IN FOCUS A Modular Approach to Heating Water For Commercial Buildings M


odular design in water heating involves creating systems from individual, interlocking components that can be scaled or replaced without disrupting the whole. This structure allows businesses to customise and enhance their water heating systems to meet specific needs


today while accommodating future upgrades. Commercial water heating with its inherent complexity due to specific legislative demands, variety


of geographic locations and building design has meant application design has traditionally followed a more bespoke route. This is especially true when refurbishing older properties which makes modularity a challenge when it comes to swapping out or upgrading system elements, which can include primary heat source such as gas or electric water heaters and boilers, indirect cylinders and buffer vessels or preheat systems like solar thermal and most recently heat pumps. Such adaptability is crucial in a modular system and potentially invaluable for commercial settings, where systems must balance efficiency, sustainability, and long-term costs. Consequently modularity has lent itself to new build projects where identical commercial demands


can drive core similarity in architectural design and building services provisioning. However, new water heating technology, is opening doors to introduce greater modularity into existing systems, especially in the provision of system preheat. Adveco, as a specialist in system design for commercial grade hot water systems, has been developing


products that support a more modular-style approach to applications design for new build and refurbishment challenges. Early iterations include the option to design systems in cascade, a feature well understood in the


provision of gas water heaters and boilers. Such functionality is enabled by the inclusion of onboard controls and the capability to easily link units to the building management system (BMS). Such control and communication is critical to modular functionality and is one of the company’s specialities. There has also been a concerted effort to move design from bespoke to a more off-the-shelf format, again a critical element in delivering modularity. This is best exemplified through the creation of the award- winning FUSION system, derived from our work on packaged plant rooms, which while focussing on smaller DHW demands, has paved the way for understanding system integration with multiple technologies including electric boilers, cylinders, heat pumps, immersions and controls. Adveco’s experience in solar thermal arrays has also fed into this understanding, with system sizing


for collector arrays as well as upgrading existing hot water systems to new collector with drain back- based systems. Modernising and future proofing an application without requiring a complete system change is the goal, enhancing what exists to meet decarbonisation and operational cost saving without large scale capital reinvestment. Such renewables, providing pre- or mid-heat to a system are a prime opportunity to add modularity to a DHW system. This is particularly true of heat pumps. Adveco provides a range of commercial grade monobloc air source heat pumps (ASHP), which, like


water heaters support integration in cascade. This is best exemplified by the ADV65-110W range of heat pumps. The monobloc design means the majority of system components are factory fitted, which makes for easier installation and more regular form factor. That is important as it better enables the siting of units, especially on roof tops where space can be at a premium. Each unit is capable of being connected with up to 15 other units with the built in controller, so there is an immediate modularity,


enabling a system to easily accept additional heat pumps should demand increase. Furthermore, 16 controllers can then operate in cascade to deliver truly large scale applications. The BMS enables full system control, or to be more granular down to individual units. This give the option to switch units on or off, or remove/replace, with ease should there be future system alteration, or maintenance demands. This versatility is one of the key advantages of the modular approach, and what enables the current and future generations of DHW system to adapt to the accelerating demands of net zero, whether national networks evolve to more electric, green gas, such as hydrogen, or the expected mix of environmentally friendly energy supplies. While still evolving, investing in modular systems is ultimately about taking a proactive approach


to the long-term needs of commercial buildings. By choosing adaptable, upgradable water heating, businesses can confidently navigate a future where efficiency, sustainability, and regulatory compliance are increasingly critical. With modular design, the commercial sector has greater opportunity to control costs, improve


energy performance, and embrace sustainable practices that safeguard both their infrastructure and the environment.


www.adveco.co


New ‘Providing the Specification Edge’ Guide from Ideal Heating Commercial Now Available


I


deal Heating Commercial has launched a new Providing the Specification Edge brochure which outlines the range of services and support available from its specification team to help building services consultants, engineers and specifiers when designing and specifying commercial heating systems, providing them with greater confidence and clarity. Providing the Specification Edge highlights Ideal Heating Commercial’s team of industry leading specification professionals who understand the complexity of commercial heating systems and that each project is unique. Their knowledge and expertise are available to support consultants through every stage of a heating project, making the specification process simple and stress-free. Commencing with a brief overview of the company and


Groupe Atlantic, of which Ideal Heating Commercial is a part, the publication looks at the sizeable investments the company has made in low carbon heating in the UK; this includes £12.5 million into a research and development facility, and over £22.5 million in to a heat pump facility and in to expanding its international distribution centre and national training centre in Hull. Providing the Specification Edge also showcases Ideal Heating Commercial’s full range of high-efficiency heating solutions, including market- leading condensing boilers, the ECOMOD commercial heat pump range, and hybrid systems, all of which come with BIM objects available to download. Additional content includes information on building regulations,


refrigerant choices for heat pumps, available funding schemes, and Ideal Heating’s UK-wide training and CPD services. Richard Brown, Head of Specification at Ideal Heating Commercial, comments: "With the growing importance of low carbon heating technologies and more complex regulations, early engagement and expert guidance are critical. This brochure brings together our most valuable insights and support services into a single document to help make specification easier and more effective for our partners across the UK. “Whether you’re designing for a new build or retrofit, Ideal


Heating Commercial has the in-depth industry and product knowledge to help you find the most efficient, cost-effective heating solution for you and your client. Through our dedicated team offering nationwide specification assistance, we can provide you with design and plant selection advice to ensure the perfect fit for your project.”


Ideal Heating Commercial is the UK’s leading commercial heating manufacturer, with a strong


reputation for innovation, quality, and UK-based manufacturing. The company is part of Groupe Atlantic – a European leader in thermal comfort. Download a digital copy of the new Providing the Specification Edge guide by visiting: https:// idealcommercialheating.com/specification or contact your local specification manager.


idealcommercialheating.com Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JULY 2025 27


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38