BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
WORK SMART, NOT HARD!
Steve Richmond, head of marketing and technical at REHAU’s Building Solutions division, examines the importance of integrating smart control systems to reduce energy consumption and improve ventilation
T
he recent publication of the UK government’s Heat & Buildings
Strategy has highlighted the importance of decarbonising the nation’s heating as we strive to achieve net zero by 2050. According to the report, 30% of the UK’s total emissions came from buildings, with the vast majority of this being attributable to heating – accounting for as much as 23% of the UK’s carbon footprint. While these figures are troubling enough, further research from the Committee on
Climate Change shows that the direct CO2 emissions of heating the average commercial property are double that of its residential counterpart, further stressing the need for more efficient temperature control. As such, the need to re-evaluate how we heat our buildings to begin the transition away from fossil fuels is evident.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES Fortunately, this is a challenge that has been recognised by operators, with many looking to incorporate new technologies to decrease their dependence on fossil fuels. Underfloor heating (UFH) systems are rapidly being recognised as the modern choice for both domestic and commercial heating, boasting an efficiency 25% higher than that of radiators. Moreover, this technology synergises well with heat pumps, of which the Government aims to install 600,000 per year by 2028, providing scope for further growth of the underfloor heating market. Another viable technology is the fan coil
unit (FCU), which achieves more economical performance that the standard variable air volume (VAV) system by tempering air through the use of both hot and cold water. Able to be housed in ceiling cavities, FCUs are often used in conjunction with a duct system to provide scope for devolved control of various zones. This is a crucial consideration for reducing energy usage, particularly for larger sites with multiple rooms.
28 ENERGY MANAGEMENT - Winter 2021
SMART CONTROL INTEGRATION While installing an UFH or FCU system alone remains an effective method of achieving an immediate improvement in on-site energy efficiency, it should be noted that these are best used in conjunction with a smart control system. This is for two reasons: to reduce the risk of poor air quality; and to optimise energy usage. When using any heating system,
rapid temperature swings can generate humidity and condensation, which provide the perfect conditions for mould to spawn. Black mould can prove a major violation of health and safety regulations if left unchecked, posing a risk not only to the structure itself but its occupants too. Modern smart control systems such as REHAU’s NEA SMART 2.0 avoid this by firstly monitoring air temperature and quality and then adjusting to the target temperature gradually by way of intelligent algorithms, meaning that minimal condensation is generated by the change. It is important to understand that gradual
Zone-by-zone control for up to 60 rooms allows each to be heated to the desired temperature without necessitating an increase in energy consumption for the entire system
of a property. Adjusting UFH or FCU systems to minimum or maximum, in order to achieve rapid heating or cooling, is ultimately a false economy. Even basic smart control systems far eclipse the efficiency of manual controls, with more advanced systems such as REHAU’s NEA SMART 2.0 offering an optimised start function to warm the property quickly without wasting energy. Zone-by-zone control for up to 60 rooms
“The integration of high-efficiency
technology with smart control systems provides an
effective method of achieving a significant reduction in day-to-day energy usage”
allows each to be heated to the desired temperature without necessitating an increase in energy consumption for the entire system, resulting in significant savings for the operator. This even allows the specific dew point of each zone to be calculated, allowing the property’s heating system to operate to its maximum efficiency without risking moisture generation. The integration of other smart features, such as window open detection, also alert the user to any sources of energy wastage, enabling energy usage to be further optimised.
HIGH-EFFICIENCY
Technology will undoubtably be the deciding factor in allowing the UK to
temperature change is by far the most effective method of regulating the conditions
curb its energy usage in line with net zero targets. With the spotlight firmly on the built environment, there is increasing pressure on contractors to ensure that their properties are equipped with green features as standard. Here, the integration of high-efficiency
technology with smart control systems provides an effective method of achieving a significant reduction in day-to-day energy usage for larger sites, while also allowing operators to steer clear of poor air quality. For more information about REHAU’s
smart control system, NEA Smart 2.0, please visit the website.
REHAU
www.rehau.uk/neasmart
Even basic smart control systems far eclipse the efficiency of manual controls, with more advanced systems such as REHAU’s NEA SMART 2.0 offering an optimised start function to warm the property quickly without wasting energy
www.energymanagementmag.co.uk
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