SPRING 2013
B A X I
C O M M E R C I A L
D I V I S I O N
Hot Topics
www.baxicommercial.co.uk
Wi m na – in se i e p iP ag a e1 d 4
New Training Facility New Products at Ecobuild Applying Technology Supplement – including Biomass Community Challenge Oakham School Project
Baxi Commercial Division, Wood Lane, Erdington, Birmingham B24 9QP Tel: 0845 070 1055 • Fax: 0845 070 1059 • Sales: 0845 070 1056 • Technical: 0845 070 1057 • Service: 0845 070 1058
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HOTaction SPRING 2013
COMMENT
Gas – Still The Governor
CONTENTS
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REGULARS
The Government’s long-term vision of a thriving, low carbon economy requires fundamental changes to be made to the way we generate and use energy. The many complex issues involved, such as renewables, nuclear energy, carbon capture and storage, are keenly debated in the media and the message emerging is far from upbeat. Developing the new electricity generation technologies required and rejuvenating existing methods will take time, be costly and will often be resisted – and may provide an irregular supply. It is a relief, then, to find some positive news in the pages of recent Government publications.
In the Annual Energy Statement 2012, laid before parliament last November, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change reported that oil and gas are set to remain a vital part of our energy system for years to come. An earlier DECC consultation, following the publication of its ‘Future of Heating’ strategy document, revealed that some 80% of industry heat load is reliant on the gas grid. The conclusion was drawn that the gas grid should be maintained for the longer term, to in effect be a safety net ‘should electricity not be decarbonised in time (and) leave open the potential transition to hydrogen networks.’ Far from being dismissed, the vital role of gas energy in ensuring continuity while new electricity generating technologies and processes are introduced is now understood and appreciated. SHORT-TERM Indeed, the DECC has recently followed the advice of a panel of independent experts and enabled shale gas to become a new and valuable addition to the UK’s indigenous energy supplies. Shale gas has the potential to reduce our reliance upon imported gas supplies and improve our fuel security, although it may not make the same impact in the UK as it has made in the United States. The US Energy Information Administration recently reported that in 2010 shale gas accounted for some 20% of indigenous gas production, a figure projected to increase to over 40% by 2035. Although shale gas production in the UK will be no match for this volume, DECC commissioned research suggests that known recoverable shale gas sources could, on their own, meet gas consumption demand for almost two years. This bright outlook for gas does not detract from the importance of pressing ahead with
the application of Low to Zero Carbon (LZC) technology solutions, even though progress has been slow despite the financial encouragement offered by FiT, RHI and the Green Deal. The hesitant general integration of LZC into the heating and hot water mainstream is bringing into focus action that can be taken to improve energy efficiency before LZC implementation. This is achieved by the application of water heaters and boilers based on condensing technology, which will yield substantial energy and cost savings. Such actions will be mandatory for new installations under ErP and Building Regulations Part L2 requirements, which will make non-condensing equipment unacceptable. LONG-TERM The underlying importance of the stabilising influence of gas in the long journey towards the low carbon economy has always been appreciated by forward looking, market leading manufacturers. This foresight has resulted in the current availability of condensing water heaters and boilers that not only comply with regulations, but also enable existing non-condensing equipment to be replaced before any LZC decisions are made (read more on page 6). This allows commercial undertakings to enjoy the benefit of improving the energy efficiency of existing building heating and hot water systems, with reduced emissions and costs, without prejudicing additional advantages arising from future LZC integration.
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News
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Where’s Watty Competition and Winner
Page 14
Knowledge Bank
Page 15
PROJECTS Community Challenge Winner and New Opportunity
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Oakham School
Page 11
FEATURES Behind the Scenes – Spotlight on Health and Safety
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New Product Preview – ECOflo
Page 6
New Biomass Boiler
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Innovation Partnership
Page 8
Applying Technology Supplement Centre Section • Effective Biomass Application • Legislation Update Solar Thermal
Catherine Johnstone Marketing and Communications Executive
Page 9
Marketing Re-focus
Page 12
Cover Story
Paul Hardy Managing Director, Baxi Commercial Division
Contact the Editorial Team Jeff House Marketing and Applications Manager
Comment
Oakham School, Rutland, where a Baxi-SenerTec UK Dachs mini-CHP unit and two new Potterton Commercial Paramount boilers are serving a newly built swimming pool and sports hall. (Read more on Page 11)
Thank you for taking the time to read our latest news. We would very much like to hear your views on any industry topic so, if you have any thoughts or suggestions, simply contact us at: hotaction@baxicommercialdivision.com You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter. www.facebook.com/baxicommercialdivision www.twitter.com/baxicommercial
HOTaction SPRING 2013
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NEWS
Training Hub We are putting the finishing touches to our impressive new training facility that will complement the existing Baxi Commercial Training Academy, allowing even greater opportunities for sharing industry knowledge.
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The new facility comprises a large presentation area with state-of-theart audio and visual equipment. The venue lends itself to various seating configurations, catering for up to 50 theatre style or 35 conference style. The facility contains examples of many of our products, some displayed as cut-outs. This space will effectively provide a permanent physical representation of our ‘one-stop-shop’ offer which will allow our customers to get “hands on” with our products
and experience their quality. As well as using this space for training purposes, workshops, CPD seminars and customer presentations, we will hold our larger internal meetings, such as sales conferences, here and thereby eliminate staff travel to off-site venues, reducing our carbon footprint. Webex facilities will also be set up for internal Group meetings, again saving travel between the 8 UK sites, PMI Ireland and BDR Thermea
HQ in Apeldoorn. We will also be inviting customers to use the conference facilities for, say, branch managers’ meetings and already several industry bodies have expressed interest in using this venue for regional meetings. So, if you have need of a meeting
space in the Birmingham area, just 5 minutes from J5 on the M6 with ample free parking on site, or to find out more information on the training courses available, please contact us at info@baxi commercialdivision.com for further details.
Warehouse in the Making The relocation of warehousing into the building already occupied by Baxi Commercial Division at Erdington in Birmingham, presented us with a rare opportunity. From scratch, we designed and planned this logistically critical space and the operations within it, based on future business forecasts and with Health and Safety and waste reduction very much in mind. Paul Gussin, Supply Chain Manager, who has overall responsibility for the warehouse and project managed the move, takes up the story.
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“When the production facility that previously occupied this part of the building had moved out, we had 92,947 sq ft of clean empty space for our new warehouse function. While the planning for logistical operations, stock layout, racking design and transfer in of existing stock got under way, we looked at the projected running costs to see where we could cut down on waste, make energy savings and minimise our carbon footprint. “We started with the only item already in place – the lighting which, as it had been installed for a different use, was neither suitable for warehousing requirements nor energy efficient. Therefore, new PIR lighting units were installed throughout the warehouse space that, in themselves, are 20% more efficient than the previous lighting system. Each lighting unit is fitted with a sensor that detects movement below and keeps the light on. After a period of inactivity, the light dims to a minimum level for a pre-set period, before switching off completely. We anticipate this will make a significant contribution towards savings on energy and reducing the carbon footprint of the building. “Health and Safety goes hand in
Coming to your TV screen soon... Baxi Commercial Division was recently approached by the Production Team for the Business Channel.tv with a view to participating in a programme, supported by CIBSE, featuring interviews with manufacturers from different sectors of the building services industry.
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hand with efficiency and is a priority throughout the building. The risk assessment is higher in the warehouse environment due to the potential proximity of people to moving vehicles, both fork lift trucks operating within the warehouse and large trucks manoeuvring into and out of the yard. Our Health and Safety Manager worked with the warehouse teams who were key in planning how these issues could be managed safely to eliminate, wherever possible, risk to employees. “The high level of stock movements in the warehouse area also required that policies and procedures be put in place to reinforce safe working practices.
“The first task was to plan stock management to keep movement to a minimum. Restricted access to the warehouse limits the incidence of pedestrians in the area who are not trained in warehouse health and safety measures. We have been able to create defined pathways for those who do need to enter, well away from separate designated routes for forklift traffic. “An enclosed walkway has been erected to ensure vehicular traffic is kept separate from pedestrians gaining access to the additional training facility that has been newly created adjacent to the warehouse.” Read more about our general approach to Health and Safety in the “Spotlight” item on Page 5.
Jeff House was invited, as Baxi Commercial Division’s nominated speaker, to represent us as an expert, talking about wider industry issues and making reference to our products in terms of innovation and future developments. The interview is currently being edited for incorporation into the programme, entitled ‘Innovative Engineering and Building Performance’. It is scheduled to air on the Sky Business Channel during Q1 2013. Once the programme has aired, the full interview can be viewed online by visiting: www.thebusinesschannel.tv, or www.baxicommercial.co.uk, Youtube, Facebook, etc.
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HOTaction SPRING 2013
SPONSORED AWARDS
CIBSE Award Sponsors
Judges in conference
Baxi Commercial Division brands are sponsoring The Building Services Consultancy of the Year category of the CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2013.
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Jeff House, Marketing and Applications Manager, pictured far right, was invited to sit on the judging panel for four categories: Energy Using Product of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Client of the Year and Passive Product of the Year. Following tradition, the winners are announced and presented with their accolades before an audience of their peers at a sparkling Awards ceremony, held this year on the 5th February at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel, in London.
Learning Curve For a considerable number of years, Baxi Commercial Division has sponsored sixth form students who have successfully applied for financial assistance with their engineering and design studies through the Arkwright Scholarships Trust scheme. Paul Hardy is pictured with Hannah Gibbs, the latest student to receive the Division sponsored Arkwright Scholarship Award at a ceremony hosted by the Institution of Engineering and Technology at Savoy Place London.
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The Arkwright Engineering Scholarships support young people from across the UK who have the potential to be industry’s future leaders in engineering and design. During their sixth-form studies, Scholars receive £600 to support their technical courses and have access to a range of exciting opportunities to learn more about engineering, such as mentoring and company visits. The school also receives £400 per Scholar towards equipment. Scholars are selected following a rigorous selection process comprising a detailed application form, a two-hour aptitude exam
and an interview hosted at a top engineering university. The scheme is not elitist in the respect that any secondary school can become affiliated to enter students. This year 1,103 applicants competed for just 335 Scholarships. Hannah was selected from nearly 100 applications for this Scholarship, based on the flair and originality she demonstrated in solving engineering design problems and in presenting her Design and Technology GCSE project work to a panel of experts earlier this year. Hannah enters her sixth form studies at Bishop Luffa CE School in Chichester, West Sussex,
with 11 GCSEs – 5 at A Grade, 3 at B Grade and 2 at C grade – to her credit. The subjects she has chosen for her A level studies are Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Product Design with a view to reading either Structural or Civil Engineering at University. Paul Hardy said, “Being able to offer this sponsorship is particularly rewarding because it gives us the opportunity to encourage career interest in engineering at such an early stage and allows us, through
mentoring and work experience, to demonstrate what an important part building services engineering has to play within the engineering discipline. We will be extending to Hannah, later this year, the opportunity to spend time at our business unit in Birmingham for a short spell of work experience, which we hope will help to bring her studies to life.”
establishments at all levels. In this instance we are supporting local grown talent and encouraging the promotion of building services engineering as a worthwhile career choice that can influence the development of a more sustainable
built environment.” Wherever possible we continue our relationship with graduates. Three of this year’s group are arranging for Jeff House to deliver CPD presentations at their places of employment.
Sponsoring Local Grown Talent Continuing with the Baxi Commercial Division Sponsorship Awards for outstanding students graduating from the Building Services Engineering course at Coventry University, Paul Hardy is pictured with the 2012 winners as they receive their prizes. From a total £1,000 sponsorship, each acknowledged winner was presented with a company cheque for £200 at the Annual Faculty Awards Ceremony on 22 November 2012.
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This arrangement sprang from our sponsorship of the CIBSE Graduate of the Year Award which, in 2010, was won by a graduate of Coventry University. At the Awards ceremony Paul Hardy met Principle Lecturer and Course Adviser, Ken Parker, who explained the Faculty’s commitment to promoting building
services engineering among the engineering disciplines offered. We are the only company from the area supporting local Building Services and helping with CIBSE membership for students. Paul says, “I see this sponsorship as a further opportunity for us to forge links with educational
HOTaction SPRING 2013
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BEHIND THE SCENES
Spotlight on
Health and Safety ●
Baxi Commercial Division enjoys a good health and safety record, having a robust policy in place and a high commitment to ensuring that good practice is observed, which involves continuous engagement behind the scenes with employees. Health and Safety Manager, Ben Wiltshire, discusses with the Editor how Health and Safety is becoming increasingly important when interacting with both suppliers and customers when off-site as well as when in a familiar working environment. Editor What does your role as Health and Safety Manager entail? BW My role includes implementing Health and Safety policies and procedures within the business to comply with legislation and to ensure it is a safe place to work. Making sure Health and Safety training is up to date and that the skills learned are put into practice. Working alongside teams within the business to assess risk and putting into place suitable and practical control and preventative measures. A further vital element is to promote hazard awareness within the workplace, monitoring any accidents and instigating corrective actions.
Editor What specialist qualifications and experience do you bring to the role? BW Initially, as a production engineer in another part of the Baxi Group business, I carried out risk assessments and Safe Systems of Work, completing the IOSH Managing Safely course. This fired my interest in the subject so I pursued my studies through NEBOSH while taking on a supporting role to the Health and Safety Manager, eventually becoming fully responsible for the site’s health and safety in addition to my engineering role. In 2011, I successfully applied to become Health and Safety Manager for both the Warwick and Erdington sites.
Editor How do you divide your time across the sites? BW My responsibilities cover Group offices, both Brooks House and Acorn House, and heateam at Warwick, and Baxi Commercial Division offices and heateam Commercial Service. I normally spend three days at one site and two at the other, although sometimes I am off-site with heateam engineers and I will be building in more time with the
recently formed heateam Commercial Service. It has been necessary to spend a slightly higher percentage of time at the Erdington site since Baxi Commercial Division took over sole responsibility for the building last Autumn. Health and Safety has played a key role during the subsequent refurbishing and rearranging of office space, creation of new meeting areas and, most importantly, around planning and stocking the new warehouse.
Editor Are there any Health and Safety initiatives that you are planning or implementing for the Commercial business? BW Moving into a new and empty warehouse space provided a blank canvas allowing us the rare opportunity to put in place exactly what is needed, not only for best practice in terms of safety, but also with a view to energy saving measures and minimising waste. The business is moving towards standardising Health and Safety procedures where applicable on all sites which has required introducing a team approach to Health and Safety improvement initiatives. We have also asked colleagues for their opinions on how working practices and the working environment could be enhanced. Already introduced and currently being driven forward is the Good Spot scheme of hazard awareness, combined with a proactive approach to accident prevention. This promotes continuous awareness of hazards and encourages supportive interaction among colleagues to observe safety procedures.
Editor How do you get people ‘on board’ with this approach?
relevance. There is always a requirement for one-to-one inductions and refreshers on safe procedures but, wherever possible, I train in groups. I believe this helps individuals understand that looking out for the safety of others and mentioning lapses when seen, is a helpful and positive action to be welcomed and encouraged. I have just completed a “train the trainer” course in manual handling so that I can conduct this training myself. This would usually be in groups of up to 10 and I am looking at the feasibility of expanding this facility across Health and Safety generally.
Editor How does your role support the latest Group Corporate Social Responsibility drive? BW For some time now we have seen a growing requirement by our customers, particularly in the public sector, to include within tenders a statement of the company’s Health and Safety and environmental policies. Part of my job is to collate and provide statistics for this and it is helpful that Baxi Commercial Division has a good health and safety record. I am also involved from both perspectives in the project that is working towards qualifying for ISO1401. And, of course, Baxi Commercial Division
must ensure that wherever our employees work, especially on the sites of other organisations, we must not only look after their safety and wellbeing, but also that of customers’ and contractors’ personnel.
Editor How is your work able to inform environmental issues?
BW In addition to planning and being instrumental in implementing energy saving and waste reduction measures, I have set up an environmental ‘dashboard’ which records our utility consumption and waste and shows the conversion of energy consumption to a carbon footprint. We are aiming for yearon-year improvement, with the target of zero waste to landfill. The results are published monthly and confirm we have made good progress in this direction. However, while sharing the Erdington site with another company, the figures were combined and included abnormal waste resulting from their move out of the premises. New lighting recently installed in the warehouse will make a significant saving to electricity consumption and therefore to our carbon footprint. We are now looking to making further reductions in the use of water, gas and electricity.
BW Training is paramount. Part of the Health and Safety Act is that you ensure you don’t harm anyone and that includes yourself. I make sure that all health and safety training is right up to date and that everyone understands its
Clarification In the Autumn 2012 issue of HOTaction it was stated that Bradford White Corporation had ceased supply of parts to Lochinvar UK. We have been informed that this is not the case.
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HOTaction SPRING 2013
NEW PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
Andy Green, Technical Manager, talks us through the features and benefits of the new products that will be launched or previewed at Ecobuild 2013. “Andrews Water Heaters is previewing the extended ECOflo range of condensing direct-fired storage water heaters that will broaden the existing range of ECOflo water heaters in readiness for the introduction of the Energy Related Products (ErP) Directive.”
“Making its debut appearance is the new Potterton Commercial Biomass Boiler System (BBS), a totally new technology being incorporated into the portfolio of LZC solutions offered by the Baxi Commercial Division “One-Stop-Shop”.
The New ECOflo Range Extension
New BBS Biomass Boiler
In preparation for the full introduction of Lot 2 of the ErP Directive, prescribing minimum efficiency and NOx emissions levels for water heaters and storage tanks with up to 400kW input or 2,000 litres capacity, Andrews Water Heaters is previewing an important extension to the ECOflo range.
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This will ensure that a suitable high efficiency condensing product will be available from Andrews Water Heaters, in all sizes and input ranges, to meet any specification complying with the new Directive, as well as the revision to Part L2 of the Building Regulations that are also coming into force this year. Due to be launched in Q4 this year, the new models will be intrinsically similar to their larger counterparts in that the internal design is comparable, though there are some small aesthetic differences. Four new models will offer the following additional capacities and outputs at the lower end of the range: 150 litre/23.3kW, 190 litre/23.5kW, 245 litre/42.8kW and 285 litre/43.2kW achieving a gross efficiency of up to 96%. These new models will effectively replace the existing non-condensing Standard Range of Andrews Water Heaters, including the CSC and RSC, thereby providing alternative high efficiency condensing units in all output requirements.
The addition of biomass technology to the Potterton Commercial product portfolio is a significant step in extending its range of LZC options available to heating system designers. Specifiers also can benefit from the availability of this technology from our ‘one-stop-shop’, particularly with regard to compliance with local authority planning requirements to include a percentage of renewable energy technologies. In addition, utilisation of this type of plant can assist building owners and managers to observe increasingly stringent accountability measures for a building’s use of energy and its carbon footprint.
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One of the greatest advantages of this technology being offered by Baxi Commercial Division is that our ‘one-stop-shop’ facility extends beyond advice on system sizing and optimum integration with any associated energy efficient heating plant. As well as boiler design and installation, we can advise on fuel storage requirements, fuel delivery suppliers and ash collection services in addition to maintenance schedules. And, of course, there is the option to take out a service contract with heateam Commercial Service not only for the BBS, but also for the
rest of the heating plant if desired. The new Potterton Commercial BBS is constructed from high grade steel and the build quality is that expected of German engineering. Also included are fully integrated controls that allow remote access and monitoring of the system via a web based portal. This boiler system can be configured for both wood pellet and also wood chip fuels, depending on the site application. To ensure optimum performance and efficiency the correct fuel must be used. Carbon emissions are minimised by the integral five-pass
Exhibiting at Ecobuild 2013 You can see our new products and much more on our Stand No. N2740 at Ecobuild 2013 from Tuesday 5th to Thursday 7th March at the Excel Centre, London. We look forward to welcoming you!
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This is the platform from which we will launch the new BBS biomass boiler and, given its physical size, instead of an actual boiler being exhibited there will be a representation of this product within a scale model plant room. A preview of the new range of Andrews ECOflo condensing direct fired storage water heaters will be
represented by the additional size units that are extending the options in system design. This is also an opportunity to see the innovative Potterton Commercial iHE condensing combination boiler, designed specifically for commercial applications, which has been much in demand since making its debut at Ecobuild 2012.
There will also be a demonstration of our industry-first library of BIM content for all our condensing and LZC products. Much of the display area will reflect the theme of Ecobuild and focus on LZC Carbon Technology. Exhibits will include an impressive example of an Andrews SOLARflo solar thermal package solution, the Potterton Commercial A-Cubed Gas Absorption Heat Pump and the Baxi-SenerTec UK mini-CHP Dachs unit. Popular for integrated solutions, condensing gas-fired
products from Potterton Commercial and Andrews Water Heaters will include the award winning MAXXflo stainless steel storage water heater and the FASTflo constant flow range. The stand has been designed to offer more space for customers and specifiers to talk to our sales and technical teams about the numerous options available to them via the Baxi Commercial Division One-Stop-Shop. In particular, this could be with regard to integrated solutions and the advantages of
HOTaction SPRING 2013
Biomass – What’s in a Name? ● Biomass is biological material derived from plants, from which biomass fuel is processed. While growing, plants absorb and retain carbon from the atmosphere and when biomass fuel is burnt, the retained carbon is released back into the environment. ● The biomass fuel cycle of growing and burning is carbon neutral. This does not apply to fossil fuels, as burning them releases carbon absorbed from the atmosphere millions of years ago, thus adding to the volume of carbon in today’s environment. ● Biomass is a key part of the UK long-term strategy to increase the use of renewable energy sources, necessary to achieve mandatory carbon emission reductions. This has been a continuing theme in various Government strategies, such as the Carbon Plan, the Microgeneration Strategy and the Future of Heating. smoke recovery system. Distinctive features include a vertical flue pipe, water cooled firebox and up to 2000kW output. The optimised combustion chamber design allows boiler efficiency at nominal output of 87% and the heat output of individual boiler systems is quickly adjustable pursuant to European standard DIN4751 part 2, with a turn down ratio of 3.33:1. Front furnace construction and an automated grated system make for ease of operation. Vertical boiler pipes reduce the amount of cleaning required through normal maintenance. The further benefit of flexible application derives from a small overall footprint, compared to other biomass boiler systems, and the ability to tailor a boiler programme to meet specific installation requirements. Remote monitoring of the system, via an Ethernet connection to the boiler plant, is a further option.
utilising our BIM library in system design and our heateam Commercial Service options. Our informative literature and guides on products, solutions and legislation will be available. You can find out more information to help you plan your visit to Ecobuild 2013 by visiting www.ecobuild.co.uk
The Potterton Commercial BBS has a one year warranty on the overall boiler with a complete service/maintenance history, with a five year warranty on the combustion chamber and a two year warranty on other components such as controls, drives, augers and moving grates. We can also offer a BBS packaged solution which includes the biomass boiler, fuel store, controls and associated pipework and header kits, all in a containerised plant room for installation inside a building or external siting. This bespoke design and production service will meet specific plant room criteria. The container can fit in with aesthetic or environmental requirements and, if required, gas boilers, water heaters or any other Baxi Commercial Division solutions can be integrated into the plant room.
● The RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive), introduced in 2011, provides tariff payments for 20 years for eligible installations based on approved technologies, with biomass boilers specifically included. Currently only applying to the non-domestic sector, the vast majority of successful RHI applications use biomass fuel. ● The Government’s ongoing commitment to the extended application of biomass technology is being supported by the development of biomass boilers. The recently introduced Biomass Boiler System BBS from Potterton Commercial, compliant with all relevant performance standards, positions Baxi Commercial Division as a leading player in the market.
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HOTaction SPRING 2013
PARTNERING
Innovation Partnership (Abridged article by Tracey Rushton-Thorpe, Editor of Building Services and Environmental Engineer)
Flexibility and the need to react quickly to change are not the only elements of any successful relationship as I discovered when I visited Malvern Boilers.
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Set up in 1991 to design and produce appliances for the domestic market, Malvern Boilers is still a small privately owned company whose speciality is niche, low volume manufacturing. They took a big step into the commercial market in 1997 by partnering Potterton Commercial to manufacture a range of commercial boilers, which led to an introduction to Andrews Water Heaters in 2005 and the subsequent manufacturing of the Queen’s Award winning MAXXflo range. According to Managing Director Nick Perry, their successful relationship is based on trust, respect and innovation. Nick says: “A great deal goes into new product development and it is imperative to have mutual trust and respect. Understanding how to make a project work is paramount and together we focus on challenges and finding the right solution.”
ATTENTION TO DETAIL This approach is the strength of the partnership explains Paul Hardy, Managing Director of Baxi Commercial Division. “Malvern Boilers understand the way the market is going and the challenges which we face in meeting Government targets. They have the
ability to react quickly to changes and develop new products, enabling us to swiftly meet the needs of our customers. “But of equal importance is the fact that we share the same business culture and have a mutual respect for the part each company plays.” Although shared culture and mutual respect are important, the key role that trust plays in the partnership became very apparent with the introduction of the iHE high efficiency condensing stainless steel combination boiler in March 2012. Nick says: “We were surprised by the use of large domestic boilers in small commercial applications as a low cost solution. Whilst this was
perfectly sensible, we saw that, because installers understand the concept of combi boilers, there was room for a dedicated solution that met the needs of the small commercial sector, but also satisfied installer demands. From this the iHE was born and following an extensive period of customer and market research by Baxi Commercial Division, we were able to start production of the first combi commercial boiler on the market. “Developing new products is one of our key strengths and by putting this together with Baxi Commercial Division marketing expertise we can offer something which is far greater than the sum of the two parts.”
SEIZE THE MOMENT The development of the iHE proves that flexibility is key to success. Paul says: “For me success is all about seizing the moment. In the iHE development process we responded to feedback and focussed firmly on making the job of the installer easier, with Nick’s team making the necessary changes. “It is this flexibility which enables us to be the first to market with new and innovative products. Baxi Commercial Division has a long history of expertise in packaged solutions, they are tried and tested and we know they work and that they are what the installer wants. By matching this experience with Malvern Boilers innovation we
provided the iHE solution, which the market needs and wants.”
GOING FORWARD Malvern Boilers focuses on the creation of new technology and developing products for the future, while Baxi Commercial Division focuses on getting this innovative technology to market. Together the two companies complement each other excellently. They share a commitment to innovation and technology and I am sure we can expect to see further exciting developments. However, Paul and Nick are remaining very tight lipped about what might be in the pipeline. To read the full article see the December issue of BSEE published on their website, www.bsee.co.uk.
Pull out and Keep!
Applying Technology A HOTaction SPECIAL PULL-OUT SUPPLEMENT This article forms part of a series by Jeff House, Baxi Commercial Division Marketing and Applications Manager. As well as having overall responsibility for the marketing function, and for leading activities regarding all relevant legislation relating to products and the built environment, Jeff provides technical guidance and applications support for large projects with key end user clients. Jeff is a full member of CIBSE (the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers), also representing Baxi Commercial Division and ICOM Energy Association within industry and CIBSE working groups.
Effective Biomass Application Given the UK Government’s policy mix of carbon reduction, penalties such as the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme and fiscal incentive from the RHI, Biomass boilers are an attractive proposition. As with all LZC technologies, considered application is essential to achieving an efficient installation that meets expectations. Not only is there wide variation in biomass boiler design but there is also a range of different biomass fuel types which can be used to derive useful heat. The vast majority of applications under the commercial phase of the Renewable Heat Incentive are ‘solid biomass’, typically wood pellet or wood chip fed units. This article deals exclusively with ‘mid size’ automatically fed chip and pellet systems for commercial applications. Equally suited to new build and retrofit schemes, commercial biomass boilers can be integrated into existing systems, with correct hydraulic design, and are best employed as part of a bivalent system. In comparison to a fossil fuelled boiler there are, however, significant technical differences, from design through to operation and maintenance, which must be understood and accommodated. FUEL QUALITY & STORAGE Perhaps the most important factors to consider when appraising a biomass installation are sourcing a fuel supply of an appropriately high standard and provision for its storage on site. Pellet/chip size, moisture content, calorific value and constituents all have a bearing on boiler operation. Procuring fuel produced in accordance with existing quality standards such as DIN51731 and Austrian standard G30, covering wood pellets and chips respectively, will help ensure effective boiler operation. Low moisture content is key to effective combustion, pellet fuel produced in accordance with quality standards
is typically lower than 10% moisture content with wood chip around the 30% mark, so boiler manufacturers will normally specify a moisture tolerance range which must be adhered to. Too high a moisture content can lead to incomplete combustion, release of black smoke and tars which can coat internal heat exchanger surfaces and cause damage to fuel delivery systems. There are a wide variety of fuel storage options, from purpose built rooms, through pre-fabricated silos to containerised stores; with automated feed systems typically comprising an auger or pneumatic arrangement. Physical size, maintenance requirements and access for fuel delivery trucks all require consideration. Handling and storage of fuel can also present safety issues which must be addressed. For example, wood chips with high moisture content may degrade and decompose in storage, losing calorific value. In certain conditions, there can be a growth of fungal spores which, if inhaled, can cause an incurable condition called ‘farmers lung’. When wood pellets are blown into a store upon delivery a proportion of ‘break up’ can happen leading to a suspension of dust in the air which can pose an explosion risk. Furthermore, in the case of pellets, it has recently been reported that stored fuel can outgas Carbon Monoxide, therefore making a robust safety procedure essential when working on or inspecting enclosed fuel storage areas, including provision for ventilation and supervision. Established guidance such as The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 and the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) provide further information on control of such risks. SYSTEM HYDRAULICS AND BUFFERING Biomass boilers are typically less responsive than modern condensing boilers, with less effective modulation and lower turn down ratios. For this reason it is recommended that the biomass boiler is sized to cover the base heat load
A Baxi Commercial Division Special Supplement • www.baxicommercial.co.uk
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Applying Technology
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of the building in question with condensing gas boilers meeting peak load requirements. This enables the biomass boiler to run for longer periods without load cycling; this is important as multiple boiler starts over a short time period can result in incomplete combustion and a rise in pollutant emissions. Taking the above into account, a buffer vessel is essential in most installations, firstly to allow longer run periods and smooth out peaks in system demand, secondly when the boiler stops firing there can be a great deal of residual heat in the fuel bed and refractory lining which must be dissipated, usually by employing a pump overrun control. Sizing of the buffer store will vary by boiler design, fuel type and the system it is serving. Manufacturers’ advice will be required but a ‘rule of thumb’ of up to 60 litres capacity per kW output will suffice for initial dimensioning and space allocation. The diagram below shows a typical bivalent system layout with a buffer vessel, peak load boilers and a low loss header.
(Ref: D.Palmer (2011). Biomass heating: a guide to medium scale wood chip and wood pellet systems. Biomass Energy Centre, Forest Research, Farnham)
With this arrangement it is common for the condensing boilers to operate with a return temperature around 50°C to ensure optimum efficiency. Many biomass boilers will require a return temperature of between 60°C and 65°C, dependent upon fuel moisture content, to prevent corrosion of the heat exchange surfaces. Therefore a back end protection loop, comprising a three port control valve and shunt pump circuit, is a common arrangement thereby bypassing the buffer vessel until the boiler loop is up to an acceptable temperature. Flow temperatures also require some consideration as some biomass boilers will operate with an outlet temperature of up to 95°C, again making a buffer vessel important. This arrangement allows the buffer target temperature to be set independently of the main system flow temperature with a mixing or injection circuit controlled by a three port valve. In cases where the biomass boiler flow temperature exceeds the design temperature of the system, the system operating pressure should be appraised to ensure there is a sufficient margin to prevent flash steam formation. RENEWABLE HEAT INCENTIVE Commercial biomass boilers currently enjoy good support levels under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), with payment levels up to 7.9 pence/kWh dependent upon boiler output and run hours. As with other technologies supported by the scheme, eligible heat must be ‘useful’, supplying a space heating circuit, hot water production or, in certain circumstances, process heat. Heat meters,
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compliant with ‘class 2’ requirements for the Metering Instruments Directive, must be employed to derive heat delivery data for claims. OFGEM publish guidance on the requirements for number and placement of such meters which will depend on the number of heat sources and complexity of the system. In the case of system designs including a back end protection loop it is essential that this is excluded from any metering, as the heat is not deemed ‘useful’, typically a meter at the outlet of the buffer vessel will suffice. To comply with RHI requirements, biomass combustion equipment must meet prescribed emissions and air quality standards. Further guidance is available within scheme documentation and DEFRA maintain a list of Clean Air Act exempt biomass appliances which typically meet these requirements. MAINTENANCE For the O&M phase of a project it is absolutely essential to define a robust maintenance regime for biomass boilers. In general terms the biomass plant will have greater maintenance requirements than a gas boiler which must be accommodated to ensure efficient operation, maintain clean flue gas emissions and prevent damage to internal components. Dependent upon the design of the boiler and any ‘self clean’ functionality, it may be necessary to complete weekly tasks such as emptying ash bins or brushing flue ways. Self cleaning units can reduce this interval and provide a degree of automation to the maintenance regime. PACKAGED PLANT ROOMS A complete biomass solution includes fuel storage, fuel delivery system, buffer vessel, back up boilers, hydraulic integration and controls, together with requirements for maintenance access and fuel delivery. Incorporating all of this into an internal plant room can prove problematic in terms of space availability, especially in the case of refurbishment schemes. To this end, containerised plant rooms including all required system components, flues and external connection points are becoming commonplace. This approach offers significant benefit in terms of site assembly time and ensures all of the above design watch points have been considered and integrated.
Further Reading: CIBSE Knowledge Series 10 : Biomass Heating Palmer, D., Tubby, I., Hogan, G. and Rolls, W. (2011). Biomass heating: a guide to medium scale wood chip and wood pellet systems. Biomass Energy Centre, Forest Research, Farnham.
A Baxi Commercial Division Special Supplement • www.baxicommercial.co.uk
Applying Technology
Blazing the Trail The fanfares that accompanied the announcement of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) some two years ago left no room for doubt. RHI has a key role in achieving the Government objective of dramatically reducing UK carbon emissions by 2050. Phased in to apply in both non-domestic and domestic sectors, with an investment of £860 million, the scheme is not a fringe option. The number of industrial, commercial and public sector buildings with renewable heat installations is estimated to grow seven-fold by 2020. This would increase industrial renewable heat installations to some 13,000, with commercial and public sector installations increasing to 110,000. An annual budget of some £70 million to support index-linked tariff payment, for 20 years, for each kWh of ‘useful’ heat produced, would surely make RHI a glittering attraction. Concerned that take-up would drive spending over the fixed annual figure, the Government subsequently clarified that, in this event, the scheme would be suspended in the short-term, with reduced tariffs applied in the long-term to keep spending within the cap. Furthermore, any underspend in one budget period would not be carried forward to the next. RHI came into effect in November 2011 and statistics published by OFGEM, the scheme administrator, show that take up in the first ten months of operation falls below initial expectations. In that period, only 348 applications were accredited, attracting payments of £1.2 million. It was also shown that over 500 applications had been returned as incomplete or incorrectly completed. Considering that the average application involves answering at least 80 questions this may not be surprising. Further complexity is added by metering requirements. Systems comprising multiple heat sources are not uncommon, but as RHI only covers usable and useful heat generated specifically by the renewable technology, any heat generated by an ineligible source must be excluded. Feedback has made quite clear that these difficulties need addressing, but despite the best efforts of OFGEM, RHI accreditation is far from trouble free. At a recent seminar, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), reported that the number of applications had risen to over
1,000, with over 500 accreditations. But this clearly implies that the number of returned applications remains disturbingly high. At the same seminar the DECC noted the effect that the recession is having on the solar thermal and ground source heat pump industries and commented that the idea of launching the RHI was to see a growth in these markets. Despite the growth, albeit modest, in the number of applications and accreditations, it is clear that the nondomestic sector is at the moment unable to fully gain the intended advantages expected when RHI was introduced. It is clear that there is more work to be done if take up is to be anywhere near the expected level, with Government having by far the greatest power to influence events. But that does not mean that other stakeholders are unable to act, as the following Proportion of accredited example shows. One of the installations by technology surprising numbers in the type as of 30 September 2012 OFGEM statistics was that only 3% of accredited 5% 1% 1% WSHP GSHP Biogas 90% installations involve solar Solid 3% Biomass thermal technology. In Solar Thermal order to meet RHI entry requirements all ‘useful’ renewable heat must be metered by a dedicated meter that achieves “class 2” accuracy, as set out in the 2004 Measuring Instruments Directive. Most solar thermal systems use a mixture of glycol and water as a heat transfer medium in order to provide frost protection. Obtaining a heat meter able to measure a glycol mixture and compliant with “class 2” accuracy requirements proved challenging when RHI was introduced. This problem was addressed by the industry and there are now a number of suppliers offering meters to the required standard, which enable access to RHI for more solar thermal installations. Baxi Commercial Division has LZC solutions at the heart of its offer, including solar thermal and ground source heat pumps and with the latest addition of biomass provides all three technologies that have the highest RHI accreditation rate.
A Baxi Commercial Division Special Supplement • www.baxicommercial.co.uk
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Revised BS 6644 (2011) Published in November 2011, with a corrigendum added in January this year, BS 6644 covers installation and maintenance of gas fired hot water boilers between 70kW and 1.8MW net input. This latest version supersedes the previous 2005 edition, together with the associated 2008 addendum, containing a number of changes which will affect system designers and installers alike. The main changes affect boilers with an output in excess of 300kW, the guidance for which has been aligned with BS EN 12828. Effectively the new requirements prescribe the installation of additional safety equipment for larger boilers to provide ‘belt and braces’ protection against overheating or overpressure situations. Upon first reading, some of the new requirements may appear somewhat excessive. For example, the use of liquid separators and vapour discharge pipes on the outlet of sealed system
safety valves on boilers in excess of 300kW input. There are, however, alternative design approaches detailed which can negate the need for additional equipment. An increasingly popular option for larger boiler installations is the specification of pre-fabricated plant rooms or pre-assembled boiler skid systems. Both of these will ensure that due consideration is given to relevant standards during design, and that a robust system is delivered to site having the benefits of assured compliance together with time and cost saving. For more information, visit http://shop.bsigroup.com/BS6644
Building Regulations Part L2: 2013 We are nearing publication of the 2013 version of Building Regulations Approved Document L, a pivotal piece of legislation which deals with ‘Conservation of Fuel & Power’. Last year’s consultation on Part L contained a number of interesting proposals, although final content of the approved documents remain to be seen. Parts L2 A & B detail requirements for new and existing non-domestic buildings respectively. Given the current government fixation with austerity, and limiting ‘cost to business’, it is expected that requirements for existing buildings will not see many changes. New buildings, however, will be faced with stricter carbon compliance targets. An overall TER reduction of some 20% versus 2010 is expected. However, rather than a flat increment, this will be on an aggregate basis with hard to treat
Ecodesign of Energy Related Products (ErP) As we move into 2013, Lot 11 of ErP takes effect in the heating circulator and fan markets, removing lower efficiency products from the supply chain. In comparison the long gestation of Lot 1 (space heating
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building types having lower compliance targets than more heavily serviced types. It is expected that this tighter target will make the effective integration of a larger proportion of LZC technology ‘de rigueur’ in new build schemes. Design watch points for LZC are regularly included in this magazine so watch this space. As per previous iterations, the ‘Non-Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide’ will also be updated for 2013, with some stricter minimum backstop efficiency values for plant and equipment. For example, direct fired water heaters in new buildings will need to be of condensing design, with a rated efficiency equal to or greater than 90% for natural gas appliances. Final publication of Part L2 is expected shortly with implementation in October.
appliances) and Lot 2 (hot water heaters) continues without any such progress. With a target implementation date of 2015, latest draft technical documents are still undergoing scrutiny with a number of issues coming to light for commercial size appliances which, if implemented, would have a detrimental effect on the marketplace. Discussions continue at Brussels with a further round of amended documents allegedly being prepared for an adoption vote during Q1 2013. This is all well and good, but the target implementation date for such shows no sign of moving, therefore manufacturers will have a very short window in which to ensure compliance. There is a genuine will within the industry to ‘get it done’ which is being slowly eroded by continued dalliance.
A Baxi Commercial Division Special Supplement • www.baxicommercial.co.uk
Pull out and Keep!
Applying Technology
HOTaction SPRING 2013
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RENEWABLE SOLUTIONS
SOLAR THERMAL – the How, Why and When Whether brought about by obligation under CRC, by financial incentive through RHI or by prompting from DECs and EPCs, businesses are actively reducing their carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency.
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In commercial buildings, energy audits are resulting in the introduction of improved building fabric and air tightness measures. As space heating and domestic hot water requirements typically represent the greatest energy demand, this is resulting in the predominant heating load shifting from space heating to domestic hot water. Capturing latent energy to pre-heat the mains cold feed to a direct fired water heater is a most effective use of LZC technologies and solar thermal energy is a prime example of how an LZC solution can be integrated into a building services system. The role of the collector array is crucial to the performance and longevity of solar thermal system components, with several options that can provide a perfectly matched solution when designed for a specific application or location.
GLAZED FLAT PLATE
DIRECT FLOW EVACUATED TUBE
HEAT PIPE
Glazed flat plate collectors are the most familiar design having been on the market for many years. This collector type is usually installed at an inclination between 20 and 45° to ensure optimum performance. With this in mind they are suited to installation on a pitched roof, or with specific angled mounting frames for flat roof applications. In this situation spacing of collector rows should be considered to avoid inter-row shading. As a guide, the ratio between stored water volume and the area of the Glazed Flat Plate collector array should be 50 litres per square meter.
Evacuated tube collectors employ vacuum sealed collector tubes which reduce thermal losses, thereby making them a most efficient method of generating solar hot water, even in wet and windy conditions. The solar transfer fluid flows through each tube, hence direct flow. The collector comprises a number of tubes inserted into a manifold, allowing the rotation of each tube to meet the desired inclination. This flexibility and space efficiency enables the collector to be layed flat on a flat roof or even vertically on a building façade.
Similar in appearance to direct flow evacuated tubes, the heat pipe collector uses a dry pocket connection and condenser bulb principle, enabling individual tubes to be replaced without draining down the system offering lifetime repair and maintenance savings. Each pipe contains a small volume of evaporator fluid and, to allow the heat pipe evaporation cycle to operate, the collectors should be installed with a minimum inclination of 20°. In leading edge models, the heat pipes contain a device which, in the event of low hot water demand and continued collector heat gain, prevents the condensed content of the pipe from leaving the condenser bulb. This feature, which provides protection from overheating and its consequences, makes such heat pipes ideally suited to buildings with low summertime hot water demand or irregular demand patterns such as schools and sports facilities.
TEMPERATURE LIMITATION DEVICES – HEAT PIPES
The device is open and heat transfer occurs until the condenser reaches 95ºC
Snap disks operate and close the device, stopping heat transfer into condenser
Device re-opens as temperature falls below 95ºC, reactivating heat transfer
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HOTaction SPRING 2013
HELP FOR YOUR COMMUNITY
Mossley Cubs and Brownies enjoying activities that create washing up
Community Challenge–The Winning Entry In 2012, Baxi Commercial Division teamed up once again with industry publication, BSEE, to offer one lucky reader the chance to help out their local community by entering the Baxi Community Challenge. The prize, a brand new commercial sized gas-fired water heater or boiler, would be donated to their nominated worthy cause.
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We asked for specific details about a building utilised as a regular meeting place by a community group that needed a new commercial gas-fired boiler or water heater, with an explanation of the difference that a suitable donated product would make. We are pleased to announce that the winner is Mossley Scouts & Guides, for whom Baxi Commercial Division has been able to make an immediate difference by donating a new constant flow type direct gasfired condensing water heater. Erected over 100 years ago as a public house, later becoming a Boy’s Club, the building was acquired by the Mossley Scouts and Guides, Brownies and Cubs, Rainbows and Beavers Fundraising Committee as the troops’ Headquarters in 1989. The renamed Baden House was by this time in very poor condition so the committee immediately embarked upon a successive round of fundraising activities. Over the following two decades, sufficient funds were raised to pay for double glazing, central heating, essential roof and unsafe floor repairs and the
replacement of the original wiring. Phil Richardson, Group Scout Leader (pictured right), takes up the story. “Since then, the fund-raising has continued and a second phase of improvements was begun in 2010 when two rooms were created on the ground floor for new toilets with a shower area. The facilities installed could only draw on a cold water supply, so the donation of a water heater through the Baxi Community Challenge was key to them becoming fully operational.” One of the group helpers, Andrew Kirk, a mechanical services manager for a contracting company, gave his time freely to install the appliance. He explains, “It was decided that, due to the occupancy patterns and usage of the building, constant flow water heating technology would be more appropriate than direct fired storage water heaters. The greatest need for hot water, particularly for showers, is in the evening and this made the Andrews FASTflo WHC56 continuous flow condensing water heater the best product for the
job. Space for the water heater was also limited and this is where the FASTflo triumphed because it is a wall mounted appliance, the size of a small suitcase.” Phil Richardson recounts, “Cooking is one of the main proficiency badges for Scouts and Guides and a fully functioning kitchen will allow them to practice this skill. Sleepovers are an important part of any Scout or Guide programme and our facilities now enable us to hold such events. We will now be able to have coffee evenings and other fundraising activities and to offer the building for community purposes, such as children’s parties. This will provide
a low cost venue for our families and a small additional income towards its upkeep. “Meanwhile we are really impressed with the water heater and everyone is enjoying the supply of hot water. “On behalf of us all I would like to thank BSEE and Baxi Commercial Division for giving us the opportunity to benefit from this Baxi Community Challenge initiative.”
Why not take the opportunity to enter the 2013 Baxi Commercial Community Challenge, launched in the January issue of BSEE? It is easy to enter, simply visit the BSEE website www.bsee.co.uk, click the Community Challenge link on the left side of the page which takes you to the Community Challenge page where you will find all the information necessary to enter the competition. We are extending the deadline for receipt of entries to 30th April and some applicants will be featured in subsequent issues of BSEE and HOTaction before the winner is announced later in the year.
HOTaction SPRING 2013
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PROJECT PROFILE
School Pools Resources Baxi Commercial Division has supplied energy-efficient equipment, including a combined heat and power unit, for a complete refurbishment of the heating system serving the prestigious Oakham School’s swimming pool and sports hall. This equipment comprises Potterton Commercial condensing boilers supplementing a Baxi-SenerTec UK Dachs mini-CHP unit which, together, have reduced the school’s carbon footprint and made a significant contribution to energy savings.
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Oakham School, in Rutland, is one of the country’s leading independent co-educational day and boarding schools and was winner of the Independent School of the Year in the Daily Telegraph’s 2009 Sport Matters Awards. Former pupils include cricketer Stuart Broad and rugby internationals Lewis Moody and Tom Croft. The school has over 1,000 pupils aged 10 to 18, with equal numbers of boys and girls, boarders and day pupils. As a testament to the school’s commitment to a wide range of sporting activities, there are more than 40 acres of games pitches and a dedicated sports centre incorporating a 25m indoor pool. The new heating system was designed by Oakham Estates Department in consultation with installers MJL Mechanical Services and DL Electrical. An indoor swimming pool is an ideal project for employing mini-CHP technology since, for maximum operational efficiency, it is important to ensure that there is a constant demand for heat in order to ensure continuity of power generation – and this is provided by the pool. The BaxiSenerTec UK Dachs unit generates electricity whilst, at the same time, producing heat and acting as lead boiler. This is supplemented by two newly installed Potterton Commercial Paramount 80kW condensing boilers as well as an existing Potterton Commercial NXR3 gas-fired boiler which is only programmed to operate at peak demand during low external temperatures. The Dachs unit was commissioned on 7th October 2010 and, at the time of its second service on 15th August 2011, it was found to have run for a total of 6,529 hours. During this time the unit was running continually and had generated 89,867kWh of heat
and 35,909 kWh of electricity, resulting in a significant saving in running costs and carbon emissions. The electricity is used to power the swimming pool and sports hall, as well as the art, design and technology classrooms located above. These are all installed, with other Baxi Commercial Division equipment, in an existing plantroom in the Sports Hall. A spokesman for installers MJL Mechanical Services commented: “The plantroom was a total refurbishment with all new pipework, controls and panel. The pipework was divided into 5 new zones, all controlled separately through a PLC Control unit, which gives the flexibility to load the Dachs unit 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. Despite the location of the plantroom directly beneath classrooms, there were no noise issues. This was the first Dachs unit we had fitted but we found it relatively easy to connect with the other boilers and the whole project ran very smoothly. We have been so pleased with the system that we are currently in the process of installing a further two new Dachs units with four Potterton Commercial Paramount 115 kW models as
back-up boilers. These will feed the new Science Block and two existing Boarding Houses.” The Paramount range of wallhung condensing boilers feature state-of-the-art heating technology with a combustion system which delivers energy efficiency levels up to 109% net as well as ultra low NOx which exceeds Class 5 thereby qualifying for additional credit under the BREEAM assessment scheme. These boilers have pre-mix, fully modulating control for complete heating flexibility and the aluminium/silicon alloy heat exchanger carries a lifetime guarantee. A user-friendly control
panel with full text display of operational status avoids the inconvenience of checking codes or lights. Other features include inbuilt weather compensation, summer/winter changeover and time control facilities. The advanced ISR control system may be used with a simple room thermostat or, using volt-free contacts, with external control panels or a fully integrated Building Energy Management System. Baxi-SenerTec UK Dachs gasfired units have an electrical output of 5.5 kW and a minimum heat output of 12.5kW or up to 15.5 kW using an optional condenser.
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HOTaction SPRING 2013
MARKETPLACE
Marketing Re-focus We have recently restructured our marketing department to take account of the increasing variety of communication channels that require us to be more easily available to all our customers and more responsive to your needs. It also consolidates within the department some additional skill sets that reflect the changing emphasis in the type of information that is important for you to make the most appropriate and cost effective purchase decisions.
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Most commercial heating product selection is now necessarily driven by legislative requirements regarding energy saving and carbon reduction and therefore involve appropriate integration of ‘new’ technologies with more traditional heating solutions. We therefore recognise that for all forms of knowledge sharing on these issues, whether in discussions, hands-on training, CPD presentations, exhibitions, marketing material or populating websites and social media, technical content is becoming key. We also find that our customers increasingly prefer to communicate and obtain information through the digital medium which requires us to continually develop our presence in this arena. In addressing this we were the first commercial heating company to introduce a Building Information Modelling (BIM) library of our products that can be imported directly into threedimentional CAD designs of building services systems. We are currently implementing plans for an all
encompassing and fully functional digital interface with our customers and will continually strive to improve the customer experience of our website, while expanding our social media activity. Jeff House, whose technical knowledge and his ability to share it in a way that is easily understood, has for some time been contributing to the services provided by marketing. Jeff now heads up the marketing team, whilst maintaining his technical role as Applications Manager. As Marketing & Applications Manager, Jeff has overall responsibility for the Baxi Commercial Division marketing function, leading its activities with regard to legislation, governing both our products and the built environment, including ErP directive implementation. In addition he provides technical guidance and application support for large projects with key end user clients. Geri Clegg has worked in marketing for Baxi companies for a number of years and now brings
Christmas Fundraiser A Baxi Commercial Division raffle, arranged by Nicki Morris, Product Support Engineer and Tracy Hendry, Office Service Manager, was
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L-R: Mandi Rai, Marketing & Communications Assistant; Jeff House, Marketing & Applications Manager; Geri Clegg, Digital Marketing Manager; Catherine Johnstone, Marketing & Communications Executive
the benefit of her considerable knowledge and experience to the commercial side of the business in a new role that has been created to meet the changing needs of customers. As Digital Marketing Manager, Geri will direct and supervise all online digital marketing activity for Baxi Commercial Division and its brands: Andrews Water Heaters, Baxi-SenerTec UK and Potterton Commercial. This includes all website design and development, including the BIM Library and Size IT and all social Media, eg. Twitter and Facebook. Catherine Johnstone has been a valued member of the marketing team for over three years and has been recently promoted to take account of her increased duties and responsibilities. As Marketing and Communications Executive, Catherine is responsible for the production and management of all Baxi Commercial Division’s sales literature and other sales and merchandising materials. She
drawn just before the office closed for Christmas 2012, raising £233 for Guide Dogs for the Blind. The top prizes were: a 7" tablet, won by Paul Daniels, and a day at the Newmarket races, which was donated by Eddie Partridge, National Sales Manager. “Everyone was asked to nominate a charity” said Nicki, “and there were so many worthy causes proposed that the Guide Dogs for the
Working Model Baxi Commercial Division continues its ‘Job Well Done” initiative recognising, each month, an employee who has gone beyond the call of normal duties.
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In order to be nominated by fellow staff members for this accolade, an individual must have shown ‘endeavour and commitment to achieving Baxi
manages industry exhibition and contracts for all events as well as assisting in the production of HOTaction, our business to business magazine. Mandi Rai recently joined the marketing team and is providing essential administrative support for this busy department. As Marketing and Communications Assistant, Mandi produces and distributes sales leads reports and creates quarterly reports on marketing statistics within the Division. She also handles all literature distribution and stock control, manages all general email enquiries. www.facebook.com/ baxicommercialdivision www.twitter.com/ baxicommercial www.andrewswaterheaters.co.uk www.baxi-senertec.co.uk www.pottertoncommercial.co.uk Tel: 0845 070 1055
Blind was picked out of a hat.” The cheque presentation will take place on 12th March at the Erdington offices and will be attended by a representative of the Charity. Also invited is Sales Director Gavin Watson’s daughter, who has impaired sight and understands the huge difference that a guide dog can make to improving the quality of daily life.
Commercial Division’s key objectives’. Recent prize winners of £100 worth of Love2Shop vouchers are: Mike Ngarambe, Internal Service (August), Catherine Johnstone, Marketing (September), Steve Miller, Field Service (October), Sean Reynolds, Technical Support (November) and Ian Halford, Technical Support (December).
HOTaction SPRING 2013
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ACTION FOR CHARITY
Not Minnie or Mouse Derek Atkins from Baxi Commercial Division Warehouse, sometimes dresses up in his spare time, but always for a good cause. He is pictured in a Minnie Mouse costume with his daughters, Kaitlin and Helen, at a recent Family Fun Day event for the Young Epilepsy charity, which raised £408.
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Derek recounts, “After having a child diagnosed with epilepsy in 2010, it became clear just how little support was available at that time for families such as ours in the Midlands. Having raised some funds in appreciation for help we received from the Young Epilepsy charity, we formed the Young Epilepsy Birmingham support group in January 2012. Its ability to continue providing this service relies on fund raising activities and the much appreciated generosity of individuals and organisations, like Baxi Commercial Division.” The Marketing Department donated a digital camera for the raffle on the day.
Sponsorship Working Hard The under 15 boys team from the Dynamo Rangers Junior Football Club is pictured at the start of the new season, ready to strike out in new kit sponsored by Baxi Commercial Division.
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This team plays in the Skelmersdale Junior Football League and was the winner of last season’s league title and has also won two FA County Cup competitions, in matches that took them all over Lancashire. In summertime, this team, along with 12 other junior teams in the Dynamo Rangers club, plays away in tournaments all over the country. Since the Club was formed in 2005 it has been successful in terms of both winning many league titles and cups and in seeing 17 members sign contracts for professional clubs.
In the Semis Baxi Commercial Division took part in the Barnardo’s Football Cup 2012, a nationwide 7-a-side football tournament, held in Birmingham. The competition was made up of 16 teams from various companies throughout the country and included a separate team from three BDR Thermea Group companies namely, Baxi Commercial Division, heateam and Heatrae Sadia.
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In the semi-final Baxi Commercial Division was drawn against Heatrae Sadia who won 3-0. heateam had also advanced to the semi-finals on the opposite side of the draw and narrowly lost out to Jewson, 1-0. Heatrae Sadia won the tournament on penalties and overall the event raised a superb £3,800 for Barnardos. Paul Gussin, Supply Chain Manager, who captained the Baxi Commercial Division team said, “With three BDR Thermea teams taking part in this tournament, the rivalry was intense. We were gratified to reach the semi-finals and to have the opportunity to meet the Heatra Sadia team head on. Sadly for us they proved the better team on the day and, naturally, we cheered them on in the final. “The Baxi Commercial Division team and heateam were the first to congratulate the winners and, at the trophy presentation, the semi-finalists were commended for their efforts. At the end of the day we were all just happy to have the opportunity to play football and by doing so, raise funds to help The Barnardo’s children’s charity”.
Movember Funds During November last year a team of 14 from Baxi Commercial Division each grew a moustache to raise funds for the Movember Charity and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Fundraising participants, known worldwide as Mo Bros, must each begin on 1st Movember with a clean shaven face, then for the entire month grow and groom a moustache.
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Baxi Commercial Division personnel took part under the name, Team MUC (Moustaches Under Construction) and each person chose which style of moustache to grow from the Charity’s online ‘Style Guide’. They set themselves a Division target to raise £2,500 with individuals endeavouring to earn the title ‘Tash’ of the Month and to win the award for Most Donations Received by an Individual. Gavin Watson won first place for ‘Tash’ of the Month with Jonathan Russell and Paul Gussin coming in 2nd and 3rd respectively. The individual who achieved The Most Donations Received was Paul Gussin who raised £385 for the team by the end of the month. In total, Team MUC received pledges of £3,077! Well Done all! The team is pictured at the start and on the last day of Movember.
At the beginning ... Back row from left: Ed Jones, heateam Commercial Service Co-Ordinator; Ian Halford, Prefabricated Systems Manager; Paul Gussin, Supply Chain Manager; Gavin Watson, Sales Director; Andy Green, Technical Manager; Paul Brookes, heateam Commercial Service Manager; Jonathan Russell, Management Accountant; Will Johnson, Specifications Executive Front row from left: Daniel Letts, Assistant Project Engineer; Steve Arnold, Senior Warehouse Operative; Mike Ngarambe, Internal Service Representative; Ian Parkinson, Project Engineer.
Gavin Watson, Winner of 'Tash’ of the Month
Last day of Movember From left: Daniel Letts, Assistant Project Engineer; Ed Jones, heateam Commercial Service Co-Ordinator; Ian Parkinson, Project Engineer; Paul Gussin, Supply Chain Manager; Gavin Watson, Sales Director; Ian Halford, Prefabricated Systems Manager; Steve Arnold, Senior Warehouse Operative. Front: Mike Ngarambe, Internal Service Representative.
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HOTaction SPRING 2013
ON SHOW
COMPETITION WINNER
Not all Exhibitionism
Competition Winner
There was a serious purpose behind the Pipe Center and Climate Center roadshow held at the Hinckley Island Hotel on 2nd October 2012, though anyone who didn’t know that the evening event was “themed” may have been surprised to meet “Odd Job”, (pictured), arch rival of James Bond.
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A seminar was held during the day and an exhibition in the evening. Baxi Commercial Division was the corporate sponsor presenting its product portfolio ‘one-stop-shop’ solution, new products for 2013 and a review of UK and European legislation Andy Davies of Pipe Center to all Pipe Center UK Branch Managers and key external sales representatives. Gavin Watson, Sales Director, and Neville Small, Business Development Manager, delivered seminars during the day. The evening exhibition stand was supported by Mark Field, Area Sales Manager – West Midlands and Amanda Pickin, Area Sales Manager – South West (pictured left), which gave them the opportunity to talk one-to-one with all Pipe Center personnel. Readers please note, anyone who sees the character pictured, who is not licensed to kill, should remind him to keep his hat on!
An iPad was the prize for the lucky person drawn for correctly identifying that Little Watty Baxter was pictured beside The Orbit for the “Where’s Watty” competition in the Autumn 2012 issue of HOTaction. Congratulations to the winner, Carol Smith of NG Bailey, who is based in Birmingham, pictured receiving her prize from Mark Field, Area Sales Manager for the Midlands. Meanwhile Little Watty, who returned to earth feeling a little dizzy after gazing skyward, found himself looking upwards again on his next visit! See below.
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min Win i iP a ad
COMPETITION
Where’s Watty been? ●
Little Watty Baxter has a stiff neck gazing skywards at this tiered structure, built 250 years ago, reminiscent of the East and once guarded by 80 golden dragons. It’s closed to the public, so there’s no lining up – but he is in a queue of sorts!
Q: To enter, simply look at the photograph and tell us:
Which famous structure is Little Watty visiting? To enter, email your answer to hotaction@baxicommercialdivision.com. Alternatively, you can visit Little Watty Baxter on his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/watty.baxter and send him a private message. The winner will be drawn at random and will receive a mini iPad 16g and a cuddly badger. Five runners up will also receive a furry badger each. The closing date for this competition is 1st April. You can follow Watty on http://twitter.com/wattybaxter
HOTaction SPRING 2013
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KNOWLEDGE BANK
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This page displays the latest printed and digital information to help you select the best high efficiency products and low carbon solutions when designing commercial heating projects. Available to you is an entire knowledge bank, just a click or telephone call away. So whatever your requirements, please telephone 0845 070 1055 to receive copies in the post or download from our websites – see below.
Baxi Commercial Division
Andrews Water Heaters
Potterton Commercial
Low /Zero Carbon Technology Guide
Product Guide
Commercial Boiler Guide
The UK’s most comprehensive range of Direct Fired Water Heaters
9.5kW to 550kW
The UK’s most comprehensive range of Commercial Boilers
The UK’s most comprehensive range of low energy solutions
27 to 4000kW Condensing Aluminium 30 to 300kW
Condensing Stainless Steel 50 to 160kW
Commercial Combination 100 and 150kW
Modular and Prefabricated Solutions 56 to 230kW
Condensing Oil 98 and 131kW floor standing
Heat Distribution Heating only and Heating & DHW
Heat Pumps Gas Absorption
Pressure Jet Commercial Boiler 27 to 4000kW
Atmospheric Cast Iron 50 to 348kW
Flue Heat Recovery 314 to 2800kW
Calorifier 250 to 3200 litres
Working towards a cleaner future
Working towards a cleaner future
!
BBS
High Efficiency Condensing Storage Water Heaters
Biomass Wood Pellet Boiler Range 130 – 1500kW Biomass Wood Chip Boiler Range 1500 – 2000kW
Working towards a cleaner future
Working towards a cleaner future
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ECOflo
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Legislation Guide
heating specialists
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NE Baxi Commercial Division
Working towards a cleaner future
Working towards a cleaner future
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iHE High Efficiency Commercial Condensing Combi Boiler 100kW & 150kW
heating specialists
CPD Courses Available from Baxi Commercial Division: • Andrews Water Heaters: Condensing Water Heating Solutions • Andrews Water Heaters Solar: Integration of Solar Thermal with Direct-Fired Condensing Water Heaters • Dachs Seminar: Mini-CHP... Microgeneration that really works! • Heat Pump Presentation: Heat Pump Concepts
• Marriage of Technologies – Technology combinations including: Solar Thermal, Air Source Heat Pumps and Combined Heat and Power (CHP). • Potterton Commercial: Modular and Condensing Boiler Systems • An Introduction to BIM for Building Services: Concept, Benefits and Manufacturer’s Libraries • Commercial Biomass
Working towards a cleaner future
heating specialists
E: potterton.commercial@baxicommercialdivision.com www.pottertoncommercial.co.uk
For more information: Telephone 0845 070 1055 or email: hotaction@baxicommercialdivision.com
E: baxi-senertec@baxicommercialdivision.com www.baxi-senertec.co.uk
E: andrews@baxicommercialdivision.com www.andrewswaterheaters.co.uk
Baxi Commercial Division, Wood Lane, Erdington, Birmingham B24 9QP Tel: 0845 070 1055 • Fax: 0845 070 1059 • Sales: 0845 070 1056 • Technical: 0845 070 1057 • Service: 0845 070 1058
The new BBS The Biomass Boiler System from Potterton Commercial.
Pellet and chip variants up to 2 MW output
Technology for a renewable future. Scan this QR code for details of the Potterton BBS
www.pottertoncommercial.co.uk
Baxi Commercial Division
0845 070 1055