VOLUME 1 No1
Essential Information for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry DEC/JAN 2015
Improving your
Supply Chain.
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Suppliers Refreshingly Different www.rw-wholesale.co.uk
1989-2014
AN N RY
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CONTENTS
Dec/Jan 2015
REGULARS
1989-2014
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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 Mitsubishi column
Editorial Co-ordinator Diane Gilbertson 01778 391177 dianeg@warnersgroup.co.uk
Editorial Design Development Design
Publisher Juliet Loiselle 01778 391067 julietl@warnersgroup.co.uk
Advertising Design Ady Braddock
Advertising Sales Katrina Browning 01778 395022 katrinab@warnersgroup.co.uk
Multimedia Sales Representative 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 2014
PRINTED BY WARNERS 01778 395111
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Welcome
12 ACRIB News Update
48 Company Profile: Advanced Engineering
to the first edition of the newly branded ACR Journal
Twenty-five years ago, readers received their first issue of ACR Today covering the air conditioning and refrigeration industry. We have seen much change over this time and have built up many memories. If you have any which you wish to share with us and our readers please do get in touch with me. Due to consistent feedback from industry, the time has now been deemed right that ACR Today, known as the ‘friends of industry’, rebrand as the leading air conditioning and refrigeration Journal it has now become. Feedback from readers helps us to provide the most useful, authoritative and technical articles, case studies and, of course, up to date industry news. This month, 29th January also brings the coveted National ACR Awards. Make sure you’ve booked places to help celebrate some of the best people, products and projects in our sector. There are many strong entries on a wide range of products innovations and interesting projects. Keep an eye out for the award winners on our website on the day and on Twitter (#NACRA2014). www.national-acr-awards.co.uk It is an important moment, for many in the business, with legislation on R22 refrigerant coming into force this month. Just as there was a rush on sales of high powered vacuum cleaners before they were banned recently, there has been a rush on sales of R22 before the ban came into force on 1st January. To help you keep up to speed with refrigerants, this month we have included a free guide which covers the core refrigerants in use across the industry. The guide has been checked and verified by some of our industry experts.
The award-winning Imperial Manifold
50 Women In ACR
54 Out and About with Will Hawkins
The LG Energy Lab
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CONTENTS
acrjournal.uk
FEATURES
16
22
Radial manifold
TOTY
16 ACR Trainee of the Year Awards 2014 Review
AIR MOVEMENT
TRANSPORT REFRIGERATION
22
44 Heat Recovery Systems in Refurbishments
Refrigerated Food Haulage Revolutionised
24 Coffee Break Competition Sponsored by Refcom
46 Fan Coil Upgrading
REFRIGERANTS
58
28
Products What’s New in January
COMPRESSORS Brave New World?
52
30
66
New Screw Technology Prepare for the F-Word!
Changing Faces
Managing the F-Gas Landscape
Recruitment
CHILLED BEAMS
Classifieds
Essential Information for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry DEC/JAN 2015
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VOLUME 1 No1
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Improving your
Supply Chain.
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Trox’s UK Investment Pays Dividends
65
CHILLVENTA 2014 Chilly Van of the Month Sponsored by ITE (UK) Ltd
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Suppliers
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Refreshingly Different www.rw-wholesale.co.uk
Chillventa 2014 Review
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Fiona Toseland - Airedale
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
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Chilly Chatter Sponsored by Fujitsu
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FAN COILS/MAINTENANCE
Saving Energy by Upgrading Condensers
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About our front cover: RW Refrigeration Wholesale Ltd
42 Refrigeration Lifecycle Cost Analysis
For further information: www.rw-wholesale.co.uk
IN THE MARCH ISSUE OF ACR JOURNAL:
Leak Detection l De/Humidifiers l Controls l Energy Efficiency l Rental/Hire National ACR Awards 2014 photos Submissions deadline Thursday 29th January
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06
NEWS
Dec/Jan 2015
Arthur and Gill to Stand for IoR President Elect Bob Arthur and Steve Gill have both been nominated as candidates for the position of President elect of the IoR.
Bob Arthur
In a letter to its members in November, the IoR explained that the role of the President-Elect is to support Graeme Maidment in his role as Chairman of the IOR Board of Trustees (Executive Council) until he stands down as IoR President in 2016. Both Bob Arthur and Steve Gill currently serve on the IoR Executive Council and are Steve Gill very well-known figures in the industry. More details about the two candidates can be found on the election site www.ior.org.uk/elections. A Nominating Committee consisting of the current and Past Presidents made a recommendation of two candidates to Council. The Executive Council has stated that both candidates would fulfil the role equally well, bringing different but valuable attributes to the Institute. IoR members will be invited to vote for their next President-Elect by 1st March 2015. And as well as the two nominees, proposed members may propose additional candidates at any time up until noon on 31st December 2014. In addition, the IoR is looking for two new members to work on the IoR Executive Council, which is the Board of Trustees responsible for the governance of the Institute. The two new council members and a single president elect are due to take up their posts on 1st April 2015. www.ior.org.uk/elections
Toshiba Training Centres Gain CIBSE Recognition Toshiba Air Conditioning’s new national network of training centres has been shortlisted for CIBSE’s highest training accolade, as part of the Institute’s Building Performance Awards 2015. The network comprises 12 fully equipped centres, the length and breadth of the UK, plus the Republic of Ireland. The new facilities are located at Portsmouth, Bristol, Leatherhead, Welwyn Garden City, Harpenden, West Bromwich, Manchester, Sunderland, Warrington, Leeds, Glasgow and at Bray in the Republic of Ireland. Toshiba has set up its own training centres as well as working closely with distributors to ensure each facility is equipped with working examples of all the main types of air conditioning in use, including splits, heat pumps, ducted systems, and the latest heat recovery VRF systems. David Dunn, general manager of Toshiba Air Conditioning, said: “The centres provide a comprehensive range of both theoretical and hands-on courses aimed at engineers, consultants and end users. We are delighted that the initiative has received such high profile recognition from CIBSE.” The new centres have capacity to train some 2,000 engineers each year, making Toshiba one of the most significant providers of specialist air conditioning training in the UK. The winners will be announced at an event in London on 10 February 2015.
Chinese Air Conditioning Valve Market Grows by 6.7% The market for four-way valve and globe valves for the air conditioning market in China grew by 6.7% in 2013, according to online database company, RnRMarketResearch.com. The increase in unit sales is being driven by a subsidy scheme where old air conditioning units are being replaced by newer, more efficient units. The volume of sales for four-way valve and globe valves grew to 110 million and 220 million units, respectively in 2013 where the main Chinese beneficiaries are manufacturers Neway Valve (Suzhou) and CNNC Sufa Technology Industry.
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FREE TABLET! Grab a Samsung GalaxyTab 3 Lite tablet with every Promax RG5410a Extreme recovery unit this Christmas Free with Promax RG5410a-Extreme units purchased between November 20 - 31 December 2014 whilst stocks of the promotional items last. Offer applies to machines bought from participating wholesalers only. No cash alternative. If the Promax Extreme is returned, the full cash price of the promotional goods will be payable. Due to the high anticipated demand, this is limited to one per customer and cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offers. Other terms and conditions apply. Contact Advanced Engineering for further details.
Feast your eyes on the super-slim Samsung Galaxy tablet computer – it’s high spec, powerful and ultra-fast, just like the Promax Extreme! Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite • Powerful dual core processor • Ultra-fast 1.2 GHz CPU speed • Ideal for games, apps, videos & web surfing • The world’s bestselling Android tablet brand
Promax RG5410a Extreme • Powerful wide bore compressor • Ultra-fast 1725 RPM engine speed • Ideal for large & complex HVAC, refrigeration & chiller systems • The most powerful Promax on the planet
Distributed by
advanced engineering
World-leading products for air conditioning and refrigeration professionals
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+44 (0)1256 460300 sales@advancedengineering.co.uk www.advancedengineering.co.uk
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NEWS
Dec/Jan 2015
International Space Station Accidentally Vents Refrigerant NASA reported on its official blog that refrigerant, Freon 218, had been accidentally vented within the Russian section of the International Space Station on 19th November. The accident occurred when cosmonauts, Samokutyaev and Serova, were trying to release pressure on the space station’s air conditioning system which they were aiming to vent externally. However, there were leaks in the ‘quick disconnects’ which were the cause of the refrigerant leak into the cabin. Less than 100g of Freon 218 leaked and the amount of refrigerant in the atmosphere was said to be within their safety tolerances. Fortunately, the space station has a filtration system which will ‘scrub’ the refrigerant from the air supply.
Daikin Launches Building Services Engineer Forum
Prepare for the BIG BANG!
Daikin has launched a new online forum and website to help building services engineers learn more about key industry topics, including refrigerants, energy efficiency, low carbon design, heat recovery and renewables.
Look out for an exhibit of Cool Science at the Big Bang national Young Scientist and Engineers Fair at the NEC Birmingham on 11-14 March.
The Daikin website includes access to a variety of content types such as blogs, articles, CPD items, videos and whitepapers. Furthermore, engineers can post questions, ideas and comment on industry issues. Daikin says it will be offering UK accredited CPD seminars which engineers sign up for through the website. Giulia Draycott, Marketing Manager, Daikin UK said:“We created the future thinking website to provide building services engineers with a valuable resource where they can find information and documents on the industry’s most pressing matters.” “Often valuable information such as this comes from a number of industry bodies, companies and spokespeople and is disparate, incomplete or confusing. The new website not only enables engineers to access all of this information in one place but also acts as a forum for conversation and discussion for the UK’s building services community.” Interested engineers can find the website at: www.daikin.co.uk/futurethinking
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AB Group, Dean and Wood, Space Engineering, The Institute of Refrigeration and the British Refrigeration Association are the first to sign up as “Cool Science” supporters. Their collective strengths are coming together to demonstrate that refrigeration and air conditioning science is cool, and that careers in cooling are exciting. For the past five years the Big Bang fair has grown and expects over 80,000 visitors in 2015 but this will be the first time that refrigeration science will be represented. IOR member Chris Vallis of AB Group is leading the project as part of a personal commitment to the future of the industry “There is a shortage of engineering graduates entering the UK workforce, and very few of those are following a career in refrigeration or its associated technologies. The UK should be a world leader in refrigeration and if we don’t act now skills shortages will hold back our whole industry” If you too feel passionate about careers in refrigeration, then sign up now to support the Cool Science Initiative. Throw your support behind this unique initiative by helping the team to prepare interactive displays, demonstrations and promotional material to be used at the fair in March and then become a travelling exhibit for recruitment fairs, schools, universities and colleges. For more information, visit the Cool Science webpage at www.ior.org.uk/Coolscience_at_BigBang or contact Lisa Waters at the IOR on 0208 647 7033 or email ior@ior.org.uk .
30/12/2014 16:56
NEWS
09
MITSUBISHI COLUMN
acrjournal.uk
F-Gasman to the rescue with identity tag for buying refrigerants Many contractors have been shocked to learn that they may have difficulty buying refrigerant gases after 1 January 2015. To make sure that everyone is aware of their new obligations, HRP has launched an information website and blog led by F-Gasman. The F-Gasman character will be prominent at trade counters to encourage engineers to register their details so as to facilitate the purchase of refrigerants. HRP Group Managing Director, Mandy Pilgrim explains: “We are now required to check that purchasers of refrigerant have the necessary F-gas certification and are registered with Refcom or an equivalent body. Together with our partners at BOC, we take our responsibilities under F-Gas regulations very seriously and aim to help contractors keep to the letter of the law.” HRP will be inviting all purchasers to visit www.fgasman.co.uk and claim their free key fob which can carry the engineer’s name and registration number. “There has been a degree of confusion about the implementation of the new regulations”, says Mandy, “so we have launched the F-Gasman website and blog to keep contractors up to date on how this develops” Information will be posted at www.fgasman.co.uk by HRP engineers who will also answer questions from visitors. The site will also contain technical information from BOC and other industry bodies to give engineers a central source for all issues surrounding F-Gas.
Ron Baker The Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA) has reported the sad news of the passing of Ron Baker who was FETA Director General from 1985 up to his retirement in 1998. Ron, who will be well known to many in the HVACR Sector died suddenly on 18 November. Ron joined FETA following a career in the Royal Air Force and presided over the early discussions on the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer which was a major challenge for the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors throughout the late ’80s and early ’90s. Ron was also instrumental in the first round of Approved Document L consultations, starting in 1995, which affected air conditioning for the first time. He was also responsible for bringing the Heat Pump Association into FETA, where they play a significant part today. Throughout his time as Director General Ron made many friends amongst member companies, related organisations, civil servants and staff. He was a guest of honour at the 30th anniversary FETA annual lunch earlier in 2014 where he met up with past presidents and staff from his time in charge of FETA.
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Ben Bartle-Ross, Technical Trainer
I
had an interesting chat with one of the people on a recent training course who had been in the industry for many years now but, until very recently had not formally undergone F-Gas training.
The engineer in question had started in the industry as an apprentice mechanical fitter building chillers. He had lots of qualifications in electrical and mechanical engineering but all of these were aimed at general manufacturing. He had learnt most of his trade from his knowledgeable and skilled fellow workers, and from hands-on experience, building chillers, working on prototypes and in design. He then moved on to designing refrigeration systems for drug development equipment. Following a change to application design for air conditioning systems, he had by then achieved years of on-the-job experience but had still not achieved any formal qualification in refrigeration. Up to this stage, the only part of the industry that he had never been directly involved in was the installation of air conditioning or refrigeration plant.
BACK TO SCHOOL As this was an area of interest to him, he decided to go back to school to obtain the formal qualifications – and to some degree, prove that he still knew the basics. Whilst he was delighted to learn that the basics of refrigeration he was taught as an apprentice has stood him in good stead for a productive and rewarding job in the industry, he also discovered that a whole lot of what he had learned from his fellow workers over the years was not necessarily the correct or official way of doing things. This got me thinking about my own career development and I have now tried to look through all the preconceived ideas that I know we are all guilty of, to see where I think I could improve my own skillsets. As we start a new year, it’s perhaps not a bad time for all of us to take a moment from the busy day job and look at what we can do to improve our training and knowledge on an on-going basis – especially given the fast rate of change within our industry!
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10
IOR NEWS
Dec/Jan 2015
Institute of Refrigeration Takes on
Challenging New Education FOR NEW ENTRANTS
Employers are being invited to sign up to a new set of apprenticeship standards endorsed by the IOR Education and Training Committee. The Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Engineering Technician Apprenticeship trailblazer pilot is part of a Government initiative to put employers in the “driving seat” of new apprenticeships. This will allow the sector to regain ownership of standards for apprenticeships, qualifications and assessments going forward. The initiative is being supported by the IOR’s new Education and Training Committee and brings together leading employers, end users, manufacturers and training providers. The infographic below shows some of the underlying principles for the proposed new RACHP Apprenticeship standard – the details of which are available in a discussion document published by the IOR in October this year, and downloadable from its website at www.ior.org.uk/trailblazer. The proposal is being submitted to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills in early 2015. It will lead to the updating of qualifications frameworks and eventually a new apprenticeship linked to industry requirements and Engineering Council national engineering standards in 2017/18. IOR past president John Ellis comments “it is only if these requirements are clearly specified in a national standard which has the right emphasis on scientific principles and application of knowledge, that we will get the right levels of assessment and practical competence in place”. All are invited to get involved in this work and join a stakeholder group that already includes representatives from 25 companies.
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FOR KNOWLEDGE OF ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANTS
New training material in the form of free e-learning and supporting booklets is due to be launched in early 2015. The material focuses on carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon, mildly flammable refrigerants such as R32 and HFO, and ammonia. It provides information on basic principles, safety considerations and maintenance check lists, as well as a library of useful company technical manuals and independent guidance. As the industry is encouraged to move to a more widespread use of these alternative refrigerants through the new F Gas Regulations, the Institute of Refrigeration REAL Zero group has put together this new training material. The programme adapts the principles of “Refrigerant Emissions and Leakage – Zero” to a wider range of refrigerants. It includes the seven modules below and a website with comprehensive e-library in five language versions: 1 2 3 4
Introduction to Alternative Refrigerants Design Differences for Alternative Refrigerant Systems Containment and Leak Detection for Alternative Refrigerants Guidance on the Maintenance and Repair for Alternative Refrigerant Systems 5 Checklist of Legal Obligations for Alternative Refrigerants 6 Guide to Financial, Environmental, Safety and reliability Costs 7 Reducing Leakage of Alternative Refrigerants through evaluation tools, surveys and reports Each of the first four modules includes an optional assessment which can be delivered by training providers so that anyone studying the modules can test their understanding and knowledge. Training Certificates will be available from the IOR for the English version of the e-learning. The material is being developed as part of an EU Leonardo part funded project by a consortium of the IOR, London South Bank University, KHLim University in Belgium, IKKE training centre in Germany, ATF Association in Italy, Prozon recycling in Poland and AREA Association of contractors in Europe.
30/12/2014 17:04
IOR NEWS
n Initiatives FOR RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF REFRIGERATION
The Institute is looking forward to the launch of two high profile initiatives to raise awareness of the importance and career opportunities of refrigeration and air conditioning.
The first will be The Big Bang science and engineering fair, which we are supporting by co-ordinating industry input and promotion. The fair held each year at the NEC in Birmingham regularly attracts thousands of school children and graduates interested in science and this will be the first year that the refrigeration sector has been represented. It will be a great way to promote careers with interactive exhibits and displays donated by industry. The IOR’s Fantastic Fridges schools science website is also having a makeover in 2015. The website was originally developed in 1999 with lots of useful information on science for schools based on refrigeration technologies. So it was time to update the material and look of the site to be more interactive and engaging for young people who visit the site. Specialist education website designers working with IOR Technical Committee members have reformatted the content and introduced incentive based games, and social media links. The site will use refrigeration science in a fun and practical way to illustrate principles such as pressure, temperature relationships and cooling processes. It will be promoted to secondary schools, targeting the 11-14 year age group primarily. When the first stage of the website is completed, further pages will be developed with interactive exercises and tools covering fundamental principles of practical refrigeration for trainees and technicians studying refrigeration to support their learning. Watch this space for the launch in 2015 and information about the next stages of development of this exciting project. www.ior.org.uk
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AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY BOARD
Dec/Jan 2015
R404A
ACRIB Guidance on the future use of
T
he new F Gas Regulations which come into force on 1st January 2015 place restrictions on the use of certain HFC refrigerants in certain applications. R404A has a GWP of 3922 and is therefore in the group of refrigerants with a GWP >2500 which will be most affected by the new regulations. The key parts of the regulation that will have a major impact on the use of R404A are:
1. From 2018 there will be a significant phase down in the amount of HFCs placed on the market. This reduces the supply of HFCs from the 100% level of 2015, to just 21% of that total in 2030, with a major cut of 37% in 2018. 2. From 2020 there will be a ban on the use of refrigerants with a GWP of 2500 or more in new stationary refrigeration equipment, except that intended for application designed to cool products to temperatures below -50 °C. 3. From 2020 there will be a ban on the use of refrigerants with a GWP of 2500 or more for service and maintenance of refrigeration equipment where the charge size is greater than 40 Tonnes CO2 equivalent (approximately 10kg of R404A). There are exemptions for military applications and or systems intended to cool below -50°C product temperature. 4. Until 2030 the use of reclaimed and recycled R404A for service and maintenance is allowed. 5. From 1st January 2015 Leak Detection requirements have changed from 3kg, 30kg and 300kg thresholds to 5T, 50T and 500T CO2 Eq. From 1st January 2015 a R404A system with a charge of 127kg or more will also need automatic fixed leak detection.
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SHOULD YOU BE USING R404A IN NEW EQUIPMENT?
Anyone installing equipment with R404A now will probably have to retrofit to a lower GWP refrigerant in the next few years, this is likely to be before the end of the natural working life of the system. You should consider carefully therefore whether it makes economic sense to use R404A in new equipment and strongly consider equipment that uses lower GWP alternatives.
WHAT OTHER REFRIGERANTS HAVE A GWP OVER 2500 Whilst this guidance note relates to R404A, as it is the most prevalent gas used in refrigeration applications, most of the comments also apply to all refrigerants with a GWP>2500. These are R507, R422A, R422D, R434A and R428A.
WHAT SHOULD END USERS OR SUPPLIERS DO NOW? ACRIB advises that you seek the views of the equipment manufacturers, refrigerant producers and suppliers about the effect quotas may have on their ability to supply R404A in future and the suitability of lower GWP alternatives available for the application in question. Some useful documents with more information: ₀ The full text of the new regulation including the ban details is available at: http://bit.ly/1vVrLuD ₀ EPEE (European Partnership for Energy and the Environment) Guidance: http://bit.ly/1q0UsWa http://bit.ly/124wBdc ₀ AREA (European contractors association) guidance document for contractors: http://bit.ly/1vVskEF
₀ The ACRIB website has news and updates www.acrib.org. uk if you register we will send information when available. The GWP of refrigerants as defined by F-Gas 517/2014 can be found in this ACRIB document: http://bit.ly/1wDpg1o ₀ Government F GAS Support Website: www.defra.gov.uk/ fgas and helpline ₀ A useful Guide to F Gas from compressor manufacturer BITZER: http://bit.ly/1yvidHy ₀ The 2014 European F Gas Regulation 517/2014 is directly applicable in UK law. The full text of the 2014 European F Gas Regulation is available at: http://bit.ly/1pfbdYt ACRIB is an umbrella organisation for the UK RACHP industry comprising trade associations and professional institutes: AMDEA, ARC, B&ES, BFFF, CIBSE, CRT, FETA, FSDF, IOR. It provides the ACRIB Skillcard scheme for the recognition of individual operative qualifications in working with the full range of refrigerants. For more information see www.acrib.org.uk
30/12/2014 17:06
EU F-gas regulation. The end for high GWP gases. The new EU f-gas regulation (517/2014) comes into force on 1.1.2015. It will quickly restrict the use of high Global Warming Potential gases such as R404A, R507 and R422D. 3 choices are available to you: → Continue using your existing gas but expect to face potential product shortages and cost increases → Convert your existing equipment to run on an alternative “retrofit” refrigerant with lower GWP → Change your refrigeration equipment to use a different gas such as HFO or natural refrigerants.
BOC can help you understand the impact of phase-out on your business, develop the best plan of action and support your chosen path by providing you with the gases you need – when and where you need them. For more information please could us on 0800 02 0800 or visit www.boconline.co.uk/refrigerants
BOC The Priestley Centre, 10 Priestley Road, The Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XY, United Kingdom Phone +44 800 02 0800, Fax +44 800 136 601 www.boconline.co.uk/refrigerants
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14
TRAINING
Dec/Jan 2015
Adcock at the
Leading Edge of Training
A
dcock Refrigeration and Air Conditioning design, install, service and care for systems in commercial, industrial and residential premises across the UK. Adcock has a network of 12 fully serviced centres across England, employing over 250 staff, over half of whom are specialist engineers.
A
ccording to Adcock their customer and staff retention is high, because they care for and look after both. They certainly know how to look after them training-wise. Adcock do not charge any employee for the range of training courses they offer and it is entirely self-funded, as no grants are provided by the government. Adcock have been delivering NVQ’s in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration for over 10 years. In that time it is estimated that they have delivered NVQ training to over 100 employees. Having built a purpose built training facility five years ago, the company has now pioneered its own City and Guilds accredited Air Conditioning and Refrigeration course. Last year Adcock moved away from the NVQ’s and started to deliver their own in-house courses in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. There are two levels - Fundamental & Higher (both courses are City & Guilds accredited). In September of this year Adcock also recruited a full time training
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centre manager (Joe Wright) to manage all aspects of the training centre – this was in response to the continuous demand for training within the company. Other courses that are run at the training school include: ₀ Hydrocarbon training ₀ Essential Electrics ₀ Pipework & Brazing ₀ SMSTS ₀ First Aid ₀ PASMA Andy Channon
Brazing training
Each engineer is offered the opportunity to embark upon training - with there being 22 engineers currently taking part this year in Fundamental/Higher training.
OCTOBER PRESENTATION CEREMONY On Tuesday 14th October Adcock invited 8 engineers from within the company to attend a special presentation ceremony at the new Head Office in recognition of their efforts in completing their NVQ Level 2 in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. With this being the last time that Adcock engineers undertake the NVQ‘s it was felt that each engineer should be personally presented with their certificate, as from this point forward Adcock will now fully focus on running their own in-house, City & Guilds approved Fundamental & Higher training courses. On the day each engineer was presented with their certificate by John Adcock who in turn personally thanked each engineer for their hard work and commitment shown in obtaining the qualification. Others who also attended the presentation included Nigel Claydon, Paul Brant & Phillip Prior who gave an impassioned speech on the importance of training within the company. Jeff Yarborough who has now overseen 9 years’ worth of students was also in attendance and thanked everyone for their continued support over the years. With this being Jeff’s last year with the company it is hoped that Joe Wright, his successor can follow in his footsteps and see the next crop of students achieve the same level of success. Adcock Refrigeration is proud to be celebrating its 50th year in business, and they are equally proud to still be family owned. They have much to feel proud about.
30/12/2014 17:07
High Efficiency Solutions.
pRack Advanced Solution for Compressor Racks The pRack family offers functionality like no other, Programmable via PC or USB, built in commission Wizard and an easy to use interface, no wonder it is fast becoming the product choice for CO² compressor rack control. Available in different sizes to match compressor configuration as well as optional LCD displays and an extensive quantity of Analogue and Digital inputs and outputs, the pRack flexibility makes it a natural winner. 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
Ease of use, fast to commission and flexible to apply, all great reasons to choose CAREL
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The world’s first refrigeration coil cleaner
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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
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World-leading products for air conditioning and refrigeration professionals
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+44 (0)1256 460300 sales@advancedengineering.co.uk www.advancedengineering.co.uk
09/10/2014 16:15 23/12/2014 10:09:42
16
TOTY
Dec/Jan 2015
The 2014 ACR Trainee of the Year Awards marks the fifth anniversary of the event. The awards at The Belfry, near Sutton Coldfield, saw over 200 people from the air conditioning and refrigeration industry gather to celebrate the achievements of rising young engineers in the sector.
2014
T
he ACR Trainee of the Year Awards is our response to help the air conditioning and refrigeration sector appeal to many young people by highlighting a small but significant number of young and exceptional design, installation and maintenance engineers.
The awards are designed not only to encourage young trainees and apprentices. They support the specialist training colleges and companies that are so vital to providing a solid set of skills and knowledge to the trainees. Colleges and training companies that enter trainees into the awards can also benefit from funding to help them invest in new equipment. The training organisations that enter the winning trainees will benefit from even greater funding from the awards. The not for profit has invested over £20,000 into training since its inception. The money we raise here goes back into buying new equipment with the training companies, colleges and training centres. All colleges and training companies that enter the ACR
TOTY.indd 16
Trainee of the Year Awards can apply for a grant from the money raised each year. All the surpluses help trainees and apprentices get the best preparation possible for entering the air conditioning and refrigeration industry. The guest speaker at the awards was the ex-World Champion Snooker player and BBC commentator, Dennis Taylor, who entertained the packed venue with his anecdotes about his experiences in the sport over his long career.
JUDGES The awards use knowledge and experience of judges drawn from across the sector. Their scrutiny is rigorous in seeking out the best and their time and effort is generously given. Our thanks go to this year’s judges: Will Hawkins - Chair and Editor of ACR Today Jody Lees - LG Air Conditioning John Smith - Dean & Wood Catarina Marques - Adande
29/12/2014 13:42
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SPONSORS The 2014 event was sponsored by several leading companies in the industry. Many of them have been supporters from the beginning and have helped not only with their ďŹ nancial contributions, but also their time, energy and enthusiasm.
SUPPORTED BY
Contiued on page 18
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TOTY
Dec/Jan 2015
Winner Off the tools 2014
Winner On the tools 2014
BEN MOULSON
Employer: Adcock Refrigeration Air Conditioning Trainer: Coolink Training
Judges’ Comments
JAY SHEFFIELD
Employer: Arctic Circle
Judges’ Comments
Employer’s comments
“Jay provided a very professional & comprehensive application. He demonstrates a level of knowledge higher than one would expect of a trainee. His experience of CO2 and low GWP HFC systems is impressive”
“Since joining Adcock as an apprentice in July 2011 Ben has progressed quickly to the role of full service engineer, this can be attributed to his continued dedication to the profession and can do attitude. He completes every job to the best of his ability in a friendly and professional manner and serves as a great ambassador for the company”
Employer’s comments “Despite his young years he has earned the respect of colleagues and customers alike. Jay has taken to his new role with hard work and commitment. He has an instinct for the demands of the role which are appreciated. He is also willing and able to act as a coach to colleagues who will come to him with technical queries and for advice. It would be wonderful if we could simply clone Jay, it would solve a lot of the issues we have as an industry!”
TOTY.indd 18
“The winner of this category stood out of all the entries or the judges, who were very impressed by this individual.” “All the information provided on the application seems to indicate that Ben is a model worker, with an extensive technical training and hands-on experience repairing and wide range of refrigeration and Air-Conditioning systems. Ben has been provided with 10 references, from customers, tutors and supervisors, all describing his outstanding work.”
Trainer’s comments “Ben’s attitude towards learning and his peers is exceptional. He is always keen to push his own boundaries of learning and helps others when they need it. He has the ability to do work to industry standards in the minimal time. His fault finding skills never cease to amaze me, he can work through problems and faults both logically and professionally”
Testimonial
Customer testimonial
“Jay takes on board his customers’ needs and understands the key drivers to success. Based on his experience (building, designing and selecting plant for the client), his academic background and detailed understanding of environmental forces in the market place, Jay is able to offer a long lasting plant solution for the end users’ unique needs”
“Ben has been actively involved in all aspects of our servicing and installs since the beginning of his time with Adcock`s, and is always a pleasure to work with. Our team have complete confidence whilst Ben is on site, that the issues will be addressed with the minimum disruption to our daily schedules whether it be routine servicing, fault finding or installs”
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Highly Commended
Highly Commended
Off the tools
On the tools
2014
2014
JULIE PRINGLE
JOE CONROY
Judges’ Comments
Judges’ Comments
“Julie has submitted a strong application supported by excellent references from her employer, tutor and customers” “Julie shows determination and willingness to keep learning and developing knowledge and skills”
“Joe has done very well to get into the UK finals for Worldskills. He has good feedback from external clients. You get the sense that Joe has great potential as a hands-on engineer”
Employer’s comments “You can teach a person something, whatever that something maybe, but what you cannot teach them is attitude, passion and the drive to be as good as you possibly can at what you do” fortunately Julie has all of these qualities”
“Having worked with Joe at the college over the last three and a half years he has shown himself to be a very determined young man with a lot of ambition. He is determined to succeed at whatever he does and is a pleasure to train as he is like sponge and just keeps soaking it up”
Trainer’s comments
Client testimonial
“Julie is a remarkably intelligent, hardworking, enthusiastic young woman and a model student who thoroughly deserves our nomination. For me Julie stands out as exceptional because she is someone who relishes the opportunity to learn the most she can herself so that she can multiply her knowledge by passing it on to others. In this she displays a very rare talent”
“Joe was on site assisting with the refrigerant retrofit of our Ertaa chiller. Joe was always a clean and tidily presented representative of your company, very courteous in his dealings with us and his knowledge of your products was very evident. We’d be more than happy to have Joe attend site for repairs in the future if need be”
Employer: Trane Trainer: Eastleigh College
Employer: Mitsubishi Electric Trainer: Ellis Training
Trainers comments
Contiued on page 20
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ACR Today December Flaktwoods.indd 1 2014.indd 1
TOTY.indd 19
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e: uksales@flaktwoods.com
t: 01206 222 555
23/12/2014 17/12/2014 10:10:32 12:25
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TOTY
Dec/Jan 2015
Special Recognition
2014
DAVID BALL
Employer: Air Creation - Off the tools “Has clearly made an impact to his employer’s business both technically and commercially. Very good references from customer, employer, colleagues and tutor.”
NATHAN ORMSON
Employer: Toshiba Air Conditioning - On the tools “Good customer references and demonstrated strong determination to succeed both professionally and personally.”
OTHER FINALISTS Ryan Devitt James Horsepool George Shepherd Liam Potter
Practical Refrigeration Training Centre ChillAir Training Academy JE Hall Ltd City of Bath College
Updates about the money raised will come out in the February 2015 issue of The ACR Journal. Next year’s ACR Trainee of the Year Awards will at The Belfry on 10th December. Put the date in your diary and contact Shelley Bright about booking tabled and contact us about sponsoring the event and, of course, entering your trainees for the awards. A massive thank you to all our sponsors, judges, entrants and guests at the ACR Trainee of the year Awards 2014. It would not be possible without them. We look forward to seeing you in December. Juliet Loiselle and Will Hawkins of The ACR Journal
Nick Jamieson of Ryan Jayberg presents a cheque to the winners
www.acr-trainee-of-the-year.co.uk TOTY.indd 20
30/12/2014 18:37
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05/09/2014 09:19 23/12/2014 10:13:18
22
AIR MOVEMENT
Dec/Jan 2015
Heat Recovery Systems in Refurbishments
APPROACH WITH
CAUTION
With house prices increasing and the cost of moving considerable, more and more people are looking to refurbish their existing property to turn it into a dream home or, at the very least, a home more suited to their needs and lifestyle. For many, this is also the ideal opportunity to incorporate ‘green’ technologies and enhance the sustainability of their property. Jon Hill, Technical Manager of Polypipe Ventilation reports.
T
here are many well documented approaches to improving a property’s energy retention, but the question that is raised time and time again is ‘can I fit a heat recovery system in an existing property’?
MAKING USE OF STALE AIR A Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system efficiently pre-warms fresh filtered air drawn into a building with the heat extracted from stale air leaving the building - using a heat exchanger up to 95% of waste heat can be
Duct vent
recovered by this means. The fresh warm air is then distributed around the living areas of the home. The MVHR units are often relatively compact and designed for either loft or wall mounting; the latter are usually conveniently hidden away in a cupboard. Finding space for the unit is not normally an issue in a refurbishment project. Nor is there usually any challenge with the duct runs connecting to the outside of the property as these can terminate either through the roof or wall. Where challenges are most likely to arise are with the internal ducting. Ducting for MVHR systems is normally Ø125 or 150mm (or the equivalent in rectangular) so it can be difficult to hide the duct behind trunking or fit between tight spaces. The ducting system itself also needs to be carefully designed to maximise air flow and reduce air leakage, which means avoiding too many sharp bends. All this has an impact on where the duct runs go, but home owners are unlikely to want ducting on show in their newly refurbished property.
“Can I fit a heat recovery system in an existing property?”
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AIR MOVEMENT
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“...it’s essential you check the property’s air permeability.” There are options for concealing the ducting behind bedroom wardrobes, cupboards, etc but not always possible in every room, so this needs to be given serious thought. If however the refurbishment is a major one, then you can build risers and accommodate the ducting that way.
Radial manifold
RADIAL SYSTEMS Alternatively you could use a Radial semi-rigid ducting system instead. Unlike traditional branch based ducting systems, Radial systems allow each room vent to be served by single or twin duct runs which connect directly to the central distribution system, evenly splitting the air from the MVHR unit. In the case of Polypipe’s Domus Radial system, this is ideal for small spaces as it uses Ø75mm semi-rigid ducting and has an ultra slim 125mm deep manifold which can easily be fitted between loft joists or in tight spaces. The small manifold size also allows for greater location flexibility, removing the need to place the manifold adjacent to the centralised appliance. If the property is a bungalow, then the ducting is rarely a problem, so MVHR systems may well be worth considering.
WILL IT BE EFFECTIVE?
If you can accommodate the ducting in the property being refurbished, you still need to consider one other vital factor: will it be effective? By this I am referring to the degree of air tightness of the property in question. For the large majority of older properties, draughts are a way of life. MVHR systems work by using the heat contained in the atmosphere in a building; if all warm air is exiting
Polypipe.indd 23
through the gaps under doors or around windows, there is nothing left for the MVHR system to use. So it is essential you check the property’s air permeability. If this is not something you are able to do yourselves, there are many companies that provide this service. Building Regulations sets the allowable maximum are leakage at 10m³/h. Approved Document F (Ventilation) of the Building Regulations classes <5 as an airtight property and >5 as a leaky property. For MVHR to work effectively, the leakage rate should be ≤3. Anything above that is questionable as to whether you will reap any tangible benefits from the system. This is not unachievable in a refurbishment project, but it does mean that MVHR systems are more effective in relatively
new properties or ones that are undergoing a major refit, rather than a single room refurbishment. MVHR systems have been on the market for some time, but they have only recently become prevalent with the move towards greater sustainability. With many households now deciding to stay put and refurbish their properties, this sector is also looking to benefit from the energy saving and health qualities MVHR systems can bring. But be sure to do your homework first, taking into account the possible duct runs and what needs to be done to reduce the building’s air leakage. Only then will you be able to install a truly effective MVHR system.
www.polypipe.com/ventilation
30/12/2014 17:12
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AIR MOVEMENT
Dec/Jan 2015
Saving Energy
by upgrading condensers A condenser trial was conducted by Space Engineering Services and Coolers and Condensers on behalf of a major UK supermarket with the aim to evaluate the energy saving benefits of retrofitting existing EC condenser fans with the new ebm-papst AxiTop diffuser.
CONDENSER TRIAL
WHAT IS AXITOP? The AxiTop diffuser has been developed to fit the ebmpapst range of HyBlade axial fans as supplied to all the major refrigeration plant manufacturers. It is also ideal for retrofitting existing fans by providing a simple solution to upgrade those installed across the estate. An upgrade that reduces the noise, decreases the power consumption and increases the fan performance. A scale of possible energy savings – or efficiency enhancement and noise reduction – can be achieved with an optimal diffuser. By replacing a standard fan with a guard grille for one with a support arm, guard grille and AxiTop diffuser, savings of up to 27 per cent can be achieved in terms of power consumption, while operating noise is reduced by up to 7.2 dB(A)
“The AxiTop packs HT2 and LT2 showed significant savings of 15 per cent and 51 per cent respectively.”
Sub metering and temperature logging were applied to four Condensers, two identical Low Temperature (LT) packs and two identical High Temperature (HT) packs, and recorded for four weeks. The AxiTop product was fitted to two condensers, LT2 (three fans) and HT2 (five fans). The other two packs were used as a base line for comparison. Sub metering and temperature logging continued for a further four weeks.
HT PACK DATA RESULTS
Graphs 1 and 2 show the before and after data for the HT packs. The data is recorded on the
Graph 1: Before Data – Ave Daily Temp 13.7°C
Graph 3: Before Data – Ave Daily Temp 13.7°C
Graph 2: After Data – Ave Daily Temp 13.8°C
Graph 4: After Data – Ave Daily Temp 13.8°C
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same trading day (Saturday) with almost identical average ambient temperature conditions. The Red trace is the base line unit HT1 which shows a total power consumption of 9.31kWh before and 9.1kWh after which are almost identical readings taking into account the different tolerances on different days. The Blue trace is from the converted unit HT2 which shows a reduction in total power consumption from 13.04kWh to 11.09kWh which is a 15 per cent reduction due to AxiTop being fitted.
LT PACK DATA RESULTS
Graphs 3 and 4 show the before and after data for the LT packs. The data is recorded on the same trading day (Saturday) with almost identical average ambient temperature conditions. The Red trace is the base line unit LT1 which shows a total power consumption of 4.14kWh before and 4.2kWh after which are almost identical readings taking into account the different tolerances on different days. The Blue trace is from the converted unit LT2 which shows a reduction in total power
Graph 5: Before Data – Ave Temp 20.7°C
consumption from 18.23kWh to 8.9kWh which is a 51 per cent reduction due to AxiTop being fitted.
HT PACK DATA RESULTS ON THE HOTTEST DAY
Graphs 5 and 6 show data from a two hour window on the hottest day before the retrofit compared to a similar day after conversion. The data is recorded on the same time period, on the same trading day (Monday) with near average ambient temperature conditions. The Red trace is the base line unit HT1 which shows a total power consumption of 18.5kWh before and 17.5kWh after which is a drop of 1kWh (0.5 per cent). The Blue trace is from the converted unit HT2 which shows a reduction in total power consumption from 18.5kWh to 13.6kWh which is a 4.9kWh or 26 per cent reduction in this two hour period due to the AxiTop being fitted.
DISCUSSION Based on identical trading days with the same ambient conditions, it was shown that the base line packs HT1 and LT1 have performed almost identically. The AxiTop packs HT2 and LT2 showed significant savings of 15 per cent and 51 per cent respectively.
It is clear that the LT2 pack improved significantly more than expected and this is believed to be due to the siting of LT2 which is partially surrounded. Other than improving the efficiency of the EC axial fans by converting dynamic pressure into useful static pressure, the AxiTop improves the throw of the fan and can prevent air recirculating within the unit when siting conditions are not ideal.
Left: without diffuser
Right: with diffuser
Diagram 1 shows a simulation of how the diffuser straightens and improves the throw of the Axial fan. During high ambient conditions Graph 5 shows identical power consumption for both HT condensers with all fans running at their maximum. Following the conversion of HT2 there is a marked reduction due to the AxiTop diffuser of 26 per cent even with the fans running at maximum speed. When the trace drops as shown in Graph 6, this shows the discharge pressure set point from the pack is being achieved and so allows the fans to ramp down. HT2 is achieving this more often than HT1 and for a greater length of time so energy is being saved not only from the fan energy reduction but also from the compressors as well.
CURRENT AND POTENTIAL FUTURE APPLICATIONS Graph 6: After Data – Ave Temp 19.5°C
The Axitop Diffuser is used on sites with condensers, coolers and chillers. Future applications could involve the upgrade of sites where noise levels are an issue. The product also offers the possibility to boost the air performance of fans on equipment that has been incorrectly sized for an application. The added benefit of the AxiTop is the reduction of energy usage as demonstrated through the above trial. www.ebmpapst.co.uk
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ADVERTORIAL
Dec/Jan 2015
Help is on hand after R
22 was outlawed on 1 January 2015 but all is far from lost for engineers who have been asked to upgrade systems after the deadline and for those customers who are simply unaware of what has happened. It is now illegal to use HCFCs, including R22, whether it be virgin, recycled or reclaimed, for servicing or topping up refrigeration, heat pump and air conditioning systems. This leaves engineers and customers with two options: shut down and replace the entire system or retrofit it with an alternative refrigerant. Every piece of equipment will have to be assessed and there is no such thing as a onesize fits-all R22 replacement. For guidance, customers should consult with their engineers and in turn engineers should talk to their wholesalers or refrigerant suppliers. A-Gas is always happy to help and give advice.
R22 BAN 2 The good news is that there is a raft of alternatives to R22, each designed to do a different job. The ISCEON® and RS ranges of refrigerants spring to mind. Genetron Performax® LT (R407F) is also a blend of HFC refrigerants offering an alternative to R22 but of course your choice of refrigerant will depend on the job in hand and the system currently in use. All users of systems with R22 should already have been given advice on the new replacement HFC refrigerant blends but if you are unsure please seek help from your refrigerant supplier.
A GAS Advertorial.indd 26
It is fair to say that the phasing out of R22 has been further complicated by the latest changes to the F-Gas Regulations which will see a phase down of HFCs and the industry moving towards a take-up of low global warming potential refrigerants. The refrigerant world is changing and we should all prepare for a new way of working. There will be a move towards lower-GWP gases controlled by a range of bans – notably the prohibition on servicing large systems with refrigerants of more than 2500 GWP which comes into effect in 2020. But there is no need to panic and advice is on hand. So if you do get stuck don’t hesitate to talk to your refrigerant supplier. It could save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
30/12/2014 17:19
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REFRIGERANTS
Dec/Jan 2015
2015 brings many changes that will affect refrigerants. Peter Dinnage,Technical Director at Climalife considers whether it is the great unknown or have we been here before?
â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are 79 companies throughout Europe who between them share 89% of the quotaâ&#x20AC;?
Climalife.indd 28
30/12/2014 17:23
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REFRIGERANTS
acrjournal.uk 100% 93%
100% 90% 80%
63%
70% 60%
45%
50%
B
y coincidence the date that the use of one of the most popular refrigerants of the late 20th Century is banned, coincides with the entry into force of the new tighter F-Gas legislation aimed at reducing emissions of HFCs significantly over the next few years. For some this means that no sooner have they moved away from R22, they also have to start planning to move away from R404A. The whole purpose of the revised F-Gas regulation is to reduce emissions of HFCs in a step wise phase-down process by 79% over the next 15 years. This will be backed up by a number of measures that will encourage fewer leaks, more leaks checks, quicker and more effective repairs coupled with better training. There will also be bans on certain refrigerants in some applications, both in new equipment and for service and maintenance for those with a GWP of 2500 or more. Whilst the bans on high GWP refrigerants do not apply for another five years, there is much to be done now to minimise the effect that the phase-down steps will have.
QUOTAS For the first time in 2015, the amount of refrigerant that can be sold within the EU will have a ceiling placed upon it , which is expressed in CO2 equivalent Tonnes. That total is 182.9 million CO2 equivalent Tonnes. Each producer or importer has been allocated a quota based on the sales they reported in the period 2009-2012. There are 79 companies throughout Europe who between them share 89% of that quota, with 333 companies classed as new entrants who share the remaining 11%. Each is free to sell any combination of refrigerants they want up to the limit of their quota. In simplistic terms this means
Climalife.indd 29
40%
31% 24%
30%
21%
20% 10% 0%
2015
2016-2017
2018-2020
they can sell more of lower GWP refrigerants than they can those with a higher GWP. For example it would be possible to sell nearly three times as much refrigerant with a GWP of around 1400 such as R-134a, compared to R-404A with a GWP of 3922. Put another way, a quota holder would want to make the same margin on 1 Tonne of 404A as they would 3 Tonnes of 134a or 2 Tonnes of refrigerants such as the 407’s or 410A with GWPs in the range of 1800-2100. The dynamics of the quota coupled with the phase down step is expected to prompt a shift towards lower GWP refrigerants. The first cut in the quota of 7% comes after just one year in 2016, whilst in two years’ time, pre-charged equipment coming from outside of Europe must be accounted for within that quota and is estimated to be of the order of 10-11% of the total. Some of this will be compensated for by new cars not being allowed to use R-134a, but there is no respite because there is a cut of 37% of the total quota in 2018. This will all happen 2 years before the bans on the refrigerants with a GWP of 2500 or more. Those still with a large requirement of high GWP refrigerants will carry the greatest burden.
TIME TO SWITCH There is no need to panic, but 2015 is the time to start the move to lower GWP refrigerants, as doing nothing until 2020 cannot be an option either. Already many have stopped using R-404A and are using R-407A and R-407F in its place with excellent results, in terms of capacity and
2021-2023
2024-2026
2027-2029
energy efficiency improvements compared to R404A. There is also an ever increasing range of compressors available from manufacturers who will give warranty on these refrigerants. Also coming to market are HFOs such as R-1234ze for chiller applications, which were covered in the October issue of this magazine and can also be found online. R-1234yf is being used in some new car models and both these HFOs are being used in blends to produce lower GWP refrigerants some of which are now available on the market and will see use in 2015. R32 is likely to be available in some new small air conditioning systems, although it will be a few more years before it takes over from R-410A in larger systems. CO2, Ammonia and Hydrocarbons also have a part to play in helping Europe meet the phase down steps required by F-Gas. There are a few quick steps that can be taken, firstly stop using refrigerants with a GWP over 2500 in new equipment. Make an effort to minimise leaks still further. Start a move to lower GWP refrigerants. The move away from R22 first started over 20 years ago, some moved quickly, whilst others took their time and a few remain until the product can no longer be used. During that time the refrigerants available have changed. This same process looks set to repeat itself, but the dynamics of the phase-down process are different and herald a move to lower GWP refrigerants. The good news is that there is plenty of good advice and experience available to help with the transition from high to low GWP refrigerants.
2030
Table 1 Phase down schedule
30/12/2014 17:24
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REFRIGERANTS
Dec/Jan 2015
New rules from the start of 2015 will replace current requirements covering fluorinated gases (F-gas). Neil Howe, senior legal author with online environment and safety specialists Cedrec, says the biggest impact will be felt on maintenance schedules and companies need to prepare.
“Preparation is the key to success for companies concerned about how the changes will impact on them”
T
he new Regulation (EU) 517/2014 revokes and replaces the existing F-gas Regulation (EC) 842/2006 with the main change amending the thresholds for maintenance frequency. Previously the criteria was based on the charge (in kg) of F-gas in an item of equipment, but going forward this will be based on the Global Warming Potential (GWP) CO2 weight equivalent of the F-gas. This could see some equipment no longer requiring maintenance under certain circumstances, while others could require even more attention. The Regulation will see bans or restrictions of the use of F-gases in some refrigeration equipment, air conditioners, insulating forms, technical aerosols among other new equipment, while there will be changes to conditions on marketing products and equipment containing or relying on F-gases. Other changes include cap and phase-down for the placing on the
F GAS Cedrec.indd 30
market of hydro fluorocarbons, future restrictions on the servicing and maintenance of equipment using HFCs and new rules regarding the containment, use, recovery and destruction of HFCs.
PREPARATION IS ALL Preparation is the key to success for companies concerned about how the changes will impact on them. Ensuring that existing maintenance schedules are still correct to identify any equipment that was not previously covered but is now under Regulation 517/2014 is a good first step. Here, a fully up-to-date F-gas register will be necessary, listing all the equipment and systems containing F-gases that are required to be checked for leaks. The 3kg, 30kg, and 300kg leak check requirements have been replaced by different limits based on CO2 equivalent tonnes. The new requirements are for 5, 50 and 500 CO2 equivalent tonnes.
WHAT NEXT? The gas contents should be identified, and where it is confirmed as an ‘R’ code refrigerant, the actual chemical component needs to be noted (but bear in mind the gas could be a blended gas). Then, having identified all the gases, consult Annex 1 and 2 of the Regulation for the calculations necessary to determine the GWP of the gas. Neil Howe comments: “The aim of the new Regulation is to reduce F-gas emissions by around 79% of today’s levels by 2030, through encouraging the use of viable and climate-friendly alternatives where they are available. This may sound quite ambitious, but it is more than achievable when you consider such alternatives are already available for much of the equipment that currently uses F-gases. “The main problems companies are going to have is with the extension of the measures for regular leak checks. Now their frequency will be based on GWP in CO2 equivalents, rather than tonnes of F-gas. This will potentially bring more equipment into the leak checking regime, which is designed to encourage a switch to lower GWP alternatives. “The nature of determining the GWP of an F-gas can be highly technical, something that becomes increasingly complex when you have to factor in gas composition and blends. So it is crucial that companies start to get to grips with this early, before the new Regulation begins to come into force in the New Year.” Cedrec specialises in providing public and private sector organisations with help and advice in understanding, interpreting and complying with environmental and safety legislation. The company offers a range of specialist consultancy and subscriptions services. www.cedrec.com
30/12/2014 17:28
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REFRIGERANTS
Dec/Jan 2015
F-Gas Regulatory changes come into force as of January 2015. Stuart Corr, TechnoCommercial Director at Mexichem Fluor, considers the range of alternatives to HFCs.
T
he introduction of the new F-Gas regulations has resulted in a changed market for refrigerants in Europe. The quota system means that only registered companies are able to sell HFCs in the region, and only then under a limit based on the total GWP of gases sold rather than the volume of products.
Further, the size of this quota cap will reduce over time, in effect phasing-down the availability of HFCs going forward. As they will take up a greater proportion of an already limited quota, higher GWP products such as R-404A are likely to increase in price. So what are the alternatives? Table 1 Comparison of R-107A performance with R-404A and R-107F
Mexichem.indd 32
HFOS Although not widespread at the moment, looking further into the
future unsaturated HFCs (HFOs) represent a good choice for both replacement work and new equipment. Here at Mexichem Fluor we have been involved with practical trials for a number of solutions designed to match or improve on the performance of existing products including R-404A, whilst offering the simplest replacement solution. For example, our developmental product LTR4X is designed to have a reduced GWP (around 1300) in comparison to R-404A whilst maintaining the efficiency benefits associated with KLEA R-407A. However, at present HFOs are not widely available and as a new technology generally carry a higher price than the current HFCs. When you factor this with the number of R-404A systems across Europe that
at some point in the next few years will need replacement refrigerant, it’s clear that a sudden wholesale switch to HFOs is unlikely.
LOWER GWP HFC PRODUCTS Taking these practical issues into account, an attractive option to replace R-404A exists in the form of the lower GWP HFC products, in particular KLEA R-407A, which has proven to be a great choice for many R-404A retrofit situations. R-407A is compatible with the compressors and lubricants used with R-404A as well as with the pipework and control valves. In many documented laboratory and field implementation studies, KLEA R-407A offers significant potential for reduced operating costs through improved energy efficiency. Given its lower GWP it is also likely to continue to be a more cost-effective option as the relative price of R-404A rises.
-32 evap., 36C cond
R-404A
R-407A
R-407F
Mass Flow
100%
78.4%
70.3%
Volume FLow
100%
100%
92.9%
COP
100%
106.8%
106.8%
Condenser mid-P
100%
95.4%
99%
Evaporator mid-P
100%
85.9%
90.8%
Presure Ratio
100%
111%
110%
∆T compressor discharge from R-404A
0°C
+18.2%
+26.5%
05/01/2015 11:33
33
REFRIGERANTS
acrjournal.uk
R-407A IN OPERATION A recent supermarket retrofit project highlighted benefits of KLEA R-407A, where a multipack plant operational with R-404A since 2008 was quickly swapped in an overnight process that allowed the store to close at its regular time and open for business as usual the next morning. As noted previously, the cost saving benefits of KLEA R-407A have been highlighted across a number of projects, including the Condis supermarket chain in Spain where a conversion from R-404A to KLEA R-407A resulted in a significant reduction in energy consumption. Another important advantage of KLEA R-407A over alternatives such as R-407F is that it has a
Climalife.indd 1
Mexichem.indd 33
wider operating envelope before requiring additional compressor cooling and in our experience generally does not require any additional auxiliary compressor cooling to be fitted, although of course this is subject to the details of the system and on the particular compressor manufacturer’s advice. In contrast, the inherently higher compressor discharge temperatures of R-407F can often require a parasitic injection cooling system to be installed during the retrofit in order to protect the compressor, operation of which will have an effect not just on installation time and cost, but also on the ongoing cost of operation through the detrimental effect on system energy efficiency.
The F-Gas regulations present challenges across the refrigerants supply chain, and HFOs are not yet at a point to offer a widespread solution. In light of this, products such as KLEA R-407A represent a useful, immediately available – and increasingly cost effective – way to avoid the rising cost and limited future availability of higher GWP products like R-404A. www.mexichemfluor.com
23/12/2014 14:47:21
05/01/2015 11:33
34
CHILLED BEAMS
Dec/Jan 2015
TROX UK’s INVESTMENT
PAYS YS DIVIDENDS How TROX UK’s investment in manufacturing technology and R & D helped the company secure and deliver a prestigious order for The Co-operative Group’s head office.
ONE ANGEL SQUARE One Angel Square in Manchester is a landmark commercial building delivered by BAM as main contractor. Reflecting The Co-operative Group’s commitment to environmental sustainability, it was awarded the highest ever BREEAM Outstanding score of 95.16%. The building is expected to operate with at least an 80% reduction in carbon emissions, and a 50% reduction in energy consumption compared to the Cooperative’s previous estate. The Co-operative Group’s aim is to set a sustainability benchmark for every other UK business, and to showcase what can be achieved through a socially responsible approach to design and construction. The 15-storey building incorporates a soaring open atrium and a double skinned façade to maximise the carbon reduction opportunities of natural heating, cooling and lighting. It features pioneering technology throughout including heat recovery systems from the atrium and a ventilation system that uses three large earth tubes beneath the building to help adjust the temperature of incoming air. Energy is also generated on-site by a CHP (combined heat and power) plant fuelled by rapeseed oil.
TROX STEPS UP TO THE PLATE To meet the demands of this environmentally significant project, a supplier was needed that could provide equipment with leading edge energy efficiency performance and outstanding technical support. In today’s economic climate, it was also crucial that the company could provide customised equipment with competitive pricing, within tightlycontrolled schedules, and with the benefits of offsite manufacture. TROX UK was able to meet all of these requirements to win the £2.3 million order, and products were off-site manufactured at its factory in Thetford. TROX HVAC systems have since been installed on all fourteen storeys of office accommodation as well as for the basement car park of the new head office. TROX equipment is also installed in the site’s restaurant, leisure facilities and internal atrium.
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CHILLED BEAMS
acrjournal.uk
“As the MSCBs were manufactured to unique designs with a number of variants, the project demanded both high capacity manufacture and extremely high levels of production flexibility.”
CUSTOMISED CHILLED BEAMS The systems supplied included 6000 linear metres of multi-service passive chilled beams (MSCBs), in several different dimension variants, as well as 450 linear metres of feature rafts containing luminaires for the 8th floor restaurant, entrance area and café. Grilles, diffusers and displacement units were also supplied as a separate package. During the design phase, full scale mock-up beams were put through demanding performance tests under controlled conditions in the TROX laboratory to provide the architect and contractor with data confirming the performance and effectiveness of the chilled beams ahead of installation. To ensure accuracy, TROX had a coffer manufactured for use in the laboratory tests which would replicate those to be used on site. The mock-up also enabled the architects to assess the visual impact of the chilled beams, which had been designed specially to suit the distinctive interior design of the new building. Most of the chilled beams were provided to site in single assemblies 4500mm long by 1700mm wide, ready-assembled and complete with header pipework, valves, lights, sensors, PIRs and detectors. The volume of equipment required for the project meant that, over a six-month period, on average, one articulated lorry-load of TROX equipment was being delivered to site each day in line with the project schedule. As the MSCBs were manufactured to unique designs with a number of variants, the project demanded both high capacity manufacture and extremely high levels of production flexibility.
AUTOMATED AND COMPUTER AIDED In this project, perhaps more than any other to date, TROX’s two recently-installed fully-automated Trumpf punch presses came into their own, As well as having increased production capacity at the factory by around 60% since their installation, the presses have perfect repeatability. This means they can increase throughput at the same time as ensuring that the extremely tight tolerances and stringent quality standards demanded by TROX continue to be met. The company’s recent £600,000 investment in CAM (computer aided manufacture) equipment, also enabled the company to rise to the challenge. The equipment, which includes an advanced technology Salvagnini panel bending machine, creates components for the TROX range of chilled beams in a third of the time, and provides exceptional levels of flexibility for cost-effective manufacture of customised products and variants. www.troxuk.co.uk
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CHILLVENTA 2014
Dec/Jan 2015
IN FOCUS The HVACR industry once again showcased its latest innovations and applications at Chillventa.
RDM launched version 2.0 of ‘The Data Builder (TDB)’, their programming interface. The new version boasts a more user-friendly look and feel which should lessen the amount of time taken to program systems.
CONTROLS
R
DM was busy at Chillventa with a slue of product launches including the ‘Kwheb’ which they describe as “a cloud based energy management software platform”. Here are three of their key releases. The ‘Kwheb’ collects data from metering units on site via the RDM ‘dmTouch’ or ‘Intuitive TDB controller’ which a client can see using the firm’s portal. The system makes it easier for users to control their energy consumption, for example. It can be used to keep track of other ‘consumables’ too, such as water and gas. RDM said the ‘Kwheb’ is most likely going to be used in retail and industrial refrigeration applications, process control and the hotel and leisure industries. It is interoperable with over 20 types of energy meters on the market.
RDM was keen to emphasise the step it has taken into using fibre optic technology in its new products. Fibre optic is more resilient and not at risk to voltage surges from communications networks. In addition, it can carry more data than CAT5/6 Networks and can transmit up to 2 kilometres. The company introduced the ‘Mercury Switch with Fibre’ products, namely the PR0018-F and PR0018-F-PHI, which uses fibre optics. GEA showed off its new Omni™ control panel for refrigeration and gas compression control. It not only works with GEA equipment, but other manufacturer’s products too. It is designed to ‘simplify daily operations, and also plant supervision and predictive maintenance’.
Another key product launch for RDM is their ‘Touch XL’ screen which can be used in three ways, namely as a remote display connecting to an ‘Intuitive TBD’, as an ‘orbit console’ which connects to their dmTouch’ or as a ‘standalone’ intelligent controller.
Continued on page 38
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05/01/2015 09:44
WISHING YOU A
Prosperous
2015 FROM ALL AT
dean&wood
aircreation
cabinetspares
refrigeration wholesale
dean&wood gasco
companies
www.dean-wood.co.uk - www.aircreation.co.uk - www.cabinetspares.co.uk www.rw-wholesale.co.uk - www.dwgasco.ie
A$ Advert.indd 1 p41_acrdec_jan15.indd 1
19/11/2014 12:58 23/12/2014 10:20:26
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CHILLVENTA 2014
Dec/Jan 2015
VALVES
CHILLERS
GEA announced version 5 of their refrigeration valve selection and dimensioning software, ‘ValveCalc’. The new version enables design engineers, for example, to design entire network sections. Engineers can visualise supply and discharge lines including valves, reduction fittings and T-fittings, for example, in one user interface. The user can then easily select the best valves and fittings for the solution, and work out pressure drops pipe diameters too.
Airedale was showing its new TurboChill and TurboChill FreeCool Chillers at the event which have been to work specifically with R1234ze refrigerant which has a low global warming potential. These products are going to interest buyers who are looking for good energy efficiency. Their European Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ESEER) reaches up to 6.23.
Danfoss revealed its new ETS Colibri electric expansion valves designed for using in ‘precise liquid injection’ into evaporators for AC, heat pump and refrigeration applications. The extension to its ETS range includes the 12C, 25C, 50C and 100C versions. The valves are used with R410A, R407C, R404A, R507, R134A and R290.
Trane and Honeywell got together to announce their partnership on a low GWP chiller solution, namely the CenTreVac chiller which uses Honeywell’s ‘Solsice zd’ refrigerant which has a GWP (global warming potential) of just one. The CenTreVac is a ‘large capacity chiller’ (2600 kW to 14,000 kW) which will work well in large commercial buildings.
Continued on page 40
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05/01/2015 09:45
LAST CHANCE TO BOOK
T H E
TOWN HALL, VICTORIA SQUARE, BIRMINGHAM B3 3DQ
The National ACR Awards 29th January 2015 SPONSORED BY
AT ONLY £155 PLUS VAT PER PLACE OR £1500 PLUS VAT FOR A TABLE OF TEN, AT ONLY £155 PLUS VAT PER PLACE OR £1500 PLUS VAT FOR A TABLE OF TEN, THIS EVENT WILL BE IN GREAT DEMAND AND PLACES ARE LIMITED THIS EVENT WILL BE IN GREAT DEMAND AND PLACES ARE LIMITED
To book your places please email shelleyb@warnersgroup.co.uk To book your places please email shelleyb@warnersgroup.co.uk w w w . n a t i o n a l - a c r - a w a r d s . c o . u k w w w . n a t i o n a l - a c r - a w a r d s . c o . u k NACRA.indd 39
29/12/2014 12:57
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CHILLVENTA 2014
Dec/Jan 2015
COMPRESSORS Bitzer presented eight sub-critical and five-transcritical CO2 compressors at Chillventa. The sub-critical CO2 reciprocating compressors are part of the company’s CME series. According to Bitzer, they are best applied as boosters or in low and medium temperature water-cooled systems.
Bitzer’s new trans-critical range includes the two-cylinder CKH2 and six-cylinder CKH5 CO2 compressors. The compressors work best for pressures up to 100 bar low pressure and 160 bar high pressure.
GEA expanded its F range with the Bock F28 compressor which an 8-cylinder model. It is small and light making it easy to transport. The compressors is ideal for ships.
Chillventa.indd 40
In addition, GEA brought out new semi-hermetic compressors, namely the Bock HG range. The range includes the HG44e, HG56e, HG76e, and HG88e models. GEA has brought these out for commercial applications.
Aimed at the commercial refrigeration market, Tecumseh brought out a new version of its AJ² ‘platform’. The AJ² works with R-134a, R-404A and R-22. Importantly, Tecumseh stated that the compressor is optimised for HFO and HC refrigerants which will help customers to keep up with the changing environmental legislation.
RESIDENTIAL REFRIGERATION One interesting launch in the residential refrigeration market came from ‘Embraco’.
The company launched its ‘WISEMOTION’ compressor. After ten years of research, the Embraco believes it has a product which they believe will ‘revolutionise the refrigeration industry’. The innovations include the exclusion of oil which makes it easier to dispose of them at the end of their lives; 20% energy reduction, better use of space inside refrigerators by being smaller and better food conservation. Furthemore, the units look quite different from most compressors you see in residential refrigeration units.
05/01/2015 09:45
41
ADVERTORIAL
acrjournal.uk
F
irst Choice, have for 15 years, specialised in the supply of spare parts to the catering equipment Industry and diversified three years ago to meet the needs of many other markets, including retail refrigeration. The Refrigeration Division has trebled in the last year under the management of Refrigeration Manager, Steve James. CAREL has announced that First Choice Refrigeration Spares have been appointed as an approved UK wholesale partner for their full range of refrigeration equipment controls developed for the retail market in a move that provides their customers unprecedented service levels and 24 hour response. “Our aim is to provide any part, from any manufacturer, quickly and easily,” Steve explains. “We regularly used to receive orders for CAREL parts but, because we had to source them from an Italian distributor, we were unable to provide the good value or next day delivery service that we pride ourselves on and that our mainland UK customers have come to expect. This partnership with CAREL UK means we now hold
a large stock of electronic controllers and control components for the catering and retail markets. We can offer improved pricing and if customers order a part before 5pm they can have it the next day.” As well as standard next day delivery, First Choice offer ‘Buy Box’ and ‘In Boot’ options, so if necessary the part can be delivered to the engineer by 7.30am the next day ready for the first appointment. As well as improved availability of components to the market, another reason CAREL were attracted to working with First Choice was their commitment to taking a personal approach to service. Over half
of the current workforce of 118 man the phones in the customer service centre. “One of the great things about First Choice is that you can always talk to a real person - and they know what they are talking about,” says Richard Hay, CAREL’s Sales Manager for Retail & Refrigeration. “Of course if customers prefer to use online ordering because it is quick and sometimes more accessible - the web ordering system is excellent, but the staff have been put through their paces in our training suite in Chessington, so they can now offer expert telephone advice on our products should customers have any questions.”
CONTACT Tel: 01543 460398 Fax: 01543 504141 Web: www.firstchoice-cs.co.uk Email: refrigeration@firstchoice-cs.co.uk
First_Choice_Carel_Advertorial.indd 41
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Dec/Jan 2015
Refrigeration Lifecycle
Cost Analysis Alex Williams, specification manager for the UK & Ireland at Danfoss Limited explains why energy consumption and whole life running costs of a refrigeration system should be given a much greater consideration when offering customers replacement refrigeration equipment.
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29/12/2014 11:37
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
43 acrjournal.uk
E
nergy costs have risen dramatically over the last ten years and all the signs point to further substantial increases in the future.
Whilst important, the initial purchase price of new equipment is only a part of the story. Often what appears to be the cheapest option is actually very far from it. When making a decision to replace or upgrade refrigeration equipment it is important to remember that the system’s lifetime running costs are often several times greater than its initial purchase cost. Lifecycle cost analysis supports the selection of energy efficient products that meet the needs of today whilst managing their operating costs tomorrow. To illustrate this, Danfoss have developed a number of lifecycle software tools that compare the energy usage of various refrigeration condensing units and uncover the true costs of ownership. By combining anticipated usage rate, energy cost per kWh and a few key points of data known to the equipment manufacturer, it is possible to produce an analysis of costs within a product’s life cycle.
A contractor providing this information offers greater support to their customer and enables the end user to make a much more informed decision when planning to replace aging equipment. The installation of energy efficient equipment benefits us all but it does not have to come at a cost. Indeed, lifecycle calculation provides a great deal of evidence that by purchasing for the longer term, large savings are more than possible. Pressure faced on the initial purchase price is reduced
when energy consumption cost is given the proper consideration. The Danfoss lifecycle tools have been developed specifically to support value selling arguments in favour of the energy efficient Optyma™ range of refrigeration condensing units. At the same time, users benefit from a greater understanding of the long term costs of equipment ownership and can better plan for replacement equipment. www.danfoss.com
EXAMPLE Two refrigeration condensing units are available to achieve a desired cabinet or coldroom temperature. Unit A is £200 cheaper to purchase and appears to be the best option. However, lifecycle calculation reveals that its energy consumption is 500W per hour greater than the more expensive unit B. In real terms, this translates to an additional £300 on the annual electricity bill when using unit A. As such, the initial £200 saving offered by unit A evaporates within the first year of use and it quickly becomes a much more expensive option. Spending a little more to begin with on unit B could potentially save the end user as much as £1,300 in energy costs over five years.
LIFECYLE COST Lifecycle calculation frequently shows that over a given period, refrigeration equipment running costs can be several times greater than the initial equipment purchase price. Incredible though it may seem running costs are very often overlooked in favour of a small, short term cost saving offered by a cheaper unit that consumes energy at a much greater rate. Like for like comparisons often reveal stark differences in the energy consumption and actual running costs, (see above).
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44
TRANSPORT REFRIGERATION
Dec/Jan 2015
Refrigerated food haulage
revolutionised
R
uskim Seafoods Limited is a leading European importer of quality meat, seafood and poultry, with a turnover of some £90 million.
The award-winning business has a fleet of more than 90 refrigerated delivery vehicles, providing its 3,000-plus customers with regular ‘on time’ deliveries of products sourced from five continents. For the past few months Ruskim has been working in partnership with Seymour manufactureing International (SMI), field testing a prototype of the company’s new Back-Stop insulated curtain system in one of the trucks at itsTelford plant. Ruskim’s group transport manager Lee Shropshire explains: “We were already using SMI’s insulated pallet covers, and saw the concept of Back-Stop on one of our visits to their showroom. “We immediately saw its potential for giving us flexible, multi-temperature zones in our vehicles which could be moved up and down the bulkhead to reflect the wide variety of food products we now handle.”
Seymour Manufacturing International’s new insulated curtain system has the potential to revolutionise the frozen and chilled food haulage industry, according to one of the companies involved in the testing process. The curtains can be moved by hand to any position on their track as required, held in position by a magnet. A fully automated version of BackStop is also available. Lee Shropshire continues: “We have had a set of curtains on test for just under two months now, and it has been very successful. “I was slightly sceptical at first, but it is quite amazing how such a lightweight, flexible curtain can have the ability to form such an effective temperature control barrier. “We have been retaining frozen temperatures of around –15°C on one side of the curtains, and ambient or chilled temperatures of between 0°C
and 3°C on the other, consistently. “There is no doubt that it this product the potential to revolutionise the way in which companies such as Ruskim operate. It is light years ahead of any similar products on the market right now.” Mr Shropshire says he is now waiting for SMI to adapt Back-Stop so that the curtains rail can be moved up and down the length of a truck. “When that has been developed, I am sure we will be fitting Back-Stop into a significant number of our vehicles. They will allow us to use our trucks more economically, and make life easier for our drivers too.” www.seymour-mi.com
SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS BACK-STOP? It is a family of insulated flexible barriers designed to reduce energy loss from the back of a chilled or frozen vehicle. The insulated door curtain system, using SMI’s celebrated Tempro thermal insulation equipment, conserves significant amounts of energy by retaining chill. The Back-Stop system consists of four movable insulated curtains, fitted on a sliding bar mounted below the truck ceiling.
SMI backstop.indd 44
Ruskim Seafoods transport manager Lee Shropshire tests the SMI Back-Stop prototype in one of the company’s trucks.
29/12/2014 12:01
Hitachi Air Conditioning Engineered for tomorrow.
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Boasting the marketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.
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p45_acrdec_jan15.indd 1
23/12/2014 10:21:37
46
MAINTENANCE
Dec/Jan 2015
F
an coil technology has raced ahead in the last five years, particularly with respect to EC motors and the efficiency benefits they bring. However, most fan coils currently installed in UK buildings are related to relatively inefficient AC previous product generations. So, in the case of occupiers or facilities managers in buildings with relatively old fan coils that rattle and squeak and begrudgingly go about their business, what’s to be done? By using modern EC motors upgrading fan coils has become eminently possible, practical and worthwhile. In fact, the biggest problem sometimes, is simply knowing where to start. What type of fan coils units are they, where were they from, are they working efficiently or at all? Clearly, an expert is required. If handled by a top quality refurbishment service, the programme will start with a survey to
Ability Projects.indd 46
Peter Lowther, Chairman of Ability Projects Ltd considers the new opportunity offered by EC/DC Technology
Bottom left and right: A neglected fan coil unit
gauge the viability of the products, the upgrade options available, cost versus life extension and energy savings that could be made. Style and origin of the existing fan coil stock are relatively unimportant since the latest EC fan and motor technologies fit the majority of AC units, irrespective of their manufacturer and age. To start with, the old fans will be removed and replaced, including the fan deck if necessary. All inefficient transformers and speed switches will be replaced with a simple potentiometer. Air volumes will be reset to their original design volumes or, if the passage of time means they are not available, a reference air volume will be taken before the changeover and once installed, the new fans will be set to the same volume – simple! At this point, the new technology employed, will have halved the electrical consumption of the original fan coil motors!
VARIABLE AIR VOLUME The additional functionality of a Variable Air Volume (VAV) system may be introduced, requiring fitting an additional VAV controller to vary the fan speed based upon demand. In simple terms, the fan speed/ air volume, is continually adjusted according to the thermal demand. If the units need to work hard the fan speeds will be at design level and if the space is near or at set point, the fans will be at a predefined set back air volume, usually 70% of the design volume. There are several reasons why this feature is worth considering. First, the reduction in air volume will save a further 30% of the original AC consumption making a total saving of 80% at setback. Also, the noise level will be reduced and the length of time between filter cleans extended. Experience has shown that the time between filter cleans can be extended by about 33%. Thus if the filters were being cleaned every six
29/12/2014 13:11
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MAINTENANCE
acrjournal.uk
This unit needs some attention!
“Experience has shown that the time between filter cleans can be extended by about 33%” months they will from then on last for eight. Consequently, if they were destined for cleaning (or replacement) twenty times during the following ten years this figure will reduce to fifteen -- a substantial saving in a building fitted with hundreds of fan coils. Furthermore, since the VAV control device will always sit apart from the original waterside control system, it is immaterial whose controls were originally installed because the feature operates autonomously. Replacing the valves and controls over a whole project is possible but will generally be non-viable from a cost/benefit perspective. However, if just a few valves within the overall number require attention this can be dealt with. Of course, although
Ability Projects.indd 47
on occasions it will not be possible to replace like with like, a compatible alternative will always be available.
A NEW LEASE OF LIFE With fan coil development advancing at a frenetic pace it is clear that new technology could bring many benefits to much of the older fan coil stock. Also, an imminent challenge looms whereby the technology currently applied, not just to fan coils, is becoming so specialised that the facilities teams will stand little chance of keeping up with all the features of the equipment in their buildings. This is why once again, experts will be increasingly needed on an ongoing basis.
Current energy standards demand careful and considered designs using the best (but often not the cheapest) products. It would be a crying shame to prevent all that design effort from realising its full potential because finely tuned modern buildings are not properly looked after. As a dog is not just for Christmas, so energy efficiency is not just about hand over! Consider then, if a fan coil has a life span of say, 20 years and the UK has consumed some 60,000 UK manufactured fan coils per year over that time, it means there are a million plus fan coils in use among which many are either approaching or have gone beyond their planned lifetime. While many will of course, be replaced completely, the advent of EC/DC technology has opened up a new opportunity when money, time or disruption demands an alternative solution.
31/12/2014 09:14
48
COMPANY PROFILE
Dec/Jan 2015
ADVANCED ENGINEERING
University of Surrey chemists working on the Knowledge Transfer Partnership
A
specialist manufacturer and supplier of coil cleaners and service equipment, Advanced Engineering products can be found in contractor’s vans up and down the country. For four decades, the Basingstoke firm has formulated and developed its own cuttingedge cleaning solvents to keep the nation’s ACR systems safe, efficient, clean and green. At the same time, the company has struck partnerships with leading manufacturers around the globe to assemble a line-up of the finest service equipment on the world market. “Maintenance engineers are the unsung heroes of safe, clean office air,” says Barry Lea, Chairman of Advanced Engineering. “They have a vital job to do and they need the best equipment to do it. That’s where we come in.”
Advanced Engineering.indd 48
Advanced Engineering is an award-winning British company that specialises in providing ACR service engineers with everything they need to perform at their best.
FORMULAS FOR THE FUTURE Since the early 1980s, Advanced Engineering has been at the forefront of research and development into the most powerful and effective cleaning solvents and disinfectants. The company has just embarked on a three-year project – known as the Knowledge Transfer Partnership – with a team of British chemists at the University of Surrey’s Department of Chemistry.
Together they are refining and improving the company’s current air conditioning and refrigeration formulas and developing the next generation of world-beating cleaners. Dr Kajally Jobe, R & D Chemist at the University of Surrey, explains: “The formulas we’re developing have more efficient cleaning actions, prolonged action times and provide deeper cleans within a larger range of temperatures. “So as well as being more environmentally sound than competing products, these new cleaners are more effective, giving time and cost savings to the engineer who uses them.” This continual evolution and refinement of its three big coil, condenser and evaporator cleaners – EnviroCoil®, SuperClean™ and CondenCide – have helped them become the most powerful and effective cleaners on the market. Coil, Condenser and Evaporator cleaners
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COMPANY PROFILE
acrjournal.uk
“And in terms of tools we stock an incredible range from Imperial, a company that has specialised in ACR instruments ever since the industry started. We believe engineers won’t find a finer example of perfectly calibrated tools anywhere in the world.”
AWARD WINNING
The award-winning Imperial Manifold
RELIABLE EQUIPMENT; EXPERT ADVICE
As a barometer of Advanced Engineering’s success, the firm recently won an award for its launch of the Imperial iManifold, an ingenious piece of 21st century kit – the world’s first AC manifold that works with engineers’ smartphones and tablets. The iManifold has also been
shortlisted in Air Conditioning Product of the Year category in the National ACR Awards later this month. With the iManifold, service engineers can monitor and record an air conditioning system’s readings on their phone or iPad whilst working elsewhere, like checking seals and joints in the system, or filling out an invoice in a warm truck. They can also send instant email reports to clients calculated on-thespot by the iManifold’s intelligent app, without any need to take manual readings or notes themselves. “It’s in our company’s name and DNA,” continues Barry, “to strive for technical excellence and innovation in everything we do. “When air conditioning and refrigeration engineers and wholesalers see the Advanced Engineering brand, we want them to know they’re buying the best kit on the market.” www.advancedengineering.co.uk
iManifold in use
“Since we began, we’ve strived to put together the perfect range of maintenance equipment,” continues Barry, “reliable, hardworking kit that every service engineer needs by their side. “Take Robinair for example, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of HVAC servicing tools. Their vacuum pump outperforms any rival in its class, and they’ve just been bought by the Bosch Group, so we’re expecting big things from them next year. “Another example is the Promax range of refrigerant recovery machines. They have this legendary oil-less compressor at their heart; it’s so good almost every other recovery machine available is now based on their original design.
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WOMEN IN ACR
Dec/Jan 2015
In the fifth of our ‘Women in ACR’ series, we feature Fiona Toseland, Project Manager (Special Projects) at Airedale International, who has been in the industry for 25 years.
ACR industry WOMEN IN THE
What attracted you to the industry?
FIONA TOSELAND Tell us about your background I have a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, Strathclyde University – obtained in 1989. I am a Chartered Engineer, Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (CEng MIMechE). I come from a very strong engineering background, my father, my husband and both my siblings are all also engineering graduates. My siblings and I all studied at Strathclyde University as it was (and still is) a great university for engineering. My parents are from South Yorkshire but my family moved to Largs in Ayrshire in 1968 when I was 6 months old. I graduated in 1989 and worked for Star Refrigeration until 1998; I then moved to Nottingham to work for another refrigeration company before relocating to South Wales in 2001 to work for Electrocatalytic (US Filters). I moved back to my South Yorkshire roots in 2009 after 41 years away.
Details of current employer (or own business), including location Airedale International Air Conditioning, Leeds Formed in 1974, Airedale International is the UK’s leader in the design and manufacture of innovative, high efficiency cooling solutions, with manufacturing bases in three continents and customers in over 60 countries.
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Having studied physics, chemistry, maths and further maths at school, I always had a keen interest in science, which led to me to study for a mechanical engineering degree. The turning point came when my school received a visit from representatives of the recently formed WISE ( www. wisecampaign.org.uk) in my final year (1984). My chosen areas of specialist study at university were fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. For my final year dissertation, I undertook a research project in CFD (computational fluid dynamics) modelling. CFD analysis is one of the virtual engineering techniques applied by Airedale in the design of its cooling systems to maximise the use of internal space and ensure the heat exchange area is configured to achieve the optimum cooling capacity for a given footprint. My background in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, together with my final year project choice of CFD modelling, led to my tutor recommending me to Star Refrigeration who were looking to recruit two graduates from the ‘Milk Round’. I stayed at Star for ten years, gaining valuable experience.
What do you specialise in now? Or, what type of projects do you work on?
The Projects at Airedale team manages large-scale, complex telecoms installation and upgrade programmes for key accounts such as Telefonica, EE and Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Ltd, a joint venture between O2 and Vodafone, and Network Rail projects. The team provides clients with an end-to-end solution which encompasses bespoke system design where necessary, with the objective of simplifying the specification, installation and commissioning process for customers.
What do you know now about the industry which you wished you had known before? I quickly realised the importance of multi-tasking, good communication and recording information. At school and university you concentrate on one piece of work at a time and set your own study schedule. In business, at any one point in time you will be working with a large number of customers, all with their own priorities, in addition to numerous internal departments such as procurement,
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production, testing, shipping, installation and commissioning. You may also be liaising with external bodies like the Health & Safety Executive. You quickly learn to prioritise, be organised, communicate clearly, use tact and, above all, stay calm. I also have quite substantial financial targets to meet so I also have to wear a business development hat as well as my project manager’s hard hat! When I first started out in the industry I was the only female engineer in the business, and the only engineer with a degree, so you did have some hurdles to jump to prove yourself.
What excites/interests you about the industry and your part in it now? It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a business which plays a lead role in helping drive energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of end user clients in what is traditionally a relatively energy-intensive industry. Over the years this has seen Airedale pioneer many design innovations, such as the concept of energysaving concurrent free-cooling and, most recently, the integration of the latest HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) based low GWP refrigerant R1234ze within its chiller range, well ahead of the impending phasedown of traditional refrigerants such as R410A and R134a. You get chance to make a difference to people’s lives by improving the environments in which they live and work by helping to provide the right heating, cooling and air change conditions.
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What would you say to other What are the challenges of women who are considering this industry? coming into the ACR industry? The implications of getting it If you are interested in design and innovation it’s definitely the industry for you. You get the opportunity to use a variety of skillsets – from project management to ‘softer’ communication skills – as well as applying your engineering knowledge. This has even seen me designing and building a new freecooling telecoms unit so you could say I’m involved in the process from start to finish. You also get the chance to visit a large number of interesting sites and meet people from many different industry sectors – from food and beverages to house construction, ice rinks, hospitals and schools. I am as passionate about the industry as when I first left university. I guess my nurturing instinct applies equally to my work as my family. I own each project with the same amount of tender loving care!
Where do you see your career developing? There are still a limited number of women who choose to enter the industry but, if you know your subject and like to be challenged, it’s a very satisfying career route. Being so intrinsically linked to technology, it’s definitely an industry big enough to allow you to specialise in a particular sector such as healthcare or education without going down the more traditional routes like nursing or teaching.
wrong mean that good planning, effective communication and keeping up-to-date are key. The devil really is in the detail - financial penalties arising from contractual failure could be very damaging and legal implications for breaches in health & safety potentially very serious indeed. There can be a long chain of parties involved in any one project so maintaining quality and lead times whilst coordinating multiple disciplines also presents its headaches and means you absolutely must keep your eye on the ball.
What are the benefits of being in your role (e.g. travelling, variety, monetary)? Constantly learning and developing, being challenged, being in control of your own working day, taking ownership. Opportunity to make a difference, finding ways to innovate and be creative. Travelling, visiting different sites, working with different people. Being a role model to your children and their friends.
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COMPRESSORS
Dec/Jan 2015
NEW SCREW
Frascold’s Howard Davis explains how the Italian compressor manufacturer is adapting its range to meet the demands of a fast-changing market.
Technology ur industry is facing change as the pressure grows towards the implementation of low GWP refrigerants and improved product performance efficiencies, reduced energy consumption and lower carbon footprints. Manufacturers across the spectrum are tasked to respond to these needs. Frascold has risen to this challenge with it’s compact screw compressors − the CXITV.
Spearheading the drive are two energy efficiency technologies combining to substantially reduce energy requirements across part-load operating conditions. Integrated Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) together with integrated Automatic Continuous Vi Regulation (ACVR), jointly working to offer efficiency improvements in excess of 20% (patent pending). Everyone knows how inverter technology can be used to maximise energy efficiency over continuously changing cooling demand. With screw compressors, also changing operating conditions can also cause inefficiencies due to the fixed intrinsic Vi of the compressor that is optimised only for a specific operating pressure ratio. The possibility to modify this parameter (Vi) in real time when the boundary conditions change can really improve the efficiency of the system throughout the application envelope,
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especially considering that partial load efficiency count up to 97% in the calculation of the ESEER .
ONE STEP AHEAD Some solutions have been proposed on the market with a two-step variable Vi but nothing is comparable with the innovative technology developed by Frascold’s R&D and called Automatic Continuous Vi, Regulation (ACVR). This special device automatically and continuously optimises Vi providing almost double the energy saving of a VFD alone at part-load conditions. ACVR is a stand-alone system that is controlled by a new electronic module developed by Frascold, and is a major contribution to achieving higher Seasonal Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The F Gas Regulation is very much upon the horizon with a cap and
CXITV Compact Screw Compressor
The graph below demonstrates the improved efficiency of the ACVR as shown by the green curve.
0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6
Vi=2.3 Vi=3.1 Vi=4.4
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phase down for the placing on the market of HFCs, bans and restrictions based on GWP, future servicing restrictions, rules on use, recovery and destruction. The industry in general has much to occupy itself.
ADAPTING TO A LOW GWP WORLD
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The aim of the agreed Regulation is to reduce F-Gas emissions by twothirds of today’s levels by 2030 and to encourage the use of viable and more climate-friendly alternatives where they are readily available. Compressor manufacturers have been particularly busy addressing equipment applications in regard to lower GWP HFCs, newer HFOs and natural refrigerants. The various Frascold series, for low-GWP refrigerants such as HFO and Hydrocarbons (HC) have been developed with the utmost attention to energy saving and environmental protection. This is now complemented by Compact Screw Compressors released for HFO and HC (CX series). The pressure towards low GWP refrigerants will be relentless. Currently the refrigerant industry does not have all the answers which could make natural refrigerants a predominant option. Whilst there is still time, the clock is running.
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OUT AND ABOUT
Dec/Jan 2015
LG Lab Visit Shows
New, Slimmer, Lighter, Q A
CR Today visited the site in June 2013 just before LG launched their Mutli V IV VRF system. Will Hawkins went back to see how LG business has developed since the new system came out.
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The LG Energy Lab
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Deep in the countryside of Northern France sits the ‘Energy Lab’ of Korean manufacturer, LG. Its location might seem out of place in this village in the Valenciennes region of France. But, as soon as we stepped out of the air conditioned mini-bus, we could feel why LG had decided to buy the old farmhouse. They have turned the buildings into a lab to test out their products for the European market. The weather was overcast and humid. It was the perfect climate for putting products through their paces. Designed in Korea, LG adapts their products for the
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damp, cold and changeable climate in much of Northern Europe. The humid atmosphere enabled LG to redesign products to overcome defrosting problems.
A LITTLE LOCAL DIFFICULTY Every year LG places its new products into the Energy Lab to test them. They are, then, released to market once they have overcome the challenges thrown at them by the local climate. LG gave an example of the unexpected situations they come across at the lab. It was a decision
by their local internet service provider, Orange. Orange stopped providing internet access in some rural areas of France. This included the village where the LG located the Energy Lab. With no internet access, the LG engineers could not remotely access some of the data from the air conditioning systems. That could well happen to installers in reality and helps LG to understand the ‘real world’ their contractors work in day to day.
LG invited Rapid Climate Control, Thornley & Lumb Limited, Pac Air, Cooper Homewood, Free Air Services, Hoare Lea to the Energy Lab
LG invites a mixed selection of visitors to the ‘Energy Lab’ to see how they are progressing with their range of products. LG tests all their products in the converted farm buildings using rooms set up to replicate light commercial and domestic settings.
NEW HEAT PUMP & CONTROLS In particular, the LG team showed us their Multi V S heat pump (which was due to ship in October 2014). LG announced an increase in the range,
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, Quieter Side <
which now extends from a 4, 5 and 6 HP range to include a 8, 10 and 12 HP range. The new Multi V S units are compact, slim and lightweight. This means when space is tight these units are worth considering. Furthermore, you can use the the Multi V S in high rise buildings because of their high static pressure. They contain new energy saving technology too, which means there is a significant reduction in their ‘start up’ energy requirements. Furthermore, the units can reach their ‘set point’ within two minutes, according to LG. LG shared their figures for the efficiency of the Multi V S units. In ‘cooling mode’ they achieve an EER of 3.95 and a CoP of 4.25. The units can operate in a maximum outdoor temperature of 48 degrees C. The nearest comparative competitor can manage an outdoor temperature of 43 degrees C. The system also includes a ‘natural PCB cooling system’ which uses air, not refrigerant, to cool the PCB.
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We also saw a new LG single split with a ceiling concealed duct which has 47% less surface area than previous models and which is 26% lighter. Additionally, the ‘single split’ has a new ‘night silent operation’ which makes the unit good for staying within local noise reduction rules. Sophisticated controls are becoming an essential feature of air conditioning systems. LG is no exception in the market. The team was keen to show us how its controls operate and detailed measurement which can recorded and controlled using their ‘zone
LG’s Richard Gladman demonstrates the AC Smart Premium controller
controllers’ and their top of the range ‘AC Smart Premium’ control unit.
HOW IS LG FAIRING? LG’s team out in France that day were upbeat about the market. The office refurbishment market is picking up for them. It must be ‘music to their ears’ after the tough spell the industry has been through recently. On the tour, one of the contractors stated that LG has recently made huge improvements to their product range. This is making it easier to choose the Korean manufacturers air conditioning products. Not only is LG making its products, slimmer, quieter and more efficient. It appears to be listening to and learning from its customers to make sure their products are fit for purpose in the European market. Having their Energy Lab in this location seems to be paying off for LG.
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COMPETITION
Dec/Jan 2015
OCTOBER WINNERS Congratulations to Esteban Cordero of J&E Hall, Dartford, who wins a British Vineyard Tour and Tasting with Lunch for Two and to runner-up Lynda Hodgkinson of Alpine Air Ltd, Buckhurst Hill, who wins a Tasting for Two of her choice.
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 12 words we’ve hidden in the word search for your chance to win. K
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The winner of this month’s competition will win: One Night Bed and Breakfast Getaway for Two
MAINTAIN ELITE
RETREAT ENERGY TODAY
One runner-up will win: A Traditional Afternoon Tea for Two. Prizes may vary from that pictured.
CLOSING DATE IS WEDNESDAY 4TH FEBRUARY 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
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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.
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PRODUCTS
Dec/Jan 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 Set Free VRF from Hitachi Highest seasonal efficiency and lowest refrigerant charge As the only manufacturer with a 2-pipe heat pump and 3-pipe heat recovery VRF from a single unit, Hitachi is now introducing Set Free FSXN1E to its expanding range. FSXN1E is available from 8HP to 54HP and is fully compatible with the full range of System Free indoors. A new compressor with improved performance at low speed and optimised R410a refrigerant cycle contribute to high seasonal efficiency values. Boasting the lowest refrigerant charge on the market, Hitachi’s FSXN1E costs less to install and maintain. Another new Set Free model, High Efficiency FSXNHE, is available in 5HP to 36HP, currently the only 5HP and 6HP high performance 3-pipe VRF model on the market. For even higher efficiency values use Hitachi’s special high performance models FSXN1E-P and FSXNHE-P can be specified. 01628 585 394 www.hitachiaircon.com
Pro-Mec UK Ltd Receives Award from Mitsubishi Electric M&E Contractor, Pro-Mec UK Ltd has received an Award from Mitsubishi Electric for its work with national retailer, Iceland Frozen Foods – in the second year of the company’s Green Gateway Awards. The Awards were created by Mitsubishi Electric to recognise the important contribution of its partners in encouraging energy efficiency in the built environment. Pro-Mec’s objective for Iceland was to come up with an energy efficient alternative to the traditional heating and cooling ducted system for its premises. Mitsubishi Electric’s City Multi R2 system was chosen for its cost effectiveness, long warranty period and quality of equipment. The air conditioning units distribute excess heat from areas needing cooling, (such as the refrigerators at the rear of the store), and transfer the heat to other areas. Pro-Mec UK Ltd was established in 2009, and specialises in all forms of HVAC and electrical installations. 01707 282880 Air.conditioning@meuk.mee.com airconditioning.mitsubishielectric.co.uk
or e-mail shelleyb@warnersgroup.co.uk LG brings in the big guns LG’s latest innovation, the 25kW ducted unit has been introduced to extend their range of split and multi synchro systems. The technologically advanced ceiling concealed duct unit has wide appeal for retail and hospitality markets – and more. The new UB85.N94 system offers a wide outdoor range of -20°C to 48°C cooling and -18°C to 18°C heating Super economical with a COP of 3.25 and EER of 2.81, the new unit will quietly produce the best indoor ambience at a maximum operating power level of 65dBA. Dimensions of the indoor unit are 1563 x 458 x 791mm and weight is 90kg. The outdoor unit, UU85W.U74, has a hermetically sealed scroll compressor and is extremely quiet in operation with a sound power level of 74dBA. The unit is some 47% smaller in footprint compared to the alternative VFR offering.
08448 471472 uk.aircon@lge.com http://partner.lge.com/uk
Carrier’s Newest AquaSnap® Chiller, with Greenspeed® Intelligence Carrier has added a new dimension to its AquaSnap® line of chillers by introducing the 30RBP with Greenspeed® intelligence, which enables higher efficiency and optimised performance. The new AquaSnap with Greenspeed® intelligence features enhanced scroll compressors designed for better full-load efficiency at the operating point of an air-cooled chiller. In addition, the AquaSnap with Greenspeed® intelligence uses high-efficiency variablespeed condenser fans, providing an ideal fan-operating sequence for optimal air flow across the condenser, which supports higher efficiency when running at part-load conditions. The 30RBP reaches a European Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ESEER) of up to 4.3. The AquaSnap with Greenspeed® intelligence also uses new software designed to optimize usage of compressors, fans and circuits. The new software constantly calculates the most efficient fan speed and water flow rate based on the load and ambient conditions, and controls them precisely to this pressure through continuous feedback and adjustment. www.carrier.com @CarrierGreen
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Gripple named as Yorkshire’s Outstanding Employer Founded and based in Sheffield, the globally successful manufacturer Gripple Ltd is proud to be named the county’s Outstanding Employer in the 2014 Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards. The reward came to the already multi-award winning, employee-owned company for its engagement with staff - judged as a traditional manufacturer going about its business in an untraditional way. Manufacturer of the iconic Gripple fastener, which has engendered more than 400 products serving the construction, agricultural and viticulture markets, operates a flat and open structure with the aim of encouraging innovation. Now with 425 staff, sales of almost £40m and celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the company has no HR or buying departments. All staff are required to be shareholders and share in the profits. www.gripple.co.uk
Specialist distributor Encon Insulation has boosted its industrial/HVAC division for the second time in as many months. Just two months after appointing Steve Moorhouse as the new Yorkshire and North West Business Development Manager, the company has recruited Mary Carthy as Industrial Manager for the West Midlands, working out of Encon’s Birmingham branch. Mary brings a total of 27 years expertise in the insulation sector to her Encon role, starting with Kitsons Insulation as a stock controller before becoming office manager. She was then approached to start up an independent business in Birmingham, MC Insulations, and built that up over the next 12 years to merge with four other independents to become GRM. She said: “I am sure with the experience I have gained and the continuing loyalty of my customers we can help to make Encon Birmingham an even more serious contender in the industrial market place.” indo@encon.co.uk www.encon.co.uk
Andy Davies (centre) is pictured with the award and other members of Gripple’s workforce
Robur launches Gitié range of chillers and heat pumps Robur has now launched in the UK its new range of trivalent gas-powered packaged chillers and heat pumps. The Gitié range has three models, with 2, 4 or 6-pipe configurations for cooling, heating and domestic hot water (DHW). The units serve a wide range of applications, e.g. cooling where there is a shortage of electrical power; or heating at efficiencies which save up to 40% against a condensing boiler and help with Part L compliance; or cooling and heating with the production of DHW. Individual models offer 17 to 76kW of output but can be blocked into larger systems, providing a modular solution. This has the advantage of increased capacity steps and duty sharing. All systems are for external installation, can run on mains or LP Gas and use a non-HFC ammonia solution refrigerant for BREEAM credits. ESS, has been promoting gas heat pumps since 2003, and is the leading UK distributor for this technology. 020 8641 2346 kpacey@essaircon.com www.roburheatpumps.co.uk
LG’s mcs approved therma v monobloc heat pump range 3kw ~ 16kw LG’s air-to-water Therma V Monobloc responds to market demands for new build and refurbishment sector with the range starting at a small 3kW unit. Therma V offers low/medium temperature heating and domestic hot water supply. The Therma V, marketed as the true all-in-one Monobloc unit (5kW~16kW) as the key components are preinstalled at the factory - the Plate Heat Exchanger, the A-class Water Pump, the Expansion Tank and the Electric Heater. This makes for a simpler installation, saving time and money for the contractor and a quieter unit for the home owner (as all components are outside). Another major feature of Therma V is its energy efficiency achievements. Proportional-Integral (PI) logic enables the new model to operate up to 30% more efficiently than a conventional model, while LG’s BLDC inverter compressor also saves energy, using as much as 40% less electricity than a typical AC motor at low speeds and 20% less at high speeds.
http://partner.lge.com/uk @LGUK_B2B #ThermaV
Carly launches new range of refrigeration components CARLY just launched a whole new range of refrigeration components for CO2 subcritical and transcritical applications. The following products are now available with max working pressure of: 64 bar (P6) 90 bar (P9) 140 bar (P14) Anti-acid filters driers DCY-P6 & DCY-P14 Filter drier shells BCY-P6 & BCY-P14 Mufflers SCY-P6 & SCY-P14
Insulation expert Mary Carthy joins Encon Insulation
Oil filters Check valves
HCYF-P6 & HCYF-P14 CRCY-P9
In addition to the ‘catalogue’ products, many specific high pressure components have already been designed and manufactured by CARLY, upon the request of European manufacturers. Like all of its products, the “CO2” components are ‘made in France’.
YOUR PRODUCT COULD BE HERE!! If you would like to advertise your new product in The ACR Journal’s WHAT’S NEW then please call Shelley Bright on 01778 391172 shelleyb@warnersgroup.co.uk 1989-2014
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Essential Information for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry
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Cambridgeshire Negotiable Salary This distributor of refrigeration equipment is looking to appoint an engineer to assist clients with the selection, pricing and delivery of equipment. The ideal applicant will have a technical background in refrigeration matched with excellent communication skills. Ref:T3201
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REFRIGERATION ENGINEER
Nationwide to £45k+car+commision This manufacturer of air handling units and ventilation systems is looking to further strengthen its UK sales force. You will be responsible for calling on consultants and contractors, assisting with the design selection and pricing of equipment and systems. Ref:T3196
N.West and Midlands c£43+car+benefits This is an excellent opportunity for experienced service managers to join this leading refrigeration, air conditioning and process engineering contractor. The successful candidates will be responsible for the operational management and profitable growth of the Service Business in their regions. Ref:T3179/80
M25 Radius c£27k + t/t + O/t+ Van You will be responsible for the service and maintenance of a wide range of commercial refrigeration equipment and systems from ice machines to cold rooms. The ideal applicant must have experience of commercial refrigeration and have an F-gas certificate. Ref:R3199
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
PROJECT ENGINEER
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
N. Home Counties c£32k+benefits This leading manufacturer of ventilation systems, urgently need to recruit a Project Engineer to support the sales and projects team, ensuring successful supply, delivery and commissioning of products through selection, estimation, quotation and coordination. Ref:T3193
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For further details please contact For further details contact either TERRY WHITE or ROGER PRICE TERRY WHITE or ROGER PRICE at Ashbury Associates, The Old Rectory, Springhead Road, Ashbury Associates Ltd., Kent Crown House, Northfleet, DA11 8HNHome Gardens, Dartford, Kent DA1 1DZ
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CLASSIFIEDS
Dec/Jan 2015
COLDROOMS
CORROSION PROTECTION SPECIALIST
INSURANCE
Specialist Insurance for Air Conditioning / Refrigeration Contractors U N I T E D
T: 01634 868444
K I N G D O M
• Bespoke Chiller & Freezer Coldrooms
Anti-Corrosion Coatings for Fin Coil Heat Exchangers
www.firstins.co.uk
• Mortuary Coldrooms Designed & Installed • Refrigeration Installations • Food Preparation Areas Installed
E. Unitedkingdom@blygold.com
W: www.milby-coldrooms.co.uk T: 0116 2606617 E: sales@milby-coldrooms.co.uk
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Contractors All Risks (CAR)
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Please contact us for Free Quotation / Advice and Recommendations. Email: aircon@firstins.co.uk Address: Unit 6, The Oaks Business Village, Lordswood, Kent, ME5 8LF
NOISE CONTROL PRODUCTS
Versatemp & Chiller Service and Maintenance • 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
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www.thermocold-hvacsystems.co.uk Water cooled chillers
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Absorption chillers Tel. 0844 3183722 www.thermocold-hvacsystems.co.uk
Acoustic Solutions
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Manufacturer of performance acoustic foam insulation. Supplied in sheets, rolls, acoustic kits.
EVAPORATORS/AIR COOLED CONDENSERS Coils
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Competitive prices - Quick Delivery
Foam Techniques Ltd, 39 Booth Drive, Park Farm South, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 6GR, United Kingdom
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HEATING & COOLING COIL PRODUCTS LTD
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Tel: 02392 501431 Fax: 02392 529272 Email: sales@handccoils.co.uk Web: www.handccoils.co.uk
2548Frascold_ATS_90x92mmPSD_90mm h x 92mm w 22/05/2013 20:23 Page AIR CONDITIONING-COOLING HIRE
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Frascold, your partner for twin screw compressors for refrigeration systems. Frascold designed N-type screw profiles for perfect engagement and smooth quiet running. Suitable for industrial refrigeration, racks and systems, HFC and Ammonia. 16 models • 120 - 360 m3/h • 24 - 180HP Range suitable for LT and MT applications
ECOLEAN AIR COOLED LIQUID CHILLER/ HEAT PUMP 20 - 1000 kW Main applications : Offices - Hotels - Hospitals - Industry Light commercial and residential buildings
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05/01/2015 15:13
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CLASSIFIEDS
acrjournal.uk
TEMPERATURE CONTROL RENTAL
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Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Specialists ✔ Refrigerants ✔ Heat Transfer Fluids ✔ Lubricants ✔ Waste Management ✔ Cleaning
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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
05/01/2015 15:13
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CHILLY CHATTER
Dec/Jan 2015
Fujitsu Air Conditioning
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President Obama Kept in the Quiet from Noisy AC Unit
A
t a time when Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, is facing political challenges in the last two years of his term in office, the last thing he needs is for an important event of his to be disrupted by a nearby noisy air conditioning unit. But, that is exactly what he recently faced when it became clear that an Aggreko air conditioning unit was going to cause a problem at crucial time. The event in question was due to take place in a tent where the President was due to give a speech to some very influential people. Normally, sound blankets would have been used but they were deemed unsuitable because of their bulkiness and ‘unsightly’ nature. Furthermore, the sound blankets would not have directed the sound from the AC unit away properly. Fortunately, Aggreko found a solution by using an ‘Echo Barrier’ which kept the noise from the unit sufficiently low so the event was not interrupted. Technical Director at Echo Barrier, Peter Wilson, said, “HVAC units, power generators, chillers and fans can produce an overbearing level of noise that can significantly distract nearby individuals from the task at hand. Many people suffer from this type of noise and accept it as an inevitable part of life, unaware that there is practical solution out there. Echo Barrier committed to providing relief.”
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TOSHIBA AND AMP SPONSOR MARCH BEARS RUGBY CLUB March Bears, the Cambridgeshirebased Rugby Union Football Club, are sporting a smart new strip following a sponsorship deal with Toshiba Air Conditioning and distributor AMP.
The air conditioning specialists stepped in to support the fenland side following a request from local man Simon Hayes of Peterborough-based installer, RS Air Conditioning Services Ltd. David Dunn, general manager of Toshiba Air Conditioning, said: “We were very pleased to join AMP in supporting the club, and delighted with the look of the new strips. The colour scheme was entirely incidental, but we are very happy with it!” Over the last few years, Toshiba Air Conditioning has provided backing to a number of local rugby clubs, particularly at Junior level, as part of its support for community participation in sport.
TQ ENVIRONMENTAL SPONSORS FUTURE FOOTBALLER STARS
TQ Environmental has sponsored an under-9’s football team based in Hull. The team, called the Soccer Sensations Tigers, have just finished their second season together. They are gathering pace - they won one of their games this season, which is one more than last season. Go, Tigers!
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acrjournal.uk
Pipe Center and Climate Center launch their industry ‘Hall of Fame’ Pipe Center and Climate Center, commercial heating and cooling distributors, have launched a Hall of Fame to honour and celebrate long-serving staff who make an outstanding contribution to the company and industry. The first recipients of the accolade include Gordon Adams, Climate Center technical manager, Eamonn Phelan, Slough branch manager, Doug Forsdyke, City of London branch manager, Keith Voller, key account manager, Martyn Simpson, technical manager, and Pete Wardman, key account manager. Managing Director Lee Jon Newman said: “We are incredibly fortunate at Pipe Center and Climate Center in having some of the industry’s best-known and respected people. They not only contribute a great deal to the development of our company, but are important industry figures in their own right, often with a life-time of service to the trade.”
Cool Designs Collects Warm Gear for Christmas Crisis
Cool Designs Ltd timing could not have been better with its Crisis Christmas support. The Sunderland based Toshiba air conditioning distributor set itself up as a collection station for local charity, the Winter Coat Amnesty before Christmas. People have donated hats, coats, scarves, gloves and other warm gear. The Winter Coat Amnesty works in partnership with Crisis Christmas to distribute the clothing to homeless and vulnerable people across the North East. Darrel Birkett, managing director of CDL, said: “The campaign has grown hugely with the help and co-operation of local businesses. Along with the unprecedented generosity of the general public, this has transformed the humble idea into an important annual event.”
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As part of the company’s Christmas initiative, CDL is also purchasing and donating 150 toys, to be given as presents to children in difficult circumstances.
A professional 41 piece socket wrench set from ITE (UK) SPONSORED BY ITE (UK) LIMITED
In September 2014, as the ACR team travelled around the UK to get stories and features that make this magazine so popular, we spotted an Adcock van on the A47 at Wisbech in Cambridgeshire. The prize was claimed by Tom Hart, Storeman/Purchaser at Adcock Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Ltd. Sometimes readers send in vans they have spotted. This photo was taken on Friday 28th November at Whitely Retail Village, Southampton. 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 4th February 2015
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Dec/Jan 2015
Growing Demand Expands Estimation Team at Climate Center and Pipe Center To cope with strong growth in the number of projects in the pipeline for ACR and heating industry product distributors Climate Center and Pipe Center, the company is expanding its team of estimators in their Leamington Spa office. The team is now three times bigger with the addition of four new team members who will be providing quotes and technical support for major contracts. Technical Estimating Manager, Wayne Calland-Hewitt, and Technical Support Manager, Martyn Simpson lead the team and have over a quarter of a century of experience between them. “Together with high quality, reliable technical support, speed of response to project quotation requests is a key service issue in our industry. We are investing in a bigger team to ensure customers receive quick and accurate turnaround in response to enquiries, enabling them to move quickly and secure contracts”, said trading director, Chris Banner.
Klima-Therm and LH plc announce three new appointments Klima-Therm and sister company LH plc, the Wimbledon-based air conditioning and chiller specialists, have announced three appointments as part of a strategic growth plan. Michael Craig has been appointed sales and service manager across Klima-Therm and LH plc, with a brief to expand the companies’ scale and geographical reach, with a particular focus on the north of England. He has extensive experience of the chillers sector, having served in senior management positions with Celsius Group, Coolmation, J&E Hall, Airedale and Trane. Roberto Mallozzi, managing director, said: “Michael will bring the expertise of both businesses together, to ensure customers receive an integrated service, and the opportunities to grow are maximised.” Meanwhile, Andrew Mayo has been appointed to the position of customer liaison manager, and Julie Clamp to business support co-ordinator.
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New addition for TROX uk TROX UK has announced the appointment of a new marketing co-ordinator. Alice Arnott has joined the company’s Thetford office and brings with her a wealth of experience in marketing and events management. Alice comes to TROX UK from Norfolk-based Group Lotus Plc where she worked in their engineering division as a Marketing Executive and also has experience in construction, having previously worked as a trainee quantity surveyor. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and completed a BA (Hons) in Humanities through the Open University. Managing Director of TROX UK, Hugo Lambourn, added: “We are really pleased to have appointed someone with the experience and enthusiasm which we see in Alice. “This is a superb time for TROX UK because we are completing some stunning projects around the UK and our reputation continues to grow in the industry. It’s vital that at this key time we have exactly the right people on board to help us make the most of that growth and push our profile within the sector.”
Bitzer Germany Announces New MD and Sales & Marketing Officer German compressor manufacturer, Bitzer, has announced Helmut Meyer as their new managing director and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. Meyer, 54, was previously the sales director for transport at Bitzer and has a background in mechanical engineering. He was MD of Lumikko Technologies, a Bitzer subsidiary. “We’re delighted that Helmut Meyer has joined the BITZER management team as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer,’ says Peter Schaufler, Managing Director and CEO of BITZER SE. “He’s an old hand when it comes to sales. He’s worked in the BITZER sales team for over 13 years and helped to build our sales system in South and Central America.” The changes occurred because Bitzer’s chief financial officer, Dr Christian Wahlers, has left the business.
Gram appoints new Account Manager for Scotland & Ireland Wolseley UK Appoints new HR Director Wolseley UK has appointed Joanne Smith as its new Human Resources Director. Joanne will take responsibility for the overall strategic leadership of the Human Resources function across Wolseley’s UK businesses. She has had a wide ranging HR and commercial career and joins Wolseley UK from G4S where she was Human Resources Director for the UK & Ireland. Prior to that Joanne held HR Director roles at Stansted Airport and Heathrow Express, part of BAA. During her career she has held senior HR roles at companies including Inchcape and National Grid. Steve Ashmore, Managing Director, Wolseley UK commented, “I am delighted to welcome Joanne to Wolseley UK. Her experience and skills will be invaluable in driving our People Plan during the next phase of Wolseley UK’s growth agenda.”
Gram has hired David Nisbet as the new Account Manager for Scotland & Ireland to help grow the business, maintain existing relationships and develop new partnerships. He comes to Gram from ScoMac Catering Equipment Ltd, where, as part of a four-man sales team, David honed his product knowledge and developed strong relationships with customers and suppliers/manufacturers, travelling throughout Scotland working on a number of different projects. He is now looking forward to representing Gram UK in Scotland and Ireland, and is focussed on providing high quality service delivered in the most professional manner. Glenn Roberts, managing director at Gram UK, comments: “We are very happy to welcome David to the Gram UK team. He has a strong background in foodservice equipment, having worked in the industry from a young age. His strong network of Scottish contacts will be invaluable in his new role here at Gram.”
30/12/2014 18:17
O D DS O N A WHITE CHRISTM AS THIS YEAR? new r u o w ith h ite w w hi-flo
A firm favourite of installers, the trusted hi-flow 1L & 2L is now available in white as well as traditional black. Each-way, you now have a colour for all outcomes. Snow fall or not, Aspen Pumps wishes all our customers a very Happy Christmas!
ASPENPUMPS.COM
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A . P S.13 01 _ K- E C O S TA R-I Q _ b a s i c . E N //
ECOSTAR
DESIGNED FOR EFFICIENCY. EQUI PPED WITH I NTELLIGENCE.
ECOSTAR condensing units follow a systematic approach to intelligent refrigeration: the inďŹ nite speed control of the integrated BITZER reciprocating compressor with frequency inverter ensures energy efďŹ ciency. Active application limits monitoring and network capability also add up to greater system dependability. All components are fully pre-assembled and set up ready for use. This guarantees rapid installation. Learn more about our products at www.intelligent-compressors.com
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