Fujitsu’s J-Series VRF system can serve eight indoor units from an outdoor unit with a cooling capacity of 15.2 kW. The outdoor units weigh just 97 kg and are only 900 mm high. They have a high-performance DC inverter. A newly designed larger fan and double casing bell-mouth construction reduce noise emissions.

The Sinamics G120P range of modular frequency inverters from Siemens Industry Automation & Drive Technologies is specifically designed for pumps, fans and compressors. They can also be used for closed-loop speed control of fans and circulating pumps for heating and cooling systems, for booster pumps and pumps for level control.

Hamworthy Heating Melbury HE range of steel boilers have outputs from 530 kW to 10 MW and are designed for very large projects such as district-heating schemes. These steel boilers have been designed for high energy efficiency and long service life. They can be specified for a variety of fuels, such as natural gas, propane, 28 and 32 sec oil, and liquid biofuels conforming to EN 14213. There is also a dual-fuel option.

HCP’s radiant heating service rafts can be fitted with up and down lighting with acoustic absorption pads or perforated panels to absorb reflected sound from the structural soffit. These service rafts are freely suspended below coffers, leaving large areas of the concrete soffit exposed, enabling free air movement to the structural slab for cooling using the thermal mass.

Trend’s Ethernet metering interface controller (EMIC) provides a cost-effective way of automatically channelling readings for multiple multiple-parameter electricity meters to a Trend building energy management system, where they can be displayed, analysed and then acted on to effect energy savings.

The KNX ETS (Engineering Tool Software) programming tool supports KNX installations and has been completely redesigned. It has many new functions, and the Beta version was present at the 2010 Light+Building Exhibition in Frankfurt. The new version makes it possible to implement KNX projects more easily and has a standardised open interface to enable data to be exchanged and integrated with other applications.

Fujitsu’s range of wall-mounted plasma air conditioners are designed for applications such as GP surgeries and dental practices. They incorporate the Plasma Clean filtration system, which removes dust and pollen spores down to 2 µm in size. The have high energy efficiency and the ability to heat and cool.

Adiabatic cooling has been added to Geoclima’s Turbomiser chillers to reduce energy consumption by a further 20%. By adding evaporative cooling to the face of the condenser coils, the ambient temperature in their vicinity is reduced by up to 8 K, dramatically improving energy performance. This cooling can be set to activate automatically at a predetermined external temperature.

The PowerLens technology used by Megaman in these directional lamps provides a higher luminous intensity to fulfil EuP requirements for directional lamps. Megaman CFL reflectors can achieve energy savings of up to 78%, making them effect eco replacements for rational halogen and incandescent lamps.

Low-surface-temperature radiators from MHS Radiators are available in four styles and hundreds of different sizes. They have been tested by BSRIA in accordance with BS EN442. The casing and grille temperatures are tested to comply with NHS guidance. They have a durable antibacterial polyester powder-coated finish (RAL 9010 warm white semi-gloss).

Needo electric radiators are claimed to heat up twice as quickly as other electric radiators and offer energy savings of up to 25%. A small quantity of liquid is boiled off and imparts its heat to the radiator surfaces as it condenses. This condensing process is said to achieve a very uniform temperature across the radiator surfaces.

Gripple has devised a adjustable clamp that can do the job of 11 differently sized traditional pipe rings. It can withstand temperatures from -40 to 110°C and support pipes for hot and cold water, heating and gas.

Passivent’s Sunscoop Hybrid lighting unit combines tubular rooflight technology with a low-energy luminaire. The daylight admitted by a Sunscoop is said to provide up to ‘eight times the amount of light of a single 60 W electric bulb’. [We make that about 870 lm - Ed.] When the built-in light sensor detects that the natural lighting has fallen below a predetermined level, a 26 W dimmable fluorescent lamp is switched on [around 1600 lm]. A PIR sensor turns the lamp off if the room is unoccupied.

The Alpha2 range of domestic circulating pumps from Grundfos Pumps has an A Energy Label and is described as the most advanced energy-efficient domestic circulator of its kind on the market. The reduction in power consumption has been achieved using permanent-magnet motor technology. Using pressure-controlled operation, power consumption can be reduced to as little as 5 W.

New features in the nes2010 building-services software include extensive functionality enhancements and an nesPlus module for healthcare facilities. This latest generation of nes, which is endorsed by CIBSE, also provides single-click access to LuckinsLive.com, a comprehensive source of building-services product and price information.

Advanced Air’s EPIC range of fan-coil units can achieve a specific fan power as low as 0.15 W/l/s, which is claimed to make them the most efficient in the European market. When installed into a building designed to meet or exceed the 2010 Building Regulations, the saving in carbon emissions can, in most cases, exceed 15% of the total carbon emissions of the whole building.

A version of Daikin’s Altherma system for apartment buildings and community heating can deliver flow temperatures of 80°C for heating and achieve DHW temperatures of up to 70°C. COPs are up to 3.5. Cooling is also an option, with leaving water temperatures down to 5°C. Outdoor units use R410A and offer heating outputs from 23 to 45 kW; they can be grouped for higher outputs.

Up to 25% lower energy consumption for a new range of water chillers compared to previous models is claimed by Ciat Ozonair. The Dynaciat Power range offers cooling capacities from 220 to 720 kW and heating from 250 to 800 kW.

Baxi’s Ecogen microCHP unit uses natural gas and can simultaneously produce 1 kW of electricity using a free-piston Stirling engine and 6 kW of heat. Heat output can be modulated down to 3 kW while still generating electricity, and a supplementary burner can deliver an additional 18 kW of heat.

Photo-voltaic roof tiles from Systems Photonics can be integrated into the design of a building without compromises on their efficiency. The PV elements are built on a 3 mm ceramic substrate that is available in 12 permanent colours, including slate grey and slate red. Complementary passive tiles are also available. The use of crystalline cells provides an efficiency equal to normal solar panels.

Thermo-Floor has developed a wiring centre for its underfloor heating and cooling systems. It is quick and easy to mount, program and control. It can even be installed wirelessly.

Becolsolar’s range of solar photovoltaic systems includes the cost-effective Solrif integrated 120 W solar PV panel and an 83 W panel. The system can be installed by Becosolar or can be designed, supplied and commissioned by the company and the modules installed by a roofing contractor.

An updated version of IES’s VE plug-in to Autodesk Revit Architecture and MEP enables users of Revit 2011 to easily export models into any of the IES Virtual Environment analysis tools for environmental building performance — VE-Ware, VE-Toolkits, VE-Gaia and VE-Pro. By removing the need to rebuild models, this plug-in greatly enhances design workflow and simulation accuracy — bringing comprehensive and integrated analysis options for all design stages to the building-information-modelling (BIM) process.

Glow-worm’s Ultracom2 range of boilers is SEDBUK A rated and available in a wide range of combi and system models. It is specially designed for ease of installation. A particular design feature is the design of the filling loop to enable filling without removing any parts.

KAC’s range of manual call points for fire-alarm systems includes units for a vast range of applications. The standard MCP indoor version can be installed in offices, hotels and public buildings. The IP67 WCP is for use in environments where water or dust are present. Intrinsically safe units are approved for use in areas with gas and dust hazards.

Teaching staff in schools can easily monitor and maintain ventilation levels and indoor air quality using Sontay’s GS-CO2 range of carbon-dioxide, temperature and humidity and monitoring devices. Offering full Building Schools for the Future, Building Bulletin 1 (BB1) compliance, the GS-CO2 sensor series combines ease of operation with real-time monitoring and the ability to swiftly adjust CO2 levels.

Saint-Gobain PAM has added a 150 mm-diameter range to its Ensign Eezi-Fit push-fit cast-iron drainage system. This system is now available in diameters of 100 and 150 mm. The 150 mm range consists of bends, branches and a coupling. An 88° large-radius bend has been added to the 100 mm range in response to customer demand.

Software specialist Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) has added bio-climatic analysis features to its VE-Gaia climate-assessment tools. Bio-climatic analysis uses an understanding of climate and environment to inform building-design strategy. Focused on low-energy and passive strategies, this tool uses a user-selected weather data file to derive an extensive set of design suggestions for urban layout and built form.

Samsung’s DMS2 data-management server enables building managers to remotely oversee installations of air-conditioning systems and virtually leave these systems to manage themselves. The system is designed to become a core element of the integrated management system for Samsung’s DVM Plus III (VRF) air heating and cooling installations.

Wilo has added seven more pumps to its high-efficiency Stratos range of commercial pumps for connections from DN25 to DN50. These high-efficiency pumps have a range of control options and interfaces to building-automation systems. They can also be used for smaller performance ranges up to a head of 4 m. This range extension provides for the easy replacement of old, uncontrolled pumps with high-efficiency pumps to achieve energy savings of up to 80%.

To enable foot-mounted IE2 motors to be mounted in fan casings and maintain high fan efficiency, Flakt has developed a new mounting configuration. Called Twist Wing, it will enable Flakt to replace traditional pad-mounted motors with IE2 motors as required by legislation coming into force in 2011.

Coolpower’s EMMA energy and micro-generator manager manages the output of grid-connected micro-generators such as solar PV, micro wind and hydro turbines to manage and match energy supply in homes and commercial buildings. According to Coolpower, half of the output from a micro-generator is exported to the grid because of the lack of a smart controller such as EMMA. The benefit is described as a quadrupling of the value of energy that would otherwise be exported — typically 50%.

Renewable energy from biomass (wood) and the Sun can both be exploited by a system developed by Rotex and Broseley. The wood-burning stove can be safely connected to a pressurised boiler system courtesy of a thermal valve calibrated at 97°C to flush a loop within the stove with cold water to prevent it overheating and reaching dangerous pressures.

Hager has extended its range of Type B distribution boards to include versions with twin-pan assemblies, with each pan having its own meter to measure lighting and power consumption separately. They have been developed in response to the requirements of Part L2 for more sub-metering and the 17th Edition of the Wiring Regulations for more outgoing ways, more RCBOs and/or RCD protection and more control devices.

EnviroVent offers a range of ventilation solutions incorporating silver-ion technology to provide protection against a wide range of bacteria, mould and fungi for the life of the product. The BioVent range incorporates BioCote silver-ion technology to provide this protection.

EnviroVent’s Silent MV range of inline duct fans is said to be up to 12 dB(A) quieter than similar products on the market. The noise is also at a far lower frequency. They can be used in a variety of commercial and domestic installations and are especially advantageous in systems that run for long periods.

Finder’s 7E Series of digital energy meters can accurately monitor and measure electricity consumption in HVAC, lighting and other environmental control equipment. These meters have a 7-digit LCD display of total and partial kWh consumed, instantaneous power, voltage and current.

The benefits to ductworkers’ health and safety offered by Lindab’s range of Smart Tools has been confirmed by a study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. Ductwork is one of the most injury-prone trades in the building-services industry, and Lindab set out to improve matters with a range of specially designed tools, such as the SR roller pictured.

Emmeti’s pressure reducer valve for water supply systems not only protects against pressure surges but also helps to reduce water consumption by up to 40%. These valves required minimal servicing due to an inline filter and have a simple access cover for quick servicing when required.

Xpelair Ventilation Solutions has designed a mixed-mode ventilation system for the Building Schools for the Future programme. The Classmate solution automatically reacts to CO2 levels, room occupancy and temperature to maintain optimum indoor air quality. Summer cooling ventilation is provided by low-energy EC fans and heating by LTHW coils and controls.

System Sensor Europe’s conventional zone interface module (M210E-CZR) is designed for use in addressable fire systems to enable a zone of conventional 2-wire detectors to be managed by the control panel via a single module address on a loop. The module enables conventional intrinsically safe detectors to interface with an addressable system, which is typical in well defined locations such as separate machinery rooms and boiler houses where knowing the individual detector address is not necessarily important.

Gilberts (Blackpool) describes its Mistrale 100 natural-ventilation system as an ‘all-embracing package of the components required for a robust, efficient and effective natural-ventilation system that helps specifiers meet the requirements of Part F and Part L of the Building Regulations. The system’s components include ultra-fine secure intakes, insulated volume control damper, heating or cooling coil to temper incoming air, covering fascia grille and intake/exhaust penthouse roof turrets.

Dimplex heat pumps are included in the SAP Appendix Q list, which enables their true performance, instead of default COPs, to be incorporated into carbon-emissions calculations for new dwellings using an online database developed by BRE.

The Microflex pre-insulated and flexible piping system from Watts Industries can be used to connect heating and cooling installations between buildings served by central plant. The system comprises one, two or four PE-Xa water pipes surrounded by thermal insulation and encased in a flexible HDPE outer jacket ready to be installed in trenches. Customised lengths of up to 100 m can be joined and connected to indoor plumbing. There are several systems in the range, with core pipe diameters from 25 to 100 mm.

Samsung’s Eco Heating System (EHS) provides integrated air-to-water and air-to-air heating and cooling for homes in a single system. The EHS consists of an integrated outdoor unit, indoor units (air conditioners), and a hydro unit that can be connected to water heating devices such as underfloor heating, radiators and domestic-hot-water tanks.

Daikin has added to the capabilities of its Altherma system for home heating and domestic hot water with a heat-pump convector that performs effectively with low flow temperatures. Its low noise levels [down to 19 dB(A)] make it suitable for bedrooms. There is a remote control with weekly timer for room temperature, fan speed, automatic or night mode and rapid heating or cooling.

Thermo-Floor’s C-2050 plastic manifold is said to be faster to install than any other manifold. Once its mounting plate has been bolted into position, assembly can begin. The manifold slots onto the mounting plate, and the internal fixtures are clipped into place.

ICS Heat Pump Technology now offers a 100 kW air-source heat-pump package that can deliver 65°C output temperatures without supplementary heating, even in ambient temperatures as low as -12°C. Such an output temperature enables existing boilers to be replaced with minimal work being required on the existing radiator system.

MK Electric’s Sentry range of skeleton units are spine backplate assemblies that fit within Mantel or Clifton type enclosure, essentially a kind of metal utilities cupboard, which may also contain the meter. These enclosures are particularly prevalent in social housing, which is a main area of activity under the Government’s Decent Homes Initiative.

GE has introduced the space-saving Compact range of RCBOs (residual current breaker with overload protection) in response to the growing use of RCBOs for domestic and commercial applications. It is the same physical size as GE’s standard ElfaPlus range of modular MCBs, so it provides more cabling space in the consumer unit.

Aereco has devised a solution for dwellings requiring mechanical ventilation that enables them to run on passive-stack ventilation for most of the time. The concept uses passive stack ventilation ducts coupled with non-permanent low-pressure mechanical assistance that is used only when the wind forces are not sufficient to ensure the required airflow. The mechanical assistance starts automatically and can be activated by a temperature sensor or pressure controller.

Mitsubishi Electric’s Lossnay heat-recovery ventilation system has been reapproved and relisted for the Energy Technology List, so a business can claim the complete capital allowance in the first year on its spending on qualifying plant and equipment. Lossnay is listed under energy-saving plant and equipment.

Directly connected kWh meters from Hager meet the requirements of EN 50470-3 MID regulations. This approval is mandatory if the meter is to be used for payment purposes, such as in multi-tenanted offices or retail centres. The range has an accuracy of ±1% and includes single-phase models for direct-connection up to 63 A and 3-phase models for up to 100 A.

Wago’s BACnet controller is a freely programmable modular device designed to perform a wide range of building-automation and control function — from automating individual rooms through to HVAC systems. It automatically detects all digital and analogue I/O modules connected to the system and generates the proper BACnet objects.

The Fabbri range of wood-burning workshop heaters from Euroheat can burn the waste wood that is generally available in factories and warehouses. These heaters have outputs from 20 to 410 kW and burn all types of dry wood and secondary waste wood such as broken pallets.

Supporting building services on flat roofs has never been easier. The new Sure-Foot range provides contractors with a choice of supports for installing building services such as splits, VRF/VRV units and service runs. Choose from the foot-only option to create on-site frameworks or the modular support frames for the complete support solution.

In many pump systems, more than half the energy used by pumps could be saved by changing to more efficient and correctly sized models with variable-speed capability.

The DDA requires public and private organisations to provide assistance to disabled and visually impaired users and employees within public buildings, offices and accommodation. The act requires an effective level of contrast between electrical accessories and the background colour of the wall. A simple but effective new product has been launched by ‘DDA Solutions’. It is available in a range of colours and can be easily and swiftly fitted by a competent operative, therefore cost-effective in labour terms. Full details and ordering is available from www.dda-solutions.co.uk

Tour & Andersson has upgraded its design software for piped distribution systems. TA-Select 4 is said to be a significant improvement on TA-Select 3 and incorporates greater features and further design functionalities for HVAC consultants and specifiers. The new functions also provide simple synchronising with the recently launched TA-Scope balancing instrument.