Building Services E ngineering

Volume 61 Issue 1 January/February 2022

Intelligent buildings: DBC or MSI? Stephen Weir Decoding a motor’s nameplate Karl Metcalfe Clean air: no ‘silver bullet’ solution Michael Curran Lighting critical to sustainability Gearóid McKenna

Air quality and wellness …

Understanding the role of HEPA filters Untitled-5 1

01/02/2022 09:29

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YEARS IN IRELAND 1981 - 2021

www.mitsubishielectric.ie Untitled-5 1 BSE Covers February 2022.indd 2

01/02/2022 09:59

Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

www.facebook.com/buildingservicesnews/

Contents

EDITORIAL DIGITAL REVOLUTION IMPACTS

Danger with manic surge ith the value of construction set to tip over the €30 billion mark for 2022, it’s important to question if that’s a good thing.

The figure at the height of the Celtic Tiger was around €40 billion and we all remember (or should!) the consequences of that.

Back then we thought we had skills and materials shortages but, compared to the reality of today’s marketplace, such matters were inconsequential.

Of course the industry needs, and should embrace, a vibrant marketplace. However, everyone in the supply chain at present – from consultants through to contractors and product suppliers – is stretched to breaking point.

There needs to be some honest soul-searching and appropriate decision-making. This is not just to prevent another crash, but to protect the wellbeing of industry workers.

W

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Don’t rely solely on HEPA filters to keep our schools safe – this is the message from Michael Curran, CIBSE Ireland Chairman and Head of Building Services, Energy and Utilities at NUI Galway.

Published by: Pressline Ltd, Carraig Court, George’s Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin.

Tel: 01 - 288 5001/2/3 email: pat@pressline.ie www.buildingservicesengineering.ie Publisher and Editor: Pat Lehane Design and Production Editor: John Gibney Advertisement Director: Joe Warren Design: Pressline Ltd. Printed by: W&G Baird ISSN 2712-0198 Vol. 61 No. 1 © All contents copyright Pressline Ltd.

Contents February 2022.indd 1

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Intelligent buildings

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Brian Coogan, Ethos and Stephen Weir, Hereworks provide a brief overview of what’s needed to design an intelligent building and explain the roles of MSI and DBC.

News and products Digitalisation Part 5 Flamefast CO2 monitor '(/75, ˉOWHU Purify with AB Bio Daikin best for IAQ Rensair school safe Consider humidity Perfect remote service Pump innovation Xylem water safety Micro-generation support Europump conference Wilo goes beyond

2 10 20 21 24 28 29 34 35 36 38 39 40 42

PVT heat pumps Statutory CIRI Grant and IGBC Mitsubishi net zero What is taxonomy?

VEXO/BSS pathway LEDVANCE lighting Lighting is essential Light+Build SEAI €158m spend Motor repair Cooling carbon regs STEPS initiative Obtuse Angle

40

48

56

63

NEW LAI CHAIRMAN

Lighting key to retrofits

43 44 45 46 48 49 53 54 56 58 59 62 63 64

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Lighting offers as much, if not more, potential for energy saving and carbon reduction as heating, cooling and hot water generation. Gearóid McKenna, Chairman, LAI, says lighting needs to be included in the retrofit drive to reap not only energy and carbon reductions, but also wellbeing benefits.

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2 Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

NEWS AND PRODUCTS

SEAI Energy Show returns The SEAI Energy Show is the long-established business to business event that focusses on sustainable energy solutions and all matters related. Covid interrupted the last two live events but 2022 is shaping up to be a major occasion with the industry looking forward to face-to-face networking opportunities they have been denied for over two years. Dates are 30/31 March and the venue is the RDS. Apart from featuring the latest technology updates and innovations, the event includes a full technical programme of seminars, breakfast briefings, workshops and live demonstrations.

Other featured elements include the Product of the Show Awards stand, the Best Practice Demonstration Area, the LAI Pavilion and the EV Fleet test drive area.

On average the SEAI Energy Show brings together 4,000 energy professionals, the breakdown of which at the most recent (pre-Covid era) event was: 31% of attendees were managing directors/CEOs of companies; 22% were middle managers; 36 out of the top 100 Irish companies attended.

Mark off the dates in your diary now.

Hillstone opens Dublin office Hillstone Engineering Europe, manufacturer of an extensive range of loadbanks for AC – UPS and genset testing, and DC – standby battery and lithiumion discharge testing, has opened an Irish branch in Tallaght, Co Dublin.

The Hillstone Ireland rental fleet includes: • The cloud-enabled smart 200kW hyperscale load bank; • The HAC230-6RM 19” rack-mounted heatload server simulator; • The 20kW Hillstone mini-tower.

Contact: Mark Kiely, Hillstone Engineering Europe. T: 01 484 7515; M: 087 461 6944; E: mark@hillstone.ie; www.hillstone.ie

Adam Dent at Kerrigan Mechanical Adam Dent has been appointed Contracts Manager with Kerrigan Mechanical, having previously held the position of Project Manager since 2017. The company has developed significantly throughout that time and Adam has played an instrumental part in guiding its expansion into new market segments.

Adam’s brief as Contracts Manager is to continue this development phase while also cementing and strengthening the company’s relationship with its existing client base.

Repeat business is the hallmark of Kerrigan Mechanical and this speaks volumes for its ability to deliver projects per the designer’s spec, on time and within budget.

Contact: Adam Dent, Contracts Manager, Kerrigan Mechanical.

T: 087 259 4066; E: adam@ kerriganmechanical.ie

Healthy Homes Ireland Pictured at the official launch of Healthy Homes Ireland, an expert forum to advance greener, healthier homes were David Gallagher, Housing Specialist, Velux; Marion Jammet, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Irish Green Building Council; and Kevin O’Rourke, Chair of Healthy Homes Ireland.

Healthy Homes Ireland (HHI) is led by a steering group of 15 leaders in the construction, environmental and architecture sectors in Ireland and is supported by the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) and Velux.

See www.igbc.ie

News February 2022.indd 1

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4 Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

NEWS AND PRODUCTS JV Tierney looks IGBC carbon reduction tool to the future while The Irish Green Building Council (IGBC), with Support from the Land ensuring continuity Development Agency (LDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), JV Tierney has appointed Rory Burke and Stephen Walsh as joint managing directors. They take over from Finn Ahern and Joe Lee who have been joint managing directors since 2002.

Finn has retired now and Joe has stepped into the role of Chairman and Director. Rory and Stephen have been with the company for many years, both in senior Stephen Walsh management roles.

Rory Burke

New dates for Mostra Convegno Due to concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic, the Mostra Convegno Expocomfort dates have now been moved to 28 June – 1 July 2022.

Exhibition days will remain the same – Tuesday to Friday – as well as the defined exhibition layout, to provide exhibitors and visitors with the ideal context and maximum yield in terms of contacts and business.

Currently over 90% of the exhibition area has been booked by 1,400 exhibitors.

The event is shaping up to be a major showcase for the sector.

News February 2022.indd 2

has introduced a free online tool to assess the likely carbon impacts of different material approaches at an early stage in building design.

Construction and operation of the Irish built environment account for approximately a third of Ireland’s emissions, almost the same as agriculture. Progress has been made in reducing operational carbon emissions. These are the emissions associated with the energy used to operate buildings, such as lighting and heating.

To date, embodied emissions have been largely ignored.

These emissions are associated with quarrying, manufacturing and transporting of building materials, as well as constructing buildings. They account for up to 11% of reland’s emissions. The Carbon Designer for Ireland Tool addresses a gap in our decarbonisation strategy.

Pat Barry, Chief Executive It is available free at https://www.igbc.ie/carbonOfficer of the Irish Green Building Council. designer-for-ireland/

ECI partners with Bomma Lighting ECI Lighting has partnered with the world-renowned Bomma Lighting to bring their unique designs and exquisite craftsmanship to ireland. With over 300 years of glass-making tradition behind them in their native Czech Republic, Bomma sets new standards in contemporary glass lighting, both at home and abroad.

Using special-purpose built technology, Bomma can create previously unachievable customisation and colour blending. For extraordinary statement pieces for architectural or interior design projects, see www.ecilighting.ie

AEE call for papers The Association of Energy Engineers has called for abstracts for consideration to speak at the 2022 AEE Europe Energy Conference and Expo, being held on 26 /27 October 2022 at the Citywest Conference Centre in Dublin.

Sponsored by SEAI and Certification Europe, the event will bring together energy managers and engineers from across Europe to engage with like-minded professionals from AEE European Chapters.

This event will open with invited speakers providing their insights into global energy policies, strategies, leadership tactics, innovations and technologies. Following this, it will break into a 4-stream conference, an exhibition and an energy simulation arena.

Running in conjunction with the event is a variety of training workshops while members of the Large Industry Energy Network (LIEN) will present company case studies.

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Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

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NEWS AND PRODUCTS Johnson Controls acquires Provincial Sprinkler Johnson Controls has acquired Provincial Sprinkler Company Ltd, a Cork-based specialist fire suppression business.

The acquisition enhances Johnson Controls’ ability to provide fire suppression products and services in Ireland, including access to formidable customer relationships established in the local pharmaceutical, healthcare, industrial and commercial sectors.

There will be no immediate changes to the day-to-day operation of the business. The intention is to provide customers with a seamless transition and continuity of high-quality customer and employee experience.

NEED HUMIDITY CONTROL?

Energy Efficient Mortgage Label The Energy Efficient Mortgage Label (EEML) is a clear and transparent quality label for consumers, lenders and investors, aimed at identifying energy efficient mortgages (EEM) in lending institutions’ portfolios, that are designed to finance the purchase/construction and/ or renovation of residential and commercial buildings, with a focus on building energy performance.

The EEML is intended to scale-up private-market support for the NextGenerationEU vision, the EU Renovation Wave Strategy and the EU Green Deal, by acting as a catalyst for consumer demand and a driver of the qualitative upgrade of the energy profile of lending institutions’ portfolios and of enhanced asset quality.

The objectives of the EEML are to maximise portfolio regulatory alignment with the main legal and policy developments such as the EU Taxonomy, Mortgage Credit Directive (MCD), Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) or equivalents at international level.

AECI trade show The AECI annual trade show will take place in the Spa Hotel, Lucan on Wednesday, 23 March 2022.

The day before, AECI members and their guests will enjoy the Association’s outing at Lucan Golf Club.

Condair offers Ireland’s widest range of ers, provided with expert application knowledge and system design.

Design • Manufacture • Supply • Install Commissioning • Service • Spares

Contact us for free expert advice Tel: +353 (0)91 507120 Email: ie.sales@condair.com Web: www.condair.ie

Humidity Control and Evaporative Cooling

News February 2022.indd 3

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System Control with IMI Davies are proud distributors of IMI Hydronic Products. We are committed to helping reduce overall energy consumption and costs whilst achieving constant temperature and flow parameters with system flexibility and as quietly as possible.

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Hydronic Engineering “IMI have solutions to achieve maximum performance in all types of projects from the worlds tallest buildings to schools and everything in between” Case Studies:

Marina Bay Sands IMI Hydronic Engineering successfully delivers cooling system for landmark development in Singapore.

IMI Hydronic Engineering is over 120 years old and is the industry-leading provider of a range of products and services that enable you to take control, increase efficiency and drive down initial and ongoing costs with innovative and reliable HVAC solutions.

We are producing balancing valves for over 60 years since we launched the world first manual balancing valve in 1957.

Our global reach and phenomenal track record – we have provided solutions to more than 100,000 projects worldwide – means that when you choose an IMI Hydronic Engineering product you can rest assured that you have made the right decision. We never stand still and are constantly striving to develop innovative technologies that are simple to install, easy to maintain and help minimize cost.

IMI TA – is the market’s leading Balance, Control and Actuation technology provider – delivering optimum control for the perfect indoor environment

Federation Tower Skyscraper Complex IMI Hydronic Engineering ensures an ideal climate inside the highest building in Europe.

For further case studies visit: www.imi-hydronic.com

Contact Barry Jay. T: +353 (0)1 8511782 M: +353 (0)87 057 2788 E: barry.jay@davies.ie

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8 Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

NEWS AND PRODUCTS Cleanroom behaviour course NIBRT has developed a new cleanrooms and cleanroom behaviour course that is delivered via NOA, its online academy. It is a 45-minute online interactive course that users can access anytime for 90 days after registration.

There are many possible sources of contamination in a cleanroom and this course begins by defining what a cleanroom is and looking at the different classes of cleanrooms.

Congratulations Greg!

Greg Hayden, CEO of Ethos Engineering has been named the All-Ireland Business Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year for 2022 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to trade and commerce in Ireland.

Since establishing the business 16 years ago, with the support of an exceptional leadership team of long-standing and new talent, Greg has created and shaped a business that’s best in class in Ireland and internationally.

It has a culture that recognises, develops and rewards talent while providing opportunities for career development in a learning, collaborative environment.

Congratulations Greg.

CIBSE air leakage test guidance

• • • • • •

After the interactive course participants will be able to: Define the term cleanroom; Describe the difference between controlled areas and critical areas; Describe the types of contamination that can be found in a cleanroom; Describe why people are the biggest source of contamination in a cleanroom; Explain the risk of contamination from personnel working in a cleanroom; List best practices when working in a cleanroom.

See https://noa.nibrt.ie/

New solid fuel standard New solid fuel regulations for Ireland are being developed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications which will set minimum standards for all solid fuels, and as such this will have implications for the existing SWiFT 7:2015.

In light of the proposed new regulations, a revision to the existing SWiFT 7 Standard is planned given that the new regulations will move beyond the current standard’s requirements.

The new regulations will also apply to all solid fuels (peat/wood/coal/other manufactured fuels) and this will need to be incorporated into the new standard.

News February 2022.indd 4

CIBSE has launched its latest guidance – Technical Memorandum 23: Testing buildings for air leakage – to take account of regulatory changes and advances in best practice.

The new edition of CIBSE TM23 takes account of the inclusion of low-pressure pulse (LPP) testing as a means of assessing the air permeability of new homes in demonstrating compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations.

LPP is as an alternative method to the current fan pressurisation (blower door) test method for measuring a building’s air permeability. It uses a lower pressure differential of 4 Pascals, rather than the 50 Pascals reference pressure of the blower door method.

As the LPP method is a relatively new technique, there is currently no existing national or international standard covering the method and associated calibration requirements.

In advance of such standards being developed, TM23 seeks to provide the overarching methodology principles and framework for regulatory compliance purposes.

Pulse is a portable compressed air based system used to measure the air leakage of a building or enclosure at near ambient pressure level (4Pa).

28/01/2022 16:04

DELTRI+ powered by Systemair AHUs Virucidal filters for air handling units capable of neutralising or destroying viruses DELTRI+ filters for air handling units contain an advanced plasma technology capable of neutralising or destroying 99% of all viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and an independent laboratory in France have scientifically tested the filters effectivity.

The hygienic solution also carries Eurovent Certified Performance A+ energy class rating ensuring the best possible energy efficiency in the market.

With the filters’ proven performance, you can breathe the highest level of indoor air quality without opting for extensive, costly upgrades to ventilation systems.

Learn more about this innovative technology at www.systemair.com/deltri www.systemair.com

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Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

PART 5

7KH EHQHıWV RI D GLJLWDOO\ LQIRUPHG DQG HPSRZHUHG ZRUNIRUFH Author: Paul McCormack, Belfast Metropolitan College Innovation Manager

I

n the first three articles of this series we looked at the tools that the construction sector could avail of to build a pathway to digitalisation success.

The fourth detailed the need for upskilling in the industry, and this article will outline some of the benefits that the sector can secure if it continues to engage on this journey, writes Paul McCormack, Innovation Manager, Belfast Metropolitan College.

Construction in Ireland is experiencing significant internal challenges – labour shortages, supply chain problems and cost controls. These are compounded by external challenges such as the demand to reduce the construction C02 footprint, and the energy consumption of buildings.

Despite strong pipelines of work (€1.64 trillion of construction-related turnover estimated for the EU market during the next five years), attracting young people into the sector is difficult, partly because of a perceived lack of stability, modernity and diversity in the sector. As detailed in previous articles, construction is one of the slowest to innovate, lying second last on the innovation table, just above the agricultural sector.

Innovate or perish This lack of innovation has led to inefficiencies across the entire value chain and these inefficiencies have magnified as other sectors have embraced digitalisation ingrowth plans.

These inherent, embedded inefficiencies,

BIM Part 5.indd 2

in some places of endemic proportions, mean the industry must now innovate or perish. Innovation in digitalisation is the pathway to recovery, growth and sustainability. Cumulative inefficiencies not only result in increased costs, but also environmental impacts such as materials wastage, inefficient asset allocation, increased pollution and poor productivity. Today, many construction design processes are still being carried out that could be completed faster, cheaper and more accurately if the companies concerned embarked on a digital implementation strategy.

One of the fastest and most beneficial routes to address these challenges is to upskill the workforce, provide it with the digital skills, access and tools to help transition the sector into an innovative, relevant, energy efficient industry. These

benefits of digitalisation are many faceted and will be realised at all stages and levels of the construction value chain.

They will also enable the sector to grow in expertise and remain competitive.

Addressing the panel discussion entitled “How BIM enables digitalisation and skills development” at RIAI’s Architecture + Building Expo 2021, Joseph Mady, founder and Managing Director, Digital Construction Technologies (DCT) and BIM Champion, CIF’s Mechanical & Electrical Contractors Association (M&ECA), said: “BIM is an interdisciplinary tool that all workers in construction require.

Many will only need the BIM basics or fundamentals, while others will need more advanced knowledge. However, all will require the key knowledge and applications that empower digital utilisation for a company, society and environment to ultimately benefit from the ensuing cost, productivity and energy benefits that result.”

Opportunity To meet the climate challenge, the construction sector must reduce its carbon footprint. This has resulted in the EU setting significant challenges that the construction sector must address.

These challenges also bring opportunity.

Companies that rise to them will grow, become more competitive and have a long-term future. Companies who fail to rise to the challenge will simply wither and die. To achieve these new international targets and enjoy the benefits of increased productivity,

Paul McCormack with Michael Curran, Avril Behan, Michael Earley and Joseph Mady.

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Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

competitiveness and economic growth, it is vital that the green economy delivers a better-skilled workforce and develops new competencies and methods of working.

Skills allocation The pandemic has exacerbated the shortage of staff on construction sites across the supply chain to the sector.

With productivity and safety at the top of all companies’ agendas, the use of digital tools and data analysis is the solution to maintaining safe numbers of staff on site, while also maintaining productivity. Digital planning and resourcing tools are key assets in assessing labour requirements on site and deploying staff across sites, thereby maximising efficiency and effectiveness.

In the same panel discussion at Architecture + Building Expo in November, Dr Avril Behan, Technological University Dublin, said: “As Europe seeks to address the climate crisis, construction must develop a skilled and digitally-equipped workforce. The green economy is a higely instrumental part of sustainable development and this provides a wonderful catalyst for the construction sector to deploy digital skills and innovatve practices throughout the workforce, especially in the VET sector, and to equip all to become vocationally active.”

Digital efficiencies As construction embraces Building Information Modelling (BIM) as one of the digital tools in its digitalisation toolbox, companies get into the generative design process that enables designers to explore thousands of possible designs in minutes. These BIM packages help designers access and develop key parameters early in the design phase, including cost, weight, design specifications, CO2 emissions, material wastage and much more as part of the design phase. This “automation” allows a company choose from optimal design outputs based on more precise, efficient and accurate designs. It also provides a framework on which to measure all parts of the construction phase, including cost, waste and energy consumption.

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Digital project management tools are also highly effective throughout the entire planning and build process, assisting management to maintain a continuous digital “hands-on” approach, tracking data to make informed decision-making on materials, costs, productivity, planning and waste.

Project planning using 3D scans to measure planned vs actual timelines allows for highly-accurate iterations and control measures. These digital advances have improved efficiencies by up to 50%.

Data analysis BIM and digital twins provide continuous streams of data. This data, when translated into information, ensures that decisions are based on real-time information, enabling more thorough on-site and off-site inspections. In short, BIM is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building … it is the “digital twin” of the physical building and allows for inspection during and after construction.

It also enhances post construction maintenance.

Michael Earley, BIM Manager at the DAA, was also at Architecture + Building Expo and he said: “Digitalisation is a vital process in our planning and asset management activities. We want to be smart clients who provide delivery teams with standards and processes that support the digital delivery of asset information. A key strategy for DAA is the integration of BIM, GIS and FM systems, each of which have their strengths but need to be integrated by using workflows to maximise benefits for the different functions within DAA. We are supporting the use of mobile devices for inspections, testing, commissioning, operations and maintenance which puts data provided by these technologies in the hands of the people who need it, wherever their work may be located.”

Connectivity Digitalisation is now becoming pervasive in our daily lives. It is driving a level of connectivity never seen before in society. Construction companies that introduce and deploy digitalisation throughout their processes enjoy

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significant benefits from increased connectivity. Utilising digital “disruptive” methods and technologies, such as BIM, enables staff, contractors and others in the supply chain to communicate electronically, exchange documents, and make immediate changes and revisions. Importantly, they can review building performance characteristics and share in the visual language tailored to different actors.

Michael Curran, Chairman, CIBSE Ireland and Head of Building Services, Energy & Utilities, NUIG reflected on this recently when he stated: “We are connected virtually to every part of the NUIG campus and can plan, monitor, evaluate and adjust all equipment.This saves time, money and energy. Digital connectivity, internally and externally to sub-contractors and operators, is key to the success of our effective energy management process.

Conclusion For each company in the construction sector the digitalisation pathway will be unique and different, depending on size, scale and vision. For the journey to deliver benefits, the first step is to understand what it is you want from the process, and to then plan the route to unlocking the potential of your workforce.

As in other sectors, success and growth for companies in the built environment is built upon staff. If the staff are welltrained and skilled in their work, they become more connected and engaged.

They will become more involved and enthusiastic about their work and, as a result, productivity and quality levels will increase.

A digitally-informed and empowered construction workforce will drive innovation and growth in the sector.

It will ensure that it can adapt, modernise and embrace new technology, and truly adopt digital working as the new standard.

This will help individual companies and the sector at large to overcome inherent resistance to change. The key benefit of digitalisation is an empowered, skilled workforce that can build better, greener and more sustainable buildings. Q

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Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

COVER STORY

Air quality and wellness …

‘Don’t rely solely on HEPA filters to keep schools safe’ This is not me making this statement … this is Dr Mike Ryan of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in a recent interview taken from the Irish Independent, writes Michael Curran (right), CIBSE Ireland Chairman and Head of Building Services, Energy and Utilities at NUI Galway. Dr Ryan says classroom-proofing must be multi-faceted as a “silver bullet” approach can do more harm than good.

Michael Curran edit.indd 2

There has been a rush lately to install HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters in all classrooms and offices as they are seen as the “silver bullet” to assist in fighting COVID-19 … but are we sure?

The context of Dr Ryan’s comments reflects my belief that we are rushing to supply HEPA filters which may deactivate or displace the measures currently in place. So far the widely-published and implemented Covid-19 mitigation strategies have predominantly focused on reducing close-range transmission using face coverings, physical distancing, respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene and ventilation. There is a place for HEPA filters but only in the correct context.

CIBSE Covid-19: Ventilation (Version 5, 16th July 2021) updated the guidance for ventilation in buildings based on further studies and reports issued in collaboration with WHO, SAGE, REHVA, ASHRAE and other professional bodies.

It was also the first time it issued guidance on “air cleaners” by publishing a separate document called Covid-19: Air cleaning technologies (Version 1, 16th July 2021). Note all these documents are free to download from the CIBSE Ireland website.

As with most building services professionals, when the word HEPA is used we automatically think of large cleanroom installations designed to ISO Class, with 20-40 air changes per hour, air handling units, ductwork and specialist grilles, etc. Consequently, when I hear the word HEPA filter in the context of schools or offices it conjures

27/01/2022 12:18

AP BIO AIR PURIFIER The new AP BIO Air Purifiers from FläktGroup Ireland is the best way to combat airborne transmission of viruses and bacteria in almost any closed environment. These environments include hospitals, dental practices, pharmacies, GP practices, nurseries, schools, offices, bedrooms, recovery rooms etc.

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Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

up images of complicated systems installed in the space.

CIBSE and other bodies use the defined phrase “air cleaning technologies” to describe the equipment to be provided.

I therefore think suppliers, the media and industry professionals should refrain from using the term HEPA and refer to the solution as “air cleaning technologies” as there are several products on the market that don’t use HEPA filters.

Since schools reopened last month, reports of low temperatures in classrooms are commonplace as the advice is to open windows/doors where possible.

This has obvious consequences and there is an urgent need to consider actions that can assist schools now, and next winter. The Department of Education has issued several calls for funding through the summer works schemes and schools should apply for these grants. Where necessary, they should seek the help of professional building service engineers to assist in preparing their applications.

Natural ventilation Guidance advises users to open windows/ doors to allow fresh air to enter the room to create an air change rate within the space. Traditionally, most schools’ method of ventilation is through natural ventilation, the process by which airflow through openings is driven by the natural forces of wind (wind effect) and temperature difference (stack effect). It can consist of openable windows, trickle ventilators on windows, ventilation openings on walls, openable roof lights, etc. In some cases, natural ventilation may include building management systems (BMS) and controls such as actuators to open windows and roof lights.

Natural ventilation in schools has existed for hundreds of years and schools were in fact designed specifically with large windows on the external walls.

These windows had opening sections at high level with openings above the classroom door to create an airflow across the room. CIBSE Applications

Michael Curran edit.indd 3

Traditionally, most schools’ method of ventilation is through natural ventilation, the process by which airflow through openings is driven by the natural forces of wind (wind effect) and temperature difference (stack effect).

Manual AM10 – Natural Ventilation in Non-domestic Buildings details these natural ventilation strategies.

The Department of Education has several technical guidance documents which set out requirements for design teams to achieve when designing or refurbishing schools. TGD 20, TGD21-1, TGD033 and Building Bulletin 01 (UK Government) give detailed guidance for schools. The guidance documents have been developed to ensure environmental conditions are met in classrooms/ offices. While unfortunately some schools have temporary buildings, these too have specific design parameters around windows and openings.

With the increased requirements for windows to be open due to Covid-19, thermal conditions in classrooms differ in winter. Behavioural responses in occupants may result in ventilation provision being deactivated or minimised.

For example, increased ventilation can result in colder indoor environments or cold draughts. This can cause occupants to close windows, and/or reduce or turn

off ventilation provision, thus failing to reach the goal of increased ventilation.

Winter always brings additional pressure on the heating demands in schools but now, with the requirement to keep windows open, the challenge is far greater. I recently visited a school to trouble-shoot why it had major issues with maintaining the correct environmental conditions. Upon investigation I discovered that all the windows were open wide, and the heating was only on for one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. The reduction in heating times obviously meant there was no way the classrooms could be maintained at the correct temperature.

An obvious starting point would be to keep the heating on for longer but, from a school management point of view, this has serious cost implications.

Add to that the fact that energy prices have significantly increased in the last six months and it is easy to see the schools dilemma. Even as an interim measure, I would urge the Government

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16

Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

“

It is clear that there are several key control measures available to schools (guidance can be used for office buildings, universities etc), whether through natural ventilation, CO2 monitoring and, where applicable, air cleaning technologies, that will reduce transmission in the spaces.

to increase funding for schools to pay oil or gas bills, and mandate longer running hours of heating systems to help address the problem.

In winter, the driving forces for natural ventilation – pressure differences caused by wind and differences in temperature between indoors and outdoors — are usually greater. Thus, smaller openings can deliver an adequate flow rate.

Adjusting natural ventilation openings can be complemented by purging a space – by opening windows or ventilators fully for several minutes during unoccupied periods, such as during breaks or between meetings.

Michael Curran edit.indd 4

CIBSE also recommends something of a common sense approach. Improving occupant comfort, particularly in naturally-ventilated indoor spaces, can be achieved if the occupants of these spaces dress appropriately.

Relaxation of school uniform dress codes should be considered, if necessary, to allow warmer clothes to be worn during cooler weather. Increasing the distance of occupants from openable vents, where possible, also gives more time for incoming cool air plumes to mix with warm room air prior to entering he occupied zone.

CO2 sensors The Department of Education issued CO2 sensors to all schools to assist in identifying the CO2 levels in classrooms.

These devices were intended to assist teachers identify when rooms became stuffy (CO2 sensors do not detect Covid-19) so they could react and open windows/doors to ventilate the space whenever necessary. Limits for CO2 levels in classrooms are listed in TGD033 (Reference Green, Amber, and Red levels).

This system has worked in most cases but further clarification and communication to schools would help with understanding and implementation.

CIBSE, along with several other professional bodies, is currently carrying out a pilot project of 30 primary schools in the UK using CO2 sensors and air cleaning technologies to research their advantages and disadvantages. The report will hopefully be published this coming summer and allow for recommendations to be implemented before next winter on the effectiveness of air cleaning technology or upgrades of ventilations solutions.

Air cleaning technologies The Covid-19 pandemic created an urgent need for safer indoor spaces.

The question to be asked is … are air cleaners an effective solution for reducing Covid-19 risks? The scientific evidence suggests that air cleaners could be part of the solution in minimising risks in certain situations, but they are not a solution that reduces all risks. Building managers and engineers should use Figure 3 (high level flowchart for assessing suitability of portable air cleaner as part of Covid-19 mitigation strategies) on page 9 of Covid-19: Air cleaning technologies (Version 1, 16th July 2021) to assess the need for air cleaning technologies within spaces.

Air cleaners that are based on filtration (with a HEPA filter) are most often recommended as likely to be effective (Lindsley, et al., 2021) and those that include ultraviolet lamps may also work (CIBSE, 2021). Devices

27/01/2022 12:21

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Daikin device MC55WVM (commercial names MC55W/VB), tested by Institut Pasteur de Lille, removes 99.93 % of Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 in 2.5 minutes running time at ‘turbo’ speed in laboratory conditions (air-tight chamber with inner volume 0.47 m3, no air renewal) Daikin Advert February 2022.indd 1

27/01/2022 12:26

18

Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

that clean the air have existed for many years. They range from the well-known, such as mechanical filtration, to more novel and less studied methods, which employ a variety of catalysts, ionisers, electrostatic or other techniques to alter particles passing physically or chemically through them.

The market for air cleaning devices includes an extremely wide range of products, technologies and prices, with consumer devices available from less than €100.

It should be noted that air cleaning devices require natural ventilation to assist in their operation, therefore windows cannot remain shut.

Recommendations What are the existing recommendations around air cleaning devices? CIBSE (CIBSE, 2021), REHVA (REHVA, 2020), and SAGE (SAGE-EMG, 2020) outline that portable air cleaning devices based on mechanical filtration (such as HEPA filters or UV-C) are “likely to be beneficial if deployed correctly” (SAGEEMG, 2020). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in situations where no other (short-term) strategies can be adopted such as increasing ventilation rates, a stand-alone air cleaner with HEPA filters could be used (CDC, 2021) (WHO, 2021).

Michael Curran edit.indd 5

However, it is important to understand that the effectiveness of air cleaning devices may be limited by how much air can pass through them and how people operate them (for example – what flow setting is used: low, medium, or high?).

It is recommended that designers and suppliers issue schools with design calculations based on the Appendix One: HEPA air cleaner Technical Guidance issued by the Department of Education – Room Air Cleaner Guidance for Schools. Rev 1. December 2021.

By correctly adding this additional mitigation measure, it may ensure classrooms reduce transmission.

Summary It is clear that there are several key control measures available to schools (guidance can be used for office buildings, universities etc), whether through natural ventilation, CO2 monitoring and, where applicable, air cleaning technologies, that will reduce transmission in the revelant spaces.

It is key that the information is communicated correctly and in line with accredited guidance documents, and not on the basis of one-off, ad hoc, “silver bullet” solutions.

Key actions (1) The use of the phrase HEPA be replaced with “air cleaning technologies”; (2) Schools to be provided with details

around natural ventilation strategies for the classrooms. For information relating to the UK Pilot project see www.CoSchools.org.uk; (3) Schools should engage professional engineers to carry out assessments of the existing classrooms for summer works funding in time for next winter. Most schools already comply with the recommendations in TGDs although older schools require further assessments; (4) Suppliers of air cleaning technologies should provide calculations and certifications to their clients and follow up to ensure the units are operating correctly; (5) Review of funding to schools for capitation grant per student. This will allow schools operate heating systems longer and maintain thermal comfort in classrooms.

Covid-19 has clearly shown a definite need for innovative energy recovery systems in our schools/buildings. The challenge now for building services engineers and the supply sector is to provide solutions that can be retrofitted to existing buildings, but in an economical way.

However, technical guidance on the design of ventilation systems must at all times comply with the Building Regulations and recommended best practice for all building types. Q

27/01/2022 12:23

Clean air matters According to the WHO, Covid-19 is mainly spread through the air in aerosols.

Rensair·s portable, hospital-grade air purifier combines H13 HEPA filtration with germicidal UVC light to trap and destroy such airborne viruses.

Developed to meet the strict standards of Scandinavian hospitals, Rensair's patented technology meets the Department of Education's ODWHVW 5RRP $LU &OHDQHU *XLGDQFH IRU 6FKRROV·.

Portable air purification is a fraction of the cost of an in-built ventilation system and, with winter approaching, cleaning existing air instead of bringing in outdoor air can save a small fortune in heating.

In a test* to determine Rensair·s performance in reducing the concentration of MS2 bioaerosols as a proxy for SARS-CoV-2, a particle reduction rate of 99.98% was recorded in 15 minutes and above 99.99% in 30 minutes.

Clean air matters more than ever. For a practical, affordable and effective solution, contact Core Air Conditioning Ireland for advice. * Source: Inactivation of aerosolised viruses: MS2 bacteriophage (independent test by the Danish Technological Institute).

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27/01/2022 12:29

20

Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

FLAMEFAST CO2M 230V meets schools guidelines on CO2 monitoring

While everyone recognises and accepts the importance of health and wellbeing in the school classroom, technical design guidance note, June 2020, from the Department of Education & Skills significantly reinforces the issue.

This technical guidance design note is provided to either update or clarify existing technical guidance documents (TGDs) information, to provide direction on a new provision not currently addressed in the TGDs, or to confirm the functional requirements of identified items that have been in general practice for some time. It should be read in conjunction with all other TGDs. “This is a very important document for all involved in the school classroom environment,” says Emmet Duffy, Managing Director, C&F Quadrant.

“In particular, those involved in CO2 monitoring need to refer closely to Section 6 of the Technical Guidance

Document TDG 033, which is to be updated in its next publication and deals specifically with this area. As distributors for the extensive Flamefast portfolio of monitors and controls, we have a vast range of products that meet the new revised requirements.

“The Flamefast CO2M 230V is a particular case in point. It comprehensively complies with the new guidance and is a carbon dioxide and temperature monitor that provides a bold visual indication using a traffic light backlit LCD, as well as having a digital readout to display the levels/concentrations.

“Using the built-in, volt-free contact, the unit can be easily interfaced with ventilation and window control systems, as well as gas safety systems. The unit can also simply be used as a traffic light indication to raise awareness of CO2 and temperature levels.”

The Flamefast CO2M 230V offers four user-selectable programmes for different applications – two aimed at ventilation and a further two are aimed at gas safety. Custom software profiles are also available to control the audible alarm, the relay set point and the traffic light changeover levels. This is based on any combination of CO2 and temperature.

Key features • 100 - 240VAC power supply; • Clear digital readout; • Bold traffic light indication; • Volt-free contact output; • Typical 10+ years of life expectancy; • Self-calibrating CO2 and sensor; • Audible alarm; • Mounts onto any standard single gang junction box or conduit box; • Dimensions – Height: 125mm; Width: 86mm; Diameter: 36mm.

Also available is the CO2M-H which monitors not only CO2 and temperature, but humidity.

Contact: C&F Quadrant.

Tel: 01 630 5757; email: sales@cfquadrant.ie; www.cfquadrant.ie Q

C&F edit.indd 1

29/01/2022 10:29

Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

21

DELTRI+ powered

by Systemair Systemair and Deltrian, a leading Belgian filter manufacturer, have joined forces to develop a new generation of virucidal filters for air handling and heat recovery units that are capable of neutralising or destroying viruses. The DELTRI+ filters for air handling units contain an advanced plasma technology capable of neutralising or destroying 99% of all viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and an independent laboratory in France have scientifically tested the filter’s effectivity.

These tests confirmed that DELTRI+ technology significantly reduces biological aerosols, including SARSCoV-2. Compared with other methods utilised for virus prevention (such as UV-C lights), DELTRI+ filters constitute a straightforward solution that is simple to apply. Building owners can quickly improve existing units before thinking about more extensive upgrades to their ventilation systems.

For facility managers, the filters enable additional safety when exchanged. The treated filter surface activates on contact with the droplets that carry viruses. After the contact time, viruses are inactivated and no longer infectious.

When using this solution, end-users don’t need to worry about significantly increasing energy costs. In addition to its virucidal functions and being classified ISO16890 ePM1 90%, the filter holds an Eurovent-certified performance A+ energy class rating, ensuring a lowpressure drop and market-leading dust holding capacity with the best possible energy efficiency.

“Systemair helps create a healthy

Systemair edit.indd 1

Application example – replacing an extract air filter in a compact air handling unit with DELTRI+ air filter.

indoor climate in all areas where people spend time daily – homes, offices, factories, hospitals, swimming pools, multi-storey car parks, airports, etc.” comments Robert O’Connor, Sales Director, Systemair Ireland. “We do this knowing that good air quality contributes to a better quality of life.

We also do it in an increasingly energyefficient way as our contribution to good energy conservation. Our product suite can be combined to offer a total HVAC solution – from AHUs through to VAV and diffusers – our expert knowledge and simulation tools deliver the perfect air quality. With these tools we can map velocity and thermal profiles to eliminate drafts, we can simulate air distribution, advise on acoustic data and with the

Deltri+ filters remove pollutants from the air. These are all critical factors in achieving an excellent IAQ.” As confirmed by respected organisations such as ASHRAE and REHVA, both methods of heat recovery – thermal wheels and plate heat exchangers – have an expected level of leakage. However, in well maintained, designed and operated air handling units by trusted manufacturers like Systemair, leakage impacts tend to be minimal.

Furthermore, in thermal wheels the use of purge sectors and having the correct fan configuration can minimise leakages.

To date, there is no scientific evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can reach an air handling unit. However, if this was to occur, quality filtration is vital. DELTRI+ can play an important role in this respect. It goes beyond the commonlyrecommended ISO16890 rated ePM1 filters by providing an additional layer of security and thus peace of mind for specifiers, installers and clients alike.

Contact: Robert O’Connor, Sales Director, Systemair Ireland.

T: 01 862 4544; M: 087 103 5901; E: robert.oconnor@systemair.ie Q Left: DELTRI+ is a new generation of virucidal filters for AHUs from Systemair.

27/01/2022 16:43

Keeping school airspace free of germs S&P Ventilation offers all of the ventilation solutions necessary to protect classroom occupants, reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19 and reduce CO2 levels.

Department of Education guidance is now available relating to ventilation and air purification for schools and we are here to help.

We offer you a suitable cost-effective solution to improving air quality in classrooms. We understand that schools and their budgets may differ, there are many ways to create suitable air changes so contact us to discuss your next school project.

Opening windows during school hours can help improve air quality, but it is not controllable and will reduce indoor temperatures.

Safe, quality air throughout the room, floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall.

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27/01/2022 12:28

Better air quality, less risk of infection.

Q S&P Jetline Our Jetline inline fan can be used in ceiling voids where available, for constant ventilation on variable speed control.

Q S&P HV Stylvent Our Wall-mounted HV fan provides an option where access to outside is limited. Supply or extract with this fan. A variation in sizes enables target ventilation rates.

Q AirSens® CO2 Monitoring Installing AirSens® CO2 intelligent indoor air quality monitors makes it possible to have both a control element for the ventilation system and an indoor air quality indicator.

Q AIRPUR 360º Quiet portable air purifier unit for up to 50m² spaces. LCD touch screen shows all available functions and their status: • Colour-coded air quality level and PM2.5 indicator (μg/m³).

• Timer (1 to 8 hour) • Screen lock • Filter replacement indicator • RH% and room temperature

E: sales.ie@solerpalau.com S&P DPS Advert February 2022.indd 3

T: 01 412 4020 27/01/2022 12:28

24 Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

Indoor air quality

Decontaminate and purify with AB Bio The new and innovative range of AP BIO air purifiers from FläktGroup is claimed to be the most efficient way to combat airborne transmission of viruses and bacteria in almost any closed environment. Thanks to the revolutionary AirFend™ filtration technology, viruses and bacteria are 99.99985% deactivated – including SARS-CoV-2 – when air passes through the filters in the unit. AirFend™ is a 100% natural solution.

Conventional air purifiers only filter the air, without deactivating bacteria and viruses. FläktGroup has more than 100 years of innovation and experience in ventilation and air handling applications and its expertise in this area has resulted in a new technology that purifies the air in a low-pressure chamber containing an active biodecontaminating powder (AirFend™) which is bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal. AirFend™ actively decontaminates SARS-CoV-2, but also a number of other pollutant families such as bacteria, viruses, dust, allergens and chemical vapours.

This natural mixture, formulated of non-toxic plant substances, is activated through a patented electrobiological process as follows.

active air purification, unlike usual passive filtration treatments.

The AirFend™ technology is used to make the mechanical filter active. The treatment is carried out by uniformly depositing a bio-decontaminating active substance in powder form on the surface of the mechanical filter, in which the water-soluble active substance diffuses on the filter media as the humidity increases.

In a medical environment, the FläktGroup AP BIO air purifier, when installed in hospital rooms, intensive care rooms or laboratory, continuously purifies the air of particles, and also deactivates viruses and bacteria (including SARS-CoV-2 responsible for COVID-19), with the greatest respect for patients, caregivers and

the environment. The solution is ozone-free and non-irritating to the respiratory tract.

99.99985 % effective General efficiency levels are broadly similar for all systems incorporating HEPA H14 filtration. However, the unique AirFend™ technology of the AP BIO range ensures that viruses and bacteria are deactivated rather than simply being retained in the filter, and potentially being released during maintenance or shutdown phases of other conventional air filtration device.

The FläktGroup AP BIO air purifier range is truly versatile and suitable for a variety of environments where hygienic air is important. Thanks to the four sizes and the practical casters, they are easy to move between locations.

Low noise levels and compact dimensions make them ideal for all public spaces such as offices, gyms, shops and restaurants, and the perfect solution to ensure more hygienic air in these premises.

Contact: Gavin Power, FläktGroup Ireland.

T: 01 463 4600; M: 086 826 3058; E: gavin.power@flaktgroup.com Q

• The solution decontaminates the air passing through the unit; • The solution is chemical free; • The solution allows

FlaktGroup edit.indd 1

Compact dimensions and built-in castors makes it easy to move from room to room.

27/01/2022 12:24

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28/01/2022 14:47

Providing the perfect indoor air quality The importance of indoor air quality has always been a critical consideration when it comes to building services engineering design, but it has been brought very much to the fore because of the Covid pandemic. The already-strong CIBSE guides, recommendations and standards have been updated and strengthened over the last two years, with additional advice coming from health bodies and various government departments.

Manufacturers have responded to this changing scenario and developed products and system solutions that meet these new requirements. Hevac is one such example. It has always been a key player in this market segment but currently, with a large stockholding of Panasonic Air Conditioning, Nuaire, Flowair and Galletti within its portfolio, it is one of the market leaders in providing indoor air quality solutions.

Muirfield Drive, Naas Road, Dublin 12. T: 01 419 1919.

Chris Satell, Commercial, Industrial Heating & Ventilation Manager, Hevac.

Chris Satell, Commercial, Industrial Heating & Ventilation Manager, Hevac, says: “As engineering experts in indoor air quality, we are adept at supplying customised solutions to cater for all types of applications, be it schools, commercial premises, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, data centres or sports and recreational facilities.

While the fundamentals for each

Unit 1, Furry Park Industrial Estate, Dublin 9. T: 01 842 7037.

email: tender.enquiry@hevac.ie

Hevac DPS February 2022 NEW.indd 2

solution are similar, the different applications require customised systems to cater for the different building uses. Hence the importance of having a mixed portfolio to satisfy different requirements.

“With this in mind, we have partnered with four market-leading solutions providers – Panasonic Air Conditioning, Nuaire, Flowair and Galletti. They each bring different strengths and options, which we in turn combine with in-house design from our experienced team of building services engineers, and their know-how, to devise the most appropriate solution for any given project or application. Apart from the actual products and systems these names represent, they also provide extensive technical support and design advice which we can share with our clients.”

South Ring West Business Park, Tramore Road, Cork. T: 021 432 1066.

www.hevac.ie

28/01/2022 14:20

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Panasonic The well-being benefits of nature are well known and hydroxyl radicals, which are abundant in nature, have the capacity to inhibit pollutants such as bacteria and viruses. nanoe™ X is a technology unique to Panasonic that collects invisible moisture in the air and applies a high voltage to it to produce hydroxyl radicals contained in water.

This technology is now being incorporated into Panasonic’s consumer, small business and commercial portfolio. These units already featured energy and sustainable features but, with the impact of Covid, health and wellbeing is now very much to the fore.

Thanks to Panasonic’s unique nanoe™ X technology, Hevac can offer conditioning solutions that also inhibit certain bacteria, viruses, pollens, allergens and moulds, as well as breaking down hazardous substances.

Nuaire Series XBOXER XBC 75-85 is the duty extension to Nuaire’s award-winning range of packaged heat recovery units, featuring high performance, low noise, and the sºlowest depth by duty on the market.

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28/01/2022 14:20

28

Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

Institut Pasteur de Lille evaluated

Daikin reference point for best-quality IAQ As a specialist in air quality management, Daikin’s mission is to provide innovative IAQ solutions. It has been selling air purifiers for over 45 years and its ranges incorporate patented air purifying technology that is already applied and proven in other Daikin equipment.

These air purifiers have long since proven their effectiveness against air pollution, as well as seasonal pollen and viruses, and are ideal in the face of the current pandemic.

To reinforce the claim of the effectiveness of its technology, Daikin Europe NV entrusted the French laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Lille, with the testing of its range of air purifiers. It has been formally proven that the Daikin models eliminate more than 99.98% of the human coronavirus HCoV-229E in 2.5 minutes. This is an important achievement.

Institut Pasteur de Lille performed the test with the virus HCoV-229E,

which is a coronavirus closely related to SARS-CoV-2. For safety reasons, the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself was not used. The fact that the two viruses are of the same family is a very strong indication that Daikin air purifiers are important weapons in the battle to reduce virus transmission risk and help combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

The effectiveness of Daikin air purifiers is achieved through a

Daikin MC55VB air purifier – 99.98% of coronavirus removed in 2.5 minutes, as tested by the Institut Pasteur de Lille.

Daikin edit.indd 1

combination of the high-performance electrostatic HEPA filter, which traps the virus, followed by an intense exposure to Daikin’s patented “Flash Streamer” technology, which eliminates the virus.

The Institut has also tested the air purifiers for effectiveness against H1N1, the virus causing seasonal flu. Under the same test conditions, Institut Pasteur de Lille concludes from its study that Daikin air purifiers eliminate more than 99.93% of this H1N1 virus in 2.5 minutes. This demonstrates that these units are very important in combatting flu.

Daikin air purifiers purify indoor air by circulating it through the unit and letting the air pass a multitude of filters and purifying technologies.

Typically, the units are used in residential settings, small offices, retail shops, classrooms and medical waiting rooms. The airflow of a Daikin air purifier is around 330 m³/ hour. This means that the air volume of an average room flows through the unit multiple times per hour.

Liam Kirwan, DX Product Manager, Daikin Ireland says: “The Institut Pasteur de Lille test results are great news for society. Just when everybody is preparing for a return to the office and normal life, we can create the conditions to do so in a safer way.

Daikin’s commitment to healthy indoor environments has resulted in a wide portfolio of air filtration and purification products. We use these technologies in our air conditioning, heating and ventilation solutions, for both small and large building applications. We can basically help anyone with a need for clean, fresh indoor air to find the right solution.

Effectively, Daikin is now the go-to reference company for indoor air quality management in Ireland.”

Contact: Daikin Engineering Team.

T: 01 642 3430; E: cooling@daikin.ie; www.daikin.ie Q

27/01/2022 12:32

Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

Rensair units offer safe ventilation for schools Rensair portable hospital-grade air purification units, originally developed for Scandinavian hospitals, are now available from Core Air Conditioning Ireland for use in any space where clean and purified air is called for. They trap and destroy more than 99.97% of airborne particles such as allergens, bacteria and viruses, including the Coronavirus family, and use about the same amount of electricity as a modern kitchen fridge.

Rensair units can be used practically everywhere, from homes through to large and small offices, retail outlets, in hospitality, gymnasiums, beauty salons, educational facilities and public buildings.

Being portable, installation is simple and siting locations are infinitely flexible.

They are tailor-made for the Government’s guidelines on ventilation in schools which recommend the use of H13 HEPA filters and the safe use of UVC. Both of these technologies are incorporated into the Rensair units.

A key advantage is that it takes only one person to set up a Rensair unit with no installation required. Just turn it on to start purifying the air. Operation is managed via controls on the machine or by using a remote. Wheel mounting makes it possible to manoeuvre the air

purifier between locations. The Rensair HEPA filter and enclosed UVC light have a 9,000-hour life, meaning the filter and light only need changing once a year, even if running 24 hours a day. The cost of replacing the H13 filter and UVC light (filter kit) is inexpensive and very simple and quick to do.

Tested by independent laboratories, Rensair units clean up to 560m³ of air per hour, meaning one unit can clean a room of 230m² with normal ceiling height per hour. Using multiple Rensair units in larger spaces maintains the same air cleaning rate. The patented design and powerful fan create effective air circulation, ensuring that all air in a room is purified, as documented by the independent consultancy Norconsult.

The powerful fan pushes pre-filtered air into the cylindrical-shaped HEPA filter

29

How Rensair air purification works (1) Rensair takes in surrounding air from [OL [VW HUK P[ [YH]LSZ [OYV\NO H WYL ÄS[LY trapping larger particles and dust. The WYL ÄS[LY PZ LHZ` [V YLTV]L MYVT [OL [VW VM [OL 9LUZHPY HPY W\YPÄLY [V JSLHU HUK will not have to be changed.

(2) A powerful fan (up to 560 m³/hour) W\ZOLZ [OL HPY PU[V H J`SPUKLY ZOHWLK /,7( ÄS[LY ILSV^ (3) As particles hit the inside surface of [OL /,7( ÄS[LY IHJ[LYPH ]PY\ZLZ HUK other airborne microorganisms are Z[VWWLK ;OL JVU[PU\V\Z HPYÅV^ RLLWZ [OL TPJYVVYNHUPZTZ Z[\JR VU [OL ÄS[LY Z\YMHJL ^OPSL [OL <=* SHTW PU [OL JLU[YL VM [OL J`SPUKLY JVU[PU\V\ZS` PSS\TPUH[LZ [OL LU[PYL ÄS[LY Z\YMHJL HUK [OLYLI` ¸KPZPUMLJ[Z¹ [OL Z\YMHJL I` KLZ[YV`PUN [OL +5( PU IHJ[LYPH ]PY\ZLZ L[J +LZ[Y\J[PVU VU [OL ÄS[LY Z\YMHJL M\Y[OLY reduces the potential for contact with OHaHYKV\Z TH[LYPHS K\YPUN ÄS[LY JOHUNL (4) A large volume of clean air leaves the Rensair at 360º.

located in the middle of the unit. The fan creates high static air pressure in the cylinder, which pushes large volumes of air through the filter and distributes clean air at 360o.

Safe maintenance The sturdy metal shell makes the Rensair air purifier robust and durable for years.

Pre-filters capture dust and dirt and prolong the life of the H13 HEPA filter.

Rendered safe by the UVC light, no specialist help is required when replacing the filter.

Contact: Core Air Conditioning Ireland.

T: 01 409 8912; E: info@coreac.ie; www.coreac.ie Q

Core edit.indd 1

27/01/2022 12:34

ISION

CO2 MONITOR

USB POWERED

High-quality, easy to use Carbon Dioxide, Temperature & Relative Humidity monitor.

Vision is a high-quality CO2 monitor that advises when further ventilation is required. This ‘plug and play’ Vision is a high-quality UK Manufactured advises when ventilation is required . This solution does not require hard wiringCO2 yetMonitor has thethat added benefi t offurther continuous monitoring (updated every ‘plug and play’and solution does not require hard wiring yet that has the added benefit of with continuous monitoring 5 seconds) provides a bold visual indication is not achievable battery operated(updated units. every 5 seconds) andWall provides a bold visual indication thatchannel) is not achievable withasbattery operated units. can be used An anti-tamper Bracket (with cable securing is supplied standard, so Vision

a portableWall or fiBracket xed solution, and securing when connected a Laptop PC, thesofree PC app allows Anasanti-tamper (with cable channel) istosupplied as or standard, Vision can be used the as aVision settings to be fully customised, and readings for the previous 7 days to be viewed.

portable or fixed solution, and when connected to a Laptop or PC, the free PC app allows the Vision settings to be fully customised, and readings for the previous 7 days to be viewed.

Key features:

C&F DPS JDecember 2022.indd 2

OfficeOsffices

•www.cfquadrant.ie UK MANUFACTURED

EducaEduca tion tion

Non-dispersive Infra-red CO2 Sensor •• Non-dispersive Infra-red (NDIR)(NDIR) CO2 Sensor •• USB Powered – PC/Mains Adapter Bold Traffi c Light Indication • Bold Traffic Light Indication •• Non-dispersive (NDIR) CO2 Sensor Desktop or Infra-red Wall Mountable • Desktop or Wall Mountable •• Bold Traffic T affic Light Indication Tr Anti-tamper Bracket Supplied as standard • Anti-tamper Wall Wall Bracket Supplied as standard Mountable •• Desktop WallYear W Typicalor10+ Life Expectancy • Typical 10+ Year Life Expectancy Configurable free PC App •• Anti-tamper Wall W Bracket Bthrough racke k t Supplied as standard • Configurable through free PC App ••Typical T UK manufactured 10+ Year Y Life Liffe Expectancy • UK MANUFACTURED • Configurable through free PC App

HealtH hceaarlethcare

features: f Powered featu res: ••Key USB Powered – PC/Mains Adapter USB – PC/Mains Adapter

27/01/2022 12:35

ISIO

HELPING YOU TO REDUCE THE RELATIVE RISK OF THE AIRBORNE TRANSMISSION OF VIRUSES IN YOUR SPACE.

What’s included: • • • •

Vision CO2 Monitor Anti-tamper Wall Bracket USB Mains Adapter (White) 2m USB Cable (White)

Free PC App Allows: • • • •

Traffic Light setting configuration 7-day historical data to be viewed Temp & RH Readings to be disabled Manual Calibration

Dimensions: Standard: H:84 mm x W:84 mm x D:34 mm With bracket: H:84 mm x W:88 mm x D:40 mm

‘Traffic Light’ display:

Up to 800ppm

801 - 1000ppm

1001 - 1500ppm

Over 1500ppm

Available from:

Dublin: +353 (1) 630 5757 Belfast: +44 (28) 90 36 55 55 Email: sales@cfquadrant.ie

www.cfquadrant.ie C&F DPS JDecember 2022.indd 3

27/01/2022 12:35

School ventilation and heating Versatile rises to the growing challenge The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has advised that “where the practical measures of good ventilation practices have been undertaken, and poor ventilation continues to exist in a particular room/area, air cleaners are an additional measure in conjunction with other methods of ventilation that are available”.

“

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Versatile is a supplier of heating, cooling and ventilation products that bring added value to homes and public buildings.

Versatile Advert ebruary 2020.indd 2

They are already working on a number of school ventilation projects in collaboration with the Department of Education.

In order to achieve this, Versatile are expanding their suite of product solutions with partner factories in Europe. The objective is to tick all of the boxes when it comes to ventilation and air purification systems, thus bringing a solution for every school and classroom in the country.

The Aer Glan HEPA Air Purifier offers constant air flow regulation with easy control panel accessible from outside the unit.

The new Aer Glan (HEPA air purifier) is a typical case in point.

This is the ideal solution to purify the air, not just in schools but in other sectors such as health, retail, restaurant, hotel and offices.

B Y V E R S AT I L E

27/01/2022 12:36

Air purification is guaranteed through the implementation of a pre-filter and a HEPA filter, which trap most fine particles.

“

This air purifier creates air circulation inside the room, sucks the contaminated air from the space and emits clean air from the top of the unit.

0D[LPLVHG DLU ȍRZ Certified EN 1822, the Aer Glan H14 class HEPA filter ensures a maximised air flow and a very low initial pressure drop. This highly- secure product is certified for microbial development.

Constant air flow regulation guarantees the same level of safety against virus contamination, regardless of the clogging of the filter, while the simple-to-operate control panel is accessible from outside the unit. Maintenance and filter replacement are easy with an LED indicator providing automatic notifications.

&RQFOXVLRQ The problems that poor heating and ventilation in a school can bring are endless, yet it is something that can be prevented or corrected. During this time of concentrated investment in school buildings, it is important to pay careful attention to upgrading heating and ventilating systems in Irish schools, so as to deliver not only greater energy efficiency, but also an environment that will assist our children in achieving their highest levels of educational performance.

For additional information or assistance in the specification of elective ventilation in schools/ universities/colleges, contact Versatile’s team of experts or go to their website vesatile.ie.

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.H\ $HU *ODQ IHDWXUHV However, in devising classroom solutions we must also look beyond the pandemic. Versatile’s suite of ventilation solutions will have long-lasting positive effects, and will go on for years - providing better learning environments and reduced school absenteeism.

Therefore, the measures we implement today must not simply be a reaction to Covid-19, but ones that make for good building design. It is also very important that they have a positive impact on reducing buildings’ energy demands as well as their carbon footprint, and that they are truly sustainable in every respect.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Plug & Play air purifier Two-stage filter system Filter 99.995% efficient Low power consumption Easy to install Ideal for large rooms Very quiet design, with six integrated noise attenuators Compact Nice design Available in two sizes Constant airflow regulation

&KRRVH ŚWUXHś +(3$ ȌOWHUV HEPA stands for highefficiency particulate air, and it is an efficiency standard for air filters. HEPA filters trap 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size, i.e millionths of a meter or larger in size.

The Aer Glan solution comes with an H14 filter as standard which has an efficiency of 99.995%. The Department of Education is only recommending HEPA filters of Grade H13A and H14. H10 to H12 does not offer sufficient cleaning efficiency, whic can be as low as 85%.

Before buying any of these so-called “HEPA-type” filters that are available throughout Ireland, you need to make sure that you only consider an air-cleaning unit that says it uses HEPA filters or “true” HEPA filters.

Constant air flow regulation with easy control panel accessible from outside the unit.

Constant air flow regulation guarantees the same level of safety against virus contamination regardless of the clogging of the filter.

Easy maintenance of filters replacement with automatic notifications with LED indicator.

The air purifier creates an air circulation inside the room. Sucks the contaminated air from the bottom and blows clean air through the top of the unit.

Versatile Advert ebruary 2020.indd 3

B Y V E R S AT I L E

Beechmount Home Park, Navan, Co. Meath T +353 (0)46 902 9444 E sales@versatile.ie www.versatile.ie

27/01/2022 12:36

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Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

Consider humidity when ventilating The need for increased building ventilation is widely accepted as a positive strategy in the fight against airborne viruses. However, without humidification of heated buildings, increasing ventilation will create significantly drier environments that might be protecting us in one way but harming us in another, says Damien Power, Ireland Area Sales Manager, Condair.

Breathing dry air below 40%RH will dry our nose and throat, leading to a greater susceptibility to respiratory infection. So, although ventilation removes pollutants, the drier indoor atmosphere it creates could also be degrading our immune system.

A dry winter?

The thought that increased ventilation during the damp winter will dry an indoor environment seems odd. The winter is mostly thought of as being wet. So, how does bringing more damp winter air inside create a dry environment?

The answer lies in the fact that cold air holds little moisture. The warmer it becomes, the more water it can hold.

Although the winter air has a high relative humidity when outside, it physically contains little water. As soon as that winter air is brought into a building and heated, its relative humidity drops as its ability to hold moisture increases.

To put this into perspective, an average January outdoor condition is 5°C and 85%RH. When this winter air is heated in a building to 21°C, physics dictates that the indoor relative humidity will be just 28%RH. Some activities will increase a building’s humidity, like washing and cooking, which raises the humidity above this calculated nominal level. However, the greater the ventilation, the faster this ambient moisture is extracted and replaced with dry outside air, resulting in the indoor air more closely aligning with the nominal 28%RH. Most humidifiers are sized to offer just enough moisture to meet a building’s need, given the existing HVAC design. If

Condair edit.indd 1

this design changes, the humidifier might be undersized. For instance, if a building increases its ventilation from 5% fresh air and 95% recirc, to 10% fresh air, then the humidifier would need to deliver 100% more moisture to maintain the same indoor humidity.

Most wouldn’t be able to meet the same humidity level with this increase in ventilation.

Effects of low humidity Science shows three reasons why maintaining humidity above 40%RH protects health. Firstly, airborne viruses fall out of the air more rapidly. Secondly, some viruses, like the flu, survive for less time. Lastly, mucous membranes in the nose and throat are more effective at capturing and removing viruses before they cause an infection.

However, if ventilation is removing pollutants from the air, why does it matter if humidity is making them settle or inactivate more rapidly? There are two responses to this. Firstly, having environments with fewer airborne viruses, while also reducing their “float time” and infectious duration, has got to be better than implementing a single strategy of increased removal.

Secondly, creating safer environments through ventilation may inadvertently make us more susceptible to infections when we leave that ventilated area. For example, an office worker who enjoys a well-ventilated, but dry office, may not pick up an infection at work, but could be more at risk when visiting an unventilated bar on the way home.

The desiccated mucous membranes in the nose and throat will not be efficiently capturing pollutants after sitting in a dry room.

Ventilation has always played an essential role in combatting respiratory disease and it’s a shame that it is only now, following a pandemic, that its positive contribution to public health is being more fully recognised. However, the creation of desert-like indoor environments during the winter must be avoided. Proactive humidification of public buildings plays a key role, alongside ventilation, in creating the safest possible built environment for occupant health. Q

Cold air holds little moisture … the warmer it becomes, the more water it can hold.

27/01/2022 12:38

Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

Panasonic’s twofold smart control solution Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions has introduced the new Smart Multisite Control Solution, a twofold, enterprise-wide energy management platform for corporate HVAC installations. This smart solution offers a dual approach – AC Smart Cloud, designed to be used by business owners and facilities or energy managers for remote control, reporting and scheduling; and AC Service Cloud, an ideal solution for HVAC professionals requiring remote access to a system for maintenance and monitoring purposes.

Easy to install and with a simple, user-friendly interface, the Smart Multisite Control Solution is ideal for organisations who need instant and comprehensive data of a building or campus-wide (or even a global overview) of HVAC systems. It allows users complete control of all their installations, wherever they are.

With a simple click, authorised users can access all Panasonic heating and cooling units from several locations, and receive status updates in real-time, preventing costly breakdowns, optimising energy use and reducing expenses.

AC Smart Cloud The advanced AC Smart Cloud is the ideal solution for full remote control of business premises, 24/7, and can be simply managed from a tablet or computer with internet connection.

By optimising the HVAC systems operation in this way, it is possible to extend the life of units thanks to status updates and preventive maintenance, ensuring a positive return on investment.

Additionally, the AC Smart Cloud features energy consumption monitors that help users reduce energy bills by tailoring heating and cooling needs. The system can also enable

Panasonic’s AC Service Cloud is a unique tool that provides advanced remote service capabilities of multiple sites.

Panasonic edit.indd 1

35

increased comfort of workers and visitors/customers, boosting satisfaction and productivity by enabling a welcoming environment.

Including a wealth of benefits, the AC Smart Cloud allows complete management of the settings, the ability to fix yearly scheduling, set up energy saving modes, see statistics, permit tailored access to different users and more.

AC Service Cloud The brand new solution for HVAC professionals, service and maintenance companies, Panasonic’s AC Service Cloud is a unique tool that provides advanced remote service capabilities of multiple sites.

For successful maintenance and service, response time is critical. With the help of the AC Service Cloud, the entire service parameters of the HVAC systems are available, in real-time, showing any abnormalities, allowing issues to be identified and swiftly resolved, often before the fault even occurs. This smart approach can also reduce the number (and length) of site visits necessary by analysing the behaviour of the AC system remotely and allowing for the optimum allocation of resources.

Systems are continuously monitored in intervals of 15 minutes to ensure any malfunctions are swiftly noticed.

Any abnormal data is detected and reported automatically – it requires no action by professional users for the ultimate ease. All data can be simply found on the AC Service Cloud’s home screen, and a history of data can be recorded for up to two weeks. Data is visually shown on the home screen with colours and shapes so it can be identified at a quick glance.

Contact: Panasonic Ireland.

Orlaith Gillen. T: 087 – 195 2573; E: orlaith.gillen@eu.panasonic.com; Clive Boyd. T: 087 – 690 9127; E: clive.boyd@eu.panasonic.com Q

27/01/2022 12:39

36 Building Services

} iiÀ } l January/February 202Ó

Innovation the lifeblood of Calpeda pumps Product development is the lifeblood of any portfolio but, in the case of Calpeda, they have totally embraced the principle with innovative new products constantly coming on stream.

Two of the latest introductions are the GQS 40 submersible pump range and e-idos plug-andplay energy-efficient packaged booster sets.

The GQS family of submersible pumps for dirty water now includes the GQS 40 model which, alongside GQS 50, extends the range to cover lessdemanding applications. It still delivers the ultimate performance, combined with reliability and affordability.

GQS 40 pumps are ideal for nonaggressive domestic and industrial waste water; for draining flooded areas or emptying tanks; for extracting water from ponds, streams and rainwater collection tanks; and for irrigation.

Features include a double mechanical seal on the shaft, triple impregnated dry windings for greater resistance to humidity, a relief valve and free-flow impeller (vortex).

As for booster sets featuring several pumps in parallel,

Calpeda e-idos compact energyefficient booster sets.

Calpeda edit.indd 1

energy savings, design simplicity and system cost containment make them more sophisticated than ever.

With Calpeda e-idos pumps, this aspect has been greatly simplified. e-idos pumps are supplied already equipped with a pressure sensor so pressurisation groups can be created without having to add control panels, and without needing to wire any connection.

The pumps used only need to be hydraulically connected and, apart from performance excellence, this also helps keep the system pressure constant. By programming each pump at start/stop set points, they

The GQS 40 model for wastewater and drainage applications.

operate in cascade mode according to the increases in flow rate and the falls in pressure, making for automatic duty cycling. In the event of power failure, the pump set resets automatically.

For engineers designing pump system solutions, configuring the product before purchasing it, choosing the model and selecting optional accessories needs to be just a few clicks away. The Calpeda online pump selector tool is designed to do just that, but to also offer additional advice, guidance and an interactive knowledge resource to help with system design.

It is not intended as a replacement for direct contact with Calpeda’s technical team, more as a complementary tool that allows individuals to autonomously find the most suitable pump for a particular application 24 hours a day, from wherever their location.

With digitalisation now underpinning the whole process of building services engineering, solutions providers such as Calpeda need to be dynamic and forward looking. Hence the companiy’s commitment to product development and, even more so, to the nature of the innovations it constantly brings on stream.”

Contact: Calpeda Ireland.

T: 01 861 2200; E: info@calpedaireland.com www.ie.calpeda.com Q

27/01/2022 12:40

Incorporating Pegler & Louden Ireland

BSS Vexo Advert February 2022.indd 1

31/01/2022 08:48

38

Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

Water safety measures in public buildings can boost occupants’ wellbeing As climate projections point to an increase in extreme weather across Ireland, up to 60,000 buildings are reported to be at risk of flooding1 in the coming years. With millions of euros worth of property damage likely from climate change, it is vital that building services offer the best possible means to protect both occupants and structure.

Nowhere is this more important than in public buildings housing vulnerable members of society, like hospitals and care homes, says Kevin Devine, Sales Director, Ireland, Xylem Water Solutions.

Futureproofing with the help of the latest technological advances available for building systems means safety and wellbeing can be prioritised.

Now is the time to prepare buildings, not only to cope with current demand, but to be ready for whatever the future holds. This can include improving the handling of waste, maximising reliability and the optimal disinfection of drinking water to protect users.

Ensuring safety of water supply For buildings where it is important to ensure safe drinking water, particularly clinics or care facilities, the latest UV and ozone treatment options can eliminate chlorine-resistant pathogens, including cryptosporidium. The most

advanced UV systems offer longevity as well as much-needed reliability, with processor controls that can reduce UV intensity as required, generating energy savings of up to 20%.

These can be coupled with up-to-date cold-water booster sets to offer a low maintenance yet high performance solution to ensure consistent water pressure and flow in larger properties.

Reliable defences against flooding The cost of cleaning up after flooding can run to tens of millions of Euros – the 2016 floods in Ireland brought a bill of almost €100 million2 – but the latest

pumping systems help to overcome the challenge of managing waste, stormwater and drainage on any scale. Bespoke systems can adjust performance according to demand to ensure reliability and peace of mind, no matter what the future brings.

Remote smart monitoring options also mean building systems can be closely controlled from anywhere, with supervision systems capable of detecting potential malfunctions well in advance to trigger maintenance alerts or alarms.

Efficiently handling wastewater The safe and effective handling of wastewater is a key challenge for public buildings, especially medical facilities that can generate extra hazardous waste. Intelligent equipment, like the Flygt Concertor, is capable of sensing environmental conditions to adjust its operation accordingly, significantly reducing energy use by only working when needed. Its clog-detection and self-cleaning functions ensure clog-free operation and make downtime a thing of the past. In addition, installation and serviceability can be a genuine boon in avoiding costly outages.

Preparing for the future Harnessing the power of technology can help to create the most reliable public buildings and prioritise the safety of residents in the case of extreme weather events. Whether that is intelligent equipment that can “read” its environment and adjust performance to suit demand, or smart networks and services that collate data to allow operators to optimise each system for maximum safety, there are a wealth of options that can let buildings work for you.

Be it improving stormwater management, handling the challenges of wastewater or eliminating drinking water issues, these new measures can ensure occupants’ wellbeing now – and long into the future. Q References 1. https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid30916190.html 2. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/ estimated-cost-from-damage-following-flooding-setto-reach-100m-1.2502861

Xylemedit.indd 1

31/01/2022 11:40

Building Services EngineeringÊlÊJanuary/February 202Ó

Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) launched The new Government Micro-generation Support Scheme, unveiled just before Christmas, was devised to assist homes and businesses develop renewable generation for self-consumption. In addition, it includes a framework for payments for the first time to micro-generators for exported electricity.

Target The MSS is targeting support for 380MW of installed micro-generation capacity, to contribute to the target of up to 2.5GW of solar renewables under the Climate Action Plan.

Depending on panel size, that equates to over one million solar panels installed on approximately 70,000 buildings.

Non-domestic applicants Non-domestic applicants will also be eligible to receive the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff, for any exported electricity, at a competitive market rate from their electricity supplier.

Projects of between 6kW and 50kW will receive a Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff per kWh exported, for a period of 15 years, from their electricity supplier. The Clean Export Premium (CEP) will be €0.135/kWh in 2022, which is higher than the current average wholesale electricity price. Any difference between the CEP tariff and wholesale electricity prices will be supported by the Public Service

39

Obligation (PSO) levy. Exported volumes of electricity eligible for the Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff will be capped at 80% of generation capacity, to incentivise self-consumption.

It is expected that the Clean Export Premium (CEP) will begin in the third quarter of 2022, when a payment mechanism will be determined by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

Businesses, farms, community buildings such as schools, sports clubs, etc generating up to 5.9kW will be eligible for an SEAI grant at the same levels as domestic customers. This specific grant will be available later in 2022.

Community participation Community enterprises such as sports clubs and community halls will be eligible to participate, either as individual microgenerators or as community projects within the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS).

Domestic applicants Homeowners will be eligible to receive a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff, at a competitive rate, for any exported electricity to their electricity supplier.

They will also will continue to be eligible to apply to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for a grant towards the cost of installing equipment. In 2022, the grants will be at the same level per kW as the current SEAI solar PV grant scheme (maximum €2,400).

Micro Generation edit.indd 1

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40

Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

Following the Covidrelated postponement of the co-located events scheduled for both 2020 and 2021, Europump (the European Pump Association) is again partnering with CEIR (the European Valve Association) and Pneurop (the European Compressed Air Association) to stage their respective annual meetings next year in Brussels. Running across three days (9 to 11 May 2022) at the Hotel NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon, the three organisations will also deliver a joint EU policy conference.

Europump edit.indd 1

Enjoying similar levels of longevity and heritage within the sectors served, the three organisations have shared many similar public policy interests over the years, and increasingly so around international standards and energy use reduction measures. Having developed vast experience in their respective disciplines, by forging closer links and a more collaborative approach to certain activities they can better harvest that expertise for greater mutual benefit.

In updating its New Industrial Strategy proposed in 2020, the European Commission indicated that it relies on industry to deliver on the major challenges faced by our economies and societies in Europe.

This is especially so with regard to sustainability, digital transformation and global competitiveness, as well as the need to overcome the crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The EU Recovery and Resilience Plan unveiled in Spring 2021 is predominantly building on the capability of European industry to design and produce the building blocks of the twin green and digital transition. At the same time, the EU is shaping a dense regulatory framework that does not always support the freedom and flexibility needed for companies to grow and compete globally.

For a long time, European technology industries, and in particular the pump, valve and compressor sectors, have considered the enhancement of their

global competitiveness within the framework of societal and environmental challenges, notably by contributing to the preparation of energy efficiency and circular economy regulations. In parallel, digitalisation has provided increased opportunities as well as new challenges, including regulatory debates on the sharing of industrial data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

These developments require an overarching Europe-wide positioning.

In support of the new EU legislative cycle, Europump, CEIR and Pneurop will gather in Brussels on 10 May 2022 to address all these aspects. The joint conference will consist of a policy panel debate between industry executives and EU officials and MEPs, and three technical parallel sessions addressing topics of relevance for the three industry sectors. Specifically, these sessions will cover the “Circular Economy and Eco-design”, “Industry’s Digitalisation and Innovation”, and “The restriction of use of materials and substances of concern”.

The event is open to all members of the three organisations as well as those of their respective national associations.

With an extensive programme of talks, presentations and social gatherings, it will provide a unique opportunity for these three key sectors to come together and further develop their common goals and discuss them with EU officials.

See www.europump.net for further information Q

27/01/2022 12:42

The Irish designed and manufactured tank system

Q

Very quiet operation (48DB)

Q Ideal in areas where mains pressure is low or inconsistent Q Certified for use with drinking water Q Over 30 different pump options Q Jacketed motor technology Q Dry-run protection built in as standard Q Pressures up to 12 Bar and flow of 183 litres/minute Q Forty different water tank size options (100lt to 2000lt)

2-YEAR WARRANTY

www.calpeda.com Calpeda Advert February 2022.indd 1

29/01/2022 10:33

42

Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

Towards a carbon-neutral society

Wilo goes beyond the obvious The Wilo Group is one of the world‘s leading providers of premium pumps and pump systems for the building services, water management and industrial sectors. Its innovative solutions, smart products and individual services move water in an intelligent, efficient and climate-friendly manner, while it also makes an important contribution to climate protection with its sustainability strategy.

Wilo is systematically pressing ahead with the digital transformation of the Group, and is already the digital pioneer in the industry. This is most appropriate for a company that has just celebrated its 150th anniversary.

protection at our own production sites, all of which will be climateneutral by 2025. The new Wilopark is the biggest investment project in Wilo’s history and manufacturing here is already climate-neutral. In fact, Wilo Group was recently chosen to take part in the United Nations’ and Bloomberg’s global “50

Climate protection “While the coronavirus has changed the world and we have played a major role in combating its effects”, says Derek Elton, Managing Director, Wilo Ireland, “the importance of climate protection has not become secondary. Pumps account for about 10% of the world’s electrical energy consumption and, as an innovation leader in the sector, Wilo takes a clear stand on climate protection, energy usage, resource efficiency and digital transformation. Our goal is to contribute 50 million tonnes in CO2 savings towards emissions reductions by 2025.

“Wilo was quick to recognise the importance of digitisation and has significantly invested in the four dimensions of business models, processes, products and human resources. New opportunities for efficiency enhancement are also currently being tapped thanks to innovative communications interfaces, sensor technology and smart control elements.

Derek Elton, Managing Director, “However, we also prize climate Wilo Ireland.

Wilo edit.indd 1

Sustainability & Climate Leaders” initiative for climate protection and sustainability.

From water supply to flood control, from hospitals and schools to waterworks – reliable products, solutions and services from Wilo are systemically important and an indispensable part of modern life.

As a digital pioneer, it sets standards – from smart production and intelligent solutions through to connected products. Wilo’s digital services are ground-breaking and allow the company achieve new dimensions of customer satisfaction and efficiency.

For greater economy and sustainability Wilo-Energy Solutions helps customers be proactive in replacing old pumps with new high-efficiency units. Its Wilo-Live AssistAnt provides video transmission, live and in real time, while WiloCare bundles all its maintenance services into one comprehensive package supplemented by remote maintenance of systems.

Wilo net zero goals In conclusion Derek Elton says: “We currently facilitate better access to clean water for 100 million people, something that will grow significantly as we invest for annual growth of 7.5% in new pump innovations and a 35% growth in the development of smart water systems.

“Internally, we plan a 20% annual reduction in drinking water consumption at Wilo sites, a 50 million t reduction in CO2 emissions, and annual energy savings of 1.8 TWh. “Complementing that will be a 250 t reduction in raw materials, a 30,000 increase in the number of re-used components, a reduction of 12 t of copper per annum and a 100% use of re-usable packaging. In addition, we plan a 90% increase in our recycling rate.

“Taken together, these initiatives demonstrate Wilo’s commitment to the EU’s carbon and energy reduction goals, and its willingness to show leadership in striving to achieve them.”

27/01/2022 12:43

Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

43

PVT heat pump is the way forward When Building Services Engineering caught up with Paul O’Donnell of Unipipe recently, we asked him what future developments he sees coming down the line that Ireland should embrace to reduce our energy consumption and carbon emissions.

O’Donnell has always been ahead of the curve, being the first to bring underfloor heating, heat pumps and exhaust air heat pumps to the market. As always, he is still one step ahead, this time waxing lyrical about PVT heat pump panels developed by Triple Solar®.

The Triple Solar® system consists of a set of PVT heat pump panels in combination with a brine/water or a PVT heat pump. The panels act as a source for the heat pump by extracting energy from the outside air, sun and daylight, and are an ideal alternative to an air to water heat pump for certain applications.

Each panel has a heat exchanger at the rear that consists of aluminium fins with a copper pipe and a coolant, glycol (a type of antifreeze), flowing through the pipe of the exchanger. It absorbs the surrounding heat and conducts it to the heat pump which converts the heat for heating and hot water. Because

the heat pump panel is also equipped with a solar panel, it is possible to supply a building not only with heat and hot water, but also with electricity.“ There is vast potential for the widespread use of PVT heat pump panels in Ireland,” says O’Donnell. “For instance, no expensive ground source is required and this also means no environmental impact.

There is no need for an outdoor unit, as with an air to water heat pump, so there are no noise issues.

The system works 24 hours a day, including at night and when it is cloudy. Also, as it is highly efficient, it uses less electricity.

“As NIBE partners, we already have experience of just how successful PVT heat pump systems are. Our NIBE colleagues in the UK were responsible for a massive project at the University of West London where the antiquated

Paul O’Donnell, Managing Director, Unipipe.

existing system was replaced with with low emission ventilation systems, ground source heat pumps and 580 solar PVT panels.

“Here the PVT collector system is an alternative, innovative heat source for use with NIBE ground source heat pumps, harvesting solar energy from the sun to generate electricity, while extracting aerothermal heat energy to drive the heat pump process. There is absolutely no reason why similar refurbishment projects in Ireland, and of course new-build projects, could not benefit from this innovative technology.”

Contact: Unipipe.

T: 01 286 4888; E: info@unipipe.ie; www.unipipe.ie Q

PVT heat pump panel

by Triple Solar®.

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Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

Construction Industry Register Ireland

CIRI to be put on statutory footing Darragh O’Brien, TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has welcomed publication of the Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2021 which will put the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) on a statutory footing. Once the legislation is enacted, all entities providing building services will be required to register with CIRI. CIRI was established by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and the Federation is expected to operate the statutory register. This is a similar model to that of registration for registered architects and surveyors. Approximately 800 building and contracting entities are currently included on the register but, once it is on a statutory footing, in the region of 5,000 entities will be required to register.

It is envisaged that builders can begin registering in 2023 and statutory registration will commence in early 2024.

The requirement to register will apply to builders of both residential and nonresidential buildings that are subject to the Building Regulations. Employees of such building firms will not be required to apply but sole traders will. Eligibility for registration can be achieved through

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qualifications, experience or a combination of both. The criteria required for registration will be clear and transparent and will be set out in regulations.

Under the legislation, the CIRI will have a statutory “Admissions and Registration Board” with members appointed by the Minister. It will consist of a chairperson, nominated by the minister, and 10 ordinary members, five of whom will be nominated by the minister. It will also have an Appeals Committee.

The Bill will also provide for the CIRI to receive complaints against registered builders to be made on a number of grounds, including complaints against an entity providing building services in a category in which it is not registered.

A range of proportionate sanctions can be imposed after investigation.

At present, the Building Control Regulations require owners, builders and registered construction professionals to demonstrate that the works or building concerned have been both designed and constructed in compliance with building regulations.

The Building Control Acts (1990 to 2014) vest the powers of inspection, enforcement and prosecution in the 31 local authorities.

The new legislation, when enacted, will complement a number of key measures put in

Darragh O’Brien, TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

“

Once the legislation is enacted, all entities providing building services will be required to register with CIRI.

place in recent years to strengthen the arrangements for building control. These include: Q Statutory certification of design and construction by registered construction professionals and builders (Building Control Amendment Regulations (BCAR); Q The establishment of the National Building Control and Market Surveillance Office, which works with Building Control Authorities, to promote a culture of compliance with the Building Regulations and market surveillance of construction products.

For full details on the new Bill see https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/ bill/2022/2/ Q

26/01/2022 16:12

Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

Accelerating decarbonisation

Grant partners with IGBC for a more sustainable built environment Grant has announced a new partnership with the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) which will see the leading home heating solutions company supporting the IGBC in accelerating the decarbonisation of residential heating.

Pat Barry, CEO at IGBC, said: “Decarbonising our homes is critical to reach carbon neutrality. As it currently stands, the residential sector accounts for about one quarter of the energy used in Ireland. Grant is the first heating company to join our organisation as a partner member and we are looking forward to working with them to support the decarbonisation of our built environment.

Speaking about the partnership Stephen Grant, founder of Grant, added: “We are delighted to join the Irish Green Building Council, bringing over four decades of knowledge, innovation and expertise in the heating industry. We are committed

to the decarbonisation of residential heating and will continue to focus on helping homeowners throughout Ireland reduce their carbon footprint and future-proof their homes.”

The Government Climate Action plan requires Ireland to install 600,000 heat pumps by 2030. To enable this shift to heat pump technology, Grant is ramping up the education of installers, architects, engineers and local authorities by offering free CPDs. Niall Fay, Director at Grant commented: “We look forward to working with the IGBC and fellow members to educate homeowners, but also installers, architects, engineers and local authorities, on how to make

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the shift to renewables. Heat pump technology can deliver a fullydecarbonised, resource-efficient home heating system, while also allowing long-term cost savings and increased comfort.”

Grant has been at the cutting edge of sustainable and innovative product development for over 40 years and during this time has expanded its product portfolio to include a wide range of renewable heating technologies including air to water, air source heat pumps, solar thermal panels, underfloor heating, hot water cylinders, aluminium radiators and condensing wood pellet boilers.

The company’s introduction of its Grant Vortex condensing oil boiler was the catalyst for a sustained increase in boiler efficiencies throughout the industry and a reduction in running costs for homeowners. The higher efficiencies from these appliances have, over the past 15 years, contributed to a reduction in carbon emissions in Ireland of many millions of tonnes.

Looking to the future and continuing to lead the low carbon transition, over the past six years the Grant R&D team has worked with third-level institutions, industry partners and renewable fuel producers, focusing on more sustainable and carbon-saving fuels and innovating its oil boilers to be biofuel compatible.

Further demonstrating its commitment to education, Grant has recently launched a new Knowledge Hub section on its website. Dedicated to giving homeowners easy access to information and advice to help them make informed decisions when selecting heating technologies to best suit their needs, the Knowledge Hub emphasises the importance of making sustainable home heating choices.

For further information visit www.grant.eu or follow Grant on Facebook and Twitter @GrantIRL or Instagram @Grant_IRL. Q

Left: Grant founder, Stephen Grant (left) with Niall Fay, Director.

Grant edit.indd 1

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Mitsubishi Electric

Delivering perfect indoor air quality in tandem with net-zero objectives While the popularisation, over-use and mis-use of certain terminology and phrases can very often undermine their meaning, it is vitally important that sustainability, carbon reduction, energy saving and wellbeing do not fall in to this category. Taken together, they represent the core fundamentals that will help sustain not just the future of the planet, but of a fully-functioning, just society. However, the challenge now is to devise strategies that harness and realise the spirit of these objectives in their true sense, and to avoid “green- washing” initiatives that have no substance.

With the exception of the naysayers who continue to ignore the evidence, the world at large understands the serious predicament humanity now faces. Consequently, it is essential that we realise a netzero, decarbonised society, sooner rather than later. As market leader in providing healthy, comfortable indoor environments, Mitsubishi Electric is at the forefront in striving to achieve that. Having just celebrated its centenary anniversary, it can point to the development of progressivelyinnovative products and systems that had their origin in its first successful indoor air quality product, an electric fan for consumer use.

“For us it is all about providing quality, integrated indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions that meet the needs generated by social change while, at

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the same time, addressing the broader issue of climate change,” says Ciaran Moody, General Manager, Mitsubishi Electric Ireland. “In doing so we focus not just on the products and systems we develop and their environmental impact in use, but also on their impact during the manufacturing phases, from the sourcing of raw materials through to production, packaging and distribution. With regard to the latter, we already have processes in place that work towards that goal but plan further initiatives in that regard in the future. Our ultimate objective is to reduce wastage, increase efficiencies and achieve net-zero emissions in the entire value chain by 2050.

“By promoting digital transformation throughout our businesses, we will

Ciaran Moody, General Manager, Mitsubishi Electric Ireland.

coordinate and analyse data from our equipment and systems to offer optimal solutions that suit the needs of our supply partners. In turn, they can then fulfil their customers’ needs, while also meeting their own sustainability goals. Digitally collating all this invaluable information also feeds into our R&D and product development programmes.”

Product development This process has led to some groundbreaking product developments by Mitsubishi Electric in recent years.

These include the residential Lossnay range of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR); the hybrid VRF system (HVRF) that combines the best elements of VRF technology and chiller systems; and the unique Plasma Quad Connect, a powerful bolt-on air purifying device that delivers plasma quad technology to both new and existing Mitsubishi

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Electric air conditioning units.

“We now have some incrediblyinnovative solutions that meet the ever-changing requirements of the indoor environment sector,” continues Moody, “but equally important is getting them to the marketplace.

That’s where our personnel come in.

Experienced personnel “We’re blessed in Mitsubishi Electric in that we have experienced, knowledgeable individuals who are industry leaders in their respective roles, yet function as a cohesive unit that is team driven. The result is a strength in depth that is unique to the sector.

“This strength is very much reflected in our customer service delivery.

While everyone has a defined role to play in product-specific areas, the customer interface is seamless right throughout the entire process, from initial order placement through to design support, technical back-up, site logistics, commissioning and after-sales service. In doing so we also inform our trading partners of innovative technologies and systems coming on stream, and help them

Lossnay MHVR units create an environment of constant clean and healthy air in the home.

Mitsubishi DPS edit edit.indd 3

Plasma Quad Connect, the powerful bolt-on solution for perfect IAQ.

be aware of, and understand, current and impending standards and legislation.

“Getting back to the product portfolio, that is expanding at a rapid rate to cater for the everchanging needs of the marketplace.

Renowned as market leaders in both the air conditioning and heating sectors, both product ranges now incorporate extra innovative features that deliver wellbeing benefits, in addition, of course, to high performance, low energy usage and reduced carbon footprint.

“The emphasis on indoor air quality and the wellbeing of building occupants has always been an integral feature right across the entire Mitsubishi Electric portfolio, but we are now refining these features to better combat the increased threat from bacteria and new viruses. Related to this is a new range of ventilation products that will shortly come on stream.

“In the meantime, it’s really a case of more of the same, but even better, from Mitsubishi Electric.”Q

“

We’re blessed in Mitsubishi Electric in that we have experienced, knowledgeable individuals who are industry leaders in their respective roles, yet function as a cohesive unit that is team driven.

27/01/2022 13:58

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Common language and clear definition of what is ‘sustainable’ needed

EU Taxonomy – role for gas and nuclear?

The European Commission began consultations early in January with the Member States Expert Group on Sustainable Finance and the Platform on Sustainable Finance on the draft text of a Taxonomy Complementary Delegated Act covering certain gas and nuclear activities.

The EU Taxonomy guides and mobilises private investment in activities that are needed to achieve climate neutrality in the next 30 years. The existing energy mix in Europe today varies from one member state to another. Some parts of Europe are still heavily based on high carbonemitting coal. The Taxonomy provides for energy activities that enable member states to move towards climate neutrality from such different positions.

Renewable-based future Taking account of scientific advice and current technological progress, as well as varying transition challenges across member states, the Commission considers there is a role for natural gas and nuclear as a means to facilitate the transition towards a predominantly renewable-based future. Within the Taxonomy framework, this would mean classifying these energy sources under clear and tight conditions as they contribute to the transition to climate neutrality. For example, gas must come from renewable sources or have low emissions by 2035.

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Additionally, to ensure transparency, the Commission will amend the Taxonomy Disclosure Delegated Act so that investors can identify if activities include gas or nuclear activities, and to what extent, so they can make an informed choice.

The activities covered in this complementary Delegated Act would accelerate the phase-out of more harmful sources, such as coal, and in moving the EU towards a more lowcarbon, greener energy mix. As for the other activities under the Taxonomy Regulation, the criteria for the gas and nuclear activities will be updated as technology evolves.

Next steps The Platform on Sustainable Finance and the Member States Expert Group on Sustainable Finance must be consulted on all Delegated Acts under the Taxonomy Regulation, given their expert role foreseen by the Taxonomy Regulation. They had until 21 January to provide their contributions. The Commission then analysed their contributions and formally adopted the complementary Delegated Act in January 2022. It was then sent to the co-legislators for their scrutiny.

Similar to the first Climate Delegated Act, the European Parliament and the Council (who have delegated the power to the Commission to adopt this Delegated Act) now have four months to scrutinise the document and, should they find it necessary, to object to it. In line with the Taxonomy Regulation, both institutions may request an additional two months of scrutiny time.

The Council will have the right to object to it by reverse reinforced qualified majority. This means that at least 72% of MS (i.e. at least 20 MS representing at least 65% of the EU population are needed to object to the Delegated Act), and the European Parliament by a majority (i.e. at least 353 MEPs) in Plenary. Once the scrutiny period is over and assuming neither of the co-legislators object, the (complementary) Delegated Act will enter into force and apply.

More Information (1) Factsheet – How does the EU Taxonomy fit within the sustainable finance framework?

(2) DG FISMA’s website on sustainable finance. Q

27/01/2022 13:59

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Pathway to net zero starts with VEXO/BSS Ireland set a roadmap ambition to deliver a carbon emissions target reduction of 51% between 2018 and 2030, and to net zero by 2050 – matching EU emissions targets. That process is already underway but immediate steps to help achieve that ambition are now required.

Heating and hot water generation account for over half of the energy use within a commercial building (CIBSE Guide M 2014). So restoring water quality, monitoring and optimising controls, and the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) supports a holistic net zero roadmap. The VEXO X-POT®, available from BSS Ireland, is specifically designed to help achieve that.

VEXO has collaborated exclusively with BSS Dublin for many years and the partnership includes the delivery of CIBSEaccredited CPDs. They have successfully tendered for, and won, major projects throughout the country across many industry sectors, including hospitals, universities, data centres, primary care, industrial, schools and colleges.

BSS Dublin Branch provides technical know-how and stock availability, supported by the BSS Magna Park Central Distribution Centre in the UK. The VEXO ‘X-POT®’ provides an all-in-one closed system water conditioning device that can be simply retrofitted or installed during plantroom refurbishments.

There is no need for conventional products such as air and dirt separators, dosing pots, in-line

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magnetic filters and side stream filters. With the energy savings data and technical support acknowledged by BSRIA, the X-POT® ensures water treatment additives perform to their intent, and that system flow rates are maintained.

To further support system operating efficiency, VEXO launched its novel approach to BMS controls in May 2021 with the introduction of VEXO S-BMS®. This is a smart “out of the box” interactive control system, suited to small and medium sized commercial heating/hot water generation, and primary technology upgrades on a wide range of applications. These include nursing homes, sheltered housing, schools, offices, hotels, factories/industrial units, remote boiler houses, retail, small/medium sports pavilions, and many other commercial heating and hot water schemes.

The system VEXO twin-stage magnetic and non-magnetic cartridge filtration which catches metallic debris.

VEXO X-POT Compact from BSS P&L Dublin.

VEXO S-BMS bridges the gap where fixed logic or manufacturers’ controls seem to be the only option due to budget constraints.

No controls engineers are required, while the unit is electrician and user-friendly and delivers interactive and dynamic 24/7 remote access. It makes for system optimisation at your fingertips, avoiding unnecessary callouts and getting buildings “heat pump ready”.

VEXO’s POT® and S-BMS® augmented solution, supported

by BSS Dublin, provides a gateway to zero carbon technology.

Contact: BSS P&L Dublin.

T: 01 416 5100; E:1930.sales@bssgroup.com; www.bssindustrial.co.uk/bssireland Q

28/01/2022 11:09

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The digital revolution –

The real estate industry is genuinely

Spotlight on ‘Intelligent Buildings’

with regard to intelligent buildings

on the cusp of a digital revolution and the use of building space. It is now up to those directly involved in the construction sector to embrace and drive these new concepts and digital skills, so that intelligent building design becomes the norm, leading to a sustainable and healthy future.

Increasingly, the tools and systems available to design, construct and operate buildings are becoming more sophisticated and intelligent. As a result, the impacts on the development and maintenance of buildings are evolving as they are designed to capture and interpret massive amounts of data.

In this first of a series of articles, two leading practitioners within the “intelligent (smart) building” industry – Brian Coogan, Ethos Digital and Stephen Weir, Hereworks – provide a brief overview of what’s needed to design an intelligent building. They also explain how the new roles of Digital Building Consultant (Ethos Digital) and Master System Integrator (Hereworks) complement each other.

Unlocking buildings’ intelligence The path towards achieving an Intelligent building is paved with specific actionable design interventions that enable digital work-flows to function within a safe, technology-enabled, high-performance built environment. Across the disciplines of MEP engineering and contracting, key forces are coming together to drive the next wave of digital workflows within the built environment – namely users, intelligent systems and intelligent concepts. At the very core of these workflows is the philosophy of creating a truly human-centric environment for the end-user.

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Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

Designing intelligent outcomes Intelligent buildings don’t just come from one decision made at the beginning of a project but rather are the result of continuous decisions made over time by the various teams responsible for the project. However, the practicalities in and around delivering an intelligent building (via an enhanced technology foundation) begin at the design stage.

Here, the role of the Digital Building Consultant (DBC), through thoughtful UX design and meaningful integrations (backed up by data that is reliable, informative and useful), enables the building to come alive. As a result, this design delivers sustainable, wellness, operational and productivity outcomes.

Enhanced technology foundation Computerised digital workflows span all aspects of the building facility management and operational support systems through to user interfaces and experiences.

Holding it all together is a highlyconnected technology foundation that is layered on top of the traditional MEP systems. This technology foundation enables users, facilities and businesses to work together more effectively, using technologies such as cloud applications, IoT, analytical tools, middleware, mobile applications, etc to interrogate the building’s outputs and thus optimise it.

For example, BMS, energy monitoring, security and lighting control systems all have their own level of smart capabilities.

However, it is the convergence of these to a single data repository that allows for the intelligent elements of a building’s optimisation to utilise and integrate workplace insight apps. Doing so not only enables potential issues to be diagnosed and eliminated early, but it also leads on to better building management and operations with enhanced user experience and comfort levels for occupants.

Convergence beyond traditional MEP systems While traditional MEP systems form the core components of the overall building operating systems (BOS), it is also necessary to incorporate data from ICT and

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Brian Coogan, Ethos Digital

Stephen Weir, Hereworks

workplace technologies such as wayfinding solutions, room and desk-booking apps, catering, outside environment, traffic management and occupancy monitoring systems. In fact, anything with a defined output should be on-boarded to the cloud so that its metrics can be quantified and intelligent automations utilised for the client’s benefit.

The key is that all this information can be interrogated and used by optimisation tools to identify building usage trends when, say, the weather is cold or warm, or perhaps on a Friday prior to a bank holiday. By interrogating this information via analytical, machine learning (ML) or artificial intelligence (AI) applications, we can implement better use of a space, automatically optimise energy trends, and ensure a healthy working environment.

leverage the knowledge and experience of the Master System Integrator (MSI) from the contracting side. Early collaboration between the DBC with a nominated MSI is recommended. Ideally, the MSI should be nominated prior to the GC or MEP contractor being appointed. This allows them to collaborate and action several of their contracted deliverables and obligations such as device qualification, naming schema, base build, fitout connectivity, etc.

Collaborative design process Recognising that the “intelligent buildings” industry is comparatively new, an early collaborative design process enables the DBC design team to

“

Increasingly, the tools and systems available to design, construct and operate buildings are becoming more sophisticated and intelligent.

Implementing intelligent outcomes The MSI brings together a diverse set of technical skills from network and software development to MEP and project management expertise. Across the project, the MSI is responsible for structuring the building data into a single standardised schema while managing and/or implementing the required designed-for system integrations.

Further responsibilities are multi-fold and range from exporting the relevant building, workplace technologies and ICT data to the cloud, to deploying and implementing systems such as fault detection and diagnostic tools (FDD), dashboards and space analytic sensors.

It is the outputs from these systems which provide the specific insights for delivering building systems optimisation and enhanced user experiences by the DBC, MEP, FM and MSI teams.

• In the next article Brian and Stephen will delve further into the practical implementation and what they have learned acting as DBC and MSI for successful delivery of truly intelligent buildings. Q

27/01/2022 14:00

What happens next to the elephant is inevitable …

… however, what’s about to happen in the building services engineering sector is much harder to predict. Thankfully, Building Services Engineering can help you do that with a wealth of news, feature articles, expert opinions and detailed product information.

building services

Don’t leave yourself out on a limb like our elephant friend.

engineering

www.buildingservicesnews.com House Advert 2022.indd 1

28/01/2022 10:51

Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

LEDVANCE proves benefits at own premises Achieving energy savings while ensuring a high level of illumination and modernising, as simply as possible, the existing traditional lighting were the main objectives of the renovation at LEDVANCE‘s premises at Molsheim. The project had to also meet the requirements of 2019´s tertiary decree and the lighting pollution decree, both of which aim to reduce energy consumption and automatically turn off the lights at night.

The LEDVANCE Vivares Zigbee wireless light management system chosen for the project allowed direct and easy replacement of

the luminaires without complex rewiring or structural modification of the building. Coupled with a detection system, the resuulting energy savings are very high.

Additionally, the monitoring function of the Vivares Cloud enables detailed reports on energy consumption and an overview of the status of all devices. With Vivares, it is so easy to enter the connected era. The speed of the installation was impressive. All the lighting fixtures (offices, meeting rooms and corridors) were changed without dust, without excessive noise, and thus without affecting the activity of the employees at the office.

All traditional luminaires were replaced with LED lighting solutions in combination with the Vivares

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Zigbee, the light management system from LEDVANCE. This system, coupled with presence and light sensors, ensures a significant reduction in energy consumption and offers functionalities such as the creation of maintenance and energy consumption reports via the Vivares cloud.

To allow full automation of the lighting system, 38 Vivares Zigbee L/O sensors were installed in the offices, corridors and stairs. The lighting automatically turns on when the first employee arrives and turns off when the premises are unoccupied. Key couplers have also been installed to allow users to dim the lighting as required, or select a pre-defined scene.

The luminaires were replaced 1:1 and the control is done thanks to a wireless Zigbee connection between luminaires, sensors and Vivares controller. This allowed an important time saving for commissioning on the day of installation.

The system automatically adjusts the light level, regardless of how much natural light is available during the day or in the evening.

This ensures a constant brightness level at all times. It also saves energy and guarantees comfort.

Thanks to the monitoring function, the facility manager can view the status of each luminaire in real time via a dashboard (lifetime, turn-on time, level of consumption).

This makes it easier to anticipate all maintenance operations and also provides detailed reports on consumption.

Contact: Stevie Young, LEDVANCE Ireland. T: 086 600 1291; E: s.young@ledvance.com Q Vivares Zigbee light management system in all areas of the office building.

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LAI was established in 2016 by the leading companies in Ireland’s lighting industry to bring interested parties together with a view to establishing a strong, united representative body to serve the interests of all stakeholders in the sector. It is now recognised by all Government, standards and regulatory authorities – in addition to the leading professional organisations in construction – as the cohesive voice of the industry, writes Gearóid McKenna (left), LAI Chairman.

LAI spearheading sustainable lighting solutions We currently have 29 members, ranging from multi-national manufacturers through to those engaged in emergency lighting, lighting agents, lighting solutions designers and bespoke lighting manufacturers.

The EU’s Green Deal and Renovation Wave initiatives, and Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, are excellent programmes and rightly inform and underpin the policies adopted by Ireland as we seek to reduce both our energy use and carbon emissions. For the most part though they focus primarily on heating, cooling and hot water generation. These are indeed major areas of concern, and ones that offer significant potential for savings.

However, lighting offers as much, if not more potential for energy saving and carbon reduction. Lighting impacts every aspect of modern-day living, be it homes, commercial, retail, hospitality, leisure and public buildings, not to mention outdoor lighting. Also, the pace of

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development in lighting technology is phenomenal with massive gains being made on a regular basis.

With wellbeing now also high on the agenda, especially in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and changed work practices, it offers additional benefits.

The non-visual effects of proper lighting levels are critical to good health, promoting sleep and even recovery from illness, in addition to increasing concentration and performance levels We are currently faced with two crises – the decline of the environment and Covid-19. Lighting is unique in that it offers huge benefits in tackling both at the same time.

LAI’s member companies supply lamps, lighting controls and systems, commercial, architectural, interior, exterior, emergency and bespoke lighting. We service projects from residential, commercial, retail, industrial, street, urban realms,

hospitality and medical. All sectors of lighting are covered by member companies.

We are a collaborative organisation and enjoy strong working relationships with other associations, organisations and state bodies such as CIBSE Ireland, RIAI, SEAI, CIF, EIFI and WEEE Ireland. In addition, many of our members serve as LAI delegates on the executives of these bodies. Apart from that, LAI is also active internationally and is a full member of the Lighting Industry Association and LightingEurope.

The latter is especially significant as through LightingEurope we can contribute to, and influence, EU regulations relating to lighting. We are one of only 12 association members and, as such, have full access to a vast array of expertise, research data, technical support and guidance on both current and impending lighting legislation. We also have representative delegates on a number of

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LightingEurope Technical Committees and that’s how we contribute to, and help influence, the development of industry standards.

Apart from EU standards, we also contribute to the formation of Irish standards with various delegates serving on different NSAI standards committees.

Standards development for the sector is critical and LAI has a major input to these, especially through our delegates dealing with the IS3217 Code of Practise for Emergency Lighting.

On the broader construction front, and through our membership of EIFI, we engage with CIF on a number of industry initiatives, one of the most important at present being the Allindustry Task Force on product shortages and logistics issues. This is a key industry forum where information regarding product availability, manufacturing costs and transport/shipping issues is shared.

As for the EIFI itself, this is the umbrella organisation for the entire electrical industry in Ireland. We are full members along with AEW, AECI, ECA, EMDA and NECI. LAI has four delegates on the EIFI Committee. The current President, Gabriel Byrne, is a founding member of LAI.

centric lighting that also takes product circularity and wellbeing into account, In conjunction with the stated objectives of LightingEurope, LAI’s goals include:

Training and skills Training and skills development is high on the LAI agenda with 12 members recently being awarded Lighting Certificates from the LIA. Paul O`Connor, immediate past Chair, is now the LAI Training & Education Officer. Under his stewardship LAI recently successfully tendered for LAI to provide Dialux software training courses in conjunction with Skillnet Engineering. Two courses, one for Foundation Level, the other for Intermediate Level, will take place from 1 to 4 March 2022. They will be presented by leading international lighting expert Iain Macrae, CEng FSLL MCIBSE. The pace of change and product innovation is phenomenal in lighting with manufacturers harnessing the potential of LEDification and sustainability to deliver energy-efficient and sustainable lighting solutions. The increased value of lighting to society will come from intelligent lighting systems and human

Controls and sensors: Better lighting is enabled by lighting systems that combine controls and sensors with smartness. Intelligent lighting systems can not only deliver significant additional energy savings, but can also make our environments more attractive and functional.

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Better enforcement: We advocate the better enforcement of EU rules to provide safe and quality products and lighting solutions; Clear-cut product rules: Lighting products are subject to many EU rules such as ecodesign, energy efficiency, energy labelling, safety requirements for low voltage, electromagnetic or radio emitting products. The obligation to provide information on these must be clear-cut and easy to understand; Value of lighting: Light enables vision, it helps us navigate our surroundings and makes us feel safe. But light can do so much more. By leveraging the potential of human centric lighting we combine the visual, biological and emotional benefits of light to also support people’s health, wellbeing and performance.

Human centric lighting provides the right light, at the right place and the right time for the activities we carry out each and every day, whether at home, school, hospital, office or on the street.

Sustainability and circularity: Europe’s lighting industry has taken the lead in sustainability and circularity, not only by delivering significant energy savings but also by extending the lifetime of products, reducing hazardous substances, and collecting and recycling of waste products.

LAI’s ambition is to further minimise lighting’s ecological footprint and continue to deliver sustainable products and business models, in line with the EU vision outlined in the European Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan and Ireland’s Climate Action Plan.

Emergency lighting: Emergency lighting is present in all types of buildings, from hospitals to schools, hotels, offices and residential buildings, and activates when the electric supply to the normal lighting fails. Emergency lighting provides illumination and guidance for occupants to safely exit a building in the case of an incident.

Emergency lighting is mandatory, needs continuous assessment and should be properly maintained.

UV-C disinfection technologies: In line with the LightingEurope UV-C Subgroup, LAI promotes the benefits of UV-C disinfection technologies and stimulates the uptake of safe-quality products. LightingEurope advocates the installation of UV-C disinfection technologies as part of the EU Renovation Wave and the application and enforcement of existing safety rules and standards as part of healthy and safe indoor environments. Q

27/01/2022 15:25

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Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

Frankfurt am Main 2 – 6 October 2022

Lighting and predictive maintenance Regular system monitoring and predictive maintenance is essential across all building services engineering sectors, not just to prevent downtime but also to maximise energy efficiency. In the lighting sector, new technologies enable components to connect with each other and data to be collected continuously. This can be achieved through predictive maintenance and is one of the main themes at the forthcoming Light + Building 2022 which will now take place on 2 to 6 October 2022.

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The sustainability and climate debates entail higher technological and energy efficiency requirements for the systems in buildings. Zero emission buildings are a proclaimed goal of the EU and are stipulated in the European EPBD (Energy Performance of Building Directives). In addition, the political will for sector coupling of all elements of building services systems is shaping the trend towards energy and condition monitoring. However, far from being a major challenge, increasingly complex technical building equipment (TBE) will make predictive maintenance economical for all.

However, this requires detailed measurement and control technology to be implemented in the building. In the future, a central meter for billing in the building will no longer be sufficient, because modern buildings require sub-metering structures and measured value recording for all energy flows and media. These are, among other things, the prerequisites for energy management in accordance with ISO 50001 in functional buildings with diverse savings potential.

Detailed data acquisition, combined with self-learning algorithms, creates a real-time analysis for energy flows and consumptions. This allows correlations of different measured values to be analysed, visualised and configured. A dashboard is then used to operate the

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Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

property in a user-oriented and energy-efficient manner. Condition monitoring also makes traditional maintenance approaches obsolete.

The regular maintenance of lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems specified by manufacturers, or even the building automation components with their fixed cycles, rarely reflect the actual condition of the systems. This is because the different room and environmental situations – and the also usage behaviour of systems – have a considerable effect on their service life. Thus, maintenance is either too early or too late. While the cost of premature maintenance on the service life of equipment is still acceptable, the failure of components can have consequences.

The advantages of condition monitoring are that plant or equipment problems can be detected and remedied as they arise, as well as an accurate

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prediction of the remaining service life of monitored components. In addition, service life is extended through databased individual maintenance plans, and maintenance costs are reduced through pinpoint maintenance. This results in high customer satisfaction and improved competitiveness.

However, this requires that hardware components are equipped with additional measurement technology and radio transmission technology.

Process data can then be used for predictive maintenance via a data bus (wired or wireless).

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At Light + Building 2022, miniature circuit breakers (fuses) with integrated measuring transformers will be exhibited to record electrical power distributed via the circuit. This data, time-stamped, is forwarded to the energy management or condition monitoring system for evaluation. This example shows how previously-simple hardware components with additional sensors can become data donors for predictive maintenance and energy management, ultimately optimising the energy efficiency of entire systems in real time.

See www.light-building.com Q

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Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

SEAI announces record year for sustainable investment The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland recently announced its achievements for 2021, detailing €196 million of Government investment in Ireland’s sustainable energy transition, making it a record year. As a result, more than 11,300 homes are more comfortable and efficient, there are 13,400 more EVs in use, 600 communities are planning their own clean energy transition, the public sector is now 29% more energy efficient and thousands of businesses are more competitive.

Speaking about the results, SEAI Chief Executive William Walsh said: “The last year has seen a further increase in activity across our programmes, grants and services. We now have strong momentum and an appetite for change among businesses, the public sector, communities and home and vehicle owners. This comes at a vital time as

the challenge ahead is unprecedented.

Only sustained year-on-year emissions reductions will see us meet our targets and make our national contribution to the global aim of limiting warming to 1.5º. Our ambition over the next decade is to far outstrip the rates of change previously achieved.

“We have had significant success in

decarbonising electricity but the shift towards renewable energy and energy efficient technologies has not been fast enough to curb rising greenhouse gas emissions from heat and transport activities. As we begin to emerge from the pandemic in 2022, it’s likely that much of the emissions reductions that occurred due to lock-down measures and other COVID impacts will be eliminated.

“We have learned a lot from past efforts. We continue to work with all stakeholders to optimise schemes and improve offerings to drive emissions reductions from our energy system. We now engage with almost every sector of Irish life to support the necessary changes. This is no time to delay. We encourage businesses of all sizes and all citizens to engage in the conversations, to utilise existing supports and make whatever changes they can to move away from fossil fuel use now.

“The demands on Ireland’s energy and environment require us to work at pace and to deliver even greater results. That is what we intend to do.

Not just because it is our mission but because it will provide a better life for individuals, businesses and communities long into the future. If we achieve our mission, our legacy will be a healthy Ireland and a healthy planet for future generations.” Q

“ William Walsh, SEAI Chief Executive.

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We encourage businesses of all sizes and all citizens to engage in the conversations, utilise existing supports and make whatever changes they can to move away from fossil fuel use now.

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Building Services Engineering l January/February 2022

Understanding the key elements is vital

Decoding a motor’s nameplate Whether you are looking to replace or repair a motor, it is important to give your supplier or service provider accurate details of the motor you currently have. The most relevant information should be recorded on the motor's nameplate. To help users understand the information on their motor nameplates, Karl Metcalfe (below), Technical Support at the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades, explains what key elements mean.

To specify a replacement motor or understand the requirements of a repair or rewind, several attributes need to be established. These include information such as the size and format of a motor, its power and speed ratings, how and where it has been designed to be used, its efficiency and a range of other factors.

Most motors will have a nameplate that carries this information in a format that meets standards set out by one of two bodies, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA). Once you understand how the information is presented, it should be easy to read the nameplate.

See Figure 1 and the related detailed explanations below.

1 – Frame size This indicates some of the motor's key dimensions and will usually be at the top of the nameplate as it is an important metric. Frame sizes conform to a standard that defines a motor's dimensions and outputs. The frame size is the height of the shaft's centre from the base of the motor's foot. A 315 frame, as in this example, will have a dimension from foot to shaft of 315mm.

The number will be followed by a letter, S is for a short foot, M is for a medium foot, and L is for a large foot. This letter defines the dimension between the mounting holes on the front and back feet.

2 – Power The motor's power may be written in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (hp). It will be written in kW on most motors, but older motors may be rated in hp.

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3 – Voltages Where there is more than one voltage figure listed, the delta (6) connection is the low-voltage connection, while the star ([) configuration is for a highvoltage connection. The wiring diagram for both delta and star configurations will often also be added to the nameplate.

4 – Speed/RPM This is the maximum speed of the motor in revolutions per minute without a load present, and this information can also inform how many poles the motor has.

A motor requires a minimum of two poles per phase and a 2-pole motor rotates fully for each polarity change.

Therefore, at 50Hz, the theoretical maximum speed a 3-phase motor can run at is 3000rpm. So, a motor labelled as having a speed of around 3,000rpm will be a 2-pole motor. The reality is slightly slower in induction motors due to losses from factors such as drag and windage – referred to as slip. As rpm halves, then the number of poles will have to double.

Therefore, a motor rated at around 1500rpm (1490rpm in our example) will be a 4-pole motor. It follows then that a rating around 1000rpm will indicate a 6-pole motor, while a motor labelled near to 750rpm will have 8-poles, and a 10-pole motor will run close to 600rpm.

5 – Efficiency Efficiency is a significant factor where motors are concerned and is typically indicated by an IE number. While a lower efficiency motor can be repaired and reused, sometimes to an improved efficiency level, the Ecodesign Directive governs what IE rating a new motor must have based on the application and the wider system.

IE1 is known as standard efficiency, IE2 is high efficiency, IE3 is premium efficiency and IE4 is super premium.

There is a significant difference in efficiency between IE1 and IE4. At a power rating of around 4kW, an IE1 motor is around 80% efficient, while an IE4 motor is around 90% efficient.

That represents halving the losses,

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About AEMT

Figure 1

which can account for a significant cost saving. If a 22kW/h 4-pole IE1 motor, which runs for around 8,000 hours per year is replaced with an IE3 equivalent, the saving could be in the region of b935 per year at an electricity cost of 18 Cents per kW/h.

6 – IP rating IP stands for ingress protection – a device's ability to stop foreign material from entering and interfering with its operation. The first of two digits after the IP represents the level of protection from solid matter and the second liquids. The first can range from 0 (no protection) to 6 (total protection) from dust. The second goes from 0 (no protection) from liquids to 9 (resisting high-pressure water jets).

7 – Bearing size & 8 – Temperature Some manufacturers will put the bearing sizes on their nameplates, and they may include a temperature rating which in Figure 1 shows the motor can run in an ambient temperature of up to 40°C.

10 – Continuous duty In Figure 1, S1 stands for continuous duty and indicates that this motor has been designed to run 24/7, 365 days a year without issues … but, subject to scheduled maintenance. Ten duty cycle classifications cover examples such as short-term use, intermittent duty, and variable load.

11 – Phase rating The number after the ~ symbol indicates the phase rating of the motor – either single or three.

Motors may also include other information, such as the Ex symbol, applied to motors designed for use in potentially explosive environments.

These motors will need to be replaced with similarly-rated motors and should only be repaired by a company with the expertise and ability to repair hazardous area Ex equipment. Q

The Association of Electrical & Mechanical Trades (AEMT) is the international association representing companies that manufacture, distribute, install, service, maintain and repair electric motors, drives, pumps, fans, gearboxes, generators, transformers, switchgear and ancillary equipment.

See www.theaemt.com

“

Once you understand how the information is presented, it should be easy to read the nameplate on most motors and pass this information to your supplier or service partner.

9 – Insulation class The nameplate may also show what insulation class the motor has been wound to. The repair standard for rotating machines states that a motor can be repaired to the same or a better insulation class, so this is important information for a repair provider to have.

The duty cycle may also be on the nameplate.

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Enhance your career prospects …

Join CIBSE Ireland CIBSE Ireland promotes the careers of building services engineers by accrediting courses of study in higher education. It also approves work-based training programmes and provides routes to full professional registration and membership, including Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer and Engineering Technician.

Whether a student member or fully qualified, CIBSE offers a range of services, all focused on maintaining and enhancing professional excellence throughout your career.

CIBSE members in Ireland are represented by an active Regional Committee that organises an extensive programme of CPD events, technical evenings, training courses, awards and conferences. The programme also includes social events such as the annual golf outing and the annual Christmas lunch.

CIBSE Ireland membership means you can avail of all these events and activities. You also get direct online access to CIBSE’s full range of design guides and other publications.

Email: contact@cibseireland.org

www.cibseireland.org

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Combatting energy consumption from cooling

New EU methodology rules for renewable cooling New rules, establishing a methodology for calculating the quantity of renewable cooling and district cooling that can be counted towards EU renewable energy targets, were published by the European Commission just as 2021 came to a close.

This delegated act clarifies the way in which cooling can count towards a member state’s overall renewables target, and also how it contributes to the sectoral targets on heating and cooling and district heating and cooling under the Renewable Energy Directive (2018/2001/EU).

The new calculation methodology fills a gap in the current legislation, since the renewable cooling contribution to renewables could not so far be calculated in practice, even though it was in principle covered by the Renewable Energy Directive since 2009. The EU methodology is the first such calculation method introduced anywhere in the world.

The combination of a warming climate, changing building design

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and increasing demand for thermal comfort has seen an increase in energy consumption from cooling. Figures show that cooling is no longer statistically insignificant in terms of energy consumption, but a new emerging sector that already accounts for between 5% and 20% of final energy consumption in some EU member countries.

“

Cooling is no longer statistically insignificant in terms of energy consumption.

This has made the adoption of the renewable cooling calculation methodology a topical and pressing issue for the EU and its member states. Under Article 7(3) of the 2018 Renewable Energy Directive, the Commission was obliged to adopt renewable cooling methodology by the end of 2021.

In more technical terms, the new methodology introduces a progressive system in which the renewable share of cooling depends on its energy performance. It sets two thresholds – cooling systems below the lower threshold will not be recognised as renewable, while cooling from systems at or above the higher threshold will fully count as renewable. Cooling systems between the two thresholds will be able to credit a linearly-increasing quantity of cooling as renewable energy, as their efficiency approaches the higher threshold.

Reward best technologies This methodology will reward the best available technologies of today, such as highly-efficient reversible heat pumps and free cooling by district cooling networks. It also incentivises the future deployment of innovative cooling technologies, such as solar cooling, that both reduce energy consumption and increase the use of renewable sources for cooling.

In addition to filling a regulatory gap, the delegated act on renewable cooling ensures that the increasinglyimportant cooling sector joins other sectors in contributing to the 2030 goals of the “Fit for 55” legislative package, and is integrated into the climate neutrality framework set by the European Green Deal for 2050.

The delegated act has been sent to the European Parliament and the Council for a 2-month scrutiny. If these institutions decide not to object, the act will enter into force after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Q

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Engineering employers are set to join forces with third-level institutions across Ireland to provide transition year students with the opportunity to gain insight into the diversity and creativity of contemporary engineering.

The Environmental Protection Agency, ESB, DBFL Consulting Engineers, Palliare Ltd, Fingleton White and Clandillon Civil Consulting will join 13 third-level institutions across Ireland to host over 550 transition year students for the 10th annual STEPS Engineering Your Future programme, taking place from March through to May 2022.

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Established in 2012 by Engineers Ireland’s STEPS programme – and supported by the Department of Education and industry leaders Arup, EPA, ESB, Intel and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) – the immersive engineering work experience initiative has provided over 2,500 students with the opportunity to explore the engineering profession.

In the programme, run over three to five days, students attend interactive talks and presentations; get experience with group-based activities; visit local industry and meet engineers at various stages in their careers.

Caroline Spillane, Director General of Engineers Ireland, commented: “As a knowledge-based economy and an island nation, we have a reliance on the quality and quantity of our STEM graduates. Ireland needs a steady supply

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of engineers, with the necessary skillset, to boost local economies, create new jobs, facilitate sustainable development and meet Government ambitions.

“Through the STEPS Engineering Your Future programme transition year students are provided with the opportunity to gain rewarding work experience and an insight into the limitless opportunities afforded by a career in engineering. This immersive experience helps students to explore a variety of engineering disciplines and also experience, first-hand, the vital role of engineers in society.”

Encouraging transition year students to apply for a place on the programme, Ms Spillane continued: “The STEPS Engineering Your Future programme has grown from a pilot with UCD in 2012 to now having 19 project partners, providing even more students with the opportunity to explore the engineering profession.”

With placements still available, those already working in the industry should broadcast the news to all their colleagues and friends in order to encourage transition year students to apply for a place.

See: https://www.engineersireland. ie/Schools/Get-involved/EngineeringYour-Future/Transition-Yearprogramme Q

28/01/2022 11:06

PAT LEHANE

Silver lining for Ryan?

As we went to press and the Ukraine crisis continued to escalate, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, warned that deliveries of Russian coal to Moneypoint power station could be affected by sanctions against President Putin’s regime.

Have a vasectomy and save the planet!

Recent studies worldwide point to a growing number of young men having vasectomies for ecological reasons.

Apparently, having one fewer child would save more than 25 times the emissions of, say, living without a car or avoiding long-haul flights.

A detailed study last year of 600 people (aged 27 to 45) who had undergone a vasectomy in Singapore revealed that 60% did so because they were concerned about the carbon footprint of their potential offspring. In Bolivia, 28% of men in a smaller vasectomy study group said they were motivated by climate concerns.

So, calling all you budding young, male building services engineers who want to make a difference … how about it?

Common sense finally prevailing It’s refreshing to see some honest appraisal of one of the many “green”

Wonder if Minister Ryan is as concerned as the rest of us, or whether he sees it as the proverbial silver lining in the cloud?

All gas but no gas When the Corrib field runs out and we are still in urgent need of natural gas, are we going to continue to import it from abroad, including Russia? Indeed, are we going to still even have access to this resource?

The one certainty is that we are going to need supplies of natural gas for quite some time into the future, however noble (if somewhat naieve) the aspiration for otherwise is.

So, why stop issuing licences for further exploration of the Corrib field region? If additional reserves of natural gas can be located and utilised, it could well lead to a sustainable future for Ireland.

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initiatives rolled out by various authorities in Ireland. When Dublin City Council agreed a sponsorship deal with advertising giant JCDecaux to operate the Dublinbikes scheme, it included permission for 28 electronic advertising panels across the city.

However, recent analysis by The Sunday Times indicates that the combined annual carbon footprint of the 28 panels is slightly greater than the actual CO2 savings of the bike scheme. The argument that these digipanels are carbon neutral because the electricity is purchased from a so-called “zero carbon” energy supplier just goes to prove how green-washing is now the order of the day.

Green initiatives are essential but please, let’s stop kidding ourselves.

Climate change hypocrisy The Centre for Global Development (CGD) has called out the hypocrisy of richer countries pledging to end support for international fossil fuel projects while, at the same time, continuing to develop, and subsidise, similar projects at home.

The Energy for Growth Hub, an international research network, estimates that if 48 countries in Africa, excluding South Africa and several north African nations, tripled their electricity consumption through use of natural gas, the resulting carbon emissions would be less than 1% of the global total.

It also brings to mind the billions of dollars being spent by the United Arab Emirates on massive solar park developments which are funded by oil revenues. “People in glass houses” and all that.

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