PHAM NEWS | JUNE 2024 LightCommercial Heating 43


Why a modular system isn’t always best


One-piece condensing boilers that have been specifi cally designed for commercial settings off er consistent effi ciency across all outputs over modular alternatives, says BKBD’s Nick Guy, who urges specifi ers to consider the ongoing effi ciency savings as well as upfront costs.


conventional boilers where effi ciency peaks at 78%. The approach has been to use the domestic model and scale it up for industry use. Their capacity has been extended through modular application. Born out of the need for effi ciency and fl exibility, these boilers are designed to adapt to the fl uctuating heat loads of commercial buildings. If a module fails, the cascade operation guarantees the rest of the boilers keep running, ensuring unbroken heat supply. Unlike conventional boilers, a single glitch would not result in a complete shutdown, thereby avoiding disruption until repairs have been done. Also, most models allow for a simple integration into existing heating systems, while their design enables quick access for servicing. However, condensing boilers face limitations on fuel supply,


W


ith effi ciency rates of up to 97%, condensing boilers surpass


BKBD has developed a


4-pass watertube design, claimed to achieve over 107% effi ciency


return drops, the output would drop with it to prevent the stack gases being too low. Finally, we often see high standing losses – for example 0.2 % at 70°C fl ow – and a maximum of three passes, reducing effi ciency and causing heat loss.


Nick Guy Managing Director of BKBD Boilers


requiring servicing to switch between natural gas, LPG, oil, and biodiesel. They would shut down completely if fuel runs out. While most are hydrogen-ready, 100% hydrogen models are still prototypes. Return temperatures must be closely monitored. Some cite 40°C when fi ring oil, but if the


Turnkey solution In contrast, BKBD has developed a unique 4-pass watertube commercial/industrial boiler design that can achieve over 107% effi ciency. It has very low minimum return temperature requirements and the ability to seamlessly switch between up to seven diff erent fuel types ‘on the fl y’, thanks to its advanced low-NOx burner and control system. This makes it a true


Natural refrigerants contribute to a low global warming potential rating


The ECOMOD 290HT is the fi rst model to be launched in Ideal Heating Commercial’s new range of heat pumps using natural refrigerant. The 290HT is a monobloc air source heat


pump able to achieve high temperatures up to 75°C, benefi tting from an ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) of just 3 as a result of the use of R290 natural refrigerant. Available in three chassis


sizes and fi ve outputs from 15kW through to 50kW, the 290HT model has been specifi cally designed for use in larger commercial buildings and can be used in cascade to achieve even higher outputs. With its ability


to achieve high temperatures up to 75°C, this heat


pump is suited for Domestic Hot Water (DHW) applications and district heating systems. With potentially no need to upgrade radiators, it can be a cost eff ective solution for retrofi t installations. ECOMOD 290HT comes with a high


effi ciency rating and a high co-effi cient of performance (CoP) rating of up to 4.94. The heat pumps also include an inverter-controlled compressor to accurately match the heat demand based on the specifi c requirements, further enhancing the effi ciency of a building. ECOMOD 290HT heat pumps are also quiet in


operation, with noise


levels as low as 64dB(A). ◼ phamnews. co.uk/624/41


turnkey solution with simple installation. All BKBDs are 100% hydrogen


ready. We have heated our HQ with hydrogen already and achieved 10:1 turndown and 2% O2 – increasing effi ciency even further. Made from 316L stainless steel, BKBD’s standing losses are at an impressive 0.06% at 90°C fl ow. Customers have experienced typical energy savings of up to 25% with the same demand- based control management that modular heating systems provide. The control system provides the fl exibility to regulate changes in total heating capacity, as well as adjust for variable seasonal heating needs. A known advantage of modular boilers is that they do not require


Relaunch of continuous radiant tube heating system


A heating system has been relaunched by Reznor UK to give users greater control to boost effi ciency levels and reduce running costs. The Nor Ray Vac system, a gas fi red continuous radiant tube heating system, has modulating burners for improved effi ciency and control, provides better uniform heat coverage thanks to its continuous radiant tube, with a fi ltered burner air inlet helping keep the burner head and components clean. Boasting an aesthetically pleasing


bespoke appearance, it can be tailored to suit building shape and size, while its NR40 rating means noise levels are lower than other systems on the market. Off ering a larger rated burner than before,


it has more burners per fan which means less fl ue points. With a long continuous tube which can reach 84m, the Nor Ray Vac


system can be used in rail sheds and aircraft hangars or other large open spaces. Richard Leese, European general manager


at Reznor UK, says: “With the relaunch of the Nor Ray Vac system, installation is quicker, it is easier to maintain and it is easier on the eye, all while maintaining the functionalities that make Nor Ray Vac an industry name. The Nor Ray Vac has been popular so when we put production on hold in 2022 we took the opportunity to simplify the system to manufacture, ensuring we kept to its original great design.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/624/42


downtime if a module fails or requires maintenance. However, most commercial sites have more than one boiler or chose two smaller boilers as opposed to a large boiler – creating the same setting that modular boilers provide. If a BKBD needs to be maintained, the other boiler would run on standby – enabling the boiler room operator to still run sequences, modulate the load, ect. Finally, there is the question of


space and building costs. BKBDs up to 293kW are designed to fi t through standard doorways. In addition, both small and large models can be installed vertically or horizontally – muting this argument between modular and condensing boiler models. Overall, it goes without saying


that condensing boilers are more effi cient than standard boilers where the site’s heating demand can be covered by a condensing boiler. However, when it comes to modular vs one-piece condensing boilers, we have found that effi ciency rates vary between boiler models when looking at the fl ow temperatures at which they were measured. The offi cial standard system


operating pressure and temperature is set at 80/60 fl ow and return. Given the properties of water, lower fl ow temperatures of e.g. 50/30 allow for maximum condensation and thus higher effi ciency and maximum output. Manufacturers might test a boiler’s effi ciency rate at 50/30, but in reality boilers run on 80/60. This is important as the cited effi ciency rate and heat output drops for some models at the standard temperature. Whereas BKBDs maintain the desired heat output and effi ciency rates at 80/60 fl ow and return, lower fl ow temperatures (50/30) would increase the effi ciency rate even further. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/624/40


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