortemperature.

The “cost of discomfort” can prove to beextremely detrimental on the componentswithin a variable flow system and candramatically impact their longevity. As thethermostat is altered throughout the day tomeet occupants’ needs, the system, overtime, will continue to run with less and lessefficiency as greater load is placed on theboiler and pump. This can prove to beespecially problematic after sustainedperiods of downtime, such as first thing in the morning or after the weekend.

Extreme weather conditions can alsoaffect the system such as thoseexperienced during summer heat waveperiods and freezing winter conditions. As a result, the boiler and pump will beforced to work harder, to heat or cool thebuilding accordingly, using more energy,and therefore cancelling out any initialsavings made.

To avoid this from happening in the firstinstance, the system must be installed and accurately balanced at the time ofinstallation, using valves that can regulatethe flow, ensuring an even temperaturelevel is achieved across all terminals.

Where this is not the case, or whereproper measuring and maintenance of thesystem is not carried out, an unbalancedheating and cooling system will quicklybecome unregulated. Water will work itsway through the system via the quickestroute, finding shortcuts throughout the

system, resulting in an unregulated flow, which sometimes causes severefluctuations in temperature. This meansthat rooms not favoured by the irregularflow will not receive the desiredtemperature until much later in the day, or in some cases, not at all.

In order to maintain a properly-functioning variable flow system, a methodof stabilising pressure must be introduced.A differential pressure control valve,(DPCV) or a pressure-independent controlvalve (PICV), can be used to solve thisproblem by diverting excess pressure,where there is an unwanted pressuredrop, or opening to increase flow wherethere is insufficient pressure to maintaindesign flow.

By incorporating a PICV into the designrather than a DPCV, it is possible toreduce installation costs and the spaceneeded on site as only one valve isrequired instead of three. This is due tothe core function of a PICV incorporatingdifferential pressure alongside flowlimitation and control functionality.

After commissioning, the DPCVprevents the flow and balance in the sub-circuit being affected by pressure changescaused by other sub-circuits opening andclosing or pump speed changes. DPCVsare designed to alter their position inresponse to changes in pressure, tomaintain pressure equilibrium.

A well-designed and commissionedsystem can help reduce flow rates by up

to 20%, resulting in a pump energyconsumption saving of up to 50%, whichlong term can generate some significantsavings.

During the commissioning process it is important to adhere to a few basicpoints that can be applied to all variableflow systems, to help make sure thesystem runs as efficiently as possible.Broadly speaking, these points include:

– The identification of the index circuit to ensure the pump is set to deliverenough pressure to maintain the flow;

– The placement of pump pressuresensors deep within the system so thatthe pump can reduce its speedaccordingly and as a result, saveenergy while still generating enoughoperating pressure;

– The guarantee that the pump pressureis of a sufficient level so that the flowcan continue uninterrupted;

– The fact that flow measurementdevices should be installed to ensurethat the system continues to workefficiently.

Building services designers andinstalling engineers, using a system that employs DPCVs, or PICVs, can see benefits beyond occupant comfort.The projected energy savings from avariable speed pump will be achieved,with a reduction in commissioning times.

Modern HVAC systems provideexcellent environmental controls, without the need for excessive energyconsumption. However, the absence of an appropriate means of measuring thefinal balanced system could result in timelost by the engineer in identifying thecause of poor distribution, due to pressuredrops in system terminals. Installing eitherDPCVs or PICVs should never lead toremoving balancing valves, leaving asystem with no means of trouble-shootingbalance problems.

To find out more about the Croke Parkseminar this coming September, or toregister as a delegate, simply visitwww.tourandersson.co.uk; email [email protected]; or call Tour & Andersson’s CPD Seminar Co-ordinator on Tel: 0044 - 1582 866 377. �

ng

Delegates at one of the recent Tour & Andersson seminars.

Tour Andersson spread:Layout 1 03/07/2010 12:33 Page 2

All change at Refrigeration Skillnet


Refrigeration Skillnet, the industry-led training network for therefrigeration and air conditioning industry, has appointed JohnSampson Chairman of the network board in place of Seamus Kerr, who has stepped down after eight years in the role.

John Sampson has been a prominentmember of the refrigeration and airconditioning industry for many years andhas sat on the board of RefrigerationSkillnet for eight years. He bringsexperience and focus to the board to helpmeet the challenges in the year ahead.

“I am proud to take up this role, and amencouraged by the continued interestfrom our members in growing anddeveloping the skills of refrigerationengineers”, says John. “We have manychallenges ahead as an industry, withboth economic and environmental issuesdriving the requirements for ourrefrigeration engineering skills. It is criticalfor our future business that our RACengineers meet those challenges withwell informed up-to-date knowledge.”

While Seamus Kerr is standing downafter many years at the helm, he willremain as a board member and isexpected to play an active and vital rolein the affairs of the network goingforward.

Network ManagerAlso changing is the position of NetworkManager. Enda Hogan, who hasadmirably administered RefrigerationSkillnet since 1999, is moving on to otherroles within the refrigeration sector. “I have been fortunate enough to be inthis role for just over 10 years and havethoroughly enjoyed my experience”, hetold bs news. “I want to say a verysincere thanks to everyone who has

helped me over that time and I am verygrateful for all the support I receivedalong the way.”

Howard Neville has been appointed tofill the position of Network Manager andhe will have a regular column in bs newsfrom the September issue onwards

About Refrigeration SkillnetFor those unfamiliar with RefrigerationSkillnet, it is a not-for-profit, industry-ledinitiative of Skillnets Ltd, funded by theNational Training Fund through theDepartment of Enterprise, Trade andEmployment. Refrigeration Skillnet worksclosely with the Institute of RefrigerationIreland (IRI), providing training support formembers and companies working in theinstallation, maintenance or design ofrefrigeration and air conditioning systems.

It recently secured further funding fromthe Department of Enterprise Trade andEmployment to meet the trainingrequirements for 2010, and will nowprovide courses to support and upskillRAC technicians and engineers with thetechnical and soft skills needed for thisever-developing industry.

Howard Neville told bs news: “We arecurrently rolling out our summer/winterprogramme. Our key focus at present isproviding training for refrigerationengineers to meet the F-Gas (fluorinatedgasses) and ODS (ozone depletingsubstances) regulations. In addition, anew programme will feature a series forusers and specifiers, highlighting thevalue provided in applying key criteria forselecting and operating refrigeration andair conditioning plant to achieve optimumenergy efficiency.

Contact: Howard Neville, Refrigeration Skillnet. Tel: 01 – 885 5200; Mobile: 087 – 764 3060; email: [email protected] �

Refrigeration Skillnet News

Seamus Kerr, outgoing Chairman and John Sampson, incomingChairman of Refrigeration Skillnet.

Howard Neville, newly-appointed NetworkManager, Refrigeration Skillnet.

26

Skillnets:Layout 1 03/07/2010 12:52 Page 1

The units are speciallydesigned to ensure economicalextraction of indoor air, and to

take in fresh air to meet current andfuture requirements for high energy-efficiency buildings.

The Airostar units are available intwo versions:– High-efficiency 39QC units with

counter-flow plate heat exchangerand high-efficiency39QR unitswith rotaryheatexchanger;

– Standard-efficiency39SQP unitswith cross-flow plate heatexchanger toensure perfect leak-tightnessbetween the extract air flow andthe supply air flow.

Energy savingsThe heat exchanger reclaims up to90% of the heat from the extract airand transfers it to the supply air,considerably reducing the thermalload on the heating and airconditioning equipment.

The direct-drive fans to not sufferany belt and pulley drive losses, aremore energy-efficient, and requireless maintenance. The extract andsupply air fan speed is independentlycontrolled by frequency inverters.

The control system permanently

adjusts the fan speed based on thesupply duct pressure, or on a CO2rate sensor, to take in the correctfresh air quantity required in thebuilding, and to minimize powerconsumption.

If the outside air temperature isbelow the room temperature duringthe night, outside the heatingperiods, the Airostar is automatically

re-started in the free-cooling mode toensure pre-cooling of the buildingand limit the cooling requirementsduring the day.

Main features and benefits includequick and easy plug-and-playinstallation; complete designflexibility; high-quality casing units;technical data compliance inaccordance with Standard EN 1886.

Pro-dialogue AHU controlAll Airostar units are equipped with acontrol box that is integrated into theunit and contains the electrical andcontrol components. This pro-dialogue AHU control combinesintelligence with operating simplicity.

It constantly monitors all operatingparameters and precisely managesthe operation of the air-to-air heatexchanger, the fan speed and theopening of the coil control valves, inorder to optimise energy efficiency.

The control also includes a webserver as standard that allowsaccess to the configuration andoperating parameters via simple-to-

use internetnavigationsoftware. Iconsaccompanied by clear textmessagesintuitively guidethe users. In addition, the system offers severalconsultation or

parameter modification levels withpassword-protected access.

The new back-lit pro-dialogue+user interface is equipped with acontrol potentiometer that guaranteeslegibility in all lighting conditions. Theinformation is clearly displayed whilenavigation is via menus similar tothose on a web server.

The interface can be installed inthe unit control box or remotely at upto 300m distance. If the units areconnected by a communication busin a network, a single interface canbe used for the complete site.

Contact: Austin McDermott, CoreAir Conditioning. Tel: 01 – 409 8912;email:[email protected] �

Carrier Airostar AHUs withenergy recovery


Airostar from Carrier

Carrier 39SQ Airostar units are dual-flow air handling units equippedwith a high-efficiency air-to-air heat exchanger and a control systemfor a plug-and-play installation.

27

Core/Carrier edit:Layout 1 04/07/2010 08:55 Page 1

Hitachi’s centenary birthday (16 July 2010) marks100 years of innovation and success. Since its founding in1910 as an electrical equipment repair shop, Hitachi Ltd hasevolved into a e100 billion global corporation. From designingand manufacturing electric power plants through to finger-vein recognition, RFID technology and innovative airconditioning and refrigeration solutions, Hitachi remainsunmatched in its technical diversity.

Hitachi Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Group’scentenary product promotions mean that the first 100 customers who telephone quoting “centenary” when ordering a Utopia wall-mounted air conditioner will receive a free 100-month warranty. With heating and cooling capabilities from 5.0kW to 11.2kW, the Utopia is energy-efficient and cost-effective with a COP of 4.83, EER of 4.03, and ultra-low noise levels of 20 dB(A) (NR30).

Fergus Daly, Area Sales Manager, Hitachi Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Ireland, said: “We want to congratulate our parent company, Hitachi Ltd, for 100 years of amazing growth and achievement. It’s fantastic that the three core founding values of Hitachi –harmony, sincerity and pioneering spirit – still exist and areactively adhered to today across all Hitachi Groups, includingAir Conditioning & Refrigeration. To mark this important timein Hitachi’s history we are rewarding our customers withproduct offers, while our employees are also taking part inexciting social, community and charity activities.”

Hitachi worldwideHitachi Ltd, Japan, is headquartered in Tokyo, hasapproximately 390,000 employees worldwide andconsolidated revenues of just over e100 billion. HitachiEurope Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd, Japanand is based in Maidenhead in the UK. It has operations in 15countries, including Ireland, and employs 470 people acrossEurope, the Middle East and Africa.

As a “Best Solutions Partner” Hitachi Europe tailors itsservices and solutions to meet the specific needs of its

customers across 11 key business areas – air-conditioningand refrigeration systems; power and industrial systems; rail; industrial components and equipment; informationsystems; high performance computing; digital media; display products; procurement and sourcing; corporatetechnology group (research & development) and the Hitachi Design Centre. �

Hitachi celebrates 100 years with 100-month warranties


To celebrate Hitachi Ltd’s 100th anniversary Hitachi Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Group is giving its customers the opportunity to receive a free 100-month warranty on any order of its cutting-edge Utopia Split System air conditioner units.

28

Hitachi 100:Layout 1 04/07/2010 08:59 Page 1

SEAI offers tax and grant incentivesfor energy-efficient building services


As the momentum gathers pace for greater energy efficiency

across all industry sectors, the Sustainable Energy Authority of

Ireland (SEAI) continues to devise cost-related incentives to

encourage specifiers and clients alike.

At the moment two schemes should be of particularinterest to consultants and contractors when advisingclients and devising building services solutions. They arethe established Accelerated Capital Allowances (ACA)scheme and the newly-introduced Energy EfficiencyRetrofit Fund. The former is a tax-related incentive whilethe latter is a grant, albeit with understandable terms andconditions.

The Accelerated Capital Allowances (ACA) scheme is a tax incentive scheme for energy efficient equipment firstintroduced in the Finance Act 2008. It offers businessesinvesting in such equipment a double benefit of recurringenergy savings and an up-front tax incentive.

Under the ACA scheme, when money is spent on eligible energy-efficient capital equipment, the companycan deduct the full cost of this equipment from its profits in the year of purchase (rather than over the normal eight years).

As well as reducing corporation tax liability, companiesinvesting in energy efficient equipment will gain fromongoing energy use and cost savings over the lifetime the equipment.

Specifiers – find qualifying equipmentThe ACA provides a vetted list of demonstrated and provenenergy efficient equipment and provides a valuableresource for specification and procurement of equipment.

Rigorous eligibility criteria, based on recognised testing,certification, and performance standards, have beendevised for each of the technology groupings. All productsfor listing are required to submit comprehensive informationand test data demonstrating a minimum energy efficientperformance according to the specified standard.

As the benefits of energy efficiency to an organisation’sbottom line are increasingly recognised, the ACA list is also a means of distinguishing products that have beenindependently verified and are demonstrably best in class in terms of energy efficiency.

The list of eligible equipment was recently updated andnow includes over 5,800 products. A fully-searchable list of products is available to view on www.seai.ie/aca. Log on to find out if the equipment you bought, or plan to buy, is eligible for the ACA.

It is important to note, particularly in these difficult tradingtimes, that if a company does not make a profit in the yearof purchase, the capital allowance can be carried forwardand offset against profits in following years. For moredefinitive information on how to claim the ACA contact The Irish Revenue Commissioners (www.revenue.ie).

Suppliers – get on expanded listThe scheme was further developed this year with theintroduction of an additional three qualifying equipmentcategories – refrigeration and cooling systems; electro-mechanical systems; and catering and hospitalityequipment. In total the scheme now covers 49 technology groupings.

Following consultation on the qualifying criteria for thethree new categories of equipment, suppliers are nowinvited to submit their products for inclusion on the list ofeligible equipment under 15 new technology groupings in these categories. In addition, there are five new technology groupings in the established categories open for submissions.

For details on the new technology groupings, criteria and application process, log on to www.seai.ie/aca.

New retrofit grant schemeSEAI has introduced a new scheme, called the EnergyEfficiency Retrofit Fund, under which public and privatesector organisations are invited to submit proposals forambitious projects aimed as demonstrating significantenergy savings, new procurement and contractual models, and exemplars for replication. Log on towww.seai.ie/grants/retrofit for details � 29

SEAI edit:Layout 1 04/07/2010 09:08 Page 1

Industry Award

“Recast of Energy Performanceof Buildings Directive (EPBD) & HowBuilding Information Modelling (BIM)Will Impact on Your Profession andPractice” was the subject of a recentCPD breakfast seminar andnetworking event held in EngineersIreland. Approximately 50 delegatesattended, representing HSE, OPW,Scott Tallon Walker, MercuryEngineering, PM Group, VarmingConsulting Engineers, PJ Hegarty,OCSC and Ethos Engineering.

Malachy Mathews, a BIM and CADmodule leader in the Department ofArchitectural Technology, DIT BoltonStreet, was first to speak. He gave apresentation on how he feels BIM willaffect the current traditional designand construction business and howBIM affects all the stakeholders in theconstruction process, from concept tohandover and beyond. He stated thatclusters of integrated practicescollaborating together is what is nowrequired in the marketplace as thedays of the “CAD Jockey” are over.

Malachy stressed the importance ofall stakeholders inputting to the BIMprocess in order for projects to runsmoothly and eradicate traditionalproblems that occur on site. Heconcluded by stressing that BIM is coming down the tracks and that itis imperative for all constructionprofessionals to embrace the process.In his opinion, the professionalarchitectural technologist is theperson best placed to become creatorand curator of the building informationmodel. Currently there are not enoughskilled people in Ireland to get thisgoing and it is up to individual firms to get BIM to the market first.

Dr Ken Beattie was next to address

the seminar. Ken is anSEAI-approvedtrainer of BERAssessors forDomesticBuildings anddelivers theLow CarbonConsultants(LCC)course forCIBSE in Ireland. Ken’s started byexplaining how a draft of the revisedBuilding Regulations Part L (TGD L)will be circulated for publicconsultation by The Department of theEnvironment, Heritage and LocalGovernment (DEHLG) in early July2010 and how the objective of the2010 TGD L will be to achieve a 60%improvement for dwellings on 2005TGD L using the DEAP software.

Ken stressed the importance forconstruction professionals to realise

that they now have the applications attheir disposal to use the BIM modelfor predictive analysis. In order forconstruction professionals to meet the exacting standards of Part L, theyneed to provide statistical analysis/data that provides evidence of thesestandards being met. Professionalscan now run applications using BIMthat provide feedback for planners,clients etc that illustrate the energysaving measures that are beingimplemented to meet Part Lregulations.

The BIM model will provide afundamental basis for construction/design team members to discuss with the client the options open tothem throughout the build and howenergy saving measures can beimplemented to comply with Part L regulations.

Contact: Precise Training. Tel: 01 – 623 5997;www.precisetraining.ie

Precise Training is a training companyspecialising in delivering bespokecourses to construction professionalswho wish to upskill in the sustainableenergy sector and construction-relatedIT. Specialities of the company are BIMmodelling, BIM implementation (howBIM imports into existing IT packagessuch as COSTX, IES etc).

BSNews � July/August 2010

Special Report

Dr Ken Beattie, lecturer with

Department of Building ServicesEngineering, DIT

Bolton St.

BIM fast comingdown the tracks!

Malachy Mathews, lecturer,Department of ArchitecturalTechnology Dublin School ofArchitecture.30

BIM:Layout 1 03/07/2010 12:48 Page 1

bs news � September 2009

Leslie Mason, Sales Director for Carel Ireland told bs news:

"We are very enthusiastic about this new development as it has

been specifically designed to satisfy user requirements.”

– It is powerful and complete, incorporating all the necessarymodules for the designer, from smart free-coolingmanagement to CO2 control; adiabatic cooling; and high-level integration with BMS and field devices such as VFDsand RS485 serial sensors;

– It is smart software, which can be adapted to customer’srequirements, reducing significantly the commissioning timeand risk of errors;

– It is extremely flexible, catering for virtually all AHU layoutsand solutions;

– It is simple and user-friendly.

The software is complemented by a comprehensive package

of ancillary products including electrical panels, pressure,

temperature, humidity and air quality sensors, DP switches,

programmable controllers, humidifiers and monitoring that –

thanks to the open connectivity features of the PCO3 controller

via Modbus®, LonWorks®, SNMP, KONNEX, CAN bus and

BACnet (BTL Certified) – now offers a full and tested

integration with Trend controls and other BMS systems, via

MS-TP and IP media.

1tool programming tool1tool is the latest development tool for the Carel programmable

controller platform. This exclusive software programming

system developed by Carel allows rapid customisation, so as

to manage any application in the HVAC/R sector.

Licensed by Carel to advanced customers, especially in

the air-conditioning sector, 1tool allows them to independently

develop unique applications, exploiting the vast library of

components developed specifically for HVAC/R, guaranteeing

customisation of the application with complete confidentiality.

This development solution also allows customers to

differentiate their final product, that is, the air-conditioning or

refrigeration unit, so as to be more competitive on the market.

1tool features five different environments available to the

developer for managing all phases of the application program.

They cover everything from design to testing and debugging,

right through to commissioning in the field. The fundamental

aspect of this tool is integration. All the environments are linked

together to best support development of the application

program. Each environment is dedicated to the development of

a specific function and interacts with the other environments so

that the end-user gets:

– greater reliability, thanks to the real time error notification in the design phase;

– a reduction in development times using the new functionsavailable, above all a vast library for HVAC/R applications;

– flexibility in terms of software customisation;

“All these features, new graphics and user-friendliness”, says

Leslie Mason, “make 1tool an excellent product that responds

to a variety of needs for the OEMs of the HVAC/R market.”

Contact: Leslie Mason, Carel Ireland.

Tel: 01 – 835 3745; Mobile: 086 – 255 0933

email: [email protected] � 31

After three years of development, Carel has introduced new air handling unitsoftware which incorporates a new control strategy to enhance energyefficiency. Class-leading improvements have been made to all algorithms inorder to manage the thermometric conditions and achieve high energy savingsfor the customer. This is a standard software control package which caters forvirtually all AHU applications.

CAREL solutions for AHUs

Carel edit:Layout 1 04/07/2010 09:11 Page 1


32

back issuesClancy on crutches Mick Clancy’s never-endingquest to defy the ageing process has finally caught upwith him. Trying to emulate hissoccer heroes during a recent 5-a-side run-out, he tore themuscle in his groin and is nowhobbling around on crutches.Come on Mick … it’s time tohang up your boots and concede to the passage of time!

Broderick’s 25-yearstretch Congratulations to VincentBroderick who this monthcelebrates 25 years service with Potterton Myson Ireland.Vincent has seen all manner of changes over the last quarter century and has beeninstrumental in shaping, not just the growth and developmentof PMI, but also the industry at large throughout Ireland.

Good weathermeans lessclean energy While no official figures wereavailable for Ireland as we went to press, a report from theDepartment of Energy & ClimateChange in the UK reveals thatelectricity supplied fromrenewable sources fell by asmuch as 7.5% in the first threemonths of this year comparedwith 2009.

Reduced power output fromwater turbines was put down tothe relatively dry weather for theperiod in question, while low wind speeds had an adverseeffect on wind energy generation.Presumably, a similar exercise for Ireland would reveal the same scenario.

Looking to the immediate and long-term future, this reporthighlights once again theimportance of getting therenewable mix right for countrieswith climatic conditions such as ours.

D’Arcy plays ‘Da Blues’ Like so many consulting engineers in Ireland, John D’Arcy hassuffered as a consequence of the construction downturn. Despitehis qualifications and vast experience, he has searched in vain fora position within the business for over two years.

However, not one to sit back and do nothing, John has turnedwhat was his longtime hobby – playingguitar – into a business. He is now playingjazz and blues guitar at restaurant/hotelvenues, corporate gatherings, weddings,social events, etc, either as a solo playeror as a member of a group. He is also aqualified music teacher, with qualificationgrades from Rockschool, the UK’s onlydedicated rock and pop exams board, andoperates as “The Mobile Guitar Teacher”.

Among the venues he has played so far are the Bay Restaurant,Clontarf; The Gourmet Food Parlour, Dun Laoghaire; Pravada;Cobblestone; Lucan, Ashbourne and Castleknock Golf Clubs;Hugo’s Restaurant, Merrion Row; Ruairi Maguires Pub, Dundrum;Douglas & Kaldi Restaurant, Dundrum and Sinners Restaurant,Parliament Street.

Well done John on showing determination and initiative in theface of the current situation. All you readers out there, rememberJohn when organising entertainment at your next social orcommercial event. He can be contacted directly at email: [email protected]

Masdar City … pie in thesky or sustainabilityUtopia? With the first part of the hugely-ambitious Masdar City project in Abu Dhabischeduled to open this year, could it be thatthe dream of a zero-carbon, zero-waste,mini-city serving a population of 50,000 is going to be realised?

In some respects Masdar City is straightout of the sci-fi comic books of the 1950s. All buildings are raised on a seven-metrepodium, with pedestrianised streets, soelectric cars – which can be summoned by ‘phone – can travel freely underneath.

As for the design and operation of thebuilding services, the scale of the ambition is almost unimaginable, yet somehow ispresented in a manner which suggests it can be achieved. See www.masdarcity.ae

Back Issues July:Layout 1 03/07/2010 07:21 Page 1

www.gtphelan.ie24-25 Southern Cross Business Park, Bray, Co Wicklow

Ph: 01 286 4377 Fax: 01 286 4310

[email protected]

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GT Phelan Portable advert:GT Phelan Portable advert 20/07/2009 15:19 Page 1

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