LightCommercial Heating Responding to demand for low temperature systems

With a readily-available range of heat pumps, HIUs and aluminium radiators, Modutherm is in high demand for its package of low temperature heating solutions. PHAM News recently visited the Basildon-based family business to find out more about what the company has to offer.

As the UK commercial heating market continues to evolve in response to concerns about carbon emissions and the impact of fossil fuels on the environment, the most successful companies are going to be those that can combine the right product solutions with speedy delivery and reliable service.

Modutherm, which alongside sister company MHS Radiators makes up the Modular Heating Group, has enjoyed rapid growth since launching just three years ago. A major element in its success has been its ability to swiftly respond to customer requirements and a product offering that has been designed to provide its clients with the most cost-effective and energy efficient solution.

“One of the biggest issues that people face is making various different bits of new technology work well together,” explains commercial director Alex Bradley. “Heat pumps want to run at super low temperatures, but users still need hot water and good comfort levels. So what we’re trying to do is offer a packaged solution designed to fi nd a happy medium across all the components of a system.

“It’s almost impossible to have a situation where every bit of technology is performing at maximum efficiency levels, but there are ways to fi nd a satisfactory medium across all of the technologies, where the heat pump, HIUs and radiators are all working well together.”

Family ties

Alex represents the third generation within the family business, working alongside his father and MD Ian Bradley, who followed in the footsteps of Alex’s grandfather, John Bradley, who founded the Modular Heating Group in 1980.

Over the years, the business has thrived on strong, longlasting relationships with both suppliers and customers, establishing ties that have enabled the company to compete with bigger and more global brands.

“We’re passionate about what we do and the nature of the business is that we can make swift decisions and react quickly to the requirements of the market,” says Ian.

“We’re doing very well with commercial heat pumps at the moment because the market leaders are on 18 to 20 week lead times. There are not many projects that can afford to wait 20 weeks. By contrast, we can deliver our heat pumps in just two to three weeks.”

The company currently offers three models in the AW Monobloc commercial heat pump range: 30, 45 and 90kW. Up to 16 units can be used in a cascade system to produce a combined output of 1440kW. The company also offers a domestic range of heat pumps, from 6 to 19kW, but these are primarily designed to supplement the commercial range, such as for use in a school extension.

“The integration of heat pumps into commercial buildings is crucial if the UK is to meet the challenges of net zero,” says Ian. “It is fast becoming the primary choice for a variety of applications, from offices and schools, to hotels and hospitals.”

The heat pumps are just a part of a full product package that the company is looking to promote – with HIUs and aluminium radiators helping to make up a total low temperature system solution.

Material gains

Alex explains why aluminium radiators offer a number of benefits for any development that is seeking a low carbon solution: “They are better conductors of heat, so work best with low temperature systems. Another key thing about our radiators is that they are made from 100% recyclable aluminium and are therefore also 100% recyclable, which feeds into the net zero low embodied carbon message. When you’re building a block of flats, do you want to put in many tonnes of new steel radiators, or do you want to use a radiator that’s been made out of wheel alloys and coke cans – where the environmental impact is of course so much lower.”

Ian points out that structural engineers are starting to take an interest in what radiators are being used in a project: “If you imagine a 400 apartment development that’s got large steel panel radiators going in, and the size they would need to be to achieve those low temperatures, then the weight is going to be quite excessive.”

Plus points

Modutherm’s range of heat interface units are another key component of the company’s packaged solution.

Last year saw the launch of the MTA Plus HIU, featuring larger heat exchangers and specifically designed to work alongside heat pumps and low temperature heat networks. Boasting some of the best test results on the market, it is capable of delivering up to 75°C of hot water while keeping return temperatures down.

“We own the mould for the HIU which has proved to be a very good investment,” says

Alex. “It means we have been able to develop eight different models, but the frame size remains the same for each. They are designed for a quite simple ‘plug and play’ installation with easy access to all components.”

The composite backplate reduces mechanical water connections and any risk of internal leaks, while a userfriendly touch screen interface provides easy access to key settings and parameters.

Well travelled

With heat pumps manufactured in Sweden and Germany, aluminium radiators from Italy and the HIUs produced in France, the ability to source the best products for the UK market has long been a key factor in the success of the operation.

“When we do get involved with factories we take a very long-term strategy,” says Ian. “We don’t get into bed with factory suppliers lightly – we look at what the market needs over the next five years and beyond.”

Products may be sourced far and wide, but the business itself is very much focused on meeting the needs of its UK customers. While the company has supplied products for projects throughout the country, many of its biggest contracts are in London and the South East, close to its Basildon home.

“I think our location helps, says Alex. “One of the biggest developments that we are currently working on is just 20 miles away, which of course helps with distribution and service – if they want somebody to pop down to site, then it’s not an issue because we can get there in half an hour.”

So, while continuing to invest in the latest high-performance heating technology, it seems that Modutherm is not about to forget the importance of a personal and responsive customer support.

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