Smart Electrician | Issue THREE 2016

Smart Electrician

Smart Electrician magazine | 2016 ISSUE 03

The Internet of Things for Electricians

Helping electrical contractors to benefit from the energy efficiency issue

Sustainable

energy & the latest state of the technologies

Smart homes are a key element of the

electricity industry

Solar PV systems & how to install them

10

new trends that will impact green buildings

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All things ‘green’… and there’s money to be made!

Leading climate scientists have only just warned that our world is dangerously near exceeding the 1.5oC upper limit for global warming, a mere eight months after this target was established at the Paris climate summit. The negotiations, deemed highly successful at the time, went further than the previously held 2oC limit beyond which climate change would start to become catastrophic – and possibly irreversible.

Smart Electrician The Internet of Things for Electricians

The reasons are clear – the world is simply not de-carbonising fast enough.

At Smart Electrician, we have a mandate to look at all things high-tech electrotechnical, including – of course – the burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT) sector. However, we also include the latest sustainable technologies, not least because we all (presumably) want to save our world, but also because there’s money to be made in saving energy and installing the systems.

Helping electrical contractors to benefit from the energy efficiency issue

Sustainable

energy & the latest state of the technologies

Smart homes are a key element of the

electricity industry

Solar PV systems & how to install them

10

new trends that will impact green buildings

So, we come to this issue, which a cursory glance at page 7 will show is largely devoted to sustainable homes and buildings (which are also smart) and improving energy efficiency using the latest ‘green’ technologies.

But first, back to that pesky 1.5oC limit, already so close to being exceeded. To avoid global warming catastrophe, the world will have to decarbonise at some speed, to the extent that the world must have no coal-fired power stations at all by 2025. That’s not all – by 2030 the internal combustion engine will need to be finished, whatever the Jeremy Clarksons of this world think. Even these measures will apparently not guarantee a rise of no more than 1.5oC, yet the task is enormous – especially as while the IoT can help save lots of energy, the billions of electronic devices of which it is comprised also use increasing amounts of electrical energy.

Still, all this means that increasingly clever use of the IoT in smart homes, buildings, grids and sustainable devolved power generation will also be critical in keeping to the 1.5oC limit. And for smart electricians all of this means extra work, and lots of it for many years. Better get smarter still….and fast…

So, in this issue of Smart Electrician, we bring you a veritable smorgasbord of latest ‘green’ trends and technologies – the renewables and electricity markets, the benefits for smart electricians, sustainable energy and smart controls, smart homes and grids, solar PV power generation (and how to install it), energy saving electrical protection and ventilation efficiency.

That’s not all, as we also cover a method of sending electrical energy over data lines to drive small machines and devices. This, Power over Ethernet (PoE), has been around for years in industry, but to date even many smart electricians are not fully aware of it - so take a look…. ….have fun!

If you are not a member of the Voltimum community sign up for free today at www.voltimum.co.uk PRINT & DISTRIBUTION Voltimum UK & Ireland Ltd e: enquiries@voltimum.co.uk t: 020 7751 3900

SALES & ADVERTISING Amy Latchana e: amy.latchana@voltimum.com t: 020 7751 3902

DESIGN, EDITORIAL & NEWS Soraia Antunes e: soraia.antunes@voltimum.com t: 020 7751 3906

CONTENTS

7

12

14

Sustainable energy and the latest state of the technologies

Ten new trends that will affect green buildings

Future ambitions, future markets

‘Green’ technologies and sustainable homes are crucial n the fight to reduce CO2 emissions to atmosphere, save energy, save money and provide real business opportunities.

These 10 trends distill SE’s thinking about many issues over the past year and forecasts what will shape the sustainable development agenda in the next year.

The renewable energy industry has had a turbulent 12 months. Too many initiatives have either been cancelled or simply have collapsed. One ray of sunshine is the commercial sector and solar PV.

16

20

22

Helping electrical contractors to benefit from the energy efficiency issue

PIR controls in commercial lighting applications

PEC boosted grid must cope with ten million solar homes

As more organisations switch onto the benefits of energy saving and face the pressure to comply, Schneider Electric discusses the options.

PIR controls are becoming the norm.

However, areas where luminaires are controlled by a wall switch are greatly outnumbered by those incorporating something a bit more involved.

Companies are participating in the government’s £9.5m initiative to modernise the UK’s energy infrastructure so that it will be able to accommodate millions of homes.

25

29

30

Solar PV systems and how to install them

Why have two types of wiring to operate a network device?

Smart homes are a key element of the electricity industry

The greatly increased use solar PV panels has been a great success over recent years, Smart Electrician takes a look at the associated installation equipment and techniques.

This seemingly trivial question is creating a promising debate and laying the foundation of an industry with interesting possibilities in the future, generically called PoE.

Smart Homes are integral components of smart grids, but result in rising electricity consumption.

Their successful integration must be facilitated with the help of installers.

32

35

36

New buildings containing green technology - RCD specification

Smart efficiency

IEA study calls for electricity market reinvention

Ventilation has been raising the bar on efficiency, but now it is smarter too with a host of clever features that benefit installers and households alike. Vent-Axia’s Product Marketing Manager Ian Mitchell, explains.

Electricity markets are currently undergoing a vast transformation. To ensure electricity sustainability, a new International Energy Agency report prescribes reinvention.

38

40

42

Buildings for better spaces

The future of multi-room audio room

ABB recently launched its new building portal featuring its full range of innovative building technologies that offer customers sustainable solutions and modern design.

Multi-room audio has become a ‘must have’ – rather than a ‘would like’ – feature for many clients. Gary Lewis, CEDIA member company, Cornflake, looks at challenges and opportunities.

Savant and Voltimum take center stage at Smart Building 2016

Domestic, commercial and public buildings designed to meet the latest energy standards can contain a range of energy saving devices and technology, Doepke lists them all.

The UK’s only dedicated event to integrated building technology, Smart Buildings is back and is set to be more electrifying than ever.

tHe lAtEsT StAt E

O f aNd t H e

SuS t

n E E r

G E y l B a

N iA

t

gIeS OlO Hn Ec

‘Green’ technologies and sustainable homes are crucial elements in the fight to reduce CO2 emissions to atmosphere and save energy. Such technologies can also save money – lots of it – and provide real business opportunities for electrical contractors and installers.

One definition of sustainability is ‘a sustainable

heat pumps, microCHP, wind turbines and fuel

future in which a healthy environment, economic

cell systems.

prosperity

and

social

justice

are

pursued

simultaneously to ensure the wellbeing and

In this article, therefore, we don’t include in any

quality of life of present and future generations.

detail, technologies that are not ‘sustainable’

Education is crucial to attaining that future’.

in the true sense of the definitions, but which can be used to save large amounts of energy

7

Smart Electrician

In practical terms, sustainability technology

and reduce CO2 emission. Such very important

means sustainable equipment and products that

‘low carbon’ technologies include whole house

can be fitted and commissioned by electrical

ventilation

contractors and installers into existing buildings

energy saving motors, low energy lighting (e.g.

or

and

LEDs, CFLs and others with modern controlgear

related environs. So, in terms of true sustainable

and presence detection) and advanced electric

technologies, we mean solar PV, solar thermal,

heating systems that provide heat efficiently ►

into

modern

ISSUE 02 | 2016

sustainable

buildings

systems,

fans

having

advanced

2016 | ISSUE 03

Smart Electrician

7

only when and where it is needed.

guidance - Energy labeling for water heating, the ErP Directive’ (Energy-

Smart

home

technologies

are

also

related Products) regarding fans and

becoming increasingly important. Aside

heaters,

from providing added comfort and

Procedures (SAPs).

and

Standard

Assessment

convenience, smart home systems can also provide highly significant energy

Ignoring modern lighting, ventilation and

savings. Finally, the crucial importance

smart home systems, which although

of excellent thermal insulation should not

adding greatly to energy saving, are not

be forgotten.

strictly ‘sustainable’, the technologies are as follows (in no particular order):

There’s a message to get across…

Solar PV systems range from small, rooftopmounted or buildingintegrated types with capacities from a few kW to several tens of kilowatts, to large utilityscale power stations of hundreds of megawatts.

Solar photovoltaic (solar PV) Such technologies can provide large costs savings to home and building

This

owners, as well as helping to reduce

comprises solar panels to absorb and

those all-important carbon emissions

convert sunlight into electricity, a solar

into the atmosphere, and it is here that

inverter to change the electric current

electrical

installers

from DC to AC, as well as mounting,

can benefit. Looking at the crucial

cabling, an integrated battery and

issue of man-made climate change,

other electrical accessories to set up a

it has become clear that the best way

working system. It may also use a solar

to get the message across to many

tracking system to improve the overall

people is not to bang on about how

performance.

contractors

and

highly

successful

technology

they are contributing to global warming, rather, how they can save money by

Solar PV systems, for which prices

reducing their energy consumption. This

have declined rapidly, range from

approach is now starting to work and

small,

ever more savvy electrical contractors

integrated types with capacities from

and installers can see that they need

a few kW to several tens of kilowatts,

to get the message across, often

to large utility-scale power stations of

finding new business opportunities in the

hundreds of megawatts. Today, most

process. For example, they can advise

solar PV systems are grid-connected,

their customers on how to reduce their

while off-grid or stand-alone systems

energy consumption, which can add

only account for a small portion of

value to a contract.

the market. A rooftop system typically

rooftop-mounted

or

building-

recoups the invested energy for its Looking

buildings,

manufacturing and installation within a

heating

few years and produces about 95% net

and cooling is typically more than half

clean renewable energy over a 25 - 30-

the total energy consumption of the

year service lifetime.

the

at

non-residential

energy

consumed

for

building. The introduction of simple design concepts and currently available

Solar thermal

technologies, can lead to significant reductions in the energy consumption,

Leaving

aside

massive

and

highly

operating costs, and carbon emissions

efficient utility-sized molten-salt solar

of both new and existing buildings.

thermal plant, what we refer to here is the use of the sun’s rays for hot water

The UK Government still has big binding

heating. Sometimes known as solar

carbon reduction commitments it must

water heating (SWH), this sustainable

meet, so there are also regulatory

technology involves the conversion of

drivers

sunlight into renewable energy for water

for

developments

sustainable and

technology

take-up.

These

heating using a solar thermal collector.

include the Code for Sustainable Homes,

8

Smart Electrician

ISSUE 03 | 2016

similar for non-domestic buildings, and

In a close-coupled SWH system, the

Part L of the Building Regulations. Others

storage tank is horizontally mounted

include Building Regulations Part G -

immediately above the solar collectors

sanitary hot water and water heating

on the roof. No pumping is required as

the hot water naturally rises into the tank

can be wall-hung or floor standing. Both

by thermo-siphon flow.

small internal combustion engines and fuel cells can also be used to generate

In

a

pump-circulated

system,

the

the electricity. Installation is simple and

storage tank is ground- or floor-mounted

the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) applies, as it does

and is below the level of the collectors,

to solar PV.

so a circulating pump is used to move water or heat transfer fluid between the

There

tank and the collectors.

about microCHP, but development is

has

been

much

excitement

still needed and costs are relatively high SWH systems will provide warm or hot

– and as modern conventional boilers

water for most of the year, but in winter

are now so efficient, this technology

there may not always be enough solar

has been relatively little used so far. The

heat gain to deliver sufficient hot water.

larger miniCHP systems, however, have

At such times, a gas or electric booster is

been much more widely used in blocks

used to heat the water.

of flats, and as part of district heating schemes - especially in mainland Europe.

Heat pump Wind turbines This uses an electric motor to drive a refrigeration

cycle,

drawing

energy

This technology comprises a tower, with

from a source (usually the ground or

a two- or three-bladed turbine at the

external ambient air), and pumps it into

top driving a generator through up-

the space to be heated. Note that this

speed gearing. A transformer converts

is an essentially reversible process, so

the generated electricity into a form

heat pumps can also be used to cool

that can be used. The turbine blades

spaces. Although heat pumps will not

turn to face the wind automatically.

be suitable for every application, they are very energy efficient and are often

Very large wind turbines are a proven

labeled

some

technology increasingly used worldwide

say that this technology is strictly ‘low

‘sustainable’,

though

to provide ever-larger proportions of

carbon’ – it depends on the coefficient

sustainable electrical power to grids,

of performance (COP). The higher the

but smaller turbines – especially those

COP, the more ‘sustainable’ the heat

intended for domestic homes – are more

pump is.

problematic. The airflow to such turbines absolutely must not be interfered with

MicroCHP

by nearby buildings, other structures or trees. Furthermore, if roof-mounted,

This is a small (roughly domestic boiler

damage to roofs can occur in storms

sized) combined heat and power unit

etc.

that generates both heat and electricity from the same energy source. The main

Any excess electrical energy generated

output of a microCHP system is heat, with

can be sold to the grid, but a problem

some electricity generation, typically

with both wind turbines and solar PV is

at a ratio of about 6:1 for domestic

that they only generate optimally (or at

appliances.

all) when the conditions are right (lots of wind and sun). However, suitable energy

A typical domestic system will generate

storage units - such as special batteries

up to 1kW of electricity (or slightly more),

and other technologies - are being

but the amount of electricity generated

developed to overcome this difficultly.

The main output of a microCHP system is heat, with some electricity generation, typically at a ratio of about 6:1 for domestic appliances.

over a year depends on how long the system is able to run. Normally mains gas

Fuel cell

(or LPG) is burned to power a small and very quiet Stirling (hot air) engine that

This converts a fuel’s chemical energy

drives a small AC generator to provide

into electricity through a chemical

the electrical power. The waste heat is

reaction of positively charged hydrogen

fed back into the gas boiler. This makes

ions with oxygen or another oxidising

for a highly fuel-efficient system that

agent. Fuel cells are often likened to ►

2016 | ISSUE 03

Smart Electrician

9

batteries but are different in that they require

the disadvantages are that to separate

a continuous source of fuel and oxygen

the atoms of the hydrogen and oxygen

or air to sustain the chemical reaction,

and generate hydrogen fuel, fossil fuels

whereas

chemicals

are needed. This defeats the purpose of an

present react with each other to generate

alternative energy source at least partially.

electricity. Fuel cells can produce electricity

Also, while fuel cells are non-toxic, there is a

continuously for as long as these inputs

flammability (and even explosion) risk, and

are supplied. There are many types, but all

they are also expensive to make.

in

a

battery,

the

comprise anode, cathode, and electrolyte that allow positively charged hydrogen ions

The effect of the ‘Internet of Things’

(or protons) to move between the two sides of the fuel cell.

There is one technology, which while again is not sustainable in itself, is becoming so

As by-products, fuel cells produce water,

fast growing and important that it must

heat and only very small amounts of

be mentioned here. That is the Internet of

nitrogen oxides and other emissions. So they

Things (IoT).

are very clean, and the efficiency is also high, at around 40 – 60% (up to 85% efficient

The IoT is the network of physical objects

if waste heat is captured for use).

or ‘things’ embedded with electronics,

Fuel cells are very clean, and the efficiency is also high, at around 40 – 60% (up to 85% efficient if waste heat is captured for use).

software, sensors and connectivity to enable The fuel cell market is growing, and Pike

it to achieve greater value and service by

Research (via Wikipedia) has estimated

exchanging data with the manufacturer,

that the stationary fuel cell market will

operator and/or other connected devices.

reach 50GW by 2020. A big advantage is the technology’s use of hydrogen, which

The IoT will lead to automation in nearly

will never run out, but other advantages

all fields, including of course, heating,

include cleanliness, high power output and

ventilation, smart meters - and all things

they need little maintenance. However,

sustainable as well. ■

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10 NEW TRAEFNFEDCST THAT WILL

G N I D L I U B N E E R G

Most environmental resources do not, formally, have a recognised market price, however it is generally recognised that nature provides free goods and services that are important to our society, many of which are essential for our survival. This is the basis of so-called ‘green economy’. Going green has become very attractive as a business strategy, with the birth of many new terms such as green politics, sustainability, renewables, ecological footprints and many others, including the phrase, well known in our industry, of ‘green building’.

The term ‘green building’ was first coined in the 1970s

Exponential growth of the green commercial real

by architects and environmentalists.

It can also be

estate market: this will be seen in both the commercial

known as ‘green construction’ or ‘sustainable building’.

and corporate sectors and will be increasingly

In an environmental context, being green means being

replicated with government buildings, universities, non-

at peace with nature, not attacking her. Applied to

profit offices and schools under construction. Some of

architecture, a green building, then, is that designed, built

the reasons for this range from increasing numbers of

and maintained with minimum consumption of water and

institutional investors, changes in state and municipal

energy, giving priority to materials that do not pollute the

laws, commercial tenants’ demands, tax credits and

environment during their production and do not harm the

incentives, total operating costs and green building

health of users.

studies.

With the growth of the environmental movement, strict

Public and commercial buildings are responsible for

environmental legislation and foreign investors keen to

40% of global energy use, mainly driven by heating,

invest in high quality sustainable projects, environmental

cooling and lighting. Products from companies such

management has become more important than ever.

as Philips, including energy efficient LED lighting combined with smart controls, can save up to 70% in

There are two reasons why green building is becoming

lighting energy costs each year.

increasingly important for the industry: 1) green building technologies and resources are getting cheaper, thanks

Convergence

to technological advances, mass production and market

Systems and IT: energy efficiency measures in buildings

between

competition; and 2) whether fuelled by the green trend

are being more widely adopted. This will continue on a

or by a real need to reduce their footprint, people want

larger scale in corporate and commercial real estate,

to be more green. This is important because, as a recent

but this year the trend will incorporate government

UK Government document states, ’projects are generally

buildings,

more likely to succeed if they have broad public support

automation will be the cornerstone of these strategies,

and the consent of local communities.’

which aim to maximise the energy efficiency, safety,

education

and

Business

housing.

Management

The

role

of

and comfort of buildings, all using cloud-based The following list of ten trends distils Smart Electrician’s

services.

thinking about green building and many similar issues

12

over the past year and forecasts what will shape the

Operational transparency: the public availability

sustainable development agenda in the next year:

of all information concerning the performance of

Smart Electrician

ISSUE 03 | 2016

green buildings will be a trend driven by government

climate change continues to affect precipitation

programmes worldwide.

systems and water supply worldwide.

Design and operation of Zero Emissions (Net-Zero)

Administration in the cloud: green buildings will be

buildings: it is a fact that green buildings are the

designed and managed by increasingly innovative

foundation of the modern construction and lighting

information technology platforms based in the cloud.

industry. But in order to distinguish between projects,

Collecting the required materials to build a green

many owners and developers of buildings have now

project can be a challenge when availability in the

taken the next step: having buildings be completely

market is quite scarce, Cloud-based platforms will

self-sustainable by producing the energy they need

help everyone to manage and archive materials.

for their operation from renewable sources rather than

Many construction projects are being undertaken on

relying on fossil fuel.

a daily basis globally, and managing these can be an arduous task for those who are working in a cross-

Photovoltaic in

systems:

commercial

the

applications

use

of

solar

continues

to

energy

country team. This is where cloud computing can

grow.

help - connecting distant individuals, enabling a more

Considered a viable and cost-competitive energy

synchronised cooperation.

alternative to traditional fossil fuel energy sources, solar will continue growing - providing capital for rooftop

Electric vehicles: as of September 2015, there are over

solar systems in low-rise commercial buildings, parking

30 models of highway legal all-electric passenger cars

lots, warehouses and retail stores as well as in homes.

and utility vans available for retail sales, mainly in the United States, China, Japan, and Western European

Integration of Smart Cities: more and more buildings

countries. In the UK alone, plug-in cars increased from

will be connected to electricity grids bidirectionally,

3,500 in 2013 to more than 63,000 at the beginning of

creating an intelligent or ‘smart’ grid network. Both

June 2016. The automotive industry has made it clear

buildings and utilities can optimise their power

that electric vehicles are a reality, but there is no

management capabilities.

optimal infrastructure for them yet. Worldwide, more and more companies, governments and regulators

Retrofit in existing buildings: the focus of the green

work on comprehensive programmes to promote

building industry will no longer only be new buildings

sustainable mobility, such as charging stations.

and instead retrofitting, or technical renovation, will be used more in existing buildings. This is expected to

When it comes to sustainability and green building,

mark the beginning of a new era with lighting products

we’ve made important progress as an industry over

taking the main stage.

the last decade, but even more important is the work that lies ahead. Across the lighting and construction

Blue is the new green: better use of water, inspired by

sectors, we need to recognise the importance of

the increasing awareness of the global crisis in fresh

each trend and how to future proof to incorporate

water supply, which is expected to increase as global

these new trends as necessary. ■

2016 | ISSUE 03

Smart Electrician

13

Future ambitions, future markets The renewable energy industry has had a turbulent 12

Of course, take-up of these systems would be boosted

months. Too many initiatives have either been cancelled

further if the government could incentivise the use of

or simply not made, financial incentives have collapsed,

electrical energy storage, and if an R&D push results in

and the demand from domestic clients for renewable

big increases in battery performance. Storage is already

technology has fallen. One ray of sunshine is the

carried out on a large scale where large electricity

realisation in the commercial sector that solar PV can still

consumers have applied via an auction process to install

reduce electricity bills, particularly where there is high

energy saving measures that reduce power demand at

daytime energy use.

peak periods. Storage systems can achieve the same

thing by time-shifting energy requirements and could

Yet, as the UK’s energy infrastructure continues to struggle

make a major contribution to smoothing out energy

under increasing demand for more electricity, the rise

demand. The question is whether government has the

of energy storage might be a way of providing useful

funds to provide incentives for R&D and storage roll-out

energy to supplement new power stations or refurbishing

– or the willingness to deploy it.

existing ones, and giving a much needed ‘second boost’

to renewable electricity.

Funding aside, if the energy storage revolution is to

succeed, the right guidance needs to be available for

The clear benefit of energy storage is that it can make

installations – and at present, there are few standards

the most of the productivity peaks associated with

available. One, IEC 60364 -8-2, is being worked on at

renewable technology to generate and store energy

present, but is unlikely to appear in the first edition of

for use at a time of high demand. This effectively means

the 18th Edition of BS7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations). In

that sunny and windy days become times to harness and

the short term, a Code of Practice on the Installation of

store the energy generated by PV and wind turbines,

Storage systems is being developed and it is hoped that

which could then be used at times of peak demand.

this will be available by the end of this year.

This approach could give a much-needed lease of life

Clearly, the potential is there for energy storage to deliver

to small scale domestic PV systems and their commercial

real benefits to end users, the renewable energy industry,

counterparts. It may lead to existing users wishing to

the UK’s energy infrastructure and the UK’s carbon

extend their renewables capacity, and to more domestic

footprint. What it needs now is the government’s backing

and commercial customers benefitting from renewable

- and its willingness to work with industry to turn massive

technology – particularly if they realise the potential for a

potential into speedy reality. ■

significant return on investment.

by Bill Wright Head of Energy Solutions at the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA)

14

Smart Electrician

ISSUE 03 | 2016

Kevin Snowdon, Managing Director, NES Electrical

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HELPING ELECTRICAL

CONTRACTORS TO BENEFIT FROM THE

ENERGY

EFFICIENCY

ISSUE

16

Smart Electrician

ISSUE 03 | 2016

As more organisations switch onto the benefits of energy saving and face the pressure to comply with mounting legislation, increased emphasis is being placed on energy efficient products and solutions. Schneider Electric discusses the options available and how contractors can play a helping hand: In today’s society, commercial organisations cannot

Some of the monitoring technologies are now

escape the fact that saving energy has to be a

recognised by the Government led Enhanced Capital

priority. Not only does this align with the Government’s

Allowance Scheme. For example, Schneider Electric’s

drive towards lower carbon emissions, but companies

PowerView software can read up to a considerable

are understandably looking for ways to save money

distance and allows data to be read on the user’s

and reducing energy usage can achieve this.

computer. This enables businesses to offset the cost of

Electrical contractors have a role to play, not just in

energy efficient products and technologies against

the installation of technologies, but by understanding

their tax bill, provided they use right equipment.

legislation that affects their customers, they can also add value in the specification process.

Energy management and automation

When it comes to achieving greater energy efficiency

The second step in an energy management strategy

within an organisation, the way to manage and

is to fix the basics. This begins with organisations

improve energy usage can be broken into four simple

encouraging simple behavioural changes within

steps; measure, fix the basics, automate, and monitor

the business, like switching off lights or IT equipment

and improve.

when not required, which will make significant savings. In addition, contractors should highlight the

Energy audits and metering essential

importance of considering the power consumption of different technologies and installations such as circuit

Before reducing costs, a business needs to know

breakers, contactors and low loss transformers, which

what it spends. By measuring energy usage through

work efficiently and will help reduce energy costs.

metering, energy audits and simple bill analysis, it is possible to monitor the consumption of installations,

The third step, automation, avoids the business of

areas and different systems, such as heating and

having to rely on uncertain human actions and

lighting, to identify where savings can be made.

ensures energy savings while providing increased comfort and safety. Today’s automated solutions

In a bid to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions, Part

include ranges such as Schneider Electric’s Control

L2 of the Building Regulations demands new builds,

and Command.

major refurbishments and any other commercial premises to account for the usage of 90% of each fuel

Energy efficiency gains based on lighting can

type, meaning that metering should be fitted. Today

tangibly be achieved even before entering the

there is an array of measuring technologies available

building itself. By integrating a voltage regulation

to help organisations keep track of their energy

system to operate external parking areas for office

consumptions. These range from individual metering

blocks or loading bays in industrial premises, a 20 to

and monitoring devices, to products where metering

30% energy reduction can be achieved. Systems

is integrated into another technology commonly

such as Schneider Electric’s Lubio work by reducing

found in an electrical circuit, such as a distribution

the operating voltage to the light fitting. The system

board or circuit breaker.

allows the operating voltage of the lighting to be ►

2016 | ISSUE 03

Smart Electrician

17

adjusted so that the optimum light level is provided

and therefore money. It is important to recognise

at the same time as achieving maximum energy

the benefits of command control components in

efficiency.

other areas as well as lighting. These controls can also be used to manage heating, ventilation and

Reducing the levels of electricity also results in the

air conditioning, leading to a complete building

longer life of consumables, such as lamps, and

management programme.

this can save significant amounts of money on the maintenance of commercial properties.

Power factor correction

For commercial buildings with standard working

Other changes that can be made include

hours, it would be worth using pre-set timing for

improving the power quality through solutions

switching lights on and off. Time delay switches

such as power factor correction (PFC), which gives

have been in operation for many years, used in

significant cost savings with an excellent return on

less frequented areas or those where entry and

investment. Power quality issues can seriously affect

egress is at different points. However, they have

a site’s power factor and its efficiency. Active

been revamped for today’s needs. Gone are the

Harmonic Filters (AHF) provide the simplest and most

pneumatic timers which slowly released before

effective means to mitigate harmonics, reduce

cutting the power to the light, now they are

process-related voltage fluctuations and improve

electronic and fully programmable to whatever

equipment operating life and system capacity.

time setting is required, for as little as two minutes or as much as two hours.

PFC also delivers substantial savings. The quantity of electric motors, induction heaters and fluorescent

Occupancy sensing

lighting

installed

in

buildings

has

increased,

reducing the power factor and the efficiency of the Occupancy sensing will detect the presence or

power supply. Using PFC lowers the current drawn

absence of people within the parameters of the

from the electricity supply, decreasing reactive

sensor and will turn lights on and off accordingly.

power charging, consumption and CO2 emissions,

This solution is most suited to areas of a building

and therefore creates a greater supply capacity

where occupancy is unpredictable, such as

through more efficient energy use.

meeting rooms and private offices. The use of these sensors, commonly known as presence detectors

The final step in the cycle is to monitor and improve.

or PIRs, in a private office, could save around 45%

By continuously analysing usage, businesses can

of its yearly energy usage. For spaces where use is

achieve

much more regulated and predictable, scheduled

supervision and monitoring, to help make further

lighting controls can be used to turn lights on and

improvements. Software solutions, such as a

off at set times.

comprehensive

cost

savings

building

through

maintenance,

management

system,

can monitor and analyse energy trends and Going beyond just switching lights on and off, a

consumption, which will help the company to

daylight harvesting control reduces power to the

strictly manage costs well into the future.

lights or turns them off completely, depending on the

18

level of natural light. Photosensors linked to dimmer

There is an extensive range of solutions and

devices will vary the lighting output and provide

services available to help contractors add value

an ideal solution for premises that have numerous

to the service they offer customers and spread

offices and meeting rooms with many windows, or

the message about how easy energy efficiency

even a modern, glass fronted building where the

can be. By implementing energy management

space isn’t always being used and the quality of

solutions, contractors can help businesses to save

natural light varies. This ensures that lighting is not

money, lower their carbon footprint and meet

used unnecessarily, consequently saving energy

legislative commitments. ■

Smart Electrician

ISSUE 03 | 2016

PIR controls in commercial lighting applications

By Paul Bellamy, Director at Flex Connectors

Anyone connected with the commercial lighting sector will be aware that the drive for increased energy efficiency has resulted in passive infra-red (PIR) controls becoming the norm. Whatever the type of installation, be it a school, hospital, office or retail outlet, areas where luminaires are controlled by a simple switch on the wall are greatly outnumbered by those incorporating something a bit more.. involved.

The absolute basics

resulting in greater efficiency and a swifter ROI as a result.

Choosing a product that will allow extra sensor heads to be

Occupancy control, where lights turn on automatically

easily added will increase the installer’s efficiency too.

as someone enters a space and off after it’s vacated, is the basic control premise and virtually everything else is a

The growth rate of lighting controls could be considered

variation or add-on of this simple principle. Absence control

snail paced when compared to that of LED during the last

differs slightly in that it requires the pulse of a momentary

couple of years. However, one aspect of LED lighting that

switch to turn lights on, but they’ll turn off automatically

should be given serious consideration is the in-rush current,

after the area’s vacated.

which is generally significantly higher than that associated with its fluorescent cousins. It’s sensible therefore to use

Absence will yield greater savings than basic occupancy

control devices with relays capable of handling this current.

because the user of the space can decide whether to

Unlike the previous point, insisting the control device

initiate the lights on; no pulse of the switch, no lights. Further

incorporates a high in-rush relay may not increase an LED’s

efficiencies can be squeezed out of both occupancy and

efficiency per se, but it will probably extend the life of the

absence methods with the addition of light level sensing.

control device. Efficiency comes in various guises.

This comes in two flavours, daylight dependency and daylight linking, and is employed in spaces with good levels

Not all DALI/DSI specific controls incorporate a relay, as

of natural daylight. Daylight dependency simply switches

the connected luminaires can be switched on/off and

the lights off once a target light level is surpassed, whereas

regulated up/down via the sensor’s digital output. This

daylight linking gradually lowers/raises the output of a

requires that the luminaire be permanently live and results in

luminaire to maintain a constant light level.

a small amount of current, commonly referred to as parasitic load, being drawn 24/7; imagine a TV left on standby.

Some things to consider

Selecting a DALI or DSI control device that incorporates a relay can allow a luminaire’s parasitic load, which

The temptation to use as few sensor heads as possible in

could accumulate to relatively significant levels in large

a space is common, but the further away from the head,

installations, to be negated. Additionally, such a device is

the greater the movement required to trigger it. A common

capable of controlling regulating and non-regulating loads

solution is to increase the timeout to maximum because

simultaneously.

‘Someone’s bound to make a big enough movement in 40

20

minutes, aren’t they?’ Granted, it’s a solution, but the wrong

The best way to achieve maximum efficiencies out of any

one. Imagine somebody walks into a room, automatically

electrical product, not just a luminaire, is to ensure it’s on only

turning on the lights as they do so, picks something up then

when required. As specifiers, installers and manufacturers,

leaves; all the lights are on for the next 39½ minutes. Isn’t this

we’re responsible for ensuring that the electricity bill payer

completely at odds with the reason for installing the controls

is given a system that does just that. Applying a few simple

in the first place? A better solution would be to install enough

thought processes at design and installation can result in

heads to ensure finer movements are picked up anywhere

our client getting a return on their investment sooner rather

in the space. This allows the timeout to be set appropriately,

than later. ■

Smart Electrician

ISSUE 03 | 2016

flex

connectors

Leaders in lighting connection & control Tracking = 277 flex7 modular lighting control system was designed with the installer and end user firmly in mind. Quick to install, easy to reconfigure, with no need for commissioning.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Simple plug-in connection.

No commissioning.

Save up to 70% on your building’s lighting bill.

Smallest sensor head of its type.

Protected extra low voltage.

Occupancy, absence, daylight linking/dimming.

High inrush relay.

Up to 6 heads per controller.

Integrated emergency test option.

Adjustable timeout period.

Eligible for Government ECA Scheme.

BIM Ready.

Save Time, Save Energy, Save Money www.flexconnectors.co.uk Tel: 020 8580 1066 info@flexconnectors.co.uk 2016 | ISSUE 02

Smart Electrician

21

Many companies in the electrical industry are participating in the government’s £9.5m initiative to modernise the UK’s energy infrastructure so that it will be able to accommodate millions of homes fitted with solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities. A new Government project is now underway with the aim of getting the UK’s electricity grid ready to efficiently accept the 10 million homes that are expected to have solar PV by 2020. This project, which is being funded by Innovate UK, will find new ways in which energy can be supplied and used to address the increasingly important issues of sustainability. In addition, it must supply security with affordability.

PEC boosted grid must cope 10 MILLION SOLAR HO

22

Smart Electrician

ISSUE 03 | 2016

e with OMES

This new programme - which is part of

electricity on the UK grid means that it will

a major government push to help the

have to become significantly ‘smarter’.

grid cope with two-way generation

Distribution network operators (DNOs) are

and involves several companies, such

facing significant challenges in modernising

as Schneider Electric, Western Power

existing infrastructures, and investing in

Distribution, Anvil Semiconductors, Turbo

smart technologies, to cope with this

Power Systems, Aston University and

transformation. This Government project is

Exception EMS - will improve the grid

just one way of addressing the issues.

energy infrastructure and is also expected to increase the use of EVs to over

Higher network voltage

six million by 2023.

One way of improving the capacity The numbers

of the UK’s existing residential energy

Estimates vary significantly, but there may

network voltage. This approach will allow

infrastructure is by increasing the local be as many as 1.2 million EVs on the road,

the grid to deliver different voltages

plus 350,000 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

simultaneously for varying requirements.

(PHEVs) on UK roads by 2020 – as long as the all-important charging infrastructure (or

The project, trialed on Western Power

a large part of it) is in place by then. Other

Distribution’s residential network, aims to

estimates are significantly lower, but it is

boost the capacity of an existing residential

clear that there will be far more EVs on the

energy network, at low cost, by installing

UK’s roads than now for carmakers to meet

high-performance power electronic

their increasingly onerous CO2

converters (PECs) into individual properties’

emissions targets.

meter-boxes, and there will also be a local

Looking at domestic solar PV installations,

400V. To keep costs low, these PECs will

sub-station converter for distributing at from almost zero, this technology has now

make innovative use of silicon carbide

been deployed on well over half a million

(SiC) switching devices made utilising Anvil

buildings, with total installed capacity in

Semiconductor’s SiC-on silicon technology.

2014 exceeding 4 GWp. SiC can sustain much higher voltages While the UK already has a legally binding

(almost 10 times) compared with silicon

EU obligation for 15% of its energy to come

but, to date, silicon carbide switches

from renewables by 2020, as the sector

have been prohibitively expensive to

drives the cost of solar PV down towards

manufacture. This project should, if

grid parity, there is the potential to install up

successful, obviate the problem.

to 20 GWp of solar PV early in the next decade.

From generation to use, power and electronic semiconductor devices are

Indeed, the Solar Trades Association

employed in the control, conversion

said as much new capacity was

and switching of electric power. Their

installed in the first three months

efficiency is key in reducing the power

of 2015 as in the whole of 2014 –

required by any system or product in a

though this included large-scale

host of applications including consumer

solar PV as well as domestic

electronics, LEDs, EVs and trains, industrial

and business. The government

motors, aircraft, ships, commercial premises

has said that there are now

and data centres.

650,000 solar installations in the UK, including 10 million

Other benefits include achieving efficient

panels on homes.

generation of power, particularly with

But whatever the actual

the increase in renewables such as solar

figures turn out to be

PV, wind and tidal - as well as delivering

by 2020, it is clear

efficient distribution, control and conversion

that the extra two-

of power from many sources

way demand for

via the ‘smart grid’. ■

2016 | ISSUE 03

Smart Electrician

23

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All this new technology means there are lots of new terms and concepts to learn. But don’t worry if you’re not completely up to speed – we’ve collated some of the most important

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Solar systems &

how to install them

Smart Electrician takes a look at

installation equipment & techniques

The greatly increased use solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels has been a great success in the UK over recent years, and even though this is now threatened by the present Government’s big cut-backs, the technology still represents business opportunities for enterprising electrical installers.

Solar PV panels can be ground-, roof-, or-mast

cells adding up (and sometimes many panels too) the

mounted, but the angle, direction and being

danger is there - so, a safety reminder: solar PV panels

unobstructed are crucially important, as is the choice

produce electricity all the time they are exposed to

of associated installation equipment. This article looks

light, so working with them can be hazardous.

at these issues and the equipment itself.

Also, remember that solar PV modules are designed Note, firstly, that solar PV and wind power can be

to have working lives of typically 25 to 30 years, so

combined to form a hybrid system, though installation

some components will have to work reliably outdoors

will be a little more complex. Whichever type is

for this period, unaffected by extremes of weather -

selected, it has to be carefully fitted out with suitable

and even attacks by rodents.

electrical and other equipment to function optimally.

What is required?

What’s in a solar PV kit?

Secondly, it might be thought that solar PV is safe,

Typically, a domestic solar PV kit for smaller homes

low-voltage equipment. However, with many solar

includes 0.5 -1kW solar modules, suitable ►

2016 | ISSUE 03

Smart Electrician

25

controlled tracking systems can provide up to 40% more efficiency than fixed solar layouts.

mounting frames for roof or ground, DC

and they work, but how to handle the

circuit breaker, a 45A solar regulator,

resulting power? A suitable inverter must

pre-wired control cabinet with charge

be fitted. This converts the PV array’s DC

controller, a 1500W pure sine wave

output to AC, which is essential for ‘off-

inverter, a 700Ah 12VDC battery bank,

grid’ applications with power supplied

plus all cables, connectors and mast

from charged-up batteries. If the system

clips etc.

is ‘grid-tied’, it can export any excess electricity into the grid. At night, power is

The kits for larger homes and other

imported back.

buildings are broadly similar, but require larger powers. Other domestic solar PV

Anti-islanding

safety

circuits

and

equipment can include special cabinets

interface protection integral with the

for network feed-ins, and active switches

latest solar PV inverters ensure that

for communication and monitoring.

power is only produced when the unit is connected to the grid, which is active

Mounting solar PV panels

and operating within national standards.

As stated, solar PV panels can be

Miniaturisation is important in homes, as

ground, roof- or mast-mounted, though

the inverters are usually installed indoors.

for most homes, roof mounted systems

Mini string inverters for domestic use are

are the commonest type. However,

available from various companies.

there are simplified types available that can be placed almost anywhere using

Inverter-chargers combine inverter and

fold out legs. In the UK, solar PV arrays

battery charger in one unit, and can act

should ideally be south facing, angled at

as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

30 degrees.

Pulse width modulation (PWM) controllers in 12, 24 or 48V (to 4kW) ratings provide

In terms of the fittings, the solar PV

reliable solar battery charging and load

modules have rigid shells that can be

control, or can divert excess power to a

bolted or clamped to roofs using roof

dump load.

anchors. Roof mounting frames are provided by various – usually specialist -

companies.

However,

to

Connection and cabling

obtain

optimum solar performance, the time

Solar PV panels (modules) are usually

solar arrays face the available sun must

supplied factory pre-wired for easy

be maximised using solar trackers. This,

connection.

of course, adds to cost and complexity,

electricity to consumer unit/meter, are

so calculations have to be made of

sometimes supplied with reverse feed

performance

blocking diode, plus suitable connectors.

improvement

against

extra cost to decide viability.

They

should

Cables,

be

for

double

delivering

insulated,

weatherproof and rodent-proof.

Bear in mind that controlled tracking systems can provide up to 40% more

Cable types range from photovoltaic

efficiency than fixed solar layouts. A

LV cables for linking PV panels to

good modern solar tracker may typically

copper / aluminum cables carrying

use dual-axis active tracking systems for

energy from array boxes to inverters, to

free-standing solar PV applications.

special halogen-free cables for secure rooftop installations, silicone cables for

Power conversion

cold environments, and earth cables to guard against short-circuits. Copper

You have fitted the solar PV panels,

26

Smart Electrician

ISSUE 03 | 2016

and fibre-optic cables can be provided

for surveillance and control and include

can also be used for protection.

sensor and bus cables (for tracking systems).

Batteries, charging and regulation

When installing cable, it should be laid

Batteries are used to store the solar PV

in parallel with looping avoided (except

generated electricity until needed for

where entering a building), and should

use. Modern batteries provide long life for

always follow the shortest possible route

solar energy storage, and maintenance-

to array combiner boxes - various firms

free sealed lead acid batteries are

manufacture combiner boxes for solar

probably best for the application. A

power installations.

good example is provided by carbonfibre gel solar batteries, some of which

For

parallel

connections,

branch

connectors will be required. All outdoor

have

a

seven-year

unconditional

warranty.

connectors should have a suitable IP rating for long-term exterior use. Always

However, keep an eye open for the

check for polarity, and that the sum of

latest battery chemistries, as ever more

the open circuit voltages of all solar PV

efficient ones are being developed all

modules in the string equals the string’s

the time. Battery monitors and isolators

open circuit voltage. All DC cable should

are a good idea.

be clearly identified. Important - don’t lay cables near lightning conductors.

A voltage regulator/charge controller keeps batteries charged and avoids

A waterproof junction box assembly

overcharging

will be required. The latest types may

damage. Such controllers vary from

contain bypass diode connections, a

simple

moisture protection filter and PV cable

versions. To choose a suitable one,

terminals. In installation, junction boxes

use the familiar amps = watts X volts

are designed to be simply placed on

equation, so that - for example - an 80W

to the base already fitted to the PV

solar PV array charging a 12V battery

module(s).

should be regulated using a 6.7A solar

types

or to

deep

discharge

sophisticated

PWM

regulator (80W/12V = 6.7A).

Cabinets and protection The FiT and smart meters PV array currents need to be isolated, protected

Cabinets

For householders wishing to export excess

fitted with fuses and switches may be

and

electrical power back to the grid, the

required. Larger cabinets located away

Feed-In Tariff (FiT) for micro-generation

from homes allow the utility concerned

electricity that used to be paid was

to isolate the network, either from a

41.3p /kWh / unit exported (less for

consumer

perspective.

larger systems), but the latest swingeing

These cabinets form a major node

Government cut of 64% - which means

between private and public networks

a headline domestic rate of 4.39p /kWh

and a security point for maintenance.

– are in addition to a cap on the tariff of

or

switched.

producer

£100 million up to 2018.

In terms of circuit protection, various manufacturers and suppliers provide

This all means that solar PV is not

comprehensive ranges, including DC

nearly so

switch-disconnectors from 20 - 63A, while

for homeowners. Even so, electrical

12 - 63A DC string circuit breakers protect

contactors and installers should be able

PV modules from fault currents. Fuses

to benefit, as the technology is not ►

attractive as it used to be

Copper and fibre-optic cables can be provided for surveillance and control and include sensor and bus cables (for tracking systems).

2016 | ISSUE 03

Smart Electrician

27

smart meters will be absolutely essential to enable electricity to be sold and fed back into electricity grids,

going away and it is needed to help

using radio telemeters (RTMs) – or the

meet the UK’s binding carbon emission

Internet (perhaps as part of the Internet

reduction targets. However, for micro-

of Things).

generation electricity to be successful, it is essential that the latest ‘smart meters’

Note that smart meters will be absolutely

be installed. These allow the monitoring

essential to enable electricity to be sold

of energy being consumed and fed-in to

and fed back into electricity grids, and

the grid.

for ‘smart grids’. In the future, for many applications, their use will be mandatory.

Smart units

meters

calculate

consumed,

plus

electricity

the

amount

Smart

meter

exported. This data is sent to the supplier

real-time

for

monitoring

include outage

through

notification, power quality monitoring and automated meter reading (AMR).

consumer unit, or wirelessly transmitted

Importantly, their use will speed micro-

to a receiver station up to 100m away

generation growth. ■

with

the

billing

power

homeowner’s

connection

and

technologies

sensors,

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Why have

two types

of wiring to operate

a network device?

In other words, why do you have to use a network

by decreasing the amount of cabling required

cable for data transmission and an electric

for the project and reduce the amount of man-

cable for power? This seemingly trivial question

hours required to install the devices. Removing

is creating a promising debate and laying

the need for even a single cable saves costs and

the foundation of an industry with interesting

maintenance. Moreover, PoE allows the ability to

possibilities for the future, generically called PoE

easily install devices that require power at any

(Power Over Ethernet), or inline power.

point in the network. For equipment that does not already have a power or data connection,

PoE describes any of several standardised or

PoE can be attractive when the power demand

ad-hoc systems which pass electrical power

is modest.

along with data on Ethernet cabling. This allows a single cable to provide both data connection

Another advantage lies in the fact that electric

and electrical power to devices such as wireless

power is supplied only to the devices when they

access points or IP cameras. Unlike standards

need it because they can be managed as

such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), which also

nodes of the network and powered on/off at

power devices over data cables, PoE allows

will - the equipment can be powered remotely.

long cable lengths. Power may be carried on

In other words, you can manage the power

the same conductors as the data, or it may be

supply unit by unit at the same point from where

carried on dedicated conductors in the same

the network is managed. Therefore, you can

cable.

make an intelligent power management system using the devices on the network. For example,

With the PoE standard, it is not necessary to use

you can set up a mechanism whereby, in the

expensive coaxial cables with recording devices

event of any possible failure in the power supply,

or security monitoring centres, such as those

individual devices can be disconnected rather

used with analogue video cameras, key-card

than disconnecting the entire network as a

and intercom systems. With a PoE network you

whole.

use only one cable leading to a centralised PoE switch. This switch uses a single cable back to the

The concept of PoE is only the beginning

recording device or security centre to transmit

of a major transformation, the scope and

the data to all connected devices.

ramifications of at this stage we can only guess at. We can imagine a network of billions of nodes

What are the advantages of this approach?

(any person, machine and instrument, including

First, it is sometimes easier to get a network

RFID tagged papers, for example, could be

cable to a particular point in a building than to

a node), and that such a network is versatile.

get an electrical cable. Consider the case of

Today we do it through a physical cable,

the surveillance cameras installed on a street or

although in the future, perhaps we do it through

in a building, or an IP phone. The ability to use

the air, perhaps using microwaves. The bits are

the same cable to power these and transmit

already sent wirelessly. Now if only the electrons

the data, will greatly reduce installation costs

could follow them. â–

2016 | ISSUE 03

Smart Electrician

29

In a smart home, many of the appliances will be networked together, allowing access and operation

through

an

EMS

(Environmental

Management System). An EMS provides the ability to turn on the heater or air conditioner from work or keep track of the energy use of specific appliances or equipment - for example, tracking the energy use of the pool pump, or seeing how much energy is saved by using the new dishwasher.

The residences connected by smart grids are, in fact, the final component of the network itself.

The way energy is consumed, generated and stored (or re-injected in the network) by the endconsumer influences the management of the network. This is a crucial factor when considering the issues regarding sustainability and energy security, which society faces as this technology develops. So we ask: what are smart homes and what are their roles?

The concept of the smart home first emerged several decades ago and predates the smart grid.

The vision of the futuristic house was of a residence that supplied services to make life easier for its residents. Daily housekeeping was automated and a host of new devices was introduced. The incorporation of these new appliances, sensors and automation applications for various devices has

greatly

increased

residential

electricity

consumption.

Smart homes are a key element of the

electricity sector Most environmental resources do not, formally, have a recognised market price. However, it is generally recognised that nature provides free goods and services that are important to our society, many of which are essential for our survival. This is the basis of socalled ‘green economy’.

Electricity consumption has advanced rapidly in countries where homes already incorporate the use of many appliances and automated processes.

Added

to

this

phenomenon

of

modernisation is population aging, which causes people to spend more time at home (and for longer),

therefore

increasing

energy

usage

further. Having modernised and automated many daily actions, the residential sector now is a key factor in the global demand of electricity.

This is the greatest paradigm shift. While the demand of electricity has increased significantly, scholars of the energy sector defend it as smart homes promote greater efficiency in production and energy consumption as well as increasing comfort by automating various services. To enable this, equipment is built to allow monitoring and control. There is software that turns lights and appliances on and off automatically according to the schedule and habits of its occupants. By incorporating such systems, smart homes are no longer a source of increased energy demand

30

Smart Electrician

ISSUE 03 | 2016

and instead become a source of energy savings, making the most of locally generated sources and taking into account the specific times you need to consume electricity, avoiding consumption at peak hours at higher rates where possible.

However, maximising the benefits of the smart home is only possible if the house is well used.

It’s no use if the house has a passive ventilation system and an automatic thermostat if the occupants leave the windows open, or schedule the equipment to operate during peak hours.

Therefore, as well as investing in education so that people consume energy more efficiently, economic

rewards

and

penalties

NEW CATALOGUE OUT NOW

were

developed to help induce a change in the behaviour of companies and individuals, making them collaborate with the balance of the system. In the past, companies have been most heavily penalised in this way, however domestic customers will soon suffer in similar fashion, with suppliers hiking electricity prices by 99% at the peak time of between 4pm and 8pm.

Several pilot projects using residential tariffs that penalise consumption at peak times led to a reduction in demand of around 13 - 20%. When associated

with

modern

technologies,

the

reduction was between 27 and 44%. We can conclude that these techniques work in driving down usage, but it is important that specified peak periods are relatively short - up to four hours, for example - as this will facilitate the changing of consumption habits.

It is through good integration with intelligent networks that consumers will get the biggest benefits of houses of the future. Networks can help integrate power generation from new renewable sources produced in homes, as well as promoting the reduction of energy consumption at peak times.

Because smart homes are integral components of the smart grid, their good use is vital to circumvent the problems of sustainability and energy security, which companies face. Successful integration is facilitated with the help of installers, specifically your participation as an installer is critical to the success of integration.

It is the installer’s duty to inform the end-users how can they can maximise the use of their thermostat to avoid extra costs. If this doesn’t happen, as more and more end-users misuse their devices the demand for a professional induction will rise. ■

Full of user-friendly information, technical specifications and installation advice, it’s the industry’s most definitive guide, so make sure you choose the number one in cable management.

Call 0844 822 4959 or visit www.newcatalogue.co.uk to request your copy

Domestic, commercial and public buildings meeting the latest energy standards contain many energy saving devices and systems. However, many of these cannot be used with standard AC RCDs, which must be taken into account when designing the installation, to avoid fire and electrocution risk.

NEW Buildings containing

Green Technology specifying RCDs

RCD safety for smart homes

on to do so could mean the difference between life and death. Those involved in

The increasing use of energy saving products and technology in smart

Specification, Design and Installation have

homes has personal safety implications for UK home owners. Many

a duty of care under the Health & Safety

electricians still order and install Type AC RCDs, without any regard to the

at Work Act 1974. Installation companies

electrical characteristics of the equipment connected to the supply.

and the self employed should take note of the new sentencing guidelines issued by

Why does the load affect the RCD selection?

the Sentencing Council in February 2016, relating to breaches of H&S regulations.

Energy saving technology, such as LED lighting, induction hobs and washing machines rely on power electronics to alter and or chop the

Existing guidance relating to RCDs – is it

electrical supply, i.e. producing non-linear load characteristics. Type AC

clear enough?

RCDs can only be used with loads that generate sinusoidal leakage and residual currents (linear loads) see Fig 1. Inverters used in lighting control,

Health & Safety at Work Regulations and the

speed control and power supplies produce complex leakage and residual

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EWRs)

currents affecting the tripping characteristics of standard AC RCDs. This

reflect legal obligations as compared to

phenomenon associated with magnetic saturation of the trip circuit, is

non-statutory codes of practice such as the

commonly referred to as ‘RCD Blinding’.

Wiring Regulations (BS7671), which only give advice. This relationship is important when

The risks associated with incorrect RCD selection

making decisions relating to circuit design and the selection of RCDs for applications

RCDs are installed to provide ‘additional protection’ and or ‘fire protection’,

where

when a primary protection method fails. Ensuring they work when called

connected in circuit could affect the safety

the

nature

of

the

equipment

performance of the RCD. BS 7671 details minimum safety requirements, traditionally aimed at improving safety through

non-statutory

regulation

in

domestic and similar premises. This may not be sufficient in commercial and or industrial

Fig 1

32

Smart Electrician

ISSUE 03 | 2016

environments when considering the safety Equipment

Inverters¹ heat pumps HVAC etc.

Inverters heat pumps HVAC etc.

Lighting¹ control systems

Solar/ wind¹ generation

Electric vech.² (EVCP) mode 2&3³

RCCB

1ph.

3ph.

1ph.

1ph & 3ph.

1ph & 3ph.

fatal in all instances), just meeting the Wiring

Type A

yes

no

yes

yes

yes

Regulations may not prevent prosecution

Type AKV

no

no

yes

no

yes

Type F

yes

no

no

no

no

Type B

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

Type EV4

no

no

no

no

yes

of employees and customers. In the event of an employee or customer receiving an electric shock from a 230V supply (potentially

in the event of a breach of a Statutory Regulation. For example, BS7671 Regulation 331 Compatibility of Characteristics covers the

‘assessment

of

characteristics

of

equipment likely to have harmful effects upon other electrical equipment in the installation’.

There are some specific examples given in

Selection Notes

¹ Selection based on the equipment technology and installation ² Selection based on the Make and Model of the vehicle to be charged ³ Mode 4 requires Type B RCCB 4 EV applications only / similar to AKV + Trips if smooth DC fault current > 6mA

Table 1: Heat pumps use inverter based speed control

BS7671 (see Part 7) where type AC RCDs are not suitable, but this does not cover all the possible applications. An obvious example

Residual / leakage current components RCCB Type

AC 50Hz

VSDs/ inverters into a circuit which has type

AC

yes

AC or type A RCD protection upstream.

A

yes

Although it is not specifically stated in

AKV

yes

yes

BS7671, we all know it is not safe to use three

F

yes

no

phase VSDs with anything other than type B

B

yes

yes

yes

EV

yes

yes

< 6mA²

would be the connection of three-phase

RCDs. However, there are many applications where it is not so obvious and 331 is there as ‘catch all clause’. When installing any new equipment, either fixed, portable ►

Transient resistant

Smooth DC

AC >50Hz<kHz

3kA 8/20μS Current wave

no

no

no

no

yes

< 6mA

no

no

< 6mA

no

yes

< 10mA

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

AC 50Hz pulse

1

¹ Type B RCCBs detect DC residual currents and trip if the smooth DC current exceeds 30-40mA for 30 Type A, AKV and F will function safely with smooth DC residual currents present up to the levels indicated, but they do not detect smooth DC. Therefore they must not be installed upstream of Type B RCCBs ² Type EV RCCBs trip if the smooth DC current > 6mA i.e. Must only be used for protecting a single EVCP

Table 2: General summary of RCCB limits of operation - refer to manufacture for full data

2016 | ISSUE 03

Smart Electrician

33

or transportable, where RDC protection forms part of the

more complex the design of RCCB required to detect those

‘Risk Reduction Measures’, the risk assessment must include

currents.

a review of the existing installation and proposed RCD protection to ensure it is appropriate.

Operational leakage currents for nonlinear loads can be significantly higher than conventional equipment, and must

Equipment requiring special types of RCD (RCCB) - Table 1

be taken into account when designing the installation.

RCCB tripping current (sensitivity) must be selected based

Table 1 gives some generic examples based on the installed

on the operational leakage currents, and the load circuits’

technology used and the associated RCCB. Equipment

sub-divided if necessary to prevent unwanted tripping, i.e.

manufactures’ installation instructions must be checked with

leakage currents must be added together for each item of

regard to advice relating to the minimum sensitivity and the

equipment connected to the RCCB – see Regulation 531.2.4

type of RCD that can be used safely with their equipment.

If the manufacture does not give any installation advice

For more detailed information on specific applications

relating to the connection of its equipment to an RCD

relating to RCCB selection, please refer to Doepke’s Web

protected circuit, don’t assume it is safe to connect to any

site – Technical Articles and the company’s RCCB hand book

old RCD!

(www.doepke.co.uk). ■

RCCB checklist/ general limits of operation - Table 2

By Chaz Andrews, technical manager, Doepke UK Ltd

Understanding the different types of RCCB and the characteristics that may be specified by equipment manufacturers, reduces the risk of installing inappropriate and unsafe protection. In addition, it also helps during risk assessment for existing installations to identify potential dangerous situations and installations. RCCBs are designed and calibrated to operate in the presence of specific types of residual current, basically the greater the complexity of the residual current flowing under fault conditions, the

SMARTEFFICIENCY

Ventilation has been raising the bar on efficiency, but now it is smarter too with a host of clever features that benefit installers and households alike. Ian Mitchell, Product Marketing Manager - New Build Residential at Vent-Axia explains.

Efficiency is king. Manufacturers have been continuously

Households also benefit from the App, using it to boost

re-designing ventilation to be as efficient as possible. As a

the unit and view efficiencies, flow and temperatures,

result, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)

enabling occupiers to achieve healthy indoor air quality

has now reached incredibly high levels of heat recovery

(IAQ). Programmable controllers can schedule Advance

whilst specific fan powers are extremely low.

to boost when it’s very warm or avoid boosting, perhaps when a baby is sleeping. And with thermal comfort, a

Just a quick look at the Product Characteristics Database

significant issue in air-tight energy efficient new build

(PCDB), an online database that publishes independently

properties, Advance includes a fully automatic 100%

tested product data, shows this trend. Sophisticated

Summer Bypass, featuring an evening or overnight

computational fluid dynamics used in the design process

purge. This allows homeowners to choose when to take

have helped the latest MVHR units achieve the holy grail

advantage of cooler air during hot summer periods. It

of high efficiency and low sound levels. For example,

also offers filters up to F7, ensuring that even homes in

Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Advance is designed for New

heavily urbanised areas can filter out most impurities,

Build Residential applications and tops the PCDB list as

including damaging PM2.5 particles. A filter-check

the best performing MVHR unit in its class, with a specific

warning tells households via email or the App when filters

fan power down to 0.38W/l/s, 93% heat recovery and

need changing, therefore helping to maintain good IAQ

trickle settings of up to 40% staying below 20dBA.

and performance.

Control is the next step in efficiency

The next generation of MVHR therefore provides both energy efficient ventilation and pioneering control. By

So with such high levels of efficiency built into MVHR units

making ventilation smarter in this way, manufacturers

what’s next? As Pirelli once said “power is nothing without

have made ventilation that is simple to install, easy to

control”. Having achieved high levels of efficiency,

use and even more energy efficient thanks to the greater

ventilation companies are making their products smarter,

level of control. For electricians, MVHR units offering

with ever more sophisticated controls. One route is app

this new connectivity are a great fit in the smart-home

control, which has multiple benefits. It gives homeowners

market, whilst also offering simplified commissioning and

more control of their energy by allowing them to control

installation and a host of added value features that will

their ventilation and showing them their energy usage,

appeal to developers and homeowners alike. ■

which is key in reducing energy use.

Meanwhile,

app-controlled

commissioning

offers

simplified installation and improved performance, saving time and money. One example is when installers use a

£

vane anemometer to measure airflow, they can use a WiFi enabled App to control airflows during measurement, making it unnecessary to repeatedly return to the unit to adjust fan speeds. This simplifies and reduces installation time, ensuring accurate commissioning and efficient performance, so encouraging best practice.

The Advance is the first web-enabled UK-manufactured MVHR unit and is fully autonomous but provides interactive control via a free App or on-board screen. With a simple to use interface. Installers can pre-commission Advance through its USB functionality, saving time on developments with same specification builds.

2016 | ISSUE 03

Smart Electrician

35

36

Smart Electrician

ISSUE 03 | 2016

IEA study calls for electricity market reinvention To ensure electricity sustainability and supply security, a new International Energy Agency report prescribes a changed balance between regulation and competitive markets. The organisation believes that the global nations should use the latest technologies to achieve this as the world moves to low-carbon power generation.

Electricity markets around the world are currently

Modernised regulation

undergoing a vast transformation, in part because the drive towards low-carbon power generation

The report states that the market rules need to

is moving the sector towards high investment in

be modernised and better matched with low

renewables and other new technologies – such

carbon policies while still keeping the same

as smart grids. This is so despite the fact that

overall market architecture. It also states that

electricity supply demand is stagnating (and

what it calls a ‘robust’ carbon price is needed in

even declining) in many countries. So it is timely

the transition to a low carbon system. This will help

that the International Energy Agency (IEA) has

understand the values of the various existing, new

just released its latest study entitled ‘Re-powering

and future low carbon technologies.

Markets: Market design and regulation during the transition to low-carbon power systems’.

The IEA also suggests that regulation of electricity distribution be modernised to take into account

This report draws upon the IEA’s review of best

the potential of the massive energy storage

practices in electricity market design, principally

battery systems being developed (suitable for

in Europe, the US and Australia. It offers guidance

use with wind power in particular). It is also crucial

to governments, regulators, companies and

to take account of those increasing numbers

investors on how to transition to low-carbon

of consumers who also produce renewable

generation and achieve their COP21 pledges.

electricity and sell some of it back to power grids.

Essentially, the study says that countries should

Additionally covered in this report are the

reinvent the way they produce, trade and

opportunities

consume electricity to make the shift towards

through dynamic pricing and the pooling of

a low carbon system. Nations, the organisation

consumers through new technologies. Such

believes, should redesign their energy markets by

technologies

ensuring investment in low carbon technologies

charging – as well as their being used to supply

and energy efficiency, as well as guaranteeing

electricity back to the grid at certain times – and

security of supply. The essential need is for

others.

that

demand

include

response

electric

vehicle

offers

(EV)

efficient markets that can ‘unlock’ flexibility to deal with renewables’ variability, as well as cope

Cannot be compromised

with weather forecasting errors and network congestion. This is crucial, bearing in mind the

Commented Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director:

recent Paris COP21 target of 2oC maximum

“For a century, a centralised high-carbon power

atmospheric temperature rise agreed is a part

system kept the lights on. The price has been

of the global deal to reduce greenhouse-gas

the generation of over a third of global carbon

emissions. Exceeding this agreed ceiling will

emissions. Thus, to gain the full social and political

trigger the most dangerous disruptions to the

support required for decarbonisation, the level of

environment, say UN scientists.

supply security that society has come to expect cannot be compromised. “If regulatory regimes,

Meeting the agreed target will be very costly.

market design and system operation end up

The deal struck at COP21 requires an overhaul of

lagging behind technology deployment, the

historic proportions for energy policies worldwide

result may undermine electricity security and

and a huge investment in cleaning up the

ultimately, the low carbon transition itself,” he said.

pollution now damaging the Earth’s atmosphere.

Ultimately, the IEA believes, there is no definitive

The targets, involving 195 countries, will require

market design for the low-carbon energy systems

£11.7 trillion of spending on renewables and

of the future. However, governments and industry

efficiency through 2030, according to the IEA. Yet

around the world must adjust as new technologies

the world cannot afford to go on as it is.

prompt constant evolution. ■

2016 | ISSUE 03

Smart Electrician

37

Buildings for better space ABB recently launched its new building portal featuring

Space which features residential and home solutions.

the company’s full range of innovative building

And with Building Space, ABB offers building solutions

technologies that offer customers sustainable solutions

for commercial and industrial buildings including hotels,

and modern design.

hospitals or other public buildings such as universities or stadiums. With the new building portal, customers can

Recent technology advances, the rise of government

now more easily navigate ABB’s broad portfolio that

mandated energy tariffs and regulations as well as

offers building owners and their occupants’ the highest

higher utility costs, have put increased focus on cutting

standards in comfort, efficiency, security and simplicity.

building energy costs and reducing their environmental impact. Across the full portfolio of ABB, the company

Energy efficiency and comfort

has a range of solutions to meet the needs of building operators, facilities managers, systems integrators,

“With today’s technology advances, the building

developers and electrical installers – and even home

industry is embracing new opportunities to improve

owners.

energy efficiency and building occupants comfort,” added Phil. “We are seeing a trend in building

Cutting energy costs

automation where all the different types of electrical and

“Companies

are

increasingly

mechanical

components

and

systems

are

implementing

converging to provide an intelligent ‘Smart Building’

sustainability initiatives that also focus on energy

approach solution to building management and

efficiency in the buildings they operate,” says Philip

automation, especially with the advent of the Internet

Juneau, ABB’s Head of Global Strategic Alliances,

of Things (IoT).”

Building Automation, Low Voltage Products division.

“With buildings consuming about 40% of the world’s

Better Space Hotel

energy, ABB can help customers achieve 20 to 40% in potential energy savings.”

A special feature of the portal is the interactive ‘Better Space Hotel’ – a virtual hotel application that

Your Space

customers can use to easily locate ABB components from low voltage products to drives and motors to

The new portal focuses on two distinct segments. Living

38

Smart Electrician

ISSUE 03 02 | 2016

power products. ■

Future proof & easy to use home automation?

Certainly.

Free@home ® is the new easy to use home automation system. From lights and heating, to curtains and door communication. Free@home provides a quick and easy way to meet all your customer’s home automation needs.

Free@home® is also totally user-friendly - you’ll be ready to use the system after only half a day’s training (which is provided free!). For more information or to book a free training session please call 0333 999 9900 or visit www.abb.com/freeathome

ABB UK. Tel: 0333 999 9900 Fax: 0333 999 9901 E-Mail: LV.enquiries@gb.abb.com

THE FUTURE OF MULTI-ROOM AUDIO Gary Lewis, Director at UK home integration firm and CEDIA member company, Cornflake, looks at challenges and opportunities within today’s whole-home audio system sector.

Multi-room audio has become a ‘must have’ – rather

printer, mobile devices, and a multitude of teens/

than a ‘would like’ – feature for many clients. The

guests laptops and gaming equipment too.

first generation of internet babies is coming through

many routers supplied as standard by broadband

strongly now and building homes that are completely

suppliers often can’t handle that amount of traffic,

different to their parent’s generation. They expect

which causes complications with some wireless music

cinema-grade surround sound, and wireless access

systems. If the audio system is hardwired, with a

to their digital music and streaming services… and

wireless connection, it is much more stable.

But

they want it at any time, in every room, without any connection complications.

Usually, our clients are familiar with - and enjoy using a record player or a Hi-FI system, but now parts of that

The major challenge is that clients are often confused

system, such as the CD and/or the tuner, are required

about wireless technology. They fail to appreciate the

to be distributed throughout the house, often through

system doesn’t run on fresh air; or that the equipment

a multi-room system.

still needs power from somewhere. It’s an easy mistake given all the wireless hype, but once clients appreciate

Generally, people love instant online music services;

the pitfalls of trying to do everything wirelessly,

making life much easier for CI (custom installation)

especially with multiple, demanding wireless devices

installers as we can simply count all the music zones,

in their households, they quickly value the advantages

and scale projects accordingly. Multi-room systems

of wired systems.

used to have limitations of perhaps four zones, six zones or eight zones, which incorporated the amplification

40

Modern families might have one router with everything

of these zones. Now, the new multi-room solutions are

connected to it, including their TVs, PlayStations,

highly modular, and everything is addressed by IP,

Smart Electrician

ISSUE 03 02 | 2016

which is far quicker and simpler for the integrator.

New entrants to the CI market may be surprised to learn that installing multi room audio systems is not as lucrative as they might assume. The streaming services we all access are now well commoditised, and several multi-room systems are easily available through high street and online retailers, plus there are a growing number of DIY options.

It’s a familiar marketing cycle. As soon as a new technology goes main-stream, the distribution channels increase and specialist installers lose margins. This is just natural progression and, as ‘early adopters’, it’s important for installers to add value to our client’s lives by staying abreast of what’s coming next and offering professional advice to help them future-proof their investment. Good system design, qualified

installation

and

appropriately-chosen

speakers are all important elements of a professional whole home audio solution, with customers willing to pay for quality and expertise in these areas.

There have always been people who love high-end Hi-Fi. Many of the clients who pioneered multi-room audio – long before the quality was as great as it is today - are now on their second or third homes.

Advertise your product or service here

Testimony to the success of their early systems, these customers continue to want integrated audio in their new properties but are now demanding that it sounds far better and are willing to spend much more money on higher quality speakers to achieve their higher expectations. The top-end of the market will always be pushing for excellence, which is great for CI installers and for the mass market, as the new technology will inevitably trickle down the supply chain.

That’s why high resolution audio, distributed either wirelessly or wired, is the next big thing. But clients will, of course, need more robust broadband infrastructures able to support this better quality audio and 4K video. For instance, Netflix needs at least six megabits per device. As a comparison, hi-resolution music requires only about a sixth of that capacity and radio needs about an eighth.

If the client’s broadband infrastructure has the proper capacity, then the quality threshold will duly increase. Many CI installers will have to re-

TELEPHONE:

0207 751 3902 *

EMAIL:

amy.latchana@voltimum.com

focus their business models to provide a far greater premium experience for ever more sophisticated and discerning customers. That is what custom installation is all about and what makes it so exciting. ■

The products and services profiles on these pages are paid-for advertorials

SAVANT & VOLTIMUM TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT

SMART BUILDINGS 2016 The UK’s only dedicated event to integrated building

very excited to be working with Smart Buildings 2016, as part

technology, Smart Buildings 2016, is back for another year

of the wider UK Construction Week. The show will be of huge

and is set to be bigger and more electrifying than ever.

benefit to our users, who will be able to visit the show and get

Taking place on 18 – 20 October at the Birmingham NEC,

exclusive insights through Voltimum, and to our manufacturer

the show will once again form part of the unique and all

partners who will be showcasing the latest technologies at

encompassing line up at UK Construction Week.

the event.”

Showcasing

building

Nathan Garnett, Show Director at Media 10 commented:

technology, the event will cater for professionals across the

the

latest

innovations

in

smart

“We’re delighted to have attracted so many exciting and

full spectrum of the sector from home automation to climate

innovative companies to Smart Buildings 2016. This event will

control, lighting, access and security, workplace technology,

give attendees and exhibitors alike a real sense of how the

entertainment systems and the Internet of Things.

technologies that surround us are evolving. Registration is open for visitors now and we still have some space left for

As a recognised leader in the field of home control and

exhibitors so don’t miss out and get in touch soon to avoid

automation, Savant will exhibit its range of connected home

being disappointed.”

technology at Smart Buildings 2016 and launch its new Savant Pro app and Savant Remote. From adjusting lighting

Central to the 1,000 square metres plus of floor space will

to controlling entertainment, Savant aims to change the

be the Smart Buildings Hub. Playing host to pioneering

way we enjoy homes and create a more interconnected,

seminars, CPDs, debates and workshops, the Hub will also

responsive environment.

be an exemplar building structure exhibiting the latest smart products and technologies. With help from the ground-

As well as exhibiting, Voltimum, the leading portal for

breaking studio Wiki House, the Smart Buildings Hub will

the electrical industry, will provide support at this year’s

provide a glimpse into the future of offsite construction and

event. It will use Smart Buildings 2016 to promote intelligent

its facilitation with smart technology.

connected technologies that can be integrated into the

42

Internet of Things. Voltimum will focus on how the market

New for 2016, the show will also stage a dedicated Workplace

can be more prepared for the widespread adoption of the

Zone. This space allows companies like Framery, who cater

Internet of Things and other smart solutions. What’s more, as

specifically for the smart technology market in commercial

part of a broader educational programme it will host live

applications, to showcase products like connected furniture,

debates from some of its leading partners.

AV systems, conference technology and virtual workplaces.

Commenting on its collaboration with Smart Buildings 2016,

Get your free ticket at www.smartbuildingslive.co.uk and

Voltimum Managing Director, Eddie Embleton said: “We’re

follow @sbshowUK on Twitter. ■

Smart Electrician

ISSUE 03 | 2016

THE UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING EVENT DEDICATED TO INTEGRATED BUILDING TECHNOLOGY

18-20 OCTOBER | NEC

SEE VOLTIMUM ON STAND SB2/222

REGISTER NOW FOR YOUR FREE TICKET

smartbuildingslive.co.uk

9

SHOWS

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