ENERGY OPTIMISATION
BSEE The final frontier for HVAC Energy efficient solutions for projects where space is tight B
As the populaon grows and space becomes a premium, many new builds are confined on to smaller plots and built closer together. Furthermore, end users are
demanding more energy ecient, cost eecve, aesthecally pleasing, quiet and ecofriendly soluons. HVAC can pose a problem as to where to situate the outdoor
condensing units. This is parcularly so in residenal and smaller commercial applicaons. Neil Bilton of Panasonic explains some of the challenges faced
usinesses are looking for greener and affordable alternatives to their traditional gas boilers, particularly now with the UK government’s push to reach renewable targets by 2030. R&D investment by manufacturers in the HVAC industry is paying off and we are seeing big improvements in air source heat pump technology, including compact single smaller unit systems that can provide energy efficient and cost-effective solutions with very quiet operating levels. These can offer space saving, energy-efficient heating, cooling and are ideal for installation in small commercial and resident premises.
Scalable technology
A key consideration for manufacturers is that the technology needs to be scalable, meaning that the equipment can be installed in buildings of varying sizes, and offer both small and large- scale air conditioning solutions. The technology is required to be environmentally-friendly when compared to existing technologies, offering demonstrable energy-use and emissions savings and that, in most cases, will deliver operational cost savings when compared with fossil fuel alternatives.
One such product that has recently been introduced is the new Panasonic Mini ECOi VRF model which has been designed specifically for residential and light commercial applications and can deliver a powerful performance for properties with limited outdoor space. It also has a silent mode in full operation and boasts significant energy savings, easy installation and high efficiency.
It is important for specifiers and contractors to fully understand the technology of air source heat pumps and why they are a solution for applications that require a constant demand for either heating or cooling. This includes shops, restaurants, leisure centres, hotels and hairdressers which can all benefit from this energy efficient technology.
Renewable Heat Incenve
Businesses can also take advantage of the Renewable Heat Incentive introduced to increase the uptake of renewable technology (for both domestic and non-domestic installations as of 22 May 2018). By driving change in a heat sector currently dominated by fossil fuel technologies, the RHI can help the UK meet EU targets to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. Eligible installations receive quarterly payments over 20 years based on the amount of heat generated. *
Furthermore, there is also the opportunity for an installation to be eligible for funding from the Carbon Trust through the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme. Businesses can write off 100 per cent of the cost of the units as an asset against their taxable profits during the first year. ** From a capital cost, ease of specification and installation perspective, heat pumps tick the right boxes for contractors. Importantly, for the commercial sector, they can provide significant energy savings at a time of rising fuel bills as well as being more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly.
Lightweight and compact
The new Panasonic Mini ECOi Series, which includes 4HP, 5HP and 6HP models, is a suitable solution for delivering highly efficient VRF technology to buildings with restricted external space, such as apartment blocks with very small balconies or commercial units with very limited outdoor space. The lightweight and compact size
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of the outdoor unit, which is under a metre high, allows for height restrictions, or for it to be placed on a small balcony or rooftop without impacting the visual aesthetic of the building from the street. Moreover, the units also offer a silent mode that can maintain the same operating capacity, which allows greater flexibility when installing the units in built-up areas.
In addition to its small size, the Mini ECOi series is said to offer the most energy efficient mini VRF solution on the market. Thanks to innovative new technology, the range is claimed to have the best EER and COP rating in the industry, with single fan 4HP units achieving a maximum EER of 4.50 and a maximum COP of 5.19. The technology that delivers this performance includes the new Panasonic Twin Rotary Compressor with wider inverter control for higher efficiency and improved partial load control.
For maximum performance the new models also include a bigger fan motor compared to previous ranges, plus a larger fan width of 540mm diameter and a new fan design to provide a much lower airflow and electrical consumption rate. The new fan technology can deliver a high external static pressure of 35Pa.
Moreover, the new bluefin heat exchanger pattern makes the Mini ECOi more effective in extreme conditions by offering a higher outdoor heat exchange. In fact, the Mini ECOi series is so resourceful it is even more energy-efficient than a two-fan outdoor unit. ***
Easier installaon
For ease of installation, Panasonic has ensured that its new Mini ECOi series offers more flexibility when fitting within areas of limited space. The plug and play concept allows a quicker and less complicated installation, while an increase in the acceptable distance between indoor and outdoor units opens more options for installation. Importantly, the new series offers up to 50m piping length between the outdoor and furthest indoor unit, without the need for any additional refrigerant charge, which covers most of the applications for this kind of system. This was significant in a recent installation in Camden Town Hall where four Panasonic Mini VRF units were specified by mechanical contractors, Michael J Lonsdale. They were installed by regional mechanical installers where the Mini VRF units were specified, not only because of their powerful efficiency, but to also overcome long pipe-runs in addition to the small and compact size of the
uPanasonic has ensured that its new Mini ECOi series oers more flexibility when fing within areas of limited space
condensing units being able to be installed on the side of an outside wall without detracting from the aesthetics of the building.
Warren Davies, sales director at DYSK, a distributor for Panasonic further comments: “The new Mini VRF units were specified for the Camden Town Hall project because the units offer the extended pipe run without the need for further refrigeration. Flexibility for installations is further enhanced with these units as the Mini ECOi outdoor units can be connected up to a maximum of 12 indoor units.”
Panasonic is dedicated to making sustainable lifestyle solutions that improve the lives of people and save energy. The space saving new Mini ECOi series from Panasonic is one of the most energy efficient and high-performance mini VRF ranges within the industry.
www.aircon.panasonic.eu
*
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental- programmes/non-domestic-rhi/applicants **
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-technology-list *** EER comparison with leading competitor 2 fan outdoor units
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For ease of installaon,
Panasonic has ensured that its new Mini ECOi series oers more flexibility when fing within areas of limited space
’ BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JANUARY 2019 21
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