FEATURE HEATSAVR IS PUT TO THE TEST A
s pressure mounts on commercial leisure operators to control energy budgets, the pool hall becomes the obvious area of focus. Indoor
swimming pools can lose as much as 30 litres of water per hour through evaporation, raising humidity levels and placing a considerable strain on dehumidification systems. Using a pool cover is essential for reducing evaporation loss, at least at night, but retrofitting a cover at an older pool, where access is limited, means that a large number of commercial pools in the UK remain uncovered. Heatsavr, the original liquid pool cover, was first introduced to the UK leisure industry 10 years ago and both commercial pool operators and domestic owners continue to enjoy considerable energy savings and CO2
reduction using
the product. Heatsavr works on any type of pool, skimmer or overflow and is also effective within the warmer temperatures of a hot tub. Heatsavr works by slowing evaporation from the water’s surface. The Heatsavr molecules spread across the water and trap energy and moisture within the pool. In an indoor pool, energy savings relate not only to pool water heating but also to the ability to turn down the dehumidification system due to the reduced evaporation. Heatsavr has to be added to the pool on a daily basis to maintain its effectiveness but at a very low dose rate of just 0.8mls per square metre of water surface area. It is fully biodegradable and has gained FDA approval for safety. Customer testimonials are available from a range of different pool types both within the UK and across Europe and North America. In order to support our customer findings, Brenntag recently approached EEVS, the UK’s leading provider of independent performance measurement and verification (M&V) services for energy, water and waste efficiency products and services, to carry out analysis on a client’s energy data. The objective was to determine if, through independent verification, Heatsavr could be proven to offer customers a level of energy saving worth investing in. Pool boiler readings were supplied to EEVS by Brenntag’s client, Hoburne Holiday Parks in Torbay. The readings related to weekly gas consumption for the pool for a 13 week period between
April and July and during the same time period exactly 1 year later, when Heatsavr was in use. Heating Degree Days were used to determine a base temperature on which to compare Heatsavr’s ability.
The Hoburne site in question was a deck level pool that had VSDs linked to humidity. There were no changes to the fabric of the building during the 2 time periods so no known external factors affecting the results. EEVS was able to determine from the data provided that the site had benefitted from a reduction in gas usage during the 13-week period with Heatsavr of 56,509kwh. Using a commercial gas price of 2p per kwh, this equated to a financial saving of £1130, equivalent to an impressive 21.7% reduction in gas usage. On a cumulative basis the reduction in gas consumption would have been equivalent to approximately £4500 per annum. The Hoburne site could have enjoyed even greater savings by reducing the air heating system at night when the pool was closed. The report does not evaluate the associated savings on water consumption either as this data was not available for analysis.
Based on a saving of 56,509kwh, the Hoburne site also produced the equivalent of 10.5 tonnes less CO2
during this time
period, or 42 tonnes on an annualised basis. Heatsavr is dosed via a simple peristaltic pump system but even including the initial outlay of the pump, the payback period on Heatsavr is less than 1 year, making it a very attractive energy saver.
The EEVS report is available from Brenntag to anyone who is genuinely interested in saving energy and CO2
output
from within their pool. In providing customers with the independent analysis that they have been seeking, Brenntag hopes to be able to deliver energy saving benefits and ultimately, peace of mind, to a greater number of commercial operators across the UK. Pool managers should have confidence in the findings and recognise that whilst invisible, Heatsavr continues to work throughout the day and night, saving energy and enabling them to focus on other cost saving initiatives within their site. Brenntag UK Limited acquired the European distribution rights to the Heatsavr brand in 2012. Brenntag UK Limited is part of the Brenntag Group, the largest global chemical distribution business servicing a wide range of industry sectors.
For further information please contact Jenny Lunn on 0113 3879200 or by email at
jenny.lunn@
brenntag.co.uk
18 ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • MARCH 2016
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