Air Conditioning and Energy Savings

Air conditioning and HVAC systems have a number of jobs. Heating systems increase the indoor temperature and compensate for heat losses. On the other hand, many spaces gain heat from the sun, people and equipment. This makes them uncomfortable, so cooling is also needed. Ventilation systems supply air to an inside space and remove polluted air.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems come in many different sizes and perform all sorts of functions. Some large systems are included in a building’s central services. They were probably designed with the building’s original plans and installed during construction. Others might provide heating through boilers and radiators, offering only limited ventilation or cooling in some parts of the building, such as meeting rooms.

Three systems or one?

Although we might think of heating, ventilation and air conditioning as separate services for a building, there are benefits of looking at HVAC as a single solution.

In fact, the relationships between these services and with the building itself are important. Looking at them together helps to control the environment more effectively and to manage energy use and costs. For example, if the systems are run separately a lot of energy could be wasted by heating one part of the building and cooling another part.

Energy consumption

HVAC can account a large part of the energy costs associated with using a building. Even small adjustments can make a big difference to the indoor environment and save money at the same time.

Through optimisation, annual energy savings of 30% or more can be achieved and system’s performance can be improved. There are also opportunities to make energy savings at the design stage, with accurate calculations, a whole-system approach and the correct equipment specifications.

There are five important things to consider when looking at HVAC energy use.

1. The building’s design, layout and use – all of these will affect internal temperatures and humidity.
2. The type of indoor conditions you need – more extreme temperatures, greater precision and better air quality all require extra energy.
3. Internal heat sources – lighting, equipment and people all add to the indoor temperature.
4. The efficiency of the HVAC system – a well-designed system will provide exactly the right amount of heating, cooling and moisture control in the right places at the right times.
5. Operating controls – effective controls should allow accurate control so that the system only operates when it’s needed.

Saving energy

There are a number of steps you can take to minimise energy consumption of any system, while maintaining your indoor conditions.

Reducing the need – although we can’t always be involved in a building’s design, carefully specifying the HVAC system can have a big impact on energy use. This can include options to use ‘free energy’ such as solar power for heating, cooling and ventilation to make significant energy and cost savings. Natural ventilation uses airflow through doors and windows and allows rising hot air to be replaced.

Some systems can operate in ‘mixed mode’, using natural ventilation for heating and cooling where possible, and mechanical systems when needed.

Changing behaviour – the way we use a building can also make a difference. It’s not just the air temperature that affects how we feel. Solar radiation, humidity, and air speed are important too. Of course, what we do, and what we wear are also relevant.

When the heating, ventilation or air conditioning systems are in use, up to one third of the energy use and costs can be saved by reducing the amount of outside air coming in to the building. It’s always better to adjust the system than to open a door or window.

Understanding the controls – HVAC controls can be easily set to create a comfortable environment. There are four main types of control:

• time controls so that systems only operate when and where a building is in use
• temperature controls to maintain the environment within set limits
• motion sensors to give even more accurate control in busy and less frequently used areas.
• real time air quality monitoring to respond to changing conditions.

Regular maintenance – this does much more than replace worn elements of the system. It’s essential to maximise efficiency, to reduce energy waste and to avoid breakdowns.

HVAC components must be kept free of dirt and obstructions to operate efficiently.

The overall system should be serviced annually either by a maintenance technician or a professional contractor. In the meantime, regular routine checks of filters and pipework will help to identify performance issues and potential problems at an early stage. Pressure gauges are helpful to highlight when replacement filters are needed.

Upgrades – older HVAC systems might be reaching the end of their operational Iife as the refrigerants they use are no longer available. Some systems have been altered to operate with new replacement refrigerants, but reliability can become an issue over time. If you are considering upgrading or refurbishing your HVAC system, there are opportunities for energy savings.

Expert advice is essential when you commission a new HVAC system or replace and old one. By making sure that you use the most efficient equipment and that the system is professionally designed to meet your requirements you can be confident that it will efficient and cost effective.

Chillaire – a national heating, ventilation and air conditioning partner

Centrally located in Nuneaton, and with offices around the UK, Chillaire is a trusted partner for design, installation and maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

You can contract us through our website www.chillaire.co.uk or email us at sales@chillaire.co.uk.

You can call any one of our local offices:

Nuneaton & Warwickshire Office: Unit 1 Veasey Close, Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton, CV11 6RT. Telephone: 024 7632 0300

Coventry & West Midlands Office: 16 Lythalls Lane, Holbrooks, Coventry, West Midlands, CV6 6FG. Telephone: 024 7624 9440

Leicester & Leicestershire Office: 3^rd Floor, St George’s House, 6 St George’s Way, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 1QZ. Telephone: 0116 202 5094

Redditch & Alcester & Worcestershire Office: Minerva Mill Innovation Centre, Station Road, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5EH. Telephone: 01527 531275

Northampton & Northamptonshire Office: Moulton Park Business Centre, Redhouse Road, Moulton Park, Northamptonshire, NN3 6AQ. Telephone: 01604 269540

Kettering, Corby & Northants Area Office: 10A Silver Street, Kettering, Northants, NN16 0BN. Telephone: 01536 386046

Heat Interface Units and Climate Change (HIUS)

The use of heat interface units (HIUs) and centralised plant is becoming popular for blocks of flats, apartments, or even larger schemes.

As energy efficiency standards become more stringent, effective heating and cooling in modern properties will become a priority.

Industry experts say HIUs are going to be an important part of the UK’s low carbon economy.

What are district and community systems?

‘District’ systems provide services through a network of pipes from a central source to several buildings, which could include houses, flats or apartments, offices, schools, shops, and community centres.

Community and communal systems are similar, but on a smaller scale, perhaps serving a single block of apartments.

Why are HIUs used?

Centralisation helps developers to meet demanding energy-efficiency targets for new buildings, either using traditional fuels or low-carbon and renewable technologies. A controller monitors and regulates use to optimise performance, working with the room thermostat.

Without an HIU temperature control, metering and billing can cause problems, because usage can’t be monitored.

HIUs allow councils and landlords operating multi-tenanted buildings to remotely monitor use and accurately charge users. Metering can also encourage occupants to reduce their energy consumption.

Where are HIUs installed?

Many HIUs are small enough to fit into a kitchen cupboard, for example, or and can be installed in the dividing walls or in easily accessible ‘landlord’ spaces.

They can be installed at first-fix and only connected when the property is handed over, and can be easily inspected and maintained, making them a practical solution. There’s less need for gas distribution pipework which also saves costs.

Energy-efficiency and HIUs

Parliamentary committees on Climate Change and Science & Technology both say that decarbonisation of heat is our single biggest challenge and argue that wider use of HIUs is the key.

Specialists have highlighted that HIU performance is critical to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of heat networks but it is often overlooked.

The government’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Department funded a research project that identified poor performance of HIUs was one of the key causes of the gap between design and actual performance.

HIUs will also make it more practical to use low carbon or renewable technologies such as biomass, solar water heating or combined heat and power (CHP) in multi-occupancy schemes.

A new test standard for HIUs

Typically, assessing a building’s heat network performance focusses on the energy centre and pipework rather than performance within a building, sometimes resulting in a poor experience for users.

A new UK Test Standard for HIUs has been developed by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and is now being adopted by HIU manufacturers and heat network developers.

What difference will a new HIU test standard make?

Previously it was difficult to assess the relative performance of HIUs. This meant that heat network designers couldn’t make informed decisions.

The BESA standard was developed on behalf of consumers, which means the new test places a heavy emphasis on the experience of end users.

The BESA Standard has also increased research and development that is now leading to improved HIU performance and safety.

Chillaire – a national heating, ventilation and air conditioning partner

Centrally located in Nuneaton, and with offices around the UK, Chillaire is a trusted partner for design, installation and maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

You can contract us through our website www.chillaire.co.uk or email us at sales@chillaire.co.uk.

You can call any one of our local offices:

Nuneaton & Warwickshire Office: Unit 1 Veasey Close, Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton, CV11 6RT. Telephone: 024 7632 0300

Coventry & West Midlands Office: 16 Lythalls Lane, Holbrooks, Coventry, West Midlands, CV6 6FG. Telephone: 024 7624 9440

Leicester & Leicestershire Office: 3^rd Floor, St George’s House, 6 St George’s Way, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 1QZ. Telephone: 0116 202 5094

Redditch & Alcester & Worcestershire Office: Minerva Mill Innovation Centre, Station Road, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5EH. Telephone: 01527 531275

Northampton & Northamptonshire Office: Moulton Park Business Centre, Redhouse Road, Moulton Park, Northamptonshire, NN3 6AQ. Telephone: 01604 269540

Kettering, Corby & Northants Area Office: 10A Silver Street, Kettering, Northants, NN16 0BN. Telephone: 01536 386046

Energy-efficient replacement air conditioning for a Daikin R22 system

The offices of a long-standing Chillaire Limited customer in Nottingham recently received energy-efficient replacement air conditioning for their Daikin system, which originally used R22 refrigerant.

The Electric Avenue offices of data experts, Experian, are one of six they have in Nottinghamshire.

The life of the air conditioning system had been extended by converting it from R22 refrigerant to a more environmentally friendly alternative. However the time had come for a full replacement air conditioning system.

To keep the business running smoothly with the minimum of disruption, the work was completed during night shifts and on Saturdays to avoid disruption.

Responding to the R22 refrigerant ban

When R22 refrigerant was banned back in 2015 some businesses decided to use alternatives such as R417a or R422d rather than installing replacement air conditioning.

This was a practical short-term solution, but many have since experienced large numbers of breakdowns. Compared with businesses that drew up replacement plans during 2013 to 2015, before the ban came into effect, this has resulted in high repair and maintenance costs.

In contrast, businesses that install replacement air conditioning will have new systems using environmentally friendly approved refrigerants and a five-year warranty. With much improved energy efficiency, running costs will also be significantly reduced.

Modern replacement air conditioning

The existing air conditioning at Electric Avenue was provided by an old Daikin R22 system which had been converted to use R417a (Isceon MO59) refrigerant. The units had reached the end of their life cycle and a replacement air conditioning system was needed.

The new Daikin Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) system uses R410a refrigerant, allowing the existing pipes, cables and containment systems to be reused, making it a very cost-effective solution.

A tailored air conditioning solution

New slim-line Daikin model FXS-Q powerful medium static pressure units were chosen for this project. With a built-in height of just 300mm, they are ideal for narrow ceiling voids.

The branch selector (BS) boxes were replaced allowing multiple fan coil units to be connected to the same air-conditioning system so that they can independently generate heating and cooling at the same time.

We also installed new room sensors and Daikin’s iTouch centralised controller, which allows cooling and heating levels to be set independently when parts of the premises are occupied and unoccupied at night and during weekends, for example.

Technical challenges

Air is brought in, distributed and removed via supply and return plenum boxes to installed in the false voids with solid insulated ducting. Linear grilles supply ventilation along the perimeter of each floor and the return air is extracted from the middle through linear grilles.

There were sixteen original outdoor units housed in the building’s loft space. They were probably installed during construction, leaving our engineers with some practical challenges.

To install the replacement variable refrigerant volume (VRV) heat pump outdoor units, we arranged to have them taken off Daikin’s assembly line in Belgium in a flat-pack form to transport them to the site. Our engineers then moved them into the loft-space plant rooms by hand and built them on site.

Safety from start to finish

Our experienced project managers used their wide experience to plan and implement this installation.

They are well-qualified in design and in all aspects of safety health and safety from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Our site supervising engineers are all Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) qualified, so our customers can always be confident that good safety practices are a tope priority for every project.

The Daikin VRV range

Daikin is widely recognised as one of the best air conditioning manufacturers in the world with an emphasis on innovation and energy-efficiency.

Their equipment is popular with clients, consultants and contractors because design and installation is a straightforward process.

Daikin was the first to develop a Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) system. It was the world’s first multi-split type air conditioner for commercial buildings. It made Individual zone control a practical option. Coupled with inverter technology, precise temperature control and efficiency can be achieved, cuts energy use maintaining a more comfortable environment.

Other manufacturers have since their own versions, known as VRF or Variable Refrigerant Flow” systems.

Daikin’s research and development team also developed new systems such as the ceiling cassette 4-way fan coil unit and the 360 degree round flow cassette fan coil unit for use with Daikin VRV systems.

Solutions for all sectors

Heat pump air conditioning systems can be tailored to the requirements of many sectors, including chemists, laboratories, clinics, surgeries and consulting rooms.

Please call us for a free no obligation site survey and quotation.

Visit our website www.chillaire.co.uk or email us at sales@chillaire.co.uk.

Chillaire Limited has local offices around the country:

Nuneaton & Warwickshire Office: Unit 1 Veasey Close, Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton, CV11 6RT. Telephone: 024 7632 0300

Coventry & West Midlands Office: 16 Lythalls Lane, Holbrooks, Coventry, West Midlands, CV6 6FG. Telephone: 024 7624 9440

Leicester & Leicestershire Office: 3^rdFloor, St George’s House, 6 St George’s Way, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 1QZ. Telephone: 0116 202 5094

Redditch/Alcester & Worcestershire Office: Minerva Mill Innovation Centre, Station Road, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5EH. Telephone: 01527 531275

Northampton & Northamptonshire Office: Moulton Park Business Centre, Redhouse Road, Moulton Park, Northamptonshire, NN3 6AQ. Telephone: 01604 269540

Kettering & Corby Office: 10A Silver Street, Kettering, Northants, NN16 0BN. Telephone: 01536 38604