Yan Evans, technical director for Andrews Water Heaters and Potterton Commercial, looks at the benefits of the modular prefabricated heating system as a means of cutting cost and carbon.
As businesses ride the economic waves and respond to concerns about climate change, the heating and ventilating industry must continue to deliver efficient and sustainable solutions.

Since reducing the energy used to heat buildings also lowers operating costs, these two concerns can be resolved simultaneously. The aim, then, is to find a solution with low installation costs that will reduce running costs. Preferably, this would offer easy integration with low- and zero-carbon (LZC) technologies, further reducing costs and carbon footprints.

In this way, the energy performance of buildings can meet legislation with minimum inconvenience.

Commercial heating systems have changed dramatically in the last decade or so, with space heating and hot-water load being separated and decentralised using direct-fired water heaters and smaller modulating boilers to match output to demand more closely.

Condensing technology has also done much to improve efficiency. But the current limits have been reached, and more recent boiler developments have focused on installation adaptability and space-saving benefits. A wider range of outputs is available, and the boilers themselves have become significantly smaller, lighter and more compact.

Wall-hung condensing boilers are being manufactured in much higher outputs of up to around 115kW. These free up floor space for commercial refurbishment and new-build projects.

Another expensive commodity for businesses is time, and some manufacturers have been looking to incorporate energy- and space-saving features with much quicker and more convenient installation options.

Modular pre-fabricated heating systems cater for a variety of requirements. Boilers are mounted on a skid along with pumps, a pressurisation system and heating controls, with all hydraulic and electrical connections, ready for simple installation.

Delivering solutions

The industry's focus has expanded to examine those aspects of the manufacture, distribution and installation process that may also be improved in order to reduce energy usage and expense.

One of the many benefits of the modular pre-fabricated heating system is its sustainable credentials.

For example, the components are delivered as a complete system to one location, avoiding the need for each part to be delivered to site individually and thereby reducing packaging, transport emissions and overall costs.

In addition, this approach avoids the possibility of individual parts being lost.

All businesses want to minimise downtime during installations, a further major advantage of the modular prefabricated heating system.

For some applications, the importance of a quick installation is not merely because of financial reasons. For instance, commercial boiler specialist Potterton Commercial recently supplied a fully condensing packaged boiler plant for a sheltered housing facility. And, as most of the residents are elderly, it was important the heating was not turned off for too long.

The pre-packaged system minimised disruption, and the heating was up and running again within half a day. Enhanced flexibility adds to speed and ease of installation, as individual modules allow the system to be connected in a number of configurations, minimising the site space required and making the system adaptable to a range of boiler rooms.

Easy LZC

The efficiency of these systems can be further increased with the integration of LZC technologies, although the initial capital outlay is an important consideration for businesses.

But, as this is outweighed by an immediate reduction in energy consumption, carbon emissions and a shorter payback period because of volatile fuel prices, many are choosing to upgrade their systems.

Industry leaders such as Baxi Commercial Division now offer a one-stop-shop solution for complete boiler house facilities including full technical support for LZC technology, such as solar thermal and ground source heat pumps, which can be easily integrated with the heating system.