BSEE-NOV21-PG22.qxp_Layout 1 25/10/2021 12:02 Page 22
BSEE
Franz Huelle, head of technical at REHAU Building Solutions, discusses the potential for smart controls to ensure energy efficiency without compromising the user experience.
properties, leading many building contractors to consider installing new heating and ventilation systems. However, without careful temperature control, this can often come at the expense of air quality, while also inviting a number of health risks.
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On 20 April 2021, the Prime Minister doubled down on the nation’s climate commitments by enshrining a new target of achieving a 78% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. This has placed increased pressure on a number of sectors to play their part in the upcoming green transition, with the UK heating industry no exception. Statistics from the UK Green Building Council indicate that around 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint can be attributed to the built environment, with almost half of this from energy used in buildings. Bearing this in mind, it is clear that increasing the efficiency of the nation’s heating network will be a key factor in slashing emissions to fall in line with new legislation. However, this is not without its caveats. While increasing energy efficiency is important to residential properties, it is an even greater consideration where commercial buildings are concerned.
As commercial sites tend to be larger by their very nature, they typically produce more carbon emissions, and can be more susceptible to inefficient practice. Statistics from the Committee on Climate Change reflect this, indicating that the direct CO2 emissions of commercial buildings (resulting from the use of fossil fuels for heating) are double that of residential properties. Moreover, with occupant comfort and safety paramount to any property, operators must also ensure that any installation does not encroach upon these needs.
ressing climate
commitments have re- emphasised the need for greater energy efficiency in the nation’s commercial
BUILDING CONTROLS & TECHNOLOGY Keeping your temperature control smart
Fan coil units
For this reason, many landlords have chosen to fit their properties with fan coil units (FCUs), which make use of hot and cold water to temper air. Commonly used in conjunction with a ventilation duct system, this allows users to regulate the temperature of multiple spaces simultaneously, while remaining more economical than alternatives such as variable air volume (VAV) systems. Crucially, FCUs can also be installed and operated without impinging upon occupant experience, as they can be easily installed in ceiling cavities or the like.
The importance of air quality
When using any heating and ventilation system, rapid changes between hot and cold can invite a risk of poor air quality, particularly in well-insulated spaces such as new builds. Switching between the two
can generate both condensation and humidity, which together create ideal conditions for mould to spawn. At best, mould can be an unsightly nuisance, while at worst it can prove a serious health hazard, leading to numerous health problems including headaches, fatigue, sneezing, and dermatitis.
Moreover, the presence of mould can prove as detrimental to the building and its operation as it is to its occupants, greatly speeding up the deterioration of wallpaper, carpets, ceiling tiles and floorboards. If left to fester, mould can even weaken ceilings and floors to the point of collapse, causing irreparable structural damage.
Safety and synergy with smart controls
It is, however, important to recognise that the hazards set out here remain largely worst-case scenarios, which can be avoided with proper temperature control. FCUs, for instance, are best operated in conjunction with a smart control system, ensuring that any temperature changes take place in a safe and controlled manner. REHAU’s NEA Smart 2.0, for example, comes equipped with fan coil integration, enabling it to synergise with any FCUs on site, resulting in maximum efficiency without allowing air quality to suffer. Intelligent algorithms ensure that any change from heating to cooling takes place gradually without creating unwanted humidity or condensation – the absence of
which makes it difficult for mould to grow.
Smart controls also come
equipped with the ability to measure air quality and make automatic adjustments based on this. Fitting sensors in walls, ceilings and floors can even allow advanced systems to calculate the dew point of a specific zone, meaning that FCUs can operate at their optimum energy efficiency without posing risks to any wallpaper, flooring or furniture. Moreover, with underfloor heating control also included, operators can achieve maximum synergy between heating and ventilation systems on site to avoid energy wastage.
Adopting higher standards
Increasingly stringent building regulations have placed increased pressure on contractors to ensure that commercial properties come equipped with energy-efficient features. However, it is vital that these upgrades do not come at the expense of user experience, with poor air quality a leading cause of harmful mould. As such, installers should look to smart controls as a solution, allowing operators to guarantee that air quality is not compromised in pursuit of efficiency. With both devolved control of individual zones and performance more in demand than ever, it is time to consider incorporating smart control systems as standard.
www.rehau.com
The REHAU Group is a polymer specialist with annual sales of around EUR 3.5 billion. The independent, privately held company has approximately 20,000 employees at more than 170 locations worldwide - 12,000 throughout Europe and 8,000 in Germany. For more than 70 years, REHAU has been working on making polymer products lighter, more comfortable, safer and more efficient. The Building Solutions division is focused on energy efficiency and delivers a huge range of solutions to the construction industry. It is a supplier of district heating pipework, heating and plumbing, underfloor heating, smart products and water management systems.
22 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2021 Read the latest at:
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