ENERGY MANAGEMENT & OPTIMISATION
Nano-technology delivers big energy and carbon savings
A revolutionary energy saving approach that reduces fuel bills and carbon emissions by up to 35% and extends the lifespan of heating and cooling equipment is delivering results for a group of schools in Essex. Dominic Wish, HMX UK technical director explains
E
ight primaries in the Chelmsford Diocese are the first in the country to have Hydromx added to their heating systems, with one school - St Peter’s Church of England Primary School in South Weald -
returning energy and cost savings of 47%. So effective was the installation in to St Peter’s that TRVs had to be retrofitted throughout the building to manage the increased heat output. This, coupled with the school’s boiler sequencing and timing being adjusted to reflect the system’s improved efficiency, resulted in the savings of 47% being achieved. Headmaster Iain Gunn reported that post installation the school ‘felt hot rather than luke warm’. “Everyone was sweltering and every classroom had its windows open. It really has made a big difference,” he said.
Nano-technology
Hydromx is a heat transfer solution that uses nano-technology to improve the thermal conductivity of fluid within heating or cooling systems. It reduces the amount of energy required for rooms to reach the desired temperature and extends boiler/chiller lifespan due to decreased cycling. It is suitable for hydronic heating and cooling systems and installation is straightforward; the system is drained, flushed and re-filled with 50% water and 50% Hydromx. Energy and carbon savings are immediate. Energy savings of up to 35% are achievable. The solution lowers buildings’ footprints and increases equipment lifespan, it delivers protection against freezing, corrosion, calcification and bacteria and is backed by a 20-year warranty.
Building challenges
Like many schools, St Peter’s presented the challenge of a heating system added to over many years, with some parts more than 60 years old and others much more recent. It had a diverse range of radiators and fittings and some TRVs in newer parts of the premises but not throughout. Because the school is linear – around 100m long – its extremities had proved difficult to heat. Hydromx solved this, delivering even temperatures throughout. It is now looking forward to bringing its school swimming pool online with Hydromx.
Net zero objective
St Peter’s, which has a roll of 413, was one of five schools selected to participate in an initial
Hydromx pilot project. Of these five, three recorded before and after energy usage statistics revealing gas consumption savings of between 37.5% and 47% from November 2022 to January 2023 when compared to the previous year (with an HDD - Heating Degree Day - calculation applied). ROI ranges from 1.42 years to 2.18 years. It should be noted that the schools have TRVs fitted to ensure optimum savings and, coupled with the Hydromx installation, there has been a significant focus on energy saving within each, leading to these outstanding results, including the reduction in carbon emission of around seven tonnes per site. Due to the success of the pilot project Hydromx has been rolled out to a further three schools and the diocese, working with supply partner HMX UK, has now invited some 30 more to apply to have it installed, as Peter Palmer, of Chelmsford Diocese, explained: “Specifying Hydromx into our school estate is a key component of the diocese’s Net Zero objective. The pilot has delivered significant savings in energy consumption, cost and carbon emissions and we now intend to roll out Hydromx across the remainder of our voluntary aided schools, providing them with energy efficient and highly effective heating systems which also deliver meaningful cost and carbon emission reductions.”
Efficiency
Hydromx is a non-invasive, easy-to-install energy and carbon saving solution which improves the efficiency of heat exchangers, reducing energy usage. It is inert, recyclable and guaranteed for 20 years. Depending upon the application and system characteristics, Hydromx will normally deliver energy, carbon and cost savings of between 20-35%.
The science
Hydromx uses cutting-edge nano-thermo technology to improve heat transfer in hydronic heating or cooling systems. By transferring heat more efficiently the system heats up/cools down more quickly. It is the first commercially viable and academically recognised heat transfer nanofluid for hydronic cooling and heating systems and has been tested worldwide, holding globally recognised certifications including NSF International, ASTM and BuildCert, proving its compatibility with the latest building and environmental standards.
Installation
There are two key elements of installation - assessing the system volume and ensuring it is clean (which usually means flushing to remove sludge and inhibitors. This process can also help ascertain volume if unknown). The heating system needs to be in reasonable condition, ideally with no history of leaks. Any remedial work required - including the fitting of TRVs - should be carried out prior to installation. Post installation the building will get significantly hotter more quickly and boiler sequencing/ thermostats will need adjusting accordingly.
Suitability
Hydromx is suitable for most systems - including swimming pools. Savings vary by system characteristics, however with the school heating systems the older design boilers and large surface area of cast or pressed steel radiators made the savings achieved considerable.
26 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AUGUST 2023
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