ACR Journal - April 2015

ISSN 2058-4407

VOLUME 1 No4

Essential Information for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry

APRIL 2015 1989-2014

AN N RY

COVER_Apr15.indd 1

IV E RSA

acrjournal.uk

17/03/2015 16:38

p02-03_acrapr15.indd 1

13/03/2015 10:11:34

p02-03_acrapr15.indd 2

13/03/2015 10:11:41

04

CONTENTS

April 2015

REGULARS

1989-2014

AN N RY

Editor

IVE RSA

Essential Information for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry

Will Hawkins 01778 392094 willh@warnersgroup.co.uk

6 News

10 IOR News Update

11 ACRIB News Update

Editorial Co-ordinator

Diane Gilbertson 01778 391177 dianeg@warnersgroup.co.uk

12

Editorial Design Ady Braddock

Publisher Juliet Loiselle 01778 391067 julietl@warnersgroup.co.uk

Advertising Design Natalie Reynolds

Account Manager Katrina Browning 01778 395022 katrinab@warnersgroup.co.uk

Multimedia Account Manager James Knight 01778 395029 jamesk@warnersgroup.co.uk

Products & Awards Organiser Shelley Bright 01778 391172 shelleyb@warnersgroup.co.uk

Production Sue Ward 01778 392405 production@warnersgroup.co.uk

Subscriptions Single copy £3.00; Annual UK subscription £35.00 Overseas £65.00

Published by: Warners Group Publications Plc The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9PH 01778 391000 01778 394748 www.warnersgroup.co.uk © Copyright 2015

PRINTED BY WARNERS 01778 395111

Contents1.indd 4

Mitsubishi Column

Cool Know How

If you ever wondered why anyone would ever be interested in becoming an air conditioning, refrigeration or heat pump engineer, this issue might give you some insights. A perception about this industry, from within the industry, is that people don’t want to get dirty. There are cleaner options as a career choice, such as IT. Firstly, we have to be positive about this industry. Let’s talk to young people about the wide variety of roles and technology available to learn. Let’s enthuse about the opportunity to travel around the world, which few other careers can offer. Let’s talk about the job security that comes with knowing that cooling products and people down, or heating them up using the principles of thermodynamics is in demand, everywhere.

At the time of writing, I am just back from the Big Bang Fair at the NEC where thousands of young people were captivated by the demonstrations on Cool Science’s ‘Cool Know How’ stand. The team showed them some of the ‘cool’ things this industry does.

Based upon that and the interviews I have with younger and more experienced industry professionals, we have a lot to offer people. Now, I need you to do me a favour – talk to one young person a week enthusiastically about why they should join our industry. It will have a dramatic effect.

14 Out and About with Will Hawkins

22 CPD from Mitsubishi

40 Company Profile: Climate Center

52 Women In ACR Hafsa Kalsoom, Cool Concerns

58 Contractor’s Corner Diversitech

59 Products What’s New in April

60 Coffee Break Competition Sponsored by Refcom

14

17/03/2015 16:46

05

CONTENTS

acrjournal.uk

30

FEATURES

DATA CENTRE COOLING

46

REFRIGERANTS

Poor Testing that Can Cost Data Centres Millions Mafi Mushkila

18 How Natural Refrigerants Will Grow In Popularity A-Gas

HUMIDIFICATION

20

50 Engineers Under Pressure Javac

Humidification Control HygroMatik

TRAINING

SOLID STATE REFRIGERATION

28

54

Aspen Pumps Training Centre Opens its Doors Wide

Will Solid State Cooling Disrupt the Industry?

Interview with CEO of Phononic

29

54

Training Providers’ Table

61

RETAIL REFRIGERATION Recruitment

30

66

It Pays to be Green Danfoss

62 Classifieds

Big Bang Fair 2015 Review

32

65

MANUFACTURERS/ DISTRIBUTORS

Essential Information for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry

APRIL 2015

Spotted! Chilly Van of the Month Sponsored by ITE (UK) Ltd

ISSN 2058-4407

How a New Refrigerant Improved energy efficiency at an Italian Supermarket DuPont

Chilly Chatter Sponsored by Fujitsu

VOLUME 1 No4

64

36 Manufacturers/Distributors Table

COMPRESSORS

IN THE JUNE ISSUE OF ACR JOURNAL:

Retail Refrigeration l Chillers l Air Movement l Chilled Beams Submissions deadline Thursday 30th April

COVER_Apr15.indd 1

About our front cover:

IV E RSA

acrjournal.uk

Roll Out the Barrel J&E Hall

Contents1.indd 5

AN

N

44

1989-2014

RY

46

17/03/2015 16:38

Daikin Applied Visit the new website, (from April 1st) at www.daikinapplied.uk to learn more about the brand name change.

17/03/2015 16:46

06

NEWS

April 2015

Ingersoll Rand Buys Frigoblock for £72 million

3i INVESTS IN ASPEN PUMPS IN £105 MILLION TRANSACTION

Air conditioning and refrigeration equipment manufacturers, Ingersoll Rand, has bought transport refrigeration specialists Frigoblock for £72.4 million (€100 million).

Frigoblock makes and designs refrigeration equipment for Lorries and trailers for the Northern European market in its German factory. The company turns over around £30 million each year. Frigoblock will move into Ingersoll Rand’s ‘Transport Solutions’ division which is better known as Thermo King.

Ray Pittard, president of Ingersoll Rand’s Transport Solutions said: “Our goal for this acquisition is to provide customers with a complete portfolio of solutions that are reliable, safe, efficient and environmentally responsible to meet their transport temperature control needs – including access to new hybrid and non-diesel options.

“Frigoblock is a unique and pioneering company that will allow us to expand our offerings immediately in Europe.”

Dupont Patent Appeal on R22 Drop-In Replacements Is Rejected In Spain Dupont recently had its appeal rejected in Spain for an alleged patent infringement of a Star Refrigeration patent of which Dupont is the exclusive licensee.

The allegation was on patents owned by Altrincham-based Refrigerant Solutions Ltd (RSL) for R22 drop-in replacement refrigerants RS-44 (R424A) and RS-45 (R434A). Gases Research Innovation & Technology (GRIT) and Gas Servei make and distribute the refrigerants in Spain.

The patent infringement case was originally rejected by the court in Barcelona in February 2013, but Dupont appealed against the decision.

NEWS.indd 6

Aspen Pumps has announced its acquisition by International 3i Group plc in a £105 million transaction with Inflexion.

Since Aspens acquisition by Inflexion in 2007, the business has enjoyed a period of consistent growth and has almost trebled in size. The double Queens Award winning company now has a global distribution network spanning over 106 countries.

Adrian Thompson Chief Executive for Aspen Pumps said; ‘Over the last 7 years, Inflexion have been an excellent supporter of Aspen and have worked closely with the management team. Moving forward we are delighted to be partnering with 3i and have been impressed with their ambition for the business. Aspen can benefit greatly from their experience supporting businesses achieve international expansion and are excited by the opportunity to continue our successful growth with a supportive and insightful partner.

Pete Wilson, 3i Partner, said: “Aspen is a great fit with our strategy of supporting midmarket companies to grow internationally. It is an excellent business, with best-in-class products addressing structurally growing, global markets. We look forward to working with the team to continue Aspen’s highly successful development through further international growth and product range expansion, as well as actively supporting complementary acquisition opportunities.”

Looking ahead, Aspens primary focus will be to continue to deliver market leading products and to further develop its global links through relationship development and acquisitive growth. www.aspenpumps.com

17/03/2015 17:42

The world’s first refrigeration coil cleaner

Nonfood Compounds Program Listed

Ask your wholesaler for CoolSafe®, a one-of-akind coil cleaner registered by NSF as safe to use in food areas.

Designed with efficiency & food safety in mind In the cold-chain, clients handling food will always ask: “Are those maintenance chemicals safe?” With Advanced CoolSafe®, you will be able to answer confidently: “Yes”.

CoolSafe® is a unique & advanced breed of coil cleaner; designed, developed & tested from scratch, specifically for the refrigeration sector.

Strong enough to shift the really nasty buildups found in fridge equipment, CoolSafe® cleans deep into the coil, improving efficiency, reliability and hygiene… but importantly, CoolSafe® will always be safe enough to use around food.

KEEP REFRIGERATION CLEAN, COOL & SAFE Distributed by

advanced engineering

World-leading products for air conditioning and refrigeration professionals

AE_CoolSafe-210x142-ACRNEWS.indd 1 p07_acrapr15.indd 1

+44 (0)1256 460300 sales@advancedengineering.co.uk www.advancedengineering.co.uk

09/10/2014 16:15 17/03/2015 18:27

08

NEWS

April 2015

Ammonia Refrigeration Systems Failing to Comply with Legislation A recent survey of over 100 food manufacturing companies operating ammonia refrigeration systems in their facilities found that 80% of them failed to comply with legislation.

Arneg Buys Manor Concepts Italian commercial refrigeration manufacturer, Arneg, has bought retail refrigeration unit and door makers Manor Concepts for an undisclosed sum, it was announced today.

Arneg will gain from Manor Concepts’ Bedfordshire based manufacturing and research skills to support its existing dealer network in the UK. Manor Concepts is likely to benefit from further investment into development of its range of energy saving retail refrigeration units and doors through its ‘Manor Refrigerated Cabinets’ and ‘coolsuredoors’ operating divisions.

Manor Concepts recently invested further in its cabinet development and testing capabilities with a second ‘state-of-the-art’ test laboratory. The new lab enabled the business to test to ECA standards in both R404 and CO2 on site.

Arneg, based in Veneto in Italy, boasts 20 factories and 11 offices in 25 different countries, and turns over more than €500 million a year. The business makes and markets cabinets, racks (compressor systems), checkouts, shelving, cold rooms, doors, plug-ins and related services.

The management team at Manor Concepts will continue to run the UK business.

The survey, carried out by Stephen Gill Associates, found that less than 20% met DSEAR and ATEX Legislation. In addition, the survey revealed that 30% of sites had no or inadequate risk assessments for their ammonia refrigeration systems.

The ATEX 137 Directive was formally adopted into law in the UK in 2003 and requires that all companies operating with areas, (including those containing ammonia refrigeration plant), classified as ‘Hazardous’ classify their production areas into zones and assess the risks both to their employees and their plant assets. While the majority of the sites in the survey had DSEAR assessments for the rest of the site, the ammonia refrigeration plants had been ‘by-passed’ as they were considered ‘too specialist’.

It was found that many operators of ammonia refrigeration systems found it difficult to understand the standards that support the legislation. Unfortunately, lack of understanding of the requirements is no excuse for lack of action in the eyes of the HSE, and indeed the insurance companies.

Stephen Gill commented: “We are fortunate in this country to have a good safety record when it comes to ammonia refrigeration systems.

Incidents are thankfully few and far between so we were surprised by the high number of sites with inadequate or inappropriate safety procedures in place”.

STEVE GILL ANNOUNCED AS IOR PRESIDENT ELECT The Institute of Refrigeration has announced that Steve Gill FInstR is to be its next President.

Electoral Reform Services, an independent body, counted the votes and current IoR President, Graeme Maidment announced the results to members, stating: “On behalf of all of the members I would like to thank both candidates for their generosity in offering their time and expertise in serving the Institute, and their willingness to stand in this election.

NEWS.indd 8

“I look forward to welcoming Steve back onto IOR Council and working with him, as President-Elect, in a variety of IOR activities over the next 12 months.”

Steve Gill becomes President-Elect on 1st April and officially takes up the post of President a year later in April 2016.

Steve Gill commented: “I am humbled that the Executive Council and the membership have put their faith and trust in me to be the President. I hope to build upon the successes of the current President, and

am looking forward to working with him during the coming year. The IOR does a lot of fabulous work and it is important that we get that message out there. I have been fortunate during my career to have worked in many countries and I feel that this experience will help to broaden and grow our overseas membership. I would especially like to thank Bob Arthur for generously also agreeing to stand. I am sure that Bob will continue to make a valuable contribution to the IOR for a long time to come”.

17/03/2015 17:34

NEWS

09 acrjournal.uk

Mexichem Announces Refrigerant Price Rise Refrigerant manufacturer, Mexichem Fluor announced early in March an increase in the cost of its gases with immediate effect.

The 15% price rise affects its KLEA® refrigerants in Europe, which include KLEA®134a, 407A, 407C and 410A gases.

Mexichem Flour’s 404A and 507 refrigerants have increased by 20% in price.

The company puts the price increase down to “continued adjustment of refrigerant gas prices to sustainable levels and the challenging exchange rate between the Euro and the US Dollar.”

Refrigerant manufacturer, Mexichem Fluor announced earlier this month that it has increased the cost of its gases with immediate effect.

The 15% price rise affects its KLEA® refrigerants in Europe, which include KLEA®134a, 407A, 407C and 410A gases.

IOR Annual Dinner Awards On the 19th February, 440 people gathered to celebrate the 115th Annual Dinner of the Institute of Refrigeration at the Grange St Pauls Hotel. They came together to celebrate the Institute, the industry and the achievements of a range of outstanding individuals from everyday service engineers to world class innovators.

Mexichem Fluor’s 404A and 507 refrigerants have increased by 20% in price.

The company puts the price increase down to “continued adjustment of refrigerant gas prices to sustainable levels and the challenging exchange rate between the Euro and the US Dollar.”

Natural Refrigerants Conference Confirmed for 2016 in Edinburgh The 12th Gustav Lorentzen Natural Working Fluid Conference is returning to the UK in August 2016.

The International Institute of Refrigeration conference covers questions raised by new developments, environmental issues and legislation. The conference will focus on the ‘vision for the future of natural working fluids for 2016 and beyond’.

The programme includes: • total cost of ownership of systems • the impact of indirect emissions • comparing the most efficient solutions • ensuring safe and reliable operation • component development and availability • how we use refrigeration systems • extending the geographic range of natural working fluid suitability.

Technical tours will feature in the event. Papers will cover technical issues at tour sites.

The Institute of Refrigeration will host the event which takes place in Edinburgh between 21st-24th August 2016.

The conference coincides with the Edinburgh Festival, one of the largest arts festivals in the world.

Read more details about the natural refrigerants conference here: www.gl2016.com

Amongst the awards presented on the night was the Service Engineers’ Section Lifetime Achievement Award. Not many service engineers can boast a career of 43 years in the industry, but Ian Sullivan of Sullivan Air Conditioning, winner of the Award, has done just that – starting with an apprenticeship with Indair in 1971. He decided he wanted to join the RACHP industry after an afternoon spent questioning a refrigeration engineer called to his father’s off licence and grocery shop. Today he runs his own business as a self-employed service engineer, sub-contracting to several different companies. He also delights in passing on his knowledge to the young engineers that work alongside him. Ian was presented on the night with a cash prize and commemorative tankard donated by the ACR Trainee of the Year Award, for outstanding service to the industry.

NEWS.indd 9

17/03/2015 17:34

10

IOR NEWS

April 2015

THE FUTURE OF HEATING AND COOLING

IOR

T

he IOR REAL Alternatives Blended learning programme was launched on 19th March in the UK. The programme features seven on line learning modules including videos, downloadable resources and links to more information. The whole programme is integrated with learning booklets for use in training courses, assessments and an on line e-library. It has been development by a consortium of European associations and part funded by the EU Lifelong Learning programme to encourage new skills in the existing workforce. With the new F Gas Regulations encouraging the wider take up of new low GWP alternatives, this programme provides a useful free and accessible resource for the industry.

If you missed the launch, webinar a recording is available with presentations from IOR President Graeme Maidment on the evolution of approaches to Refrigerant Emissions and Leakage reduction; Ray Gluckman giving an overview of legislative drivers and limitations for moving to alternative refrigerants and Jane Gartshore on working with alternative refrigerants. The webinar also includes a demonstration of the e-learning programme.

There are eight e-learning modules available and they cover hydrocarbon, carbon dioxide, ammonia and low flammables such as R32 and HFOs: ₀ Introduction to Alternative Refrigerants - safety, efficiency, reliability and good practice ₀ System design using alternative refrigerant ₀ Containment and leak detection of alternative refrigerant ₀ Maintenance and repair of alternative refrigerant systems ₀ Retrofitting existing systems ₀ Checklist of legal obligations when working with alternative refrigerants ₀ Measuring the financial and environmental impact of leakage ₀ Tools and guidance for conducting site surveys Register for the free e-learning and view the launch webinar at www.realalternatives.eu

I

f you want to find out what is happening next in UK manufacturing and research you should come along to one of the SIRACH (Sustainable Innovation in RAC and Heat) tours. These networking events allow anyone interested in finding out more, access to manufacturing and design sites of some of the UK’s leading companies. SIRACH has helped facilitate meetings at heat pump manufacturers, green building suppliers, heat research centres, sustainable supermarkets and recycling plants, to name but a few.

Details of past events are on the website but there are two interesting tours coming up this year that will interest those involved in how cooling and heating are being integrated to help save energy.

INNOVATIONS IN COMPRESSORS FOR INTEGRATED HEATING AND COOLING SIRACH Network is once again organising access to leading edge research and development facilities in the UK. Compressor designer Arctic Circle hosts a factory tour for the network on 23rd April at their site in Hereford. Arctic Circle are well known for providing low carbon solutions to the industry through innovation in compressors, heat recovery, chillers, thermal storage and heat pumps. Delegates will be able to hear from experts on the design and manufacturing process in this unique tour. Anyone who wants to attend this event can book online.

The event will focus on the “integration challenge” and latest developments and innovations in heat pumps and cooling technologies and look at the challenges that integration poses. Presentations will include an overview and technical presentation from Arctic Circle. Neil Hewitt of the University of Ulster will discuss High Temperature Vapour Compression Heat Pumps Utilising Alternative Working Fluids and there will be a case study into integrated refrigeration and air conditioning in supermarkets. The day will also include a facilitated networking session and there is a fantastic opportunity to tour the research and manufacturing site at Arctic Circle.

NETWORKS FOR HEATING AND COOLING The Joseph Swan Centre for Energy Research at the University of Newcastle is the hub for a number of cooling related innovations including, Biofuel Micro-Trigeneration, Cryogenic Energy Storage, Building Management & Energy Demand tools, and Cogeneration of Power and Refrigeration. The SIRACH event will focus on the opportunities, challenges and new solutions offered by Heating and Cooling Networks.

Find out more at

Ray Gluckman

IOR News.indd 10

Graeme Maidment

www.sirach.org.uk

Jane Gartshore

17/03/2015 12:02

ACRIB

F Gas T

he ACRIB F Gas Implementation group has been following closely the progress of the new UK Statutory Instrument which provides powers of enforcement and penalties related to the 2014 EU F Gas Regulation.

ACRIB has taken the opportunity to arrange a meeting with DEFRA and Environment Agency officials to discuss effective enforcement and national registration schemes.

The meeting later in March is one of a series of on-going dialogues that industry representatives have held to help ensure that cost-effective and appropriate measures are applied in our sector, and that all elements of the industry are well informed of their new and existing obligations.

There remain a number of aspects of the European Regulation that are as yet undecided. ACRIB is keen to help inform decision makers and continues to monitor the work being taken at an EU level to finalise these. For example, whilst the existing individual training and certificates remain valid, Member States do have an obligation to provide access to information and training regarding low GWP technologies and refrigerants to replace existing HFCs, and existing regulatory requirements for working with equipment containing alternative refrigerants. The EU is currently researching existing barriers to adoption of alternative refrigerants and is considering whether to submit a new legislative proposal or amendments.

ACRIB members include key trade associations across numerous applications. As such DEFRA in the UK is making use of the ACRIB trade association members to ensure industry views on any such new legislations or existing barriers are taken into account. Results of this research are expected in the autumn.

ACRIB MEMBER ORGANISATION GUIDANCE In the meantime through a series of conferences and publications ACRIB is providing its own guidance on certain aspects of the new F Gas Regulations in the UK as well as links from other bodies. ACRIB member organisations also have a range of free guides on the safe use of alternative refrigerants available from their websites including: From the British Refrigeration Association – guidance on flammable refrigerants http://www.feta.co.uk/associations/ bra/publications From the Institute of Refrigeration – Codes of Practice for Carbon Dioxide and Flammable Refrigerants and e-learning on Low GWP Alternatives at www.realalternatives.eu From the Building & Engineering Services Association http:// www.b-espublications.co.uk/ DEFRA F Gas Guidance at http://www.gluckmanconsulting. com/f-gas-information-sheets/

Untitled-2 1 ACRIB.indd 11

Our strength is our fast response Quality engineering products for NH3, CO2 and other refrigerants from leading European manufacturers • Open Refrigerant Pumps • Hermetic Pumps NH3/CO2 • Pressure Vessels • Surge Drums • Liquid Receivers • Economisers • Oil Recovery Systems • Chilled Water/Brine Chillers • Ammonia Spray Chillers • High Pressure Floats • Stop Valves NH3/CO2 • Ball Valves

TitanAds.indd 2

• Electronic and Pneumatic Control Valves • Liquid Level Transducers • Flap Indicators • Oil Separators • Circular Welded Plate • Heat Exchangers • Shell & Tube Condensers • DX Chillers • Brazed Plate • Heat Exchangers • Capillary Hose • Leak Detection Equipment

28/03/2014 09:47:29 17/03/2015 11:46 16:36 24/07/2012

12

12MITSUBISHI COLUMN

April 2015

SO WHAT IS THE SOLUTION HERE?

Ben Bartle-Ross, Technical Trainer

Why fit and forget is the wrong approach

O

n a recent training course, I met an installation engineer who said he faced pressure from above to get a job completed without always being able to think of the long term implications of the system he was installing.

A so-called ‘fit and forget’ approach to installations.

Anyone involved in maintaining an air conditioning system will know exactly what I am talking about because they will have had to deal with the consequences of a ‘rushed’ install.

Whilst the engineer in question wanted to take pride in his work, he also knew that what he was doing would not necessarily always be best for the client or the equipment.

His brief, however, was that as long as his company was completing their part of the install contract correctly, then his boss did not want him spending too long thinking beyond any imminent deadline.

Is it possible to meet the pressure of workloads and deadlines whilst still having an eye on the guy who will next be working on the equipment you have installed?

Well it certainly should be and whilst we all face pressure to work smarter and faster, there is simply no excuse for shortcuts that leave the customer – or the maintenance crew short!

Here are four things I gave the engineer to think about on his next install that should help him meet his bosses demands whilst satisfying his own professional pride – and leaving things how they should be for the next guy coming along.

They may sound obvious but it is sometimes worth a reminder: ₀ Use Oxygen Free Nitrogen when brazing. ₀ Connecting a third party drain pump to a separate fuse spur (and not on the interconnecting wiring between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit) can cause communications errors during the commissioning process. ₀ Do not use spray in sealants equivalent to the rad weld you would use in a car. If you have a leak, then deal with it as per the F-Gas regulations. ₀ Likewise, do not use dyes as a shortcut to finding a leak. Any leak, must be dealt with as per the F-Gas regulations.

Ben Bartle-Ross, Technical Trainer, Mitsubishi Electric.

Make life easy with the new Refco Hydraulic tube expander

TUBE EXPANDING JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT EASIER

Includes

Features

Hydraulic expanding tools with heads from 3/8th to 1.1/8 · plus a HD deburring tool. · · · ·

Exclusive to Javac.indd 12 1 MIT.indd

120 degree angle provides a natural wrist angle Single hand operation with release button Accepts all common HVAC/R size copper tubing Soft rubberised grip for easy use.

Angle creates ease of use above head height.

Part number HY-EX-6 HY-EX

4687047 4687048

full kit handle only

T: 01642 232880 E: sales@javac.co.uk

Available from all good wholesalers 13/03/2015 10:19:27 16/03/2015 15:52

Hitachi Air Conditioning Engineered for tomorrow.

Widest range with highest ESEER on the market

FSXNH FREE FUEL OR TRAVEL VOUCHERS when you purchase any Set Free VRF

Boasting the market’s only 2-pipe heat pump or 3-pipe heat recovery from a single unit, our Set Free VRF range is already pretty impressive. Available with the widest range (14kW to 100kW nominal cooling), the highest seasonal efficiency (up to 8.79 ESEER(2)), and connectable to more indoor units than any other VRF, new Set Free FSXNH is naturally great news.

Japanese engineering excellence, naturally

TM

To find out more call Hitachi on 01628 585 394 hitachiaircon.com | hitachiheating.com

p13_acrapr15.indd 1

13/03/2015 10:18:36

14

OUT AND ABOUT

April 2015

Out and About with Will Hawkins

Mansfield Pollard Perched on a hillside overlooking a landfill site and the city of Bradford are the office and factories of Mansfield Pollard, the bespoke air handling and refrigeration equipment manufacturer.

T

he company began in 1866 making ductwork for the woollen industry, of which Bradford was the world centre of that business for a time. In their reception area, there is an original sheet metal order from 1929 which reinforces the pedigree of the business when you arrive.

Kitchen canopies in production

Mansfield Pollard’s office sits amongst the gritty landscape of the city, surrounded by a mix of homes, local football pitches and other industries. It is not glamorous but, who cares?

THE BEATING HEART OF BRITISH INDUSTRY

The 1929 order

Any stereotypical opinions about the industrial decay in the north and the demise British manufacturing are kicked squarely in the teeth by Mansfield Pollard. The company turned over £17 million in its last financial year, which was 30% up on the previous year.

There is a new managing director in place, Joanna Robinson, and new leaders in the sales, marketing and operations team to take the successful business into its next phase. I met Andrew Glen, the new sales and marketing director who has come over from working on some major UK consumer brands.

The business makes anything from kitchen canopies to data centre cooling systems to acoustically tuned air handling systems for the MOD. Much of its business comes from the UK market. But, an increasing amount of their products are shipped to customers abroad in countries such as Dubai or Azerbaijan.

Continued on page 16

Out & About.indd 14

25/03/2015 15:46

High Efficiency Solutions.

PJ easy & easy XL Easy Control for Plug in Solution Loaded with functionality including “ECO” mode button, Day/Night setback, digital inputs, inbuilt transformer and independent heating and cooling logic ,the easy range covers all needs. The easy range of temperature controllers come in different size options and display colours to enable them to fit into most applications, from food showcases to fish tanks, they can control all temperature environments.

Simplicity, variety and flexibility, all great reasons to install CAREL

CAREL U.K. Ltd Unit 2 Roebuck Place, 110 Roebuck Road, Chessington, KT9 1EU tel +44 208 391 3540 - fax +44 208 391 0457 info.uk@carel.com - www.careluk.com

A br

An

d

careluk.com

LEGENDS ARE BUILT Trusted by over a quarter of a million service engineers worldwide, Promax’s reputation for reliability and performance over three decades is legend.

Which is yours?

IDEAL FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM HVAC SYSTEMS

Promax RG3000 • Ultra compact unit • Weighs just 8kg • Small and light to keep you mobile

IDEAL FOR MEDIUM TO LARGE HVAC & REFRIG SYSTEMS

Promax Minimax • Minimum size; maximum power • Rapid, robust & reliable • The workhorse of the industry

Distributed by

advanced engineering

World-leading products for air conditioning and refrigeration professionals

p15_acrapr15.indd 1

IDEAL FOR LARGE & COMPLEX HVAC, REFRIG & CHILLER SYSTEMS

Promax Extreme • High speed, high spec model • New wide bore compressor • 30% faster than other models

+44 (0)1256 460300 sales@advancedengineering.co.uk www.advancedengineering.co.uk

13/03/2015 10:21:10

16

OUT AND ABOUT

April 2015

Continued from page 14

MULTI-SITE PROJECTS? NO PROBLEM Mansfield Pollard is more than just a manufacturer, however. The company is successful because it has a team of dedicated 150 employees, most of who have been with the company for years and live nearby.

The team is a mix of skilled engineers, design engineers, project managers, software engineers, customer support specialists and consultants.

This team works with a mix of experts in the building services industry, including architects, specifiers and facilities managers, to name a few. The teams tend to get involved with projects, often, right from their inception to final handover.

Multi-site projects are taken in their stride. Recently, the company was heavily involved in a kitchen upgrade of 130 Yorkshire County Council schools. The project had to be completed within the six weeks of the summer holidays to ensure the schools had functioning kitchen by the new autumn term.

To get really close to its customers, the business embeds its consultants and engineers on site to make sure they understand the projects and challenges they have.

Its longevity comes from its ability to adapt to changing customer requirements and focussing on its bespoke solutions for a wide range

Out & About.indd 16

of customers. In short, Mansfield Pollard has no ‘off the shelf’ products.

It makes products specific to what customers need. There is nothing ‘standard’ or grey about this company.

ENOUGH OF THE BACKGROUND What about the heart of the business – the factory?

A good way to tell how a company is doing is to walk around its factory.

You can tell how well a company is doing by watching their staff at work, noticing how many products are being made and absorbing the atmosphere.

Mansfield Pollard’s factory was buzzing. The business has two production sites in the city. One focuses on its data centre cooling products. The other on its canopy and air movement solutions.

The data centre cooling solutions unit had units they were working on for a client that needed a solution which could be shipped in on a single base platform.

Outside the main building, there were air handling units waiting to be shipped onto Lorries or moved onto the next stage of production. Inside the building, there were bespoke air handling units on the production line.

One machine operator, without prompting, came up to me to explain the variety of items they can make

on their laser cutting machine. The company’s kitchen canopy unit was packed with units ready to be shipped off to a smart restaurant in the West Country.

Mansfield Pollard is a company which still maintains the energy of its industrial heritage. It is, perhaps, typical of British engineering businesses which are packed with skills, experience and creativity for producing clever solutions. But, this comes with a reluctance to let people know just how good they are.

I think that is about to change.

Bespoke data centre cooling units

17/03/2015 17:55

RS-70 (R453A) All purpose low GWP Drop-in replacement for R22 in air conditioning & refrigeration

Lowest GWP Drop-in replacement for R22 on the market Compatible with mineral, alkyl benzene & polyol ester lubricants from

REFRIGERANT SOLUTIONS LIMITED The Refrigerant Specialists REFRIGERANT SOLUTIONS LIMITED

8 M U R I E S TO N R O A D, H A L E , A LT R I N C H A M , C H E S H I R E W A 1 5 9 S T Tel: (+44) (0)161 926 9876 Fax: (+44) (0)161 926 9875 Email: rs@refsols.com Web: www.refsols.com p17_acrapr15.indd 1

13/03/2015 10:31:27

18

REFRIGERANTS

April 2015

How Natural Refrigerants Will G In the first of a new series of Refrigerant articles from A-Gas, Managing Director of A-Gas John Ormerod gives The ACR Journal an overview of what is happening in the realm of natural refrigerants.

Figures from the British Refrigerant Association reveal the extent of natural refrigerant use in the UK.

Y

John Ormerod

ou can be sure that natural refrigerants will have a key role to play in the future.

In the case of ammonia and hydrocarbons, their lack of, or very low GWP (GlobalWarming Potential), makes them an attractive proposition to end users. But beware: a “one size fits all” philosophy is not the answer because they can be hazardous in one form or another.

“Ammonia Ammonia is flammable and toxic but it is an excellent refrigerant.”

A-GAS.indd 18

17/03/2015 18:01

19

REFRIGERANTS

acrjournal.uk

l Grow In Popularity Ammonia is flammable and toxic but it is an excellent refrigerant.

It has found a niche in industrial refrigeration where systems can be installed outside buildings or in uninhabited spaces. Hydrocarbons like propane and propylene are also highly efficient refrigerants with a low GWP, but flammability will ultimately limit where they can be used.

NATURAL REFRIGERANTS IN RETAIL Recently, some supermarkets have been experimenting with them and Waitrose is a good example.

They have been using very small charge sizes in hermetic systems to mitigate the flammability issue.

CO2 is a natural refrigerant that works superbly in large, centralised supermarket systems.

For smaller format operations – like convenience stores – it can be an expensive way to provide refrigeration, the pressures are higher and you need beefier kit.

CO2 has yet to be proved as a viable option for convenience stores but in the large-format supermarket and the food processing industries, CO2 excels.

THE ECO2® ALTERNATIVE Driven by customer demand, sustainability is a key issue for the supermarket and food processing industries, and this is where CO2 can really make an impact. Last year, in a first for the UK, A-Gas launched a new high specification Carbon Dioxide (R744) refrigerant.

Known as eCO2®, due to its environmental credentials, this product is produced sustainably

A-GAS.indd 19

“Many retrofit refrigerants also fail the F-Gas test” from excess sugar beet, is UK-sourced, has excellent thermodynamic properties. In many respects it sets the standard for those looking for a green alternative to fluorinated gases commonly used in these industries.

Under recent amendments to the F-Gas Regulations, HFC refrigerants with a GWP of 2500 are on a cap and phase down, with future supply being restricted.

Many retrofit refrigerants also fail the F-Gas test, so eCO2 provides an alternative for those looking for a sustainable option. eCO2 can be used in a range of applications but is particularly suitable for supermarket refrigeration systems, as its green credentials give it stand out qualities in an industry where reducing the carbon footprint is high on the list of priorities.

As we saw featured in the March issue of ACR Journal, eCO2 was chosen by Sainsbury’s for its new £15 million store at Portishead near Bristol. Two booster trans-critical CO2 packaged systems are at the heart of the store’s refrigeration systems. These multi-compressor packs each have 25kW of low temperature and 150kW of medium temperature cooling capacity.

This provides the required cooling capacity for the refrigeration display cabinets and cold stores, and maintains product temperature ranges of +8°C to -18°C.

Like traditional refrigerant grade CO2, eCO2 has a low environmental impact with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1. However, with its ultra-low moisture content, eCO2 is certified to exceed refrigeration grade specification – giving it the edge over lower grade Carbon Dioxide.

Low moisture content and high purity enable the refrigerant to work more reliably, which in turn extends the life of equipment.

THE DRIVE TOWARDS NATURAL GASES Natural refrigerants are very much new territory for the refrigeration and cooling industry. There are no specific industry standards qualitywise, in the same way as there are for fluorinated gases. The refrigeration industry is still on a learning curve in terms of what is required for natural refrigerants. Moisture content can often be a big issue and reducing this – and in doing so extending the life of equipment – is something that A-Gas are looking at closely.

It is certain that the latest F-Gas legislation will hasten the drive towards natural gases. Natural refrigerants with their low GWP are not subject to such a stringent raft of environmental legislation as their fluorinated counterparts and in this respect, in some circumstances, it may give them the edge in the future. www.agas.com

17/03/2015 18:02

20

REFRIGERANTS

April 2015

ENGINEERS

UNDER PRESSURE Steve Davies from JAVAC explains why he believes standard refrigeration service manifolds should never be used for pressure testing.

I

t’s always the same old story.

The engineer says: “This is what I’ve always done and I’ve never had a problem.”

However, engineers who need to pressure-test the system following a repair or install are endangering their safety if they continue to use their conventional tried and tested refrigeration manifold to pressure-test with OFN (oxygen free nitrogen).

In the old days when R12 and R22 system test pressures were lower, you might have got away with using your refrigeration manifold, as there were no real alternatives to use. You cracked on and just got the job done. You got away with it.

Often I hear people say: “But my gauges read up to 40 Bar, which means they must be ok.” That is not the case. With the introduction of higher pressure refrigerants, the pressures went up and so did the system test pressures – in some cases up to 50 Bar. The manifold blocks that we use are not the problem under pressure, but the gauges, sight glasses and hoses are. We examine the problems and solutions.

As an example, REFCO charging hoses have a maximum working pressure of 60 Bar, but many systems work up to 50 Bar. This

JAVAC.indd 20

maximum working pressure is too close for comfort. The hoses only have finger tight knurled nuts and these can twist loose under high pressures or vibration. To prevent this, only brass or steel flare nuts must be used on the hoses. These must be tightened with a torque wrench spanner.

The velocity/ pressure of nitrogen is very different to that of refrigerants, as it has approximately 200 Bar behind it in the cylinder. If the regulator has been left screwed in and the bottle is opened up, it will go off, shatter the sight glass and it will rupture the hoses and gauges, causing a real risk of serious injury.

The gauges on most manifolds are Bourdon-type tubes, which will take 1.5 times the maximum indicated pressure before possible rupture. So if the LP valve was left open on a standard refrigeration manifold having a maximum reading of 10 Bar at a test pressure of 42 Bar, the gauge could rupture

RS-750 Nitrogen Regulator 50 Bar

and the sight glass may blow out.

This is an accident waiting to happen in many cases. But engineers just keep using refrigeration manifolds because they have always got away with it.

I have taken several telephone calls from safety managers at major refrigeration companies and even the HSE who ask us what they should use.

This is usually after one of their engineers has narrowly avoided blowing his head off while pressure testing. The first question I ask them is: “Was he pressure testing with N2, using a standard refrigeration manifold?” This is usually denied, but after further questioning. ”Lamp in the eyes and all that”! They admit, YES, the engineer does this all the time.

Using refrigeration manifolds should be an absolute “no-no” when pressure testing.

Javac’s solution is the PVR pressure and vacuum test manifold, working together with the RS-750 50 bar nitrogen regulator the PVR enables pressure regulation, test pressure isolation and control.

Once the test pressure is applied and isolated, the pressure cylinder valve can be isolated, the regulator reduced then the test pressure can be monitored on the 52 Bar test gauge with adjustable setpoint.

17/03/2015 11:58

21

REFRIGERANTS

acrjournal.uk

PVR pressure vacuum test manifold It is simple and maximum pressure rating of the rig is far in excess of the applied pressures.

The JAVAC PVR offers safe and reliable pressure testing and quick and easy vacuum leak testing.

With the built in pressure relief valve and the double valve isolation it is a fool-proof manifold.

PVR Manifold

XTR-ULT

RECOVERY UNIT 2

Lightweight 8 Kg

REMEMBER: “IF A JOB’S WORTH DOING, IT’S WORTH DOING RIGHT.” Compact

Quality FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE GUIDELINES AND STAY SAFE. Performance Oil Free

Pressure Testing Safety: ₀Easy Always read any instructions carefully. to Carry ₀ Always follow you working procedures and practices.

High Recovery Rates ₀ Always wear safety goggles and appropriate PPE. Supply 240 volts ₀ Work in a well-ventilated area. ₀ Read the label on the N2 cylinder; make sure it is oxygen – free nitrogen – OFN. T: 01642 232880 • E: sales@javac.co.uk • www. ₀ Ensure the regulator spindle is fully wound out (counter-clockwise) before fitting it to Javac.indd 1 the cylinder. ₀ Open the cylinder isolation valve slowly. Then increase the test pressure in 2 to 3 bar stages. ₀ Once the test pressure is reached, isolate the cylinder and wind the regulator out (counter clockwise). ₀ Evacuate the pressure test area and isolate. ₀ Ensure the system is isolated from the regulator hoses before removal. ₀ Carefully remove hoses, slowly venting the nitrogen.

JAVAC UK Limited

PVR Set

JAVAC.indd 21

The PVR is supplied with stainless steel hose having a max working pressure of 260 bar.

Times have changed and so has the equipment that we can now call on to do the job.

What we have to do with our engineering workforce is to re-equip and re-train.

17/03/2015 11:59

22

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

April 2015

F-Gases:

‘The beginning of the end’

The new F-Gas Regulation is a landmark ruling that will have a far-reaching impact on how contractors and end users operate and maintain their systems.

T

he start of this year sees the phase-down of HFCs, and bans on use of the refrigerants in certain sectors of new equipment.

The long-term aim of these measures is to reach the figure of an 80 per cent reduction in the use of HFCs by 2030.

This is not the first move to reduce the use of ozonedepleting gases in air conditioning equipment, but this most recent

round of legislation allows Member States to apply the F-Gas rules to support national HFC and greenhouse gas reduction targets.

This means that Member States can maintain or introduce “more stringent protective measures” than those imposed by the

regulation, and they do not have to seek approval from the Commission to do so.

Therefore we could see some countries going beyond the requirements of these rules, which is a situation that will need to be monitored over time.

Continued on page 24

CPD Mits.indd 22

17/03/2015 18:04

XTR-ULTRA

RECOVERY UNIT 240 VOLT

Lightweight 8 Kg Compact Quality

RECOVERY RATE Vapour 19 Kg Liquid 120 Kg

Performance Oil Free Easy to Carry High Recovery Rates Supply 240 volts

JAVAC UK Limited

T: 01642 232880 • E: sales@javac.co.uk • www.javac.co.uk Javac.indd 1

p23_acrapr15.indd 1

12/01/2015 11:24:40

13/03/2015 10:22:55

24

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

April 2015

Continued from page 22

The major changes cover: 1. Leakage detection When a leak of F-Gases is detected, it is an obligation to have it repaired without undue delay.

The 2006 Regulation limited this obligation to “technical feasibility” and “(lack of) disproportionate costs”.

No such mitigating circumstances now apply, although the legislation does not specify time frames that offer a clear guide as to when a ‘delay’ becomes an ‘undue delay’.

The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration European Association (AREA), has produced a helpful guide to the likely impacts of the new F-Gas Regulations. It states that ‘undue delay’ is a legal concept that ensures the consideration of proportionality. This means that in the case of a severe leak, immediate action may be required regardless of cost. A smaller leak might be repaired in the course of routine maintenance. AREA advises that the benchmark for deciding what might be required would be the behaviour of a ‘diligent’ operator.

This is a very important legal point to consider, and for any air conditioning or system owner will be of importance when devising any leak response strategy.

The obligations for checking equipment will continue to apply to stationary refrigeration equipment, stationary air-conditioning equipment and heat pumps, with exemptions for hermetically sealed equipment containing less than 10 tonnes of CO2 - eq. of fluorinated greenhouse gases. These obligations fall squarely on the shoulders of users and contractors and have implications for training and competency.

It is also specified both operatives of companies must take precautionary measures to prevent leakages.

CPD Mits.indd 24

2. From kg weight to CO2 equivalent Previously, as specified by the 2006 regulation, checks were required on equipment using more than 3kg of refrigerant. These expressions of weight did not take into account the global warming potential (GWP) of the refrigerant and have been replaced by the CO2 equivalent in tonnes (CO2 - eq.). Therefore the charge limit from which leak checks apply will depend on the GWP of refrigerant contained in the equipment.

This is a significant step that has an impact on a number of commonly-used refrigerants, including the popular R410A. The weights for R410a in kilogrammes compare to CO2 - eq. as follows:

17/03/2015 18:05

25

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

acrjournal.uk

This means that R410A systems with a 24kg weight of refrigerant will fall into the 50 tonnes CO2 eq. bracket. So if such a system does not have fixed leak detection installed, it will have to be checked every six months. If the leak detection is installed the checks must be once a year.

Conversely, AREA highlights other examples that will fall outside the regular check requirements as a result in this change of measurement: Equipment working with R134a (minimum charge increases from 3 to 3.5 kg) and with R32 (minimum charge increases from 3 to 7.41 kg).

For any type of equipment with 3kg of refrigerant or more, the new thresholds now apply, although there are some exceptions to this rule. Equipment with more than 3kg but less than 5 tonnes CO2 - eq. of refrigerant will no longer have to be leak checked.

Equipment that contains less than 3kg but more than 5 tonnes CO2 - eq. of refrigerant will not be subject to leakage checking requirements until 1 January 2017.

AREA has published a helpful table outlining the refrigerants that will be impacted by this change in terms of the frequency with which they must be checked.

WHAT SHOULD CONTRACTORS DO? Contractors should inform operators about potential new leak check obligations due to new weight limits to systems with at least 50 and 500 tonnes CO2 equivalent.

Until 31 December 2016, contractors should inform operators about potential new leak check obligations due to new weight limits applying from 1 January 2017 onwards to systems with at least 5 tonnes CO2 - eq.

CPD Mits.indd 25

“When a leak of F-Gases is detected, it is an obligation to have it repaired without undue delay” 3. Leakage detection systems Under the Regulation a leakage detection system is mandatory for equipment containing a minimum of 500 tonnes CO2 - eq. of fluorinated greenhouse gases. In case of leakage, the system must be able to alert the operator or the service company.

4. Record keeping There are three additions to the 2006 F-Gas Regulation as far as record keeping is concerned. It must now be recorded whether the quantities of installed fluorinated greenhouse gases have been recycled or reclaimed.

If so, the name and address of the recycling or reclamation facility and, if applicable, the certificate number has to be logged. If the equipment is decommissioned, the measures taken to recover and dispose of the refrigerant must now also be recorded. As well as the requirement for the operator to keep these records for five years, contractors must also do the same.

5. Training and certification Training and certification requirements remain largely unchanged from the 2006 regulation, with decommissioning added to the list of tasks for which individuals and contractors can be certified to carry out. This also includes installation, servicing, maintenance, repair, leakage checking and recovery.

Certification programmes and training must cover the themes already included in current schemes under the previous regulation, which include:

₀ Applicable regulations and standards ₀ Emission prevention ₀ Recovery of fluorinated greenhouse gases ₀ Safe handling of equipment of the type and size covered by the certificate And additionally, information on relevant technologies to replace or reduce the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases and their safe handling must also now be covered by training.

The new Regulation also specifies that certification can only be granted when the candidate has successfully completed an evaluation process.

THE REPLACEMENTS This Regulation is going to change what we can use, and change it in ways that present challenges.

We will see a shift over the time frame outlined by the Regulations away from popular refrigerants such as R410A towards less mainstream options such as HFObased refrigerants and low GWP HFCs plus natural alternatives such as ammonia, which brings with it issues of flammability.

In 2016 we also will introduce new R32 equipment into the UK, offering better efficiency with much lower GWP refrigerant.

AREA lists the potential replacement refrigerants as: ₀ R717 Ammonia ₀ R290-R600 Propane and Isobutane Hydrocarbons ₀ R744 Carbon Dioxide ₀ R1234yf - R1234ze HFO Hydrofluoroolefin ₀ R32

Continued on page 26

17/03/2015 18:06

26

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

April 2015

Continued from page 25

CONCLUSION This new Regulation has been on the horizon for the air conditioning industry ever since the 2006 F-Gas Regulation came into force. Then, HFCs were the new frontier in a shift towards environmentally friendlier refrigerants.

Nine years on, the phase-down

programme and bans imposed as of 2015, confirm that HFCs are now firmly in the crosshairs of the legislators.

The refrigerants that have become commonplace will gradually be replaced by nonstandard alternatives that will require industry to work together

QUESTIONS 1. Which of the following is not on the AREA list of potential replacement refrigerants? ₀ R717 ₀ R410A ₀ R290-R600 ₀ R744 ₀ R1234yf – R1234ze ₀ R32 2. Which of the following equipment are you obliged to check under the regulations? ₀ Stationary refrigeration ₀ Stationary air conditioning ₀ Heat pumps ₀ Hermetically sealed equipment containing less than 10 tonnes of CO2 – equivalent 3. When does the new F-Gas Regulation come into effect? ₀ 1 January, 2015 ₀ 1 January, 2016 ₀ 1 January, 2017 ₀ 1 January, 2018 4. The long-term aim of the regulations is to reach what reduction in the use of HFCs by 2030? ₀ 60% ₀ 70% ₀ 80% ₀ 90% 5. Which record keeping additions to the 2006 F-Gas Regulation apply? (Highlight all that apply) ₀ Record whether installed fluorinated gases have been recycled or reclaimed ₀ The name and address or the recycling or reclamation facility

CPD Mits.indd 26

₀ ₀ ₀

with end users to ensure the safe and competent handling of these new substances.

With the proper training and adherence to new rules, these changes can be met head on by an industry already well versed in falling into step with the march towards mending the environment.

The certificate number if applicable The measures taken to recover and dispose of the refrigerant Both the operator and the contractor must keep these records for 5 years

6. What is the obligation when a leak of F-Gases is detected? ₀ To have it repaired at the next scheduled service ₀ To have it repaired without undue delay 7. ₀ ₀ ₀

What does GWP stand for?

Greenhouse Warming Potential Global Warming Programme Global Warming Potential

8. What should contractors do? ₀ Inform operators about potential new leak check obligations due to new weight limits ₀ Inform operators of the changes in the regulations at the next available service ₀ Inform operators only if there is a leak 9. In the case of leakage for equipment containing a minimum of 500 tonnes CO2 equivalent, what should the system be able to do? ₀ Alert the operator or the service company ₀ Record the leak so that it can be rectified at the next scheduled service 10. Which of the CO2 – equivalent brackets would an R410A system with 4kg weight of refrigerant fall into? ₀ 5 tonnes CO2 equivalent ₀ 10 tonnes CO2 equivalent ₀ 50 tonnes CO2 equivalent ₀ 500 tonnes CO2 equivalent To submit your answers, just fill in the online form on the ACR Journal website: http://w2u.eu/MitsiCPDPApr15

17/03/2015 18:09

p29_acrapr15.indd 1

13/03/2015 10:27:01

28

TRAINING

April 2015

Aspen Pumps Training Centre

opens its doors wide

Aspen Pumps have launched the Aspen Pumps Training Centre - a centre of excellence for all engineers who wish to further their knowledge of pump installation techniques and discover new products.

W

ith pump technology changing on what seems to be a daily basis, keeping up with the latest pump innovations and pump installation techniques can be challenging. The lack of pump training available in the industry has led to frustrations from seasoned HVACR professionals wishing to refresh their knowledge and learn about new innovations.

Engineers in the Aspen technical support department regularly receive requests for training on new products at Aspen HQ. For over seven years they have trained hundreds of fledgling HVACR engineers at their college collaboration training days. The success of these training days is well known throughout the industry, and now after many requests for training to be made available for ALL engineers, Aspen are now throwing open their doors to all…

Aspen believes strongly that today’s engineers deserve to have a fighting chance at keeping up with the latest innovations and pump installations, and so they are offering this training completely FREE! Not only that, but they are offering the first five companies that sign up to the Aspen training academy, £150 worth of Aspen goodies in celebration of opening the new training centre!

₀ Take the chance to learn from industry peers ₀ No Fee to pay

For further information fay@aspenpumps.com or call: 01323 848842

Choose from: ₀ Pump Fundamental training including fixing, installing and maintaining any Aspen Pump ₀ Mini Pump Training ₀ Tank Pump Training ₀ Peristaltic Pump Training ₀ Installation techniques ₀ New Product Installations ₀ Xtra – the installers choice ₀ Certificate of attendance ₀ Be first to know about new products and Aspen innovations Or choose what you would like in our bespoke ‘engineer training toolkit package!’

“Engineer led training from an engineer led company!”

Aspen.indd 28

17/03/2015 18:11

29

TRAINING

acrjournal.uk

3T Training TRAINING CENTRE

e: training@3tservices.co.uk t: 01928 898 191 www.3tservices.co.uk

BEST Ltd

Channicool Training Services Ltd “the wisest mind has something yet to learn�

"QQSPWFE $FOUSF

C C

ChillAir Training Academy Cool Concerns

C

Cool Designs Ltd Develop Training

C

Eastleigh College Ellis Training

Ellis Training Works

C C C C C C C C C C C C C C

Gastec

C C

Hal Training Logic4training Practical Refrigeration Taiga Teknowhow The Hall Training Centre Steve Willis Training Centres

C C C C C C C C C

C C C C

C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C

To be included in this table, please contact Katrina Browning on

HEALTH & SAFETY

HEAT PUMPS

Providing Training Courses for our hard working sole traders, right up to the largest companies in the business.

ELECTRICAL

...just a few of the Training Courses we run throughout the year. Please contact us for further details.

REFRIGERATION

7 C&G 618

A/C

of Principlestion Refrigera ir A d an ing Condition

FGAS

9 C&G 207

PLUMBING

Refi

C C

NEW FEATURE

3TS TRAINING CENTRE In the April, July/August and October 2015 issues of The ACR Journal, we are running a comprehensive HC DS oduction -Gas & O s Intr to F nts training tableRetogulashowcase training and what they offer within the HVAC industry. igeracompanies tion fr e n R o ti gera

www.3tservices.net

www.refrigerationtraining.org

www.cdlweb.info

C C

www.eastleigh.ac.uk www.ellistraining.co.uk

C C www.prtc.co.uk

C C C

01778 395022 or

www.stevewillis.com

katrinab@warnersgroup.co.uk

If you require any changes to the above please contact us

Training Providers.indd 29

17/03/2015 17:07

30

RETAIL REFRIGERATION

April 2015

Green IT PAYS TO BE

The REMA 1000 supermarket in Trondheim, Norway stands out from most other grocery stores. It is 100% green and equipped with an innovative solution from Danfoss that will help the store obtain energy savings of 30%.

Danfoss.indd 30

17/03/2015 18:10

RETAIL REFRIGERATION

31 acrjournal.uk

R

EMA 1000 looks like a regular supermarket but then the resemblance stops: the store features green grass on the roof, air curtains at the entrance, four 170 meterdeep energy wells, and special panels mounted on the outside of the building to capture the most efficient use of natural light within the building.

Most importantly, REMA 1000 is green when it comes to energy savings: the supermarket has a brand new heat recovery system based on CO2.

“It is an extremely high-tech and integrated CO2 and heat recovery solution, and an innovative project.

The basic idea behind the new solution is that the refrigeration system also serves as a heat pump in winter and provides cooling for the air handling unit in the summer. The surplus heat from the refrigeration system is applied for floor heating, heating up the supply air of the ventilation unit and keeping the pavements snow-and ice-free during the cold Norwegian winters,” Senior Research Scientist, Dr Armin Hafner from SINTEF Energy Research, says.

IN PARTNERSHIP SINTEF Energy Research is an important partner for Danfoss. Three years ago, Danfoss and SINTEF Energy Research had the opportunity to create a green cooling and heating solution for REMA 1000 in Norway.

Four Danfoss refrigeration and application specialists joined the project. One of the team members was Refrigeration Specialist, Frede Schmidt: “In the view of an engineer specialised in refrigeration, this is a dream project because it covers all parts of energy – cooling, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Danfoss.indd 31

Creating the solution for REMA 1000 is a dream come true for engineers, and an extremely exciting project,” Frede Schmidt adds.

Armin Hafner agrees: “For the first time in the history of refrigeration, we have implemented a 100% green heat recovery solution, and it is based on Danfoss know-how and controllers from Danfoss Electronic Controllers and Services.”

In the coming months, SINTEF Energy Research and Danfoss will monitor the energy efficiency of the system and expect REMA 1000 in Trondheim to be the future concept store for at least 150 Norwegian grocery stores to be built during the next few years.

“The REMA 1000 in Trondheim is extremely unique because it has a lot of add-ons and extra equipment to measure the energy savings. It is basically a lab, and we are constantly measuring the energy and cost savings. Next week, we will train additional technicians and then copy-paste and select the best

components of the solution and turn them into a standard package for the 150 stores in Norway. Finally, there will be a standard frame with plug & play equipment that can be installed within few days in new supermarkets.”

The good collaboration between SINTEF and Danfoss will continue: “The team from Danfoss has done a great job. They are effective and constructive, and everyone who sees the store is impressed by the efforts and the high quality.

SINTEF has many ongoing and upcoming projects, and we look forward to working with the team from Danfoss on new projects,” concludes Armin Hafner.

FACTS ABOUT THE SOLUTION:

₀ Danfoss has collaborated closely with SINTEF Energy Research, the Norwegian government, and supermarket chain REMA 1000 to provide 30% energy reduction in Norwegian supermarkets by 2020. ₀ The store makes considerable use of floor heating, ventilation, air conditioning, snow melting and storage of thermal energy. ₀ The team has combined refrigeration and heat pump functions, as well as the control of the air handling unit and the various heat storage devices. ₀ Energy wells of 170 meters depth have been used to obtain free cooling during the summer and as a heat source for the heat pump in the winter. ₀ The building solution features a new light function with special panels mounted on the outside of the building instead of windows, to obtain efficient use of natural light within the building. ₀ The AK-SM 850, the new smart front-end controller by Danfoss, secures full energy control of the total store.

Since the opening of the supermarket, the staff are enjoying the comfortable working environment, and employee satisfaction in turn benefits customers. www.danfoss.com

16/03/2015 15:06

32

RETAIL REFRIGERATION

April 2015

How, the medium-temperature rack of an R-404A/CO2 hybrid system in an Italian supermarket was retrofitted as part of a pilot project. Report from Mark Hughes and Neil Roberts, Business Development Managers at DuPont.

I

talian refrigeration specialist Crea S.P.A (Beliusco) carried out the retrofit as part of a pilot project. As a result of the successful outcome of this trial, there are now plans to retrofit further branches of the same supermarket chain to the new refrigerant.

The GWP value of DuPont’s new refrigerant Opteon® XP40 is 65 per cent lower than that of R-404A and it has significantly improved energy efficiency. Consequently, it can help to bring about a major reduction in overall CO2 emissions arising from the operation of refrigeration systems.

The refrigerant R-404A is widely used in commercial refrigeration.

Its global warming potential is very high (GWP value: 3922 ) and refrigeration systems operated with it consume relatively large amounts of power. The new European F-gases regulation no.

517/2014, which entered into force on 1 January 2015, will over 15 years gradually reduce the number of tonnes of CO2 equivalents available on the market, resulting in an overall reduction of around 80 per cent by 2030. In addition, it will prohibit the use for service of HFCs with a GWP greater than 2500 in most commercial applications from 1 January 2020. Retrofitting R-404A refrigeration systems to a refrigerant with a lower GWP value means that it will still be possible to operate such systems after this deadline. It can furthermore help to bring about a significant reduction in the quantity of CO2 equivalents available on the market.

The Italian retailer primarily uses cascade systems in its supermarkets with R-404A for medium-temperature and CO2 for low-temperature applications, and was therefore looking for an

alternative to R-404A and decided to trial Dupont’s Opteon® XP40.

The new refrigerant has a GWP value of 1397, a global warming potential 65 per cent lower than R-404A and it therefore complies with the requirements of the above-stated regulation. It is suitable as an alternative to R-404A or R-507 in new and existing commercial and industrial chilling and deep-freezing systems.

THE MEDIUM-TEMPERATURE RACK The medium-temperature rack (figure 1) at Seregno, which was selected for the pilot project, consists of 6 screw compressors (five Bitzer HSK 6451-50 units and one Bitzer HSK 7471-90 unit) and supplies 73 chiller cabinets and 7 cold rooms. It also comprises a small cooling circuit with a TEV for cooling the electrical cupboard, which accommodates

Specialist Fluid Solutions Heat Transfer Fluids, Inhibited Antifreeze, Glycol & Pipework Protection Products for use in all Sectors

www.hydratech.co.uk DuPont.indd 32

17/03/2015 11:44

33

RETAIL REFRIGERATION

acrjournal.uk

the frequency inverter, a plate heat exchanger economiser (subcooler) and a heat recovery heat exchanger. All the chiller cabinets and cold rooms and the two plate heat exchangers which connect the CO2 cascade have electronic expansion valves (EEV, 80 in total) and are controlled with an ADAPKOOL® controller (EKC414A) from Danfoss. The economiser discharges directly into the compressor’s intermediate cooling stage. The CO2 circuit has a further (third) plate heat exchanger which is cooled by a small, independent R-404A system, which meant that the LT circuit could be operated during retrofitting.

RETROFIT PROCEDURE The retrofit to Opteon® XP40 was carried out overnight between 12 and 13 July 2014. The work was

carried out by Franco Bresolin, coproprietor of Crea, assisted by Mark Hughes, Business Development Manager at DuPont.

Before carrying out the retrofit, the EEVs were reprogrammed via the Danfoss ADAP-Kool® software to the new values for Opteon® XP40 (table 1). At the same time, the R-404A charge (1066 kg in total) was drawn off into recovery cylinders, and then the filter dryer inserts were replaced, as they normally are during maintenance. Before filling with the new refrigerant (initially 1045 kg), the system was completely evacuated to 500 mbar within eight hours. The cabinets and cold rooms were then pulled down to the desired temperature (in around 45 minutes). For operation with Opteon® XP40, the suction pressure set-point was adjusted

from a previous value of 3.0 bar to 2.6 bar.

The charge of new refrigerant was also optimised during fine tuning, it being possible to use liquid density at ambient temperature as a rule of thumb. In comparison with R-404A, Opteon® XP40 has a 4 per cent higher density at a temperature of 20 °C. The recommended charge for Opteon® XP40 after retrofitting is accordingly slightly larger than the original charge.

SYSTEM DATA ANALYSIS To allow a comparison of performance data before and after the retrofit, Crea provided the measurement records for operation with R-404A for the period from June to August 2013 and for operation with Opteon® XP40 from 12 July to 28 August 2014. It was not possible

Coefficient

Danfoss AK2

Danfoss AKC/EKC

A1 A2 A3

10.608 -2372.9 264.33

10608 -2373 2643

Table 1: Parameters for Opteon® XP40

“As a result of the successful outcome of this trial, there are now plans to retrofit further branches of the supermarket chain to the new refrigerant” Figure 1: MT rack of the R-404A/CO2 hybrid system at Seregno

Continued on page 34

Secondary Refrigerants for the protection of Process Cooling, Refrigeration and AC systems

info@hydratech.co.uk tel: 01792 586800 DuPont.indd 33

17/03/2015 18:13

34

RETAIL REFRIGERATION

April 2015

Continued from page 33

Figure 2: Comparison of power consumption before (in red) and after (in blue) the retrofit. The two trend lines show that, especially on days with higher average temperatures, Opteon® XP40 consumes around 6 to 7 per cent less power.

Table 2: Comparison of typical operating parameters with R-404A and Opteon® XP40 at a daily average temperature of 24 °C

to separate power consumption data for the MT and LT circuits, but since no modifications were made to the LT circuit, it was assumed that any changes in power consumption are attributable to the replacement of the refrigerant in the MT circuit.

A comparison of the data reveals that power consumption with R 404A and Opteon® XP40 is comparable on cooler days (figure 2). When average daily temperatures are higher, power consumption with Opteon® XP40 is around 6 to 7 per cent lower. If

only the temperature range from 19 °C to 26 °C is taken into consideration, power savings of 9 per cent are achieved relative to R-404A. This positive result confirms findings which have already been made in numerous laboratory investigations and other field trials.

In order to compare operating parameters before and after the retrofit, system data for days with average temperatures of 19 °C, 24 °C and 28 °C were compared. The condensing and evaporating temperatures are roughly comparable for both refrigerants, the values for

R-404A

Opteon® XP40

Parameter

Min

Max

Min

Max

Evaporating pressure (bar.g)

2.9

3.5

2.6

3.0

Mean evaporating temperature (°C)

-13.0

-8.9

-12.4

-9.4

Compressor suction superheat (K)

14.8

27.7

6.1

22.9

Compressor discharge temperature (°C)

65.3

76.9

63.1

77.5

Condensing pressure (bar.g)

12.1

16.6

11.3

15.5

Mean condensing temperature (°C)

26.8

38.6

26.2

37.4

Liquid subcool (K)

1.6

21.4

10.7

24.8

External temperature (°C)

19.5

30.1

16.8

29.5

Power consumption (kWh)

DuPont.indd 34

2864

2516

Opteon® XP40 being slightly below those for R-404A (Table 2).

There is no significant change in compressor discharge temperature.

On closer examination of the data, however, it is clear that superheating in the compressor is lower during operation with Opteon® XP40. This is explains why the compressor discharge temperature is lower than actually anticipated. A further difference between the two refrigerants is the higher liquid subcool with Opteon® XP40. The data recorded for the abovestated average temperatures reveal normal behaviour and indicate proper operation of the refrigeration system.

Taking the data for each of the three days, an average value for each of the parameters measured can be calculated. On the basis of the average daily values, a theoretical cycle calculation can be done which allows conclusions to be drawn about the refrigeration capacity and COP of the system under these conditions.

The calculations show that the higher liquid subcool has a positive impact on the refrigeration capacity of the new refrigerant. In comparison with R-404A, Opteon® XP40 has a significantly increased refrigeration capacity (approx. 8 per cent) and the COP is also significantly higher. This likewise helps to reduce power consumption.

SUMMARY A pre-retrofit inspection did not raise any concerns about retrofitting to Opteon® XP40, and the results confirmed this assumption.

The retrofit merely involved adjustments to the electronic expansion valves and the suction pressure controller. Work was carried out overnight so there was no disruption to normal trading in the shop. The refrigeration system is running without any problems so there is nothing to prevent retrofitting in further convenience stores. www.dupont.co.uk

17/03/2015 18:14

p35_acrapr15.indd 1

13/03/2015 10:29:11

36

MANUFACTURERS VERSUS OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTORS

Daikin Europe

Europe, Japan

Fujitsu

China,

(FG Air Thailand Conditioners)

2kW to 25kW

11kW to 147kW

LG

South Korea

Marstair

England

1kW to 20kW

N/A

Y

Midea

China

2.1kW to 19kW

10kW to 180kW

N

2kW to 30kW

8kW to 150kW

Panasonic

Malaysia, Japan, Europe

2kW to 25kW

12.1kW to N 168kW

Samsung

South Korea

Toshiba

Japan, Thailand

ESS

Easy Air Con

Dysk

Dean & Wood

Daikin Airconditioning UK

Cool Solutions Distribution

Cool Designs

Climate Center

AUK Distribution

ARE Wholesale

2.6kW to 11.2kW to N 14kW 224kW 1.5kW to 28kW

14kW to 150kW

Y

ning plc . -

i

20

RS

198

YEA

15

eA

AMP

2.2kW to 11.2kW to Y 44kW 140kW 11.2kW to N 168kW

0 - Spac

Air Systems (SW)

2.5kW to 12.1kW to Y 14.8kW 224.0kW

2kW to 25kW

ditio

Air Creation

Y

Mitsubishi Japan, Heavy Industries Thailand Europe

on

Air Conditioning Group

2.0kW to 11.2kW to Y 25kW 150kW

Japan, Malaysia, Spain, China

rc

Air Conditioning Centre

N

Hitachi

Japan, Mitsubishi Thailand, Electric Scotland

Air Conditioning Accessories

Splits VRF/VRV range range (cooling) (cooling)

3D Air Sales

Country

Direct sales

April 2015

MVOD table.indd 36

17/03/2015 11:46

10179

37

MANUFACTURERS VERSUS OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTORS

Zetacool

Ultimate Air

Thermofrost Cryo

TF Solutions

Space Airconditioning

RW Refrigeration Wholesale

Powrmatic

PacAir

Oceanair UK

Medal Air Conditioning

Logicool

LG Comfort Cooling

Kooltech

Kilma-Therm

Inside Air

ICG

ICE Cooling Equipment

Hushon UK

HRP

Heronhill

Hawco

Gallant Air Conditioning

FSW

Freedom Air Conditioning

acrjournal.uk

If you are an official distributor or manufacturer and are not listed or are incorrectly listed, please contact: Diane Gilbertson. (dianeg@warnersgroup.co.uk)

Daikin Europe’s largest independent distributor. charged at a landline Call 01483 504 883 or 0333 0069 755 (0333 rate from a mobile) or visit www.spaceair.co.uk

101790-ACR Journal ad 35 Years 420x72.indd 3 MVOD table.indd 37

Nobody knows Daikin better

24/02/2015 14:50 17/03/2015 11:46

38

WHOLESALERS AND DISTRIBUTORS

April 2015

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY AIR CONDITIONING SOLUTIONS PACAIR have a proven record in providing multi-disciplinary Air Conditioning solutions attained through years of excellence in the Design, Application and supply of Air Conditioning systems. As an Air Conditioning Supplier, PACAIR have successfully evolved its range of expertise.

Our reputation has been built on close customer liaison and a strong eye for detail. We recognise the importance of communication throughout a project’s development – from the early stages of conception right through to final completion – and beyond. We never regard our projects as ‘just another job’, if you’re not happy, we’re not happy.

We work closely with our clients so we understand your

needs, design a bespoke solution and provide the advise and technical support that provides the customer with a complete solution “Cradle to Grave”. In addition to providing a high quality service to our customers, we pride ourselves on building strong, long term relationships with our customers and supply chain. In doing so, we not only reduce the risks, but also provide our clients with the peace of mind that they value so much.

We are pleased to be an approved ‘Value Added Reseller’ for Mitsubishi Electric, Toshiba and LG Equipment.

We are currently expanding our offices in Hemel Hempstead to incorporate a larger showroom to enable us to offer continued support and enhanced training to our client base.

Contact Details: Primary Office Address: Unit 1, The Heron Business Park, Eastman Way, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 7FW T: 01442 254401 E: sales@pacair.co.uk

BESPOKE LOW TEMPERATURE AIR CONDITIONING SOLUTIONS From archive rooms and controlled environments in zoo’s to bereavement suites, private wine cellars and heating for churches, Heronhill can provide a solution, be it for temperature or humidity.

Toshiba and Mitsubishi Electric products are an increasingly important part of their range and complement their Quartz chilled water and CD3 close control systems.

The success of Heronhill has been built on a very strong customer service ethic, which can be found throughout the company. Product training is carried out on a regular basis and the sales and support teams always endeavour to go the extra mile. This commitment has enabled Heronhill to secure the coveted Investors in People Award for the last fourteen years, having now achieved the enhanced

Creating cool solutions since 1997

p38_39_acrmay15.indd 38

accreditation of bronze status for going over and above the requirements of the standard IIP award.

Primary Brands: Wine Guardian, Toshiba, Mitsubishi Electric and Marstair low temperature fan coil units and refrigeration condensing units, J & E Hall cellar coolers, Quartz chilled water products, Cellarking cellar coolers, CD3 close control equipment, Euroklimat chillers, Nordmann humidifiers, Inoac plastic trunking, Mitsubishi Electric dehumidifiers, Mad Dog wall brackets and condensate pumps, Toshiba & IMI Marstair spare parts distributor.

Euroklimat hydrocarbon chiller at supermarket distribution centre (Top right) Rosie Henson, Sales Office Manager (Bottom right)

Contact Details: Primary Office Address: Summerfield Way, Chelston Business Park, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9JE T: 01823 665660 E: info@heronhill.co.uk W: www.heronhill.co.uk Twitter: @heronhill

16/03/2015 14:07:24

39

WHOLESALERS AND DISTRIBUTORS

acrjournal.uk

REPUTABLE AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST First established in 2003, Cool Designs Ltd (CDL) has grown to become a reputable air conditioning specialist renowned for its engineering solutions and bespoke approach to controls and are recognised as Product Distributor award winners over a number of years, most recently 2015.

CDL offer a wide range of services which start in the class room with essential air conditioning training and go on to include air conditioning design, health checks, commissioning services and site support.

As a carbon neutral company, CDL are proud to work with a wide range of environmentally responsible partners. CDL specialise in Toshiba air conditioning and Fujitsu air conditioning and also distribute Carrier chilled water products, Panasonic and a selected range of accessories from Aspen & Sauermann.

CDL offer a number of hands on Training & CPD courses at its North East, Scottish and North West air conditioning training centres, each fully equipped with the latest tools and Toshiba products (Fujitsu also at Warrington).

Most recently through innovation have created a YouTube channel & web hosting of digitally produced instructional videos for engineers and end users. Over 30 videos are available now and more are coming throughout 2015.

A friendly, approachable and flexible service, CDL can be reached on twitter @cooldesignsltd Facebook and at www. cdlweb.info or for further information about CDL and the services available, contact the CDL head office directly on 0191 549 6964.

Primary Brands: Toshiba, Fujitsu, Carrier, Panasonic, Aspen Pumps, Sauermann Pumps

Contact Details: Primary Office Address: Unit 8 North Hylton Enterprise Park T: 0191 5496964 E: sales@cooldesignsltd.co.uk W: cdlweb.info

How about a FREE

Coffee Gift Card when you spend £150 or more Online?

GEA Küba GmbH

p38_39_acrmay15.indd 39

13/03/2015 12:05:51

40

COMPANY PROFILE

April 2015

CLIMATE CENTER Robert Franklin, National Development Director at Climate Center, part of Wolseley UK, talks about the company’s recent win at the National ACR Awards and how he sees the F-Gas Revision impacting the industry.

I

n the past year we have seen some significant developments in the Climate Center business, not least with the revision to the F-Gas legislation. We believe this change will have the most significant impact on the industry since the phase-out of R22, and are therefore committed to providing our customers with regular industry updates. As a onestop-shop for all refrigerants and service gases, we are taking our role as leading distributor very seriously and want to add value through our specialist knowledge.

HOW WILL THE F-GAS CHANGES AFFECT CLIMATE CENTER CUSTOMERS? The amendments to the F-Gas regulations came into force on 1 January 2015 with the aim of encouraging users to use lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. As users of fluorinated

Climate Center.indd 40

17/03/2015 18:17

COMPANY PROFILE

41 acrjournal.uk

gases, there are other changes that our customers need to be aware of. For example our refrigerant can only be sold to certified companies now, and the refrigerant use and records are to be reported by the CO2 equivalent and not the kilogram quantity. This can be done by taking the GWP of the refrigerant in use and multiplying it by the kilogram quantity used.

New stationary refrigeration equipment using a refrigerant with a GWP greater than 2500 will be banned by 2020. This means that from this date new R404A equipment can no longer be installed. Should existing equipment have a charge size less than 40T CO2 equivalent, the system can continue to be serviced with Reclaimed R404A. Equipment using reclaimed or recycled fluorinated gases need to be labelled with such information and must include the batch number, the name and address of the reclamation or recycling facility, the GWP and the CO2 equivalent.

KNOWLEDGEABLE PRODUCT TRAINING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT Our two technical sales teams have also helped achieve success for us this year, servicing our air conditioning and refrigeration customer bases respectively. Teams are regionally based, providing support on equipment selection and design, ensuring that our customers are always up to date on the latest products, matched to their application needs. Our air conditioning team are also able to offer a commissioning service.

Site visits can be arranged, with our manufacturers also attending where beneficial. For some projects, the additional support offered through collaborating with manufacturers can be invaluable.

Our training is, where possible,

Climate Center.indd 41

tailored to customers’ requirements.

Due to our extensive and longstanding supplier relationships we often work with suppliers to provide our training. For example, a training calendar is pulled together which is then made available to all of our customers. We also encourage our teams to continually receive training to keep their knowledge of our extensive and evolving product range up to date.

LAUNCHING OF A FULLY TRANSACTIONAL WEBSITE Further to building on our wealth of knowledge and experience in the business, we have improved our website offering in order to provide our customers with a fully transactional website, launched in June last year.

In 2013, we undertook customer research and identified the need for a website that would allow access to extensive product information, alongside transactional capability.

The site showcases over 25,000 lines across a wide range of products. There are four delivery options taking into account our customers’ needs based on speed, convenience and cost. For the first time ever, we are able to offer next day delivery, saving our customers time, money and hassle.

A PRODUCT RANGE COMPRISING MORE THAN 25,000 PRODUCTS We are continually listening to our customers in order to expand our ranges of refrigeration equipment, components and ancillaries, and currently work with more than 200 suppliers. Recent additions mean that we are now a turnkey solution for gases, supplying a full range of refrigerants and oxy-acetelyne welding gases and accessories.

Our market-leading range of refrigerants includes the latest low

GWP HFO refrigerants, reclaimed refrigerants and carbon dioxide CO2 ), all available via our national network of 48 branches.

Our comprehensive equipment ranges are based on industry leading brands and cover the broad spectrum of market requirements, from small splits to the largest whole-building VRF/VRV systems.

Our wide selection of high efficiency heat pump-based systems offers an unrivalled choice, with experienced technical staff to help select the right system to meet the needs of a customers’ project.

In addition have a specialist capital equipment assembly facility, Custom Build. The fully equipped workshop offers contractors fast turn-around service for bespoke products including: condensing units, refrigeration packs and packaged units, saving clients time and money and delivering high quality results on time, every time.

Becoming the ACR Distributor of the Year has reinforced our position as a leading one-stop-shop for high quality air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and the distributor of choice in our industry. We believe we have the best employees and offer the best service and look forward to what the rest of 2015 has to offer. www.climatecenter.co.uk

17/03/2015 11:43

42

BREAKING NEWS

April 2015

The Changing Face of McQuay McQuay (UK) Ltd, provider of energy-efficient air handling unit and chiller products and maintenance, has announced that from 1 April 2015 the company will trade under the new name Daikin Applied (UK) Ltd and Daikin Applied Service.

General Manager, Jim Henley, explains the reasons behind the name change, the synergy of the two brands and what this means for the future of the company.

A

s part of a global rebranding strategy, the decision to rename as Daikin Applied (UK) Ltd and Daikin Applied Service more clearly defines and communicates our HVAC offering to the UK and markets worldwide.

Our new brand name unifies a progressive and innovative collaboration of organisations. For all of our customers, it means a strengthening in commitment to them, not only through product and technology innovations, but also expert consultation and enhanced communication.

Whilst our company name has changed, our legal status, office address and contact details are the same. In fact, our business offering remains fundamentally unaffected by this change. All contracts with existing customers, suppliers and stakeholders remain unaltered, with corresponding obligations and rights assumed under the new names.

As a company we have enjoyed a long and successful history in the UK. McQuay (UK)

McQuay2.indd 42

Ltd joined the Daikin family 10 years ago, which provided complementary portfolios of top quality HVAC products allowing us to cover virtually all aspects of building services.

Daikin is a well-known and trusted brand name within the HVAC industry and is synonymous with expertise in technology and excellence in engineering. Founded in October 1924 and with an extensive history of developing new, industry leading HVAC innovations and technology, Daikin is a Fortune 1000 company and the number one global air conditioning company. A leader in using technologies that help preserve the environment, and conserve energy, Daikin delivers utmost reliability to its customers.

Equally the McQuay name is synonymous with world leading applied products for the HVAC community including our comprehensive range of chillers, AHU systems, fan coils and an after sales service of full lifecycle care, providing our clients with a total applied HVAC solution.

The joining of the two brands creates a powerful synergy to serve commercial, institutional and industrial HVAC markets. Globally, our combined strengths represent the

industry’s leading solutions provider.

The new brand name, Daikin Applied encompasses everything from customer perception and experience to quality, look and feel.

We ‘apply’ our product knowledge and technical expertise to find the best commercial solution for projects of all sizes from large complex systems to smaller more standard applications; our diverse range of AHU and chiller products means we are able to support a varied range of businesses from datacentres and financial institutions to hospitals and retail outlets.

Our Applied Research and Development Centres across the world allow the Daikin Group to fully leverage and accelerate the development of applied products that support the environment, energy savings, innovation, leadership and the best customer comfort.

We are proud to fully adopt the Daikin name as Daikin Applied (UK) Ltd and Daikin Applied Service.

The Daikin and McQuay ethos and products are now as one. McQuay’s rich client history remains vital and is reinforced from now on by the full strength of the Daikin brand.

Customers can rest assured that under our new name, we promise to deliver the same high level of engineering service expertise and customer oriented approach as we always have. www.daikinapplied.uk jim.henley@daikinapplied.uk

17/03/2015 18:18

p43_acrapr15.indd 1

13/03/2015 10:29:52

44

COMPRESSORS

April 2015

u t o t l h l e o R T

he ammonia-based system is at the heart of the Victorian plant in Devizes, Wiltshire, where beer has been brewed since 1875. Founded

by Henry Wadworth, the business is now in the fourth generation of management by the Bartholomew family. The brewery operates more than 240 pubs in an area of south west England sometimes known as Wadworthshire.

The HallScrew compressor-based system installed at the brewery.

The ever-popular Wadworth 6X, Henry’s IPA and an eclectic range of seasonal beers are brewed on site for cask and keg filling with additional volume being inkered out for canning and bottling from the site, where the production wheels turn for 24 hours a day in a continual process of fermentation.

Wadworth brewery bosses are toasting a refrigeration system upgrade which will cut running costs and lead to a smaller carbon footprint. A new system installed by J & E Hall features two HallScrew compressors which ensure that a wide range of ales remain in tip-top condition throughout various key processes on the journey to the glass.

Brewery chiefs turned to J & E Hall’s expertise after deciding it made economic sense to replace an old ammonia-based system, which was running on compressors and motors first installed in the 1950s, and control panels that were modified in the 1980s.

A REFRESHING CHANGE Robert Tyre, chief engineer at Wadworth, said the decision to upgrade was taken after weighing up maintenance and servicing costs against the price of a new system. “It was time to move into the 21st Century,” he explained.

The new equipment serves a transfer beer chiller, a cask conditioning room, three cold rooms as well as several condition tanks involved in the cask

conditioning and refining processes where temperature levels are key.

It was out with the old and in with the new as the four Veebloc reciprocating compressor set-up of two Halls V127s and two Halls V92s made way for an Hallscrew HSO 3221 on fixed speed with slide valve control and an Hallscrew HSO 3216 on a variable speed drive, running between 1250 rpm and 2500 rpm to match the production loads.

The new compressor packages, supplied by J & E Hall, were teamed with Leroy Somer motors with a Leroy Somer inverter used on the smaller of the two compressors.

J & E Hall Fridgewatch controllers were used to control the new compressors and the inverter. These were connected to new control panels which were manufactured

The HallScrew compressor-based system installed at the brewery.

J&E Hall.indd 44

16/03/2015 15:47

45

COMPRESSORS

acrjournal.uk

and installed within the project. The existing evaporator and condenser set-up was kept.

DUEL PHASE PROJECT The work was carried out in two phases, as John Davies, J & E Hall Bristol Service Centre Manager explained: “For phase one we ripped out the old V127 compressors, installed the HSO 3221 and got that running alongside the old V92 reciprocating plant utilising the old 1980 PLC controller for the start/ stop control of both the new and the old V92 plant.

“For phase two we removed the V92 compressors and installed the smaller HallScrew with the variable speed drive. New glycol temperature control probes were installed into the main buffer tank glycol mains.

This will allow for single control of both compressors’ Fridgewatch controllers for lead/lag control, with progressive control of both screw compressor packages. This turned out to be a challenge due to the latch of isolation valves around this old

J&E Hall.indd 45

glycol system but we were able to install the temperature probe pockets into the live glycol mains, without even stopping the plant and production.”

Mr Davies said that savings can be expected with vastly-improved glycol temperature control: “With the old PLC control, the Veebloc compressor would start and run at 100 per cent load. This caused the glycol temperature to fluctuate between the PLC start set point of -4°C and the stop set points of -7°C. With the new Fridgewatch control the glycol set point is constantly maintained at -6.5°C across all loads from one compressor running at minimum load to both compressors running at maximum load.”

The brewery upgrade was completed in May this year and the new system is regularly monitored for its performance but the latest technological advances and increased controllability point to a cheaper and greener, cleaner future. “We would expect it to cut costs and lead to a smaller carbon footprint,” concluded Mr Tyre.

“The project caused the minimum amount of disruption. It was all on budget and all on target. From a production point of view it didn’t disrupt us at all.”

www.jehall.com

Rolling out the barrels at the Wadworth brewery.

Wadworth’s Northgate Brewery in Devizes, Wiltshire.

16/03/2015 15:47

46

DATA CENTRE COOLING

April 2015

Poor testing that can cost

data centres millions Whether it is a new data centre or a refurbishment, getting the cooling balance wrong always means throwing money away.

Dave Wolfenden of Mafi Mushkila explores what can be done to make heat load testing more effective and reduce the cost of cooling.

Cooling water distribution

T

he problem for many data centre builders is that, irrespective of new build or refurbishment, they often have no idea what the real heat load in the data centre will be. Testing is often limited and poorly designed and the clients eventually end up paying the price.

TESTS MUST HAVE SOME BASIS IN REALITY One of the biggest problems with testing is making it representative of the end use of the product.

It does not matter if it is a car, a washing machine, a laptop computer or a data centre. If the tests have no basis in reality, then not only is the time and money spent on them a waste, but the false impression that they give of efficiency means that future waste is completely undetected.

In the data centre, one of the most common ways of testing the heat load is to introduce a heat source. There is nothing inherently wrong with this provided that it is done in a real-world way. For example, introducing a heat source of 20kW, 40kW, 60kW or higher might seem like a good way to discover what the cooling system can handle. However, if there is no equipment other than the heat source in the room, all that is being tested is the ability of the cooling

Mafi.indd 46

systems to deal with hot spots rather than normal computer load.

One of the hardest things to get from the end-user client is expected loading inside the data centre. While customers put down numbers in their specification, they are often guestimates rather than realistic numbers. With long lead times for data centre construction at present, it is also possible that the hardware originally destined for the data centre may have changed.

The solution is to get a customer to provide a range of value for each data centre hall giving the expected lower end, the maximum expected load and, where possible, some idea of the type of systems to be installed. With the latter, it is then possible to place variable heat sources around the data centre in order to best match how heat will be generated when systems are running.

HOW TO MAKE TESTING MORE EFFECTIVE There are a range of actions that can be taken to make testing more effective and it does not matter if this is a new build or a refurbishment. The key is to get infrastructure and load emulators into the hall and configure them to be as representative of reality as possible.

Ten things that can be done to make testing more effective include:

17/03/2015 18:20

47

DATA CENTRE COOLING

acrjournal.uk

“It makes sense to invest in equipment that will support a rolling program of refurbishment.”

Generators

Data hall

1. Racks and cable trays are the minimum type of equipment required. To make the cable trays more effective, tape off some of the ducts to represent different densities of cable load.

2. Make sure that the racks are all properly blanked off to prevent air mixing and arrange them in a similar configuration to the end user requirement.

3. Not all infrastructure will be rack mounted so add in additional components to represent the type of equipment often found in the data centre.

4. Make sure that the expected means of input and exhaust air are accounted for along with the common types of air flow interference and arrange the room accordingly.

5. Place multiple sensors in each rack and row to get a granular view of air from the ground to the ceiling.

Mafi.indd 47

6. Use multiple heat emulators per rack and place them where the load will occur. For example, if the rack will have multiple switches mounted at the top of the rack, place a heat emulator there. Similarly, if there are going to be blade servers which generate large amounts of heat at the bottom, place a larger heat emulator at the bottom.

7. Do not test with a single heat load. Vary the loads from the emulators across the racks and throughout the day to make this representative of normal IT workloads. Focus on the edge cases such as peak logon and backup times where systems will be under high stress loads.

8. If designing or refurbishing multiple data halls, create or buy movable racks that will hold the heat emulators. With hardware refreshes taking place every 3-5 years and data centres having

a life of up to 25 years, it makes sense to invest in equipment that will support a rolling program of refurbishment.

9. Invest in or hire specialists in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) who will be able to see how airflow moves as you alter the heat load. This will quickly identify where there is a risk of hot spots that are not easily cooled and provide information as to where certain types of equipment with high heat load can/cannot be located.

10. Ensure that you create a set of baselines for the different types of test load. This can then be used to compare against ongoing readings from the sensors once the data centre has been commissioned.

Evaluating actual vs projected heat is a good indicator of future problems and potential energy waste

Continued on page 48

18/03/2015 09:02

48

DATA CENTRE COOLING

April 2015

Continued from page 47

These ten steps are not an exhaustive list and the choice of whether to use some or all will depend on budget and availability of equipment. In most cases, it is possible to bring in a third party to do the testing and they will supply more of the equipment required to make the testing realistic.

Experienced testing vendors will be able to advise on how best to create realistic baselines for the types of workload to be run.

They will also help create the processes that then compare tests, projections and actual heat

and cooling figures gathered by sensors. While these figures are significant in maintaining future costs and efficiency they are also indicators of non IT related problems.

While the focus on heat and cooling is often around the hardware, poor housekeeping practices such as a build-up of old cabling or a failure to maintain cable standards can have a disproportionate impact of the effectiveness of cooling. While some of these issues are easily spotted by walking around a data centre, the sensors showing an increase in heat and regular use of CFD to test airflow will also indicate hidden problems, especially where infrastructure is under the floor or above the ceiling.

CONCLUSION It is not difficult to create a valid heating and cooling test environment but it does require planning. The biggest issue is often the communication between the end-user client, the contractor creating/building the data centre

as well as the test team. In many cases, while there is a contract and a handover process, there is little real communication over future use.

One reason for this is that those commissioning the data centre are not part of the IT team. There is still a disconnect between facilities management and IT and this will always create opportunities for money to be wasted. Another reason is commercial sensitivity where corporate customers want to prevent competitors gaining an understanding of their future data centre requirements.

Irrespective of why customer and contractor do not talk to each other, both parties must take responsibility for historical poor practices in testing data centres.

Solving the problem is not hard, will save money on energy costs and is an important contributor to any corporate environmental audit.

For more information visit www.heatload.co.uk www.mafi-mushkila.co.uk

Mobile Racks

Mafi.indd 48

17/03/2015 18:22

Iconic: Improve sales with the new face of frozen food display

Iconic’s unique semi-vertical freezer improves space efficiency and increases product display area to maximise sales and revolutionise the supermarket freezer section.

Shoppers spend on average only 20 seconds in the frozen food aisles.

We want to change that.

Iconic from Viessmann is the first semi-vertical freezer, designed to transform the freezer section into a flexible, accessible space for retailers with an appealing marketplace feel for shoppers. With a focus on aesthetics and ergonomics, 50% more display volume has been created in same footprint as a traditional freezer island. A pilot scheme of Viessmann Iconic in a supermarket increased frozen food sales revenue 10% and profit by 18%.

Viessmann Cold Technology UK Limited · FreePhone 0800-634 6555 · www.viessmann-coldtech.co.uk

p29_acrfeb15.indd 1

17/03/2015 18:23

50

HUMIDIFICATION

April 2015

Maintaining the right level of humidity to match specific room requirements necessitates precision control. Andie Chessun, National Sales Manager, HygroMatik UK, highlights what to consider when providing the appropriate storage atomosphere for the preservation of contents with financial, educational and historic value.

WHAT TO CONSIDER…

Andie Chessun

Hygromatik.indd 50

Museums, galleries and their storage facilities require precision control to maintain the appropriate level of humidity to preserve their contents. These items will have educational, monetary and historic value meaning the significance of adhering to the correct atmosphere cannot be overlooked. Systems such as HygroMatik’s range of electrode and heater type humidifiers feature Modbus energy monitoring as standard, allowing the control of different rooms and systems from one point.

Items such as antique books in museums or galleries require a typical humidity level of 40-50%rH and if this fluctuates more than 5%rH, irreversible damage can be caused. This is because paper is hygroscopic, which means it reacts to changes in the humidity level and can become frail due to too little humidity.

In addition, antique wood furniture and musical instruments are susceptible to crack or warp in the wrong conditions and paintings can peel in fluctuating humidity. Frames may also twist and canvases crack due to variations in

humidity. Splits and shrinkage may also occur in natural materials such as sculptures. These materials therefore need a uniform level of air humidity that is suitable in order to safeguard each piece at its intrinsic value.

Hygromatik High Pressure System 2014

MEDICAL SECTOR CONSIDERATIONS Humidification must meet rigorous standards in many functions of the medical sector such as laboratories.

Considering ongoing maintenance budgets, choosing the right humidification unit can also help reduce costs.

17/03/2015 08:35

51

HUMIDIFICATION

acrjournal.uk

The Upper Austrian Red Cross operates cleanrooms with classes A to D over an area of 3,500m2. Here, stem cells and tissues are produced from organs that are subsequently reintroduced into the body. As strict limits for climatic data and a minimum level of humidity must be maintained in these rooms, and energy as well as maintenance costs had to be reduced, the steam humidification systems in the HVAC ducts were converted to efficient high pressure nozzle solutions.

The HygroMatik high pressure systems (HPS) have enabled the centre to exceed the performance of the previous system whilst reducing maintenance costs from €7,500 per year to €1,400 and reducing energy bills from €96,267 per year to €16,036. The adiabatic system helps cool the air which further reduces air-conditioning and energy requirements. This free cooling of incoming air can be used to its full potential in the summer months.

Air quality, temperature and humidity play an important role in this large production facility. Due to the highly sensitive nature of activities, both the highest facility specific and hygiene standards are legally stipulated in these rooms.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS… To protect against harmful bacteria forming, the best systems are designed for easy maintenance and are easily accessed and cleaned without the use of harmful chemicals. HygroMatik’s complete range offers a solution by using fully demineralised water for humidification to prevent limescale deposits, practically eliminating the need for further maintenance apart for the occasional and very easy replacement of the water filter and visual and operational checks.

Hygromatik.indd 51

By not using disinfectants, such systems are not only more hygienic, they are environmentally friendly and save money.

Maintenance costs can also be drastically reduced with these systems as their individual components can be replaced and serviced.

This reduces the cost of servicing, as well as cutting down on the unnecessary waste produced by disposing large groups of components or even whole systems. A reduction in consumables, especially those classed as industrial waste can alleviate environmental concerns. It is therefore up to manufacturers to offer maintainable rather than disposable options, for instance cylinders, which circumvents systems going to landfill. Furthermore, all units are BIM compliant, meeting the Government’s requirement of BIM level 2.

Customers now demand energy efficient units due to rising energy costs, increasing environmental concerns and Government regulations. Modern adiabatic cold-water humidifiers seem to meet these demands with the combination of very low energy consumption and high humidification.

For environments such as offices, data centres, airports, museums, production halls and laboratories that require large humidification loads, there are pressured adiabatic systems able to work at capacities of up to 750l/hr.

Humidification control must be highly considered in order to

LPS Hygromatik

create a comfortable and compliant environment. Referring to industry guides and early collaboration with a humidification solutions manufacturer will ensure the right unit is utilised to meet the required demands and building specifications.

HELP IS AT HAND Every area of humidification has a range of important and authoritative guidance on offer.

As the chairman of the FETA humidity group, it was a great privilege of mine to have input into the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) ‘KS19: Humidification’ guide. For those particularly involved in the healthcare sector, authoritative guidance on public health and hygiene can be sought from CIBSE’s ‘TM13: Minimising the Risk of Legionnaires’ Disease’, ‘Guide G for Public Health and Plumbing’ or the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE) ‘HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics’. www.hygromatik.de/en

17/03/2015 08:35

52

WOMEN IN ACR

April 2015

and interesting. I decided to give it a go after finishing my plumbing course.

I enrolled to do my Level 2 air conditioning and refrigeration course.

I met Steve [Benton] at an IoR event which gave me a head start to see where I could take it.

Now that you are nearing the end of your course, where do you want this to go?

Will Hawkins interviewed Hafsa Kalsoom when he met her at Cool Concerns in October.

Hafsa was training with Stephen Benton and Jane Gartshore while studying for her ACR qualifications at Birmingham City College.

How did you get into this?

It was just talking to people. I used to go to the gym with the person who is now teaching me air conditioning and refrigeration. He saw me around college where I was doing a plumbing course and said ‘You should have done air conditioning’. I thought, ‘What’s all that about?’

I thought it was fixing domestic fridges. My instructor explained more about it and I thought it sounded fun

Women in ACR.indd 52

Obviously, I am going to finish what I am doing at college. I want to see if I can find someone or company that will recruit me as an apprentice on the basis that I will already know the basics about air conditioning and refrigeration. I can, then, work alongside an engineer and help while developing my skills. It will give me the feel for what I want to do.

I can see if I want to stay in service and maintenance. Or, if I want to go further. I finished 18 weeks of Level 2 plumbing in January.

Did that help you with what you have learnt here?

Yes. Plus it gives me the advantage on all the pipework skills. And, when it comes to heat pumps, it will be a useful skill to have.

Why did you go into plumbing?

I went into plumbing because I wanted to go into a trade since the age of seven. But, my parents did not agree.

They thought it was a man’s job.

So, you were plumbing at home?

No, I wasn’t plumbing. My Dad buys and sells houses and lets them out. I wanted to get involved, but my Dad was not keen. So, I had to resort to getting a ‘crap’ job.

A year went past and my parents got sick and tired of me doing nothing, to a certain extent. Obviously, working for a minimum wage is not really what you want your children to do, is it?

They relented and agreed that I could go to college. But, it was on the condition that it had to be something women do. I joined to do a health and social care course.

I did it for about six months but it wasn’t for me. I can look after elderly people, which I enjoy doing, all day long. But, I did not enjoy writing up the endless assignments. I dropped out after six months, and my Dad said just do whatever you want; just do something with yourself.

And, whatever you do, you can’t complain!

17/03/2015 11:59

53

WOMEN IN ACR

acrjournal.uk

So, I went to a college open day and decided on plumbing. I was thinking what shall I do? I thought ‘ok’, plumbing sounds like a good step. I went for it.

Did you enjoy it?

Yes. To be quite honest, I was surprised. I found it easier than I thought I would. Because when I went in for the induction, I was thinking why are going through this?

I went but I found it easy and I flew through. But, it was really good.

Would you have anticipated being here now?

No, because even now, my teacher at college, he’s a gas engineer, I asked him his opinion about which way I should go.

He recommended that I should stick with air conditioning, refrigeration and renewables.

Studying air conditioning and refrigeration is offering you lots of choices?

I went to an IoR event at college where I met Stephen. It was about the new City & Guilds qualification.

It was very helpful listening to all these engineers from different backgrounds. You can see the growth of the industry and the depths of it.

What is the main benefit of entering the air conditioning and refrigeration industry?

It’s the travelling and being able to dip in and out of certain specialities of the industry. For example, I am enjoying service engineering. Three

Women in ACR.indd 53

years down the line I might want to move into installation. After that, I might go into design. It keeps it fresh, it keeps it exciting. There’s never the same problem with air conditioning systems.

As a women entering the industry, how has it felt?

I think for me it is different compared to other women. I am quite comfortable around men. If you can do it, I can do it. I have done that since I was probably four. So, my Dad, even though he is quite a strict one, because, obviously, our culture and religion is quite strict but I have not let that trouble me. It does not matter if you are a man or a woman.

If you are good at what you are doing, that is the main thing.

Is there anything in particular that excites you about the industry?

I like the whole idea of travelling.

That is always what I have wanted to do. Like spend a year here or there.

And then, experience every aspect of air conditioning, like industrial, commercial and domestic.

What would you say to other women coming into the industry?

When you think of a trade, you think it’s hard work or dirty. This work is not really that physical. Other than that, it is quite a clean and easy job.

What else do you think might be good in the industry?

I think this job offers security. If you have got the skill, someone wants you somewhere. It might

be in England, the United States, Australia, or the Middle East. You know that someone will always want this kind of engineer. That gives you the security, which is one of the bonuses.

And, you are not always seeing the same issues or the same people, even if you are working in the same company. There is a lot of variety which keeps everything fresh.

Are you a member of the IoR? I am joining it next month. I will be going to the Grimsby Ice Factory to learn about the history.

What is the benefit of joining something like the IoR? For me, because I really don’t know much about air conditioning and refrigeration, I find it gives more knowledge than you need but you know what you are aiming for, and it gives you that motivation to see what could be done and learnt.

You are enjoying it, then?

Yes, I enjoy the IoR meetings. I met the President, Graeme Maidment and he gave me some really good feedback. I met John Ellis. He was really good. I asked him about how he was in the army. I have always wanted to be in the army as well.

It gives you that outlook on your life and how you benefit from it because you know more people and where everything is going. It’s a like a community, isn’t it? Which is good.

17/03/2015 11:59

54

SOLID STATE REFRIGERATION

April 2015

Will Hawkins interviews Phononic CEO, Tony Atti, whose company looks set to disrupt cooling and heating in the domestic, laboratory and data centre markets with its solid state products.

Tell me about the background to Phononic I started my career in research and development and I have probably spent close to 15 researching, investing and commercialising energy and energy related technologies.

I focussed, in particular, on ‘early stage’, unproven technology, in some cases in non-proven or non-existing markets, as energy and energy technology companies often face.

In late 2008, I had a meeting with what would become the founding investors for Phononic, namely Venrock [investors in domestic controls business, Nest] and Oak Investment Partners. They presented me

Phononic1.indd 54

state cooling and heating. Some in the industry might know it as ‘thermoelectric’ or Peltier coolers.

And, after reviewing all the players in that area, I made recommendation to the investors that I was impressed with the work going on at a number of universities, in particular.

We licensed their technology. That was the first institutional capital to support that effort, and came in on February 2009.

The heating and cooling has been pretty much dominated by the compressor. Is what you are doing a unique product to you? with what would ultimately become our investment theses, namely semiconductors, or as they are commonly known, solid state materials. They have revolutionised data with the transistor. They are doing the same with power with solar cells. They are on the way with lighting relative to replacing incandescent bulbs with LED semi-conductor chips.

But, there had not been that same impact on cooling and heating where we are decades in and the compressor still tends to dominate despite a whole host of issues regarding its use.

As a favour, I did due diligence on about dozen universities in the US that were working in the area of semi-conductor, or solid

What I found was that if you truly want to compete in the mass markets where compressors dominate, your value proposition has to be much more about much more than an individual component. You have to be willing to deliver a full product solution.

We started by addressing the shortcomings with conventional thermoelectric or Peltier devices that had prevented them from competing with compressors in the past. Namely, the efficiency with which they consume electric power and generate cooling. And, secondly, which is often more damning, the ability to scale to deliver the tens to hundreds of kilowatts of cooling that compressors typically do.

And, we addressed those technical

17/03/2015 18:29

SOLID STATE REFRIGERATION

55 acrjournal.uk

metrics that demonstrated we could compete in the realm of compressors. But, to really displace a technology that has been used for a long time, decades even, we had to deliver a full, comprehensive, product value proposition to our partners and customers.

And, that is where I really think at Phononic we differentiate ourselves from where others have come before us. We have expertise at our company in material science, semiconductor engineering, thermal management, refrigerated systems and power electronics and control.

And, when you do that level, you are able to package and marry devices, components and fully integrated systems. We demonstrated the ability to compete product versus product with compressors based products.

element of competing system to system with compressor-based components. Then you very quickly start to see tangential impact in electronics, in data services, in medical, in laboratory, where you see extension of your go-to-market strategy. And, for us, that has been a really exciting path.

To step back a little bit, how does Tell me about some of the markets you the technology work?

Those in the HVAC industry are no are working on with your products If you want to play in this industry, you have to first clearly define your value proposition so that it is easy for the industry to understand.

We view the home as sort of a portal to introduce disruptive products. And, in some cases, they were very obvious.

Cooling and heating applications distributed throughout the home is clear. In others, we were very much surprised, in the sense that data transmission, optical components, the ‘guts’ of the internet, have always required careful thermomanagement. But, the emergence of the ‘internet of things’ in this connected world has dramatically increased the data rate of content.

You are really stressing the fibre and its ability to provide or maintain that data rate without overheating.

If you look at Phononic’s approach to market, there is the disruptive

Phononic1.indd 55

doubt aware of, or at least some level, familiar with the principles of thermoelectric cooling. Or, Peltier cooling as it is typically known.

Through a combination of material science and process engineering, we have manufactured devices that are thin, that are small yet deliver a very large temperature gradient between the hot and cold side of the respective device.

To compete into the mass markets, or to expand into product areas that people didn’t believe were achievable, we demonstrated the ability to efficiently scale the output of those devices.

We developed some very interesting proprietary and patent protected systems capabilities that allows us to manage that heat such that when you marry those components all together you can deliver product level quality or value.

What sort of things could you be cooling down?

Yes, this is a really important question and it goes to the heart of our market development and product development strategy. There is ‘What can we do?’ and, then, there is ‘Why would be choose to do what we are currently doing?’

On both the component and system level, we have demonstrated the ability to deliver kilowatts of cooling and heating for a particular applications that will compete with compressors. We have chosen to go on the residential market and the medical laboratory market, relative to cold storage and refrigeration.

And, where we have chosen to go on electronics, data related applications is at the smaller or lower end of the cooling and heating spectrum.

When we started on our investigation into the market, particularly for cold storage, which includes residential and medical, we went in as classical Americans thinking that everyone around the world has a 28 cubic foot double French door, bottom mount refrigerator.

Continued on page 56

17/03/2015 18:29

56

SOLID STATE REFRIGERATION

April 2015

Continued from page 55

And, as I am sure you are familiar in the UK, the percentage of the market that compressors support for those particular applications is fraction, barely 10% of the global refrigeration market.

The overwhelming majority of products are sold into what we call ‘small style kitchen living’. Whereas for the rest of the world that’s a standard sized product.

It was really driven by the ability and the desire to move towards small space living.

On medical and laboratory, this is slightly different, in that we are able to deliver to end users value that may not be obvious. Specific features to the intellectual property we develop that you, as the customer, might not appreciate are no moving parts, no vibration, no intake fans, and very incredible stable temperature distribution from top to bottom.

You do not notice that when you are chilling your wine or refrigerating your beer. But, if it is a biological or medical sample, it requires the utmost in sample preservation.

That was some of the value that we are now delivering to the laboratory market and why we are seeing that take off in such a dramatic way.

When it comes to the efficiency of it, how are measuring the efficiency compared to a traditional system?

The most realistic comparison that we do is wall outlet to wall outlet. We compete very well in most of the important size ranges that dominate the market with a compressor based system versus a Phononic solid state system.

In addition, we have a sustainable approach that not just relates to consumption, but to eliminating the Freon, R134a, and eliminating even the ISO-butane, which is what some of the developed countries

Phononic1.indd 56

“We compete very well with a compressor based system versus a Phononic solid state system.”

are moving to as well. We have a completely non-toxic and benign coolant system.

What is going to be the first product to market?

We made a product announcement in October for the medical laboratory medical line. That will start shipping in 2015. And, at the same time, we have residential products that are going to be introduced in the middle part of 2015 too.

We will be introducing products across both respective elements of cold storage in the not so very distant future.

What are benefits do you bring to the data centre cooling market?

In the data centre market, their data rate transition has gone from 10 to 40 to 100 gigabytes per second.

It has allowed us to come in and partner along each avenue, as opposed to in the past, if I partnered with the chip person, I would offend the rack guy; and if I partnered with the rack guy, I would offend the infrastructure guy.

Whereas now there is enough of a pull that thermal management has become such a problem that they are all rethinking how they provide this level of cooling.

With the consumer products, will your product look different on the outside as well as operating differently?

You nailed it. And, this is the struggle.

We would love our partners to embrace their ability to ‘push the envelope’ on industrial design and mechanical design.

To some customers, that is very threatening. To some, that is very exciting. The way we ‘thread that needle’ is we boldly state that we want to enable our partners to demonstrate solid state cooled or heated consumer products that did not believe could be built or done with a noncompressor cooling component.

18/03/2015 09:00

Sign up to our weekly e-NEWSLETTER for…

1989-2014

AN N

IV E RSA

Essential Information for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry

RY

LATEST NEWS FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE

TECHNICAL INFORMATION INDUSTRY EVENTS

CURRENT HVAC/R JOBS

Visit: www.acr-enews.uk p57_acrapr15.indd 1

17/03/2015 18:25

58

CONTRACTORS SIGNPOST CORNER

April 2015

Attention all RAC service and maintenance contractors –

LET DIVERSITECH HELP YOU

If you service and maintain refrigeration and air conditioning equipment then you and your company, would benefit from being a “DiversiTech Maintenance Products Accredited Contractor”.

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? Most people working in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry will acknowledge that cleaning and maintaining equipment should be done on a regular basis but there are lots of different products out there and selecting the most appropriate and cost effective product for any given application can be difficult.

Being trained and accredited by a leading coil cleaning and maintenance products manufacturer means that you and your service engineers will know the answers to the following questions: ₀ Which products are best to use - acid or alkaline? ₀ How do I treat drain trays to prevent fouling and drain line blockages? ₀ Do I need a foaming or a non-foaming cleaner? ₀ Does the coil need rinsing after cleaning? ₀ Which products are the safest to use? ₀ Is it better to use a ready mixed product or a concentrated product? ₀ What product is needed to control and remove bacticides and fungicides? ₀ Which is the best product to use in food preparation areas? ₀ Which products will not damage the equipment? ₀ Are there environmentally safe and friendly cleaners available? ₀ How can I deal with and treat accidental spillage’s causing damage? ₀ What is the best way to remove bad smells from AC units? ₀ How can I clean all-aluminium coils and coils with protective treatments?

58 Contractors' corner.indd 58

With today’s increasing focus on energy efficiency, reduced running costs and providing safer, cleaner environments, regular and correct cleaning and maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment is now more important than ever.

Being a DiversiTech accredited contractor will “give you the edge” when talking to both existing and new customers about service and maintenance contracts – and it’s FREE.

WHERE AND WHEN Throughout the year DiversiTech will be running a series of accreditation training programmes at Pump House in Nottingham and the next one will be on Friday 5th June 2015 at 10.30 am. The programme takes about 2 hours

and attendees will receive an accreditation certificate and of course, lunch will be provided.

Can’t get to Nottingham / can’t spare the time – don’t worry we can come to you.

For contractors who can’t get to Nottingham we can, by arrangement, come to your premises to do the programme at a time that suits your business and workload such as first thing in the morning or perhaps in the evening.

So to attend one of our regular programmes or to arrange for us to come to you please contact us.

Places at our Nottingham venue are limited to 15 candidates per session, so, to avoid disappointment, please book early for this free programme - contact Tom Fitzsimons the DiversiTech Product Manager at tfitzsimons@ diversitech.com or call him on 0115 900 5858.

The AdvICE Men column returns to Contractors’ Corner in the May issue.

18/03/2015 09:00

59

PRODUCTS

acrjournal.uk

APRIL 2015 The guide to what’s new for The ACR Journal readers, offering vital industry news including the latest products and services to be introduced.

To advertise your product in the ‘What’s New’ section please contact Shelley Bright on 01778 391172 The Interchangeable Probe Handle from ETI ETI have introduced a new thermocouple temperature probe that allows the user to replace the stainless measuring tip, rather than replacing the whole probe, saving both time and money.

Each handle incorporates a miniature thermocouple socket, allowing a variety of thermocouple probes to be quickly connected to a single thermometer. The benefits are both flexibility of use and reduced cost of purchasing a complete new temperature probe. Being most often in use, the stainless steel tip of the probe is exposed to excess heat, physical abuse or as is often the case, the probe simply wears out. It is therefore now possible to achieve a significant in cost, typically 50% by replacing only the working end (the tip) of the temperature probe.

The interchangeable probe handle (order code 323-950) is competitively priced at £18 each, exclusive of VAT and available direct from Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd. 01903 202151 sales@etiltd.com www.etiltd.com

Heat Pump Air to Air Heat Recovery Units from Weger Air Solutions UK Weger Air Solutions UK have expanded their product range with the introduction of five models of Heat Pump Air to Air Heat Recovery Units.

All of the units are ‘stand-alone’ and only need electrical power, so are ideal for applications where hot water, chilled water and gas are not available. Very high efficiency levels are achieved as there are 2 forms of sequential heat recovery – the integral heat pump system and either plate recuperators or thermal wheels.

All five models use an integral refrigeration system (R410A) using inverter controlled hermetic scroll compressors. The evaporator and condenser coils are copper tubes with aluminium fins. The refrigeration system uses electronic expansion valves, cycle inversion valves, pressure gauges and pressure transducers.

At the heart of each unit is a microprocessor controller, designed to maximise energy savings and achieve environmental comfort through modulation of cooling and heating to the space.

01225 701864 admin@wegerair.co.uk

What's New April 2015.indd 59

or e-mail shelleyb@warnersgroup.co.uk LHE Condensing Units that meet new EU directive from Bitzer UK New from Bitzer is a range of LHE air cooled condensing units which feature the proven Ecoline reciprocating compressor with in-built capacity control for maximum operational efficiency. Under the requirements of the EU’s 2015 Ecodesign Directive, fans are now the subject of greater efficiency requirements and the LHE range meets this need through the incorporation of EC (electronically commutated) fans.

The new LHE condensing units are designed for a wide range of applications including air conditioning, medium temperature and low temperature refrigeration applications. They offer highly efficient and flexible performance and are available with displacements of 4 to 110.5 m³/h. As modular units, they can be supplied in different configurations, including both single and tandem compressors. Refrigerant compatibility includes R134a, R404A/R507A, R407A, R407C, R407F and R22 as well as low GWP HFO refrigerants and HFO/HFC mixes.

01908 642966 sales@bitzeruk.com www.bitzeruk.com

Munters optimises climate conditions for hydrotherapy pool Munters have created the perfect indoor climate conditions for a special needs school’s hydrotherapy pool in East Ayrshire.

The 30m2 pool is a key facility for the children of the community and so when the original unit that controlled the air conditions was found to be outdated and in poor conditions Munters was introduced. ProkPool, a Munters ProKlima unit was installed into Hillside Primary School. It allowed member of staff to adjust the temperature and control the humidity within the pool hall within a varying level, over and above the flexibility of the original unit.

Features: ₀ Dramatically reduce maintenance ₀ Achieve perfect conditions ₀ Reduce noise levels ₀ Save typically £1000 per annum overall +44 1480 413147 sian.parker@munters.co.uk www.munters.co.uk/pools-uk

17/03/2015 12:01

60

COMPETITION

April 2015

MARCH WINNERS

Congratulations to Chris Brown of Williams Refrigeration, who wins a Saturday Night Break for two at Village Urban Resorts and to runner-up Leanne Mace of Oceanair UK Ltd, Buckhurst Hill, who wins a Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly and Canapés for Two.

Welcome to our new Retreat competition, sponsored by Refcom.

The law now requires stationary RAC companies to have obtained full F-Gas Certification. If you’ve missed the deadline don’t risk prosecution, get registered now at www.refcom.com To demonstrate your commitment to best practice, you can also join voluntary registration scheme Refcom Elite.

There are some FANTASTIC competition prizes this month from Refcom, the UK’s leading F-Gas register.

Simply find the 11 words we’ve hidden in the word search for your chance to win.

P

K

B

B

T

R

A

I

N

E

D

ACR

C

W

A

R

M

I

N

G

V

O

V

ACRIB

N

O

I

T

A

L

S

I

G

E

L

CIRCUIT

L

A

N

R

U

O

J

A

C

R

O

F

J

Y

R

E

T

S

I

G

E

R

Q

G

L

O

B

A

L

R

A

A

D

I

T

T

S

C

I

R

C

U

I

T

R

S

Z

N

I

A

T

N

I

A

M

REGISTER

M

M

A

C

R

I

B

P

H

A

M

TRAINED

D

E

C

R

O

F

N

E

L

I

Q

WARMING

The winner of this month’s competition will win: Asus 7” Tablet

ENFORCED GLOBAL JOURNAL LEGISLATION MAINTAIN

One runner-up will win: Sunday lunch for two at a luxury hotel.

Prizes may vary from that pictured.

CLOSING DATE IS WEDNESDAY 5TH MAY 2015 Send your entry to: Competitions Department, ACR Today, Warners Group Publications, The Maltings, West Street Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9PH Name ...................................................................................................................................... Company ..........................................................................................................................

Job Title .................................................................................................................................. Business Address ........................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................ Post code ...................................... Tel ...................................................... Daytime/evening (please circle) .............................................................................. Company email address .....................................................................................................................................................................

Please sign here if you wish to receive or continue to receive a regular

FREE copy of ACR Today

FREE e-newsletter

Signed ........................................................................... Date ...................................................................

In relation to air conditioning and refrigeration products, please tick the most relevant box below.

Purchase Specify Use Install Maintain Manufacture None of these Do you: Warners Group Publications plc will automatically provide you with relevant direct mail and/or telephone information. If you do not want to receive this information tick here . We may also e-mail you with information about relevant products/services. If you do want to receive e-mail please tick here . Warners Group Publications plc will occasionally allow selected third parties to contact you about their products/services. If you do not want to receive relevant direct mail and/or telephone information from third parties please tick here . If you do want to receive relevant email from third parties please tick here . All prizes are subject to availability and may change.

REFCOM COMP.indd 60

16/03/2015 16:26

05

3TS TRAINING CENTRE S Introduction HC D O & s F-Ga o t erants ons g i i t r a f l e u n R g o e i R t Refigera

9 C&G 207

s of Principleation RefrigerAir and ning Conditio

7 C&G 618

...just a few of the Training Courses we run throughout the year. Please contact us for further details.

Providing Training Courses for our hard working sole traders, right up to the largest companies in the business.

Technical Sales and Support vacancies Air Conditioning, Ventilation, Refrigeration, Maintenance, Heat Pumps, Renewables Business Development Executives

£ 40 – 54k + £22k commission + car allowance + package Areas: 1. London, M25 2. Midlands

Specification Area Sales Managers

e: training@3tservices.co.uk t: 01928 898 191 www.3tservices.net 2:57 PM

Page 1

air handling/fans/ventilation

£ 36 – 48k + £ 12k bonus + car allowance + package Areas: 1. London. M25 2. Kent, Surrey, Sussex 3. Beds, Bucks, Herts, Essex 4. Berks, M4, Hants, M3 5. Peterborough, Northants & East Anglia 6. Bristol, South Wales 7. Midlands 8. Manchester & North West

Regional Sales Engineers

air conditioning

£ 32 – 46k + £10k bonus + car allowance + package Areas: 1. London, M25 2. Beds, Bucks, Herts, Essex, North London 3. Middx, Berks, M4, Surrey, Hants, M3 4. NE London, Essex & East Anglia 5. Bristol & South West

Project Engineers/Managers

TRAINING CENTRE

air conditioning/chillers

refrigeration/air conditioning

£ 38 – 52k + £7k bonus + car allowance + package Areas: 1. Kent, Surrey, Sussex 2. Berks, M4, Oxon, Bucks 4. Manchester & Yorkshire 5. Glasgow

3. Midlands

Technical/Sales Support Engineers air con/air handling/refrigeration £ 25 – 34k + £4k bonus + package Areas: 1. Herts 2. Surrey 3. Staffordshire 4. Kent 5. Middx 6. Hants 7. Staffordshire

To apply for these or other new roles we are handling exclusively please call: 0118 930 4444 or email your CV to: vacancies@tsinternational.net You can also apply via our website: www.ts-international.com TSInternational Recruitment Ltd 7 High Street, Theale, Reading, Berks, RG7 5AH

"QQSPWFE $FOUSF

“the wisest mind has something yet to learn”

Call us now on 01474 338705/338725 www.ashburyassociates.co.uk Email: info@ashburyassociates.co.uk

APPLICATIONS ENGINEER

MANUFACTURING DIRECTOR

INDUSTRIAL SERVICE MANAGER

Essex/Cambridgeshire to £40k+benefits Excellent opportunity to join a major HVAC manufacturer.

You will be responsible for the design, selection and pricing of HVAC equipment. The ideal applicant will have a strong technical background matched with good qualifications and communication skills.

Ref: T3235

Middle East Generous tax free salary &expat package.

A senior manager is required to direct the strategic plans, policies, practices and personnel related to the regional manufacture of airside products in the ME. Candidates should have extensive experience of Airside and Commercial markets and strong team building skills.

Ref:T3219

North West to £50k+car+benefits Experience Service Manager required to run this busy industrial and commercial refrigeration service operation. You will be responsible for managing and motivating the service team, maintaining existing clients and developing new business. The ideal applicant should have ammonia experience. Ref:T3239

REFRIGERATION DESIGN ENGINEER

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER

INDUSTRIAL REFRIGERATION ENGINEER

North West to £60k+car+benefits A leading industrial refrigeration contractor is looking to further strengthen its team with the appointment of a Design Engineer to be responsible for the design of industrial refrigeration, including ammonia, for a wide range of food process applications.

Ref:T3238

S. East £neg.+car+comm.+benefits The key responsibility in this role will be to maintain a profitable growth and development of the company’s commercial refrigeration products business. Applicants should have sales experience, preferably within the commercial refrigeration industry and an eye for identifying areas of opportunity. Ref:T3203

North West & Ireland to £41k+veh+o/t+benefits Large, independently owned Industrial Refrigeration specialists require experienced Industrial Refrigeration Service Engineers. You should have a background in the Industrial Refrigeration & Process Chilling markets, including ammonia experience.

Ref:T3215/40

SALES ENGINEER

SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER

CHILLER ENGINEERS

South Wales c£35k+car+comm.

This leading, nationwide wholesaler has an immediate requirement for an experienced and successful Sales Engineer, to sell their comprehensive range of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and components to contractors throughout the South Wales area.

Ref:T3227

Essex c£45k+benefits Specialist refrigeration equipment manufacturer requires an experienced design engineer. You will be responsible for the design, development and project management of complex refrigeration equipment. The ideal applicant will have strong refrigeration and electronics experience.

Ref: T 3237

M25 & S. East to £35k + t/t + o/t + van Excellent opportunity to join a professional, nationwide service operation. You will be responsible for the service, maintenance and commissioning of centrifugal, reciprocating and screw chillers so should have previous suitable experience Ref:T3230

AREA SERVICE MANAGER

NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER

North West & North to £37k+car+benefits Key individual to be responsible for the day to day management of a service team, providing technical support, liaising with clients and managing various service and maintenance contracts and dealing with H&S and HR functions. Ref:T3233

South/Midlands c£50k + bonus + car You must possess technical refrigeration/air conditioning equipment knowledge, strong account management skills with well developed customer satisfaction skills, commercial acumen and credibility to network and present at Board level. Ref: T3241

p61_acrapr15.indd 1

For further details please contact TERRY WHITE or ROGER For further details contactPRICE either TERRY WHITE or ROGER at Ashbury Associates, The Old Rectory,PRICE Springhead Road, Ashbury Associates Ltd., Kent Crown House, Northfleet, DA11 8HNHome Gardens, Kent DA1 1DZ 338749 t 01474 Dartford, 338705/338725 f 01474 t 01322 424636 f 01322 424637 e info@ashburyassociates.co.uk e info@ashburyassociates.co.uk

17/03/2015 18:35

acr40/41

1/18/05

9:29 AM

Page 1

62

CLASSIFIEDS

40

visit us @ www.acrtoday.co.uk

SALES and SERVICE April 2015

INSURANCE

FANS

COLDROOMS

Specialist Insurance for Air Conditioning / Refrigeration Contractors

T:Ê01634Ê868444

• Bespoke Chiller & Freezer Coldrooms

www.firstins.co.uk First Insurance Solutions

• Mortuary Coldrooms Designed & Installed • Refrigeration Installations • Food Preparation Areas Installed

●

ÊÊLiability Cover Includes Specialist Extensions in Cover

●

ÊÊMotor Fleets of 2+ vehicles

●

ÊÊCommercial Property / Office Insurance

●

ÊÊContractors All Risks (CAR)

●

ÊÊProfessional Indemnity

W: www.milby-coldrooms.co.uk T: 0116 2606617 E: sales@milby-coldrooms.co.uk

Enquiry number: 22

NEW & SECOND USER AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT SALES PleaseÊcontactÊusÊforÊFreeÊQuotationÊ/ÊAdviceÊandÊRecommendations.

Specialists in split systems, VRV and VRF Email:Êaircon@firstins.co.uk Currently in stock Address:ÊUnitÊ6,ÊTheÊOaksÊBusinessÊVillage,ÊLordswood,ÊKent,ÊÊME5Ê8LF

• Non-inflammable • With corrosion inhibitor • Non-toxic and biodegradable • Free from oils, halogens, salts, metals and CFCs (since 1973) • Propellant: Compressed Air • Totally safe to user,, equipment, environment and ozone layer • Can with 360˚ valve - spray at any angle from upright to inverted • NATO Stock No: 4910-99-930-4489 • For sub-zero ambient temperatures down to -45˚ use GOTEC LT45

Leak Detection Spray

Second User Cassettes & Wall Mounts by DAIKIN, MITSUBISHI, TOSHIBA, FUJITSU etc. ✩

LEAK DETECTION SPRAY

CONTROL PRODUCTS Various second NOISE hand ceiling cassettes and wall mounted systems by Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Daikin & Fujitsu

Acoustic Solutions ✩

Second user Coldrooms Refrigeration equipment, various sizes. Please telephone for full details

& Sound Advice

Gotec Trading Limited Boulton Road Pin Green Stevenage Herts SG1 4QL Telephone: 01438 740400 Fax: 01438 740005

+

24 hour nationwide despatch service

All equipment fully refurbished and tested prior to dispatch ✩

Stock changing daily, please phone for current details

✩

Manufacturer of performance ✩ acoustic foam insulation. Supplied Tel: 020 8524 7810 Mob: 07050 083412 in sheets, rolls, acoustic kits.

Enquiry number: 23 ✩

Also good used equipment purchased

Foam Techniques Ltd, 39 Booth Drive, Park Farm South, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 6GR, United Kingdom

At the press of a button - GOTEC LDSS is instantly ready to locate the smallest low pressure leaks from compressed air and every other gas - quickly, reliably, safely and conveniently.

www.gotectrading.com

EnquiryCOOLED number:CONDENSERS 24 EVAPORATORS/AIR Coils

Unit Coolers

Dry Air Coolers

P R O D U C T S & S E R V Competitive I C E S prices D I -RQuick E CDelivery TORY

T: 00 44 (0) 1933 400096 E: sales@foamtechniques.co.uk

W: www.foamtechniques.co.uk AIR CONDITIONING - DISTRIBUTOR

AIR CONDITIONING & CHILLER HIRE

temporary cooling solutions

lennoxemeia.com • Mobile air conditioners • Evaporative coolers • Modular a/c systems • Water chillers Freephone: 0800 731 5466 Email: enquiries@aircoolmation.co.uk Web: www.aircoolmation.co.uk

HEATING & COOLING COIL PRODUCTS LTD Tel: 02392 501431 Fax: 02392 529272

CHILLERS

Email: sales@handccoils.co.uk Web: www.handccoils.co.uk

2617Frascold_CXH_IT_90x92mmPSD_90mm h x 92mm w 22/01/2015 15:13 P AIR CONDITIONING-COOLING HIRE

AIR CONDITIONING SOLUTIONS

AirCoolmation

Air Cooled Condensers

A CR DIRECT UK L TD

Spain’s largest British A/C distributor with over 12,000 un its installed to date, now offering its full range of proven products available ex-stock Bradford, W Yorks EXCELLENT PRICES! Split unit with HEAT PUMP 9000 btu from £269 + vat Tel: 08000 19 16 99 info@acduk.co.uk www.acduk.co.uk

R

Twin Screw compressors for comfort cooling

Frascold compressors, your partner for chillers & climate control systems.

CXH/CXW Approved for HFO’s - High efficiency - lower noise high oil separation. 50 models • 199 - 912 m3/hr • 50 - 300HP CXIT - Inverter drive and patented inverter cooling system

AIR CONDITIONING & COOLING HIRE

aggreko The Number One Choice Main : forapplications Chiller RENTAL

AIR CONDITIONING - FILTRATION

ECOLEAN AIR COOLED LIQUID CHILLER/ TROX (UK) LTD HEAT PUMP Caxton Way, Thetford, 20 - 1000 kW Nor folk, IP24 3SQ

Tel: +44(0) 1842 754545

Offices - Hotels - Hospitals - Industry Fax: +44(0) 1842 763051 Light commercial and residential buildings Freephone: 0800 838 770

Email: trox@troxuk.co.uk

Email: cooling@aggreko.co.uk www.aggreko.com

Website: www.troxuk.co.uk

p62_63_acrapr15.indd 62

4 models • 316 - 468 m3/hr • 110 - 160HP

“Environmentally Friendly” Secondary Refrigeration design consultancy liquid chillers for freezing and cooling heat exchanger coils, dry coolers, brazed plate heat exchangers and condensers 2/3 way valves and micro-bubble removers

sales@srs-comp.com

Now available with world leading Automatic Continuous Vi Regulation www.srs-comp.com (ACVR) technology. Improving SEER for aTel better environment. # 00(44) 1926 831 643

Blue is better www.acrtoday.co.uk

For further information e-mail: howard.davis@frascold.it www.frascold.it

13/03/2015 10:54:36

63

CLASSIFIEDS

acrjournal.uk

TEMPERATURE CONTROL RENTAL

SPARES FOR SALE

Temperature Control Rental

ARE you PAyING Too MuCH FoR DAIKIN PARTS?

N obody k now s Dai k i n bet t er

• Process Chillers • Air Conditioning • Boilers • Heating • Generators

0333 0069 754

Space Air have been supplying genuine Daikin parts since 1980.  Over 4000 spares in stock.  Constant stock replenishment.  Access to global network.  Parts identification service.

Visit www.spaceair.co.uk for more information.

CAll Now FoR THE bEST PRICES AND AvAIlAbIlITy! THERMOCOLD 3_Layout 1 02/12/ CHILLERS REFRIGERANTS & COOLANTS SA Parts ACR Today 02.2015 92x40.indd 1

24/02/2015 14:53

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Specialists

Turn to the rental experts

0870 392 9646

info@carrierrentalsystems.co.uk www.carrierrentalsystems.co.uk

• Free cooling chillers • Screw inverter chillers Free cooling chillers • 4-6 pipe simultaneous operation Screw inverter chillers • Water cooled chillers • Absorption chillers 4 - 6 pipe operation Tel.simultaneous 0844 3183722

www.thermocold-hvacsystems.co.uk Water cooled chillers

✔ Refrigerants ✔ Heat Transfer Fluids ✔ Lubricants ✔ Waste Management ✔ Cleaning

Tel: 0117 980 2520 www.climalife.co.uk/www.climalife.dehon.com

Absorption chillers Tel. 0844 3183722 www.thermocold-hvacsystems.co.uk DPAC.indd 1

16/12/2014 13:41:56

Anti-Corrosion Coatings for Fin Coil Heat Exchangers • Doubles the life of your coils • Reduces your Energy Bills • Reduces the wear & tear on your units • Reduces Maintenance Costs • Reduces Call Outs • Reduces the need for early replacement

U N I T E D

K I N G D O M

Blygold UK Ltd, Olympic House, 63 Wallingford Road, Uxbridge, Middx., UB8 2RW T.01895 259346 F. 01895 259356 E. Unitedkingdom@blygold.com W. www.Blygold.com

p62_63_acrapr15.indd 63

Blygold UK Ltd, Units 2/3 Dinting Ind. Est., Dinting Lane, Glossop, Derbs, SK13 7NU T. 01457 859111 F. 01457 850715 E. Unitedkingdom@blygold.com W. www.Blygold.com

13/03/2015 10:55:04

64

CHILLY CHATTER

April 2015

FG Banner ACRT 3_FG Banner 1 ACRT 23/01/2015 11:58 Page 1

CHILLY CHATTER SPONSORED BY

Fujitsu Air Conditioning

infinitely reliable infinitely

See why by going to www.fgeurofred.co.uk

B&ES Yorkshire Recognises its Best Young Talent

Hero Youngster Inspires Charity Effort

Presentation of this year’s Yorkshire Training Awards took place during the annual ball organised by the Yorkshire Region of the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES) at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford.

The Yorkshire Training Awards represent a joint initiative between B&ES and its managing agency subsidiary Building Engineering Services Training (BEST), whose chief operations officer Steve Leighton made the presentations.

The awards went to seven employees of four companies as follows: Heating and Pipework Installations, Leeds, NG Bailey, Leeds, Shepherd Engineering Services, York, Crowther and Shaw, Huddersfield.

Pictured (front row, l to r) Thomas Bulloch (Crowther and Shaw), Dean Scotthorne and Adam James (both NG Bailey), and (back row, l to r) Declan Howland (Heating and Pipework Installations, Leeds), Nathan Austin (Crowther and Shaw), regional Chairman Daniel Ball, Steve Leighton of BEST, Josh Derry (Shepherd Engineering Services) and James Wood (NG Bailey).

Chilly Chatter.indd 64

Charlie Bannister and mum Tammy, ward matron Jane Bennett, and Trox UK director Suzanne Ranson

Inspired by the story of a brave nine-year-old boy who has spent his life in and out of hospital, staff at Thetford’s Trox UK were determined to make every penny count!

Tammy Bannister, an employee of the business for nine years, prompted a fundraising effort when she revealed to colleagues how her young son Charlie had received years of care from Norfolk’s Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital.

Born with cerebral palsy, Charlie has endured numerous operations and now has splints on his legs to help his mobility.

Employees at Trox UK started for a fundraising effort for the Jenny Lind facility (a hospital within a hospital at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital), and set about saving all their one and two pence pieces to help purchase vital care equipment.

In just six months, and with an extra boost in the form of a staff raffle, the company has raised over £700 - enough to buy several crucial pieces of equipment for Neo-natal care.

“I never dreamed that my colleagues would be so motivated to help me raise this amount of money,” said Tammy. “The response has meant we could buy far more than I would ever have thought.”

In fact, Trox UK staff have been responsible for purchasing twospecial baby scales for the hospital, an oxygen meter, and a snuggle-wrap. www.troxuk.co.uk

17/03/2015 12:12

65

CHILLY CHATTER

acrjournal.uk

TORIN-SIFAN OPENS NEW EC FANS FACTORY Swindon-based EC fan manufacturer, Torin-Sifan, opened its new factory in the town in February, creating 25 new jobs.

Torin-Sifan opened the new factory on Picture Caption (l-r): Neil Sproston, Managing Director of Torin-Sifan; Justin Tomlinson MP; The Worshipful The Mayor of Swindon Councillor the opposite side Teresa Page; Paul Kilburn, Commercial Director of Torin-Sifan. of Swindon from its existing factory with the help of over £2 million received from new investors in the business. The new factory allows them to produce three new types of EC motor fans. In addition, the company makes motors, centrifugal fans and blowers for the European market.

The new factory adds a further 20% to the business’ manufacturing capacity which already produces over a million units a year, which are used in ventilation units, air handling units, heat recovery systems, air curtains, cooling equipment, boilers and unit/cabinet heating. The company has around 200 employees, 90% of whom live in Swindon. www.torin-sifan.com

IOR Scotland Charity Raffle Fund Presentations The Scottish Institute of Refrigeration recently presented donations to two very worthy causes. The cheques were the proceeds of the charity raffle held at the IOR Scottish dinner at the Thistle Hotel in Glasgow in November 2014.

All the money raised had been split equally between IOR Scotland’s nominated charities, Ronald McDonald House and Erskine.

Ronald McDonald House presentation Pictured are IOR Scotland Committee members John Hackett & Stuart Hetherington presenting cheques to the value of £1250 to representatives of each of the charities.

Ronald McDonald House provides accommodation for the families of children who are being treated at Yorkhill’s Children’s Hospital.

Erskine has been caring for Erskine presentation Scotland’s veterans since 1916; providing first-class care to ex-Service men and women within its five homes across Scotland. In the past year the charity has cared for 1,100 veterans.

Chilly Chatter.indd 65

A professional 41 piece socket wrench set from ITE (UK) SPONSORED BY ITE (UK) LIMITED

In our February issue, as the ACR team travelled around the UK to get stories and features that make this magazine so popular, we had spotted a Carter Synergy van at Blyth Services on the A1 in Nottinghamshire. The prize is as yet unclaimed.

Meanwhile this month’s photo was taken on 24th February on the M53 near Ellesmere Port in the Wirral.

If you think this is your van, give me a call or drop me an email, with your van registration, which I alone know.

WAS THIS YOU? or

Call Diane on 01778 391177 dianeg@warnersgroup.co.uk to claim your prize Closing date 5th May 2015.

17/03/2015 18:36

66

COOL SCIENCE

April 2015

How do you get young people interested in

the air conditioning and refrigeration industry?

Cool Science was hot at the Big Bang Fair in Birmingham in March. Will Hawkins reports.

I

t is a question which we have all been asking for a long time.

And, it is one which the Cool Science team on the ‘Cool Know How’ stand at the Big Bang Fair in Birmingham looks like it answered very well.

The show organisers held their press launch on the first day at the Cool Know How stand. Members of the team were showing on refrigeration with dry ice effects, which proved to be a hit and attracted a lot of students to the stand.

PEDALLING COLD DRINKS The main attraction was ECH Engineering demonstration of the power needed to run a compressor to refrigerate a cool box containing fizzy drinks. With two bicycles sideby-side, students had to use pedal power to compete for the lowest temperature generated, which was displayed on large LED screens behind them.

Ed Hammond, owner of ECH Engineering, masterminded the ‘BiCycool’ display. Creating displays is not Ed’s normal business. He is usually researching new solutions

Big Bang.indd 66

to refrigeration problems at his labs in Bristol. Ed was heavily involved in the research for Adande’s recently launched retail refrigeration solution, ‘Aircell®’.

BBC One Show’s science presenter, Marty Jopson, spent some time on Ed’s bikes too. He was clearly impressed with the invention.

The person who made the stand a reality is Chris Vallis from AB Group.

Chris’s energy and drive took the idea from concept to actuality and he was clearly pleased with the outcome.

“We heard the feedback about the lack of young people coming into the air conditioning and refrigeration industry.

The team at AB Group, with the support of our sponsors and the IOR, decided to do something about it. Clearly, from the popularity of our display at the Big Bang Fair, we have succeeded in making our industry appealing for young people,” said Chris.

Another popular display was the huge screen which displayed visitors on it using a FLIR infrared camera, designed to show students about one method of leak detection, as well as showing temperature differences.

The students were enthusiastic

about the interactive quizzes on tablet PCs too as well as displays from Carel showing how heating and cooling systems work.

The World Skills UK team were helping out too with the students.

Mark Forsyth is taking his three trainees to China next month to compete with hundreds of other refrigeration and air conditioning apprentices in the build up to the finals in Brazil later this year.

The Cool Science team should be applauded for their work in getting the Cool Know How stand together.

It remains to be seen what impact their efforts will have on the industry.

One thing is for sure, however. Our industry needs to keep learning how to make itself appealing to young people. And, we should all be asking ourselves how we can attract new and young talent into the air conditioning and refrigeration industry.

Cool Science was sponsored and supported by AB Group, the IOR, the BRA, ECH Engineering, Dean & Wood ebm papst, Mitsubishi Electric, Carel, Danfoss, Harp, GEA Searle and Space Engineering.

17/03/2015 18:39

IT'S NOT BIG...

. . . BUT IT IS CLEVER! The Mini Aqua condensate pump from Aspen ®

Functional, reliable and super slim, the Mini Aqua is designed to fit where others can’t!

ASPENPUMPS.COM

Follow us

designed by engineers for engineers

p67_acrapr15.indd 1

13/03/2015 10:32:15

ECOLINE

EVEN GREATER EFFICIENCY. FOR EVEN MORE APPLICATIONS.

The multipurpose reciprocating compressors: the expanded ECOLINE series has now been optimised for numerous other refrigerants alongside R134a. These compressors stand out with higher cooling capacity, increased COP as well as extended application limits. What this means for you is even greater efďŹ ciency for even more applications.

Learn more about our products at www.bitzer.de

p68_acrapr15.indd 1 A.PS.1404_K-ECOLINE_basic.EN_C4_210x297+5.indd 1

13/03/2015 10:32:58 03.03.14 15:27