ISSUE 1 Domestic Buildings
MAY 1993
lBUILDING TECHNOLOGY THERMIE PROGRAMME: promotion of energy technology in Europe EDITORIAL Energy imports to the European Community continue to increase each year. It may be possible, through improved energy technologies, better design and exchange of information, to halt this increase and in time reverse it. Through this newsletter, the first of a series, up to date information on advances in building technologies together with information on publications, conferences and exhibitions will be brought together. The purpose of the newsletter, the first of a series of four THERMIE newsletters, is to provide relevant information to building professionals in all sectors of the industry so that together we can begin to reverse the trend in energy consumption and help strengthen the economy and improve the environment of the European Community.
IN THIS ISSUE In this issue of Building Technology we look at super-insulated housing, air and domestic hot water heating, air solar collectors, a pulse-burning gas boiler, external insulation with ventilation and an energy demonstration village; plus news and events.
FEATURES
S U P E R - I N S U L AT E D H O U S E S In the past the development of super-insulated houses has been confined to regions such as the
efficiency package. The project was highly successful, with average space heating savings of 70%.
One of the houses built in Milton Keynes in the first British super-insulated housing project.
Scandinavian countries. However, super-insulation is now being implemented in countries such as Denmark, The Netherlands and the UK. One such project supported by the European Community was completed in Milton Keynes in 1987. Six super-insulated timber framed houses were built with a view to setting new standards of energy efficiency in houses in the UK. Together with high levels of insulation, measures such as low infiltration rates (less than 0.1 air change per hour) and heat recovery from ventilation systems were included in the energy
THERMIE
In 1991 the Research in Building Group, Westminster University, began a second super-insulated housing project, this time in the London region. The project is aimed specifically at low income tenants. It is intended to demonstrate that super-insulated housing is economically feasible for this type of tenant. The programme consists of a total of 100 units on the site, made up of two and three bedroom houses and one and two bedroom apartments. Areas where energy savings are being targeted include the superinsulation of walls, roof and floor. All
Commission of the European Communities Directorate General for Energy
the windows will be triple glazed with argon gas filling and one pane will include a low emissivity film to reduce heat loss further (resulting in a window U-value of 1.2 W/m 2K). Also included are ventilation heat recovery, high efficiency gas boilers, polyurethane foam-filled doors and draught proofing. The first houses are due to be occupied in late 1993. Following occupation an intensive two-year programme of monitoring will begin. Among the houses being monitored, nine will be super-insulated and five will comply with the present building regulations. This will allow for direct comparison between the two types. An additional feature of the monitoring programme will be the availability of information to the occupants. In housing projects already completed elsewhere in Europe this has proven to have made a very positive contribution to the overall programme.
AIR AND DOMESTIC HOT WATER HEATING An economical air heating and domestic hot water system (DHW), using gas as a fuel, has been designed in France. The new system is most suited to highly insulated DUCT
CIRC. FAN
CONTROL PANEL
WATER IN WATER OUT
the air through a double skinned DHW cylinder. The air enters through an intake at floor level on the unit and passes over a fin-type heat exchanger, an integral part of the cylinder skin. The air enters a fan chamber and is then circulated to rooms via an insulated ducting system. The new systems have been installed in 185 dwellings in the Paris area. As an example, for an average four room flat the new system can save 7.8 MWh per year, with an estimated payback period of three to five years. Overall, the new system is 17% more efficient than conventional heating systems with a condensing boiler.
HEAT EXCHANGER FINS HOT WATER CYLINDER
AIR INTAKE
New Celsius air and domestic water heater layout.
For further information on this project, due to finish in 1995, you can contact the Research in Building Group, Westminster University, 35 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LS, UK.
new apartments with low heating requirements. Domestic hot water is supplied by the condensing gasfired boiler, and warm air for space heating is produced by circulating
Air distribution from the Celsius unit.
Further information can be obtained from Poujoulant SA., BP01 Saint Symphorien, F-79270, Frontenay Rohan.
PROJECTS IN BRIEF PULSE-BURNING GAS BOILER A new boiler is currently being designed in The Netherlands. The aim is to produce high efficiency, low emission, low noise gas central heating/DHW domestic and commercial boilers in the range 8kW to 100kW. The combustion principle is based on “pulse burning” in which efficient mixing of fuel and air is achieved by periodic displacement of combustion air (130 cycles/second) causing self-ignited “explosions” and giving an increased rate of access of oxygen to the fuel particles. This is achieved by a device called a “Helm Lotz resonator”. To date results from tests carried out are very positive. In total, 75 of the 24kW units have been installed in three EC Member States; The Netherlands, Italy and France. Efficiencies of 95% have been achieved, and four years has been estimated as a payback period. The project is due for completion in
October, 1993. Further information can be obtained from Burnham Europa B.V., Postbus 26, NL-3860 AA Nijkerk.
AIR
SOLAR
COLLECTORS An important project underway in Ireland at the moment involves the use of air solar collectors with heat pumps and integrated heat exchangers. It aims to show that such a system can be used as a low-energy heating system which gives high levels of affordable comfort and clean filtered air. The project is also being used to show developers that this type of system is reliable and does not represent any significant risk to them compared with a conventional system. A similar system is also being developed which omits the heat pump to reduce costs further. Further information can be obtained from ERI, P.O.Box 3120, IR-Dublin 16.
E X T E R N A L INSULATION In an on-going project in Lille, France, external insulation is being installed in a building of 160 apartments. Incorporated into the external insulation are air ducts, which are also insulated, that provide ventilation to each dwelling. This is a new method and aims to provide a solution to condensation in the apartments. It is expected that heat loss through the walls will be reduced by 18%. The ventilation air is pre-heated by exhaust ventilation air. Heat recovery from the exhaust air will total 50%, giving an overall saving of 23%. The project is due to finish in mid1993. Further information can be obtained from Eternit Industries, Rue de L’Amandier 1, B.P. 3, FR-78540 Vernouillet.
ENERGY EFFICIENT V I L L A G E In an energy efficiency demonstration village in France, 137 houses were constructed integrating energy saving concepts in an urban environment. The project aimed to demonstrate that it was possible to achieve an energy saving of 15%. In actual fact a reduction of 35% was achieved.
the south. Overhangs were also provided to prevent overheating in the summer time. High levels of insulation were installed to reduce fabric heat loss. Energy saving heating systems were installed in all houses. One additional measure taken by the French team which differentiates this project from others like it was the
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Energy efficient and bioclimatic design techniques were used extensively in the scheme. Streets were orientated at 45째 and 90째 to combat the effect of wind. Large numbers of trees and hedges were planted to act as wind breaks. Housing heat loss was reduced by providing buffer zones to the north and larger glazed areas to
feedback which the occupants received, allowing them to evaluate, on a continuing basis, the energy consequence of their behaviour. Each house was closely monitored and information concerning their consumption of gas, electricity and district hot water was freely available to all occupants. This allowed the occupants to modify their actions to achieve greater energy efficiency.
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Gas Electricity
Constructed to Building Regulations
New Buildings
Energy used in the newly constructed houses compared with that used in houses built to the 1982 Building Regulations (units in kWh/m3/yr).
From the results it was clear that by simply informing people of the relationship between what they did in the home and the energy thus consumed, perhaps 15% of energy can be saved. This greatly contributed to the overall success of the project. For further information contact Madame Letellier, S F E E , 1 4 r u e Scandicci, F-95500 Pantin .
NEWS E N E R G Y S A V I N G THROUGH LIGHTING I N B U I L D I N G S Within buildings energy is used in many different ways. One of the biggest single users can be lighting, accounting for up to 50% of the total energy consumed. In terms of cost, the lighting bill can exceed the heating bill. It is essential that all buildings have well designed lighting systems. Lighting is an integral part of the internal environment allowing occupants to work effectively and in comfort, ensuring safety and enhancing the appearance of the whole building. The challenge, therefore, is to maximise the efficiency of the lighting while minimising the energy consumed. Using modern technology and design methods, there are numerous ways in which energy consumption can be effectively reduced. A series of maxibrochures recently prepared by the OPET BRECSU describe a range of options open to designers and managers. The first of these publications, entitled "Energy Efficient Lighting in Buildings", has proved very popular throughout the European Community and beyond. This publication is now being complemented by new maxibrochures which give more detail on the techniques available for three distinct building types - offices, schools and factories. In each document, methods of achieving energy savings through interrelated measures are described: greater use of daylight by effective design, more efficient lamps (such as compact fluorescents), more efficient ballast controls, (including high frequency systems) and better designed, including improved reflectors and diffusers. The brochures also describe a method for assessing the most appropriate and economically justified combination of measures for any particular situation. The application of the various techniques is illustrated by a series of
case studies which summarise the energy savings achieved in practice. These case studies have been compiled from across the European Community in co-operation between BRECSU and numerous other OPETs.
BUILDING SECTOR STUDY I N T H E B A LT I C S TAT E S The German OPET IABPO (address on back page), in mid-1992, carried out a study on the energy situation in the building sector in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Using information gained on their fact-finding mission, a study has been compiled highlighting technologies used in the residential sector in the Baltic States. Economic and legal aspects are also analysed in the report. The study will provide useful information both for OPETs and for companies from the European Community who may be considering further activities in the Baltic States.
NEW MARKETING G R O U P S E S T A B L I S H E D With the framework of the associated measures of the THERMIE programme, marketing initiatives have developed at different speeds in the various industrial sectors, in response to differing sectoral constraints and opportunities. A series of OPET studies has gathered considerable data in many industrial sectors which is assisting in the formulation of marketing strategies. Common objectives include a greater emphasis on regional activities, concentrating on small to mediumsized enterprises, and developing better links with trade and professional associations. In the building sector the priorities are to promote low cost investment technologies to reduce energy consumption and promote cost effective integration of energy saving technologies, with greater involvement of practicing architects, engineers and
others, and concentrating on detailed analysis and support for particular building types such as hospitals and hotels. Activities related to THERMIE targeted projects will also be promoted. The main technical themes will be the implementation of low energy design, optimised envelope materials and components, integrated load management and optimised heating, cooling and electricity use. The following marketing groups have been established: HVAC, Lighting, and Envelope and Integration.
THERMIE "Call for Projects" The Commission of the European Communities will soon be calling for proposals for THERMIE projects for 1994. The call will be published this summer in the Official Journal of the European Communities. The closing date for submission of proposals will be at the end of 1993 (the exact date has yet to be decided). Further information on THERMIE, call for proposals, or procedures for submitting projects may be obtained from the Commission of the European Communities, Directorate-General for Energy, THERMIE Programme, rue de la Loi 200, B-1049 Brussels, Fax: +322-2950577 or from an OPET in your member state.
NEXT ISSUE The next issue of Building Technology will focus on commercial buildings and will include features on integrated heating, ventilation and natural air conditioning, cold storage for summer cooling and telecontrol of heating systems.
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EVENTS 3-5 June, 1993 Barcelona
European seminar on Advanced Climatisation Systems. Passive and Active Climatisation
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The seminar addresses the building shell and services, analysing, on the one hand, structural aspects of buildings which make passive cooling possible and, on the other hand, available technologies for active air-conditioning. The issues to be examined include: • • • • •
The European air-conditioning market. Design criteria for air-conditioning in buildings. Technical aspects of new air-conditioning systems. Legal, financial and environmental considerations in Europe. Presentation of projects and innovative installations.
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The seminar is intended for representatives of the retail sector, financial organisations, consultants, equipment manufacturers, installers and architects, government and local and planning authorities. Further information is available from the Seminar Secretariat Approaching Retail, OPET NOVEM, P.O. Box 17, 6130 AA Sittard, The Netherlands. 26-29 Sept., 1993 Arnhem
The seminar will be of interest to all professionals involved in the designing of buildings and airconditioning installations. Registration details and further information is available from the Institut Catala d'Energia, Av. Diagonal 453 bis, atic, E-08036 Barcelona. August 23-27, 1993 The Hague
Approaching Retail Energy Technologies for the Environment The seminar will focus on new energy technologies used in small and medium-sized retail stores. The seminar will cover the whole European retail sector and is intended to:
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use of energy in the retail sector. Present results of successful strategies for the introduction of new technologies and results of European demonstration projects. Provide an analysis of the state of the art of proven and ready-for-market energy technologies. Encourage the market introduction of improved energy technologies. Identify financial barriers and incentives.
Give practical detailed information on the present status and future trends of more rational
Right Light : 2nd European Conference on Energy-Efficient Lighting The principal objective of RIGHT LIGHT is to exchange latest ideas on energy-efficient lighting and its impact on building energy demand, and also to stimulate its application. Topics include lighting applications such as residential lighting, public lighting and sports lighting. Because of its great complexity, the lighting of commercial buildings will be a feature of the conference. The conference is intended for all partners in the various fields of lighting and energy and is being organised by the OPET NOVEM. Further information can be obtained from the Conference Office, Right Light, Mrs. M.J.G. de Man, P.O. Box 9035, 6800 ET Arnhem, The Netherlands.
THERMIE THERMIE
THERMIE is a European Community Initiative designed to promote greater use of existing European energy efficient technologies and to encourage the development of new ones.
Building Technology is produced within the THERMIE programme by the Energy Research Group, University College Dublin, Richview, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14, Ireland.
OPET OPET (Organisations for the Promotion of Energy Technology) is a Community-wide network of organisations working within the framework of the THERMIE programme for the promotion of European energy technologies on behalf of the Commission of European Communities. Each organisation has particular experience in the field of energy technology. The type of organisation and the work it undertakes varies considerably. Both private and public companies are represented: some are consultants in the energy field while others have direct experience of working with energy programmes in their own country. At present the OPET network consists of 40 organisations located throughout the Community, with over 2000 experts in the energy and related fields. Those OPETs active in the Building Sector include: Agence pour l’Environement et la Maitrise de l’Energie 27, rue Louis Vicat, F-75015 Paris, France. Fax: +331 46 45 52 36, Contact: Michel Viaud. Agence Régional de l’Energie Conseil Régional Nord-Pas de Calais, 2, rue de Tenremonde, B. P. 2035, F-59014 Lille Cédex, France. Fax: +33 20 60 67 80, Contact: Nathalie Dutremee. Agence Poitou-Charentes Énergie Déchets Eau 15, rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, BP 575 F-86021 Poitiers Cédex, France. Fax: + 33 49 41 61 11, Contact: Agnés Morel. BCEOM - Société Française d’Ingénierie, Place des Frêres Montgolfier, F-78286 Guyancourt Cédex, France. Fax: +331 30 12 10 95, Contact: Barbara Chenot. BRECSU - Building Research Energy Conservation Support Unit, Garston, Watford, UK-Hertfordshire, WD2 7JR, United Kingdom. Fax: +44 923 66 40 97, Contact: Clare Carden. CCC / CEEETA / CBE, Estrada de Alfragide, Praceta 1 - Alfragide, P-2700 Amadora, Portugal. Fax: +351 1 471 13 16 / 395 24 90 Contact: Luis Silva / Philippe Bollinger. COWIconsult, Consulting Engineers and Planners Parallelvej 15, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark. Fax: +45 45 97 22 12, Contact: Britt H. Pedersen. C.R.E.S. - Centre for Renewable Energy Sources 19Km Athinon-Marathona Avenue, GR-19009 Pikemi, Greece. Fax: +30 1 603 99 04, Contact: Dimitris Papastefanakis. EAB - Energie-Anlagen Berlin, TU Berlin, Berliner Kraft- und licht, AG, Flottwellstrasse 4-5, D-1000 Berlin 30, Germany. Fax: +49 30 25 49 61 00, Contact: Bernhard Voigt.
Energy Centre Denmark Suhmsgade 3, DK-1125 København, Denmark. Fax: +45 33 11 83 33, Contact: Flemming Øster. ENEA (Fire), Cre Casaccia - PB 2400, Santa Maria di Galeria, I-00060 Roma, Italy. Fax: +39 6 30 48 64 49 Contact: Walter Cariani. EUROPLAN, 630 Route des Dolines, Ophira II, F-06560 Valbonne, France. Fax: +33 93 95 83 71, Contact: André Jacquemart. EXERGIA, Apollon Tower, Energy Information Technology and Management Consultant, 64 Louise Riencourt Street, GR-11523 Athens, Greece. Fax: +30 1 649 61 86, Contact: Yannis Caralis. FAST - Federazione delle Associazioni Scientifiche e Tecniche, Piazzale Rodolfo Morandi 2, I-20121 Milano, Italy. Fax: +39 2 78 24 85, Contact: Paola Perini. GOPA - Consultants Hindenburgring 18, D-6380 Bad Homburg, Germany. Fax: +49 6172 3 5046, Contact: Hans-Joachim Siegler. IABPO - Friedemann und Johnson Pestalozzistr. 88, D-1000 Berlin 12, Germany. Fax: +49 30 313 2671, Contact: Hermann Homann. ICAEN - Institut Català d’Energia, Avda Diagonal, 453 Bis, Atic, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain. Fax: +34 3 419 72 53, Contact: Joãn Josep Escobar. ICEU Leipzip Auenstr. 25, D-7010 Leipzig, Germany. Fax: +49 341 29 09 04, Contact: Alexander Schmidt.
For further information on the OPET network please contact: OPET-CS Avenue R. Vandendriessche 18 B-1150 Brussells. Fax: +32 2 771 5611 Editors J. Owen Lewis and Paul Kenny Design Pierre Jolivet
ICIE - Istituto Cooperativo per l’Innovazione Via Nomentana 133, I-00161 Roma, Italy. Fax: +39 6 855 02 50, Contact: Nicoletta Del Bufalo. IDAE - Inst. para la Diversification y Ahorra de la Energia, P° de la Castellana 95 - P. 21, E-28046 Madrid, Spain. Fax: +34 1 555 13 89, Contact: José Donoso Alonso. MARCH - Consulting Group, Telegraphic House, Waterfront 2000, Salford Quays, Manchester, UKM5 2XW, England. Fax: +44 61 848 01 81, Contact: Sarah Sidebottom. NOVEM - The Netherlands Agency for Energy and the Environment, P. O. Box 17, NL-6130 AA Sittard, Netherlands. Fax: +31 46 52 82 60, Contact: William Gerardu. RHONALÉNERGIE - Agence Régionale de l’Énergie de la Région Rhône-Alpes, 69, rue de la République, F-69002 Lyon, France. Fax: +33 78 37 64 91, Contact: Christian Labie. TÜV RHEINLAND Sicherheit und Umweltschutz - Institut für Umweltschutz und Energietechnik, Am Grauen Stein, D-5000 Köln 91, Germany. Fax: +49 221 806 13 50, Contact: Jörg Bostel. Energy Research Group - University College Dublin, School of Architecture, Richview, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14, Ireland. Fax: +353 1 283 89 08, Contact: Mary Rigby. Zr-E - Zweckverband Regionale Entwicklung und Energie, Wieshuberstrasse 3, D-8400 Regensburg, Germany. Fax: +49 941 44691, Contact: Toni Lautenschläger.