ASK THE EXPERT
The new and improved Caspian Fan Converter
1. What are the changes you’ve made to the Caspian fan convector to improve it? As part of our ongoing product development, we have optimised the already popular Caspian fan convectors through several engineering measures. Think of it like a formula one car, it’s the multitude of small advancements that delivers the ultimate performance. To this end, we have redesigned our coils, enclosing metalwork, along with a new fan configuration.
Simon Butcher, senior technical services manager, Smith’s Environmental Products, discusses the company’s Caspian Fan Converter engineering upgrade
2. What has been the outcome of these changes? Fan convectors need to be more effective in transferring heat into the air passing through the coil with a relatively low differential between the air and coil. The new Caspian fan convectors are around 20% more effective than our previous configuration, when used with heat pumps generating low water temperatures. Like for like performance is also producing 20% better in heat outputs over previous versions when used with traditional heat generators, such as gas or oil boilers. Some versions achieve even higher increases in heat output, so the 20% is an average uplift. Consequently, the size of the Caspian fan convector needed to heat a specific room can be smaller. For example, where a Caspian 120 was previously required, a Caspian 90 may be suitable. This broadens the applications for Caspian, both in residential and commercial use. Consultants and contractors alike now have more options for new build and retrofit applications; especially as smaller sizes can replace larger Caspian fan convectors without a reduction in heat output. We now offer an optimised fan convector for use with Heat Pumps.
3. Why have you upgraded Caspian? We needed to provide a solution to heat larger rooms and spaces without compromising the usable space and at the same time meet the needs of lower system operating temperatures. As a consequence of delivering
the aforementioned, we have also reduced the embodied carbon associated with the materials, packaging and transport. This really is a win, win situation.
4. What are the specific issues you needed to address for use with Heat Pumps? In terms of product development, we wanted to achieve better heat outputs with smaller units, with a broadly cost neutral impact. This means that we are providing a highly competitive and versatile solution to consultants, contractors and end users. System designers seem to be using a very wide range of flow and return temperatures, coupled with temperature drops across the system ranging from 5oC up to as much as 30oC. We also considered how we present our data and that it would be far more user friendly to have a single solution to meet heat pump installations and more conventional systems. Many individual changes were implemented and tested to validate their efficacy. Once we had this information, we were able to undertake a cost/benefit analysis to determine the best set of improvements.
5. What is Smith’s doing to support the drive to net zero?
This upgrade in Caspian is a key part of Smith’s strategy to develop and launch products that improve their performance and reduce the use of energy and consequently the creation of harmful emissions. Electing to launch the upgraded Caspian with EC fans only contributes to the move to Net Zero, which will be an ever-greater feature of building regulations. Furthermore, improved performance and reduced embodied carbon reduces the impact buildings have over their lifetime.
6. What other features of the upgraded Caspian will help to minimise energy costs? Additionally, if the upgraded Caspian is specified with our Smart Control system, further efficiencies and therefore energy savings can be achieved. Smart Control integrates the most sought control features into a single unit. From basic room temp control to a range of time controlling features. They can be used as standalone units or with multiple units integrated & controlled by app, especially useful when managing building services remotely. Smart Control can automatically control the fan speed of the Caspian fan convector, adjusting it in relation to the air temperature in the room providing a fast heat up period when required, and the quietest possible operation during occupied periods. There is a manual override facility too.
Smart Control features a summer mode where air circulation can be achieved without heat in summer months. The control interface unit can be flush mounted in the product fascia, internally mounted (tamper-proof) or wall mounted (remote) for convenience, for example, where the heater is at high level.
7. Typically, where would you see the newly upgraded Caspian fan convector used? There are many applications for Caspian where large spaces need heating efficiently and effectively. Often these are larger spaces, so schools are a very common application for Caspian. In schools there are many different types of rooms from classrooms, sports and assembly halls, corridors and circulation areas, laboratories and offices. Other applications include healthcare so hospitals rooms, clinics and health centres. We also install Caspian in a lot of churches because it is especially suitable for heating large open spaces quickly when required. Churches do not need to be heated all the time only when needed. Caspian with Smart Control is especially suitable for use in churches.
8. Do you have some examples where Caspian and Smart Control were installed? We have several examples of our Smart Controls and Caspian fan convectors being installed. In one installation a church installing wall-mounted Caspian fan convectors with Smart Control and a Smith’s Ostro air curtain, also with Smart Control, resulted in a heating system which could respond quickly to the needs of the users thereby minimising the waste of energy. In addition, the Smart Control system allowed remote monitoring, management and control of the heating system via an app by the facilities manager
In another installation a charity wanted to be able to control the heating remotely in its retail outlet as well as managing and monitoring local controls to ensure effective heating levels, so Caspian CT60 ceiling-mounted fan convectors SMART Control were installed using separate heating zones using SMART thermostats and wireless relays. The heating system can be controlled remotely via an App.
9. Are there other products in your range that are due to be upgraded? As part of our ongoing product development, we are continually reviewing our product range to ensure they are highly efficient and effective. It’s worth keeping an eye out for our new Ecovector High Level unit that will offer improved aesthetics and outputs too.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEPTEMBER 2024 33
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