Newport Velodrome on track for economic heating

The Wales National Velodrome in Newport, Gwent, is an Olympic standard indoor cycle track, equipped to rival the best facilities in the world.

On international race days, the atmosphere is electric. But even when the cycle track is not being used, or there are very few spectators, the arena remains comfortably warm, thanks to a Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating system from AmbiRad.

The Newport International Sports Village includes the Newport Football and Athletics Stadium, a tennis centre, squash and astro-turf facilities as well as the velodrome, and in January 2006 a new competition swimming pool will open. The main cycling arena also has twelve badminton courts in the centre of the track, so a flexible, economical system that could heat by zone when necessary was required.

The heating system was designed and built for Newport City Council by the Cardiff office of Lorne Stewart, engineering contractors. The original specification requested radiant tube heating to provide background heat in the 7,500m2 open arena and seating area, at a constant 18°C and 20°C respectively. One pre-requisite of the heating system was that it should be capable of preventing the formation of condensation on the underside of the roof. It also had to be flued through the side walls to avoid roof penetrations.

Over the steeply banked track and badminton courts of the main arena, a total of 16 Nor-Ray-Vac burners, each with an output of 46kW, were installed at 10m above floor level. The seating area is warmed by three 35kW AmbiRad linear radiant tubes.

Radiant offers many benefits in sports hall environments. It warms up rapidly and athletes and spectators feel warm within minutes, and little fuel is consumed in bringing the arena up to comfort temperature. Radiant heating works like the sun – its infra-red rays warm only people and objects in their path, but not the surrounding air. Again, no fuel is wasted. By taking the chill off the objects it warms, radiant also prevents condensation forming.

Continuous radiant tube and linear radiant tube heating can be zoned so that only the areas being used need be heated directly. This allows for optimum economy of operation, without compromising comfort. In the case of the Velodrome Centre, the heating has five separately controlled zones – one for the seating/spectator area and four for the track. This enables just one court to be heated, if that is the only section of the arena being used.

It was also a requirement that the system should be very quiet. Fans, housed in acoustic enclosures, were positioned at either end of the building. The result is very quiet operation.

Neil Sargeant, manager of the Wales National Velodrome, comments: “The heating system is an excellent support to the quality of our facilities, making the experience of visitors and athletes a comfortable one. It is highly effective, quick and quiet to operate and very economical to run.”

Web: www.ambirad.co.uk

AmbiRad Vision – a new concept in radiant tube heating

AmbiRad, Europe’s leading supplier of radiant tube heating systems to the industrial and commercial sectors, has once again raised the standard in developing and launching an entirely new range of radiant tube heaters.

The AmbiRad Vision concept centres around all-new burner technology, which is complemented by a series of optional finishes and enhancements.

The result is a radiant tube system that meets the efficiency, flexibility and aesthetics requirements of end-users, and the installation and maintenance needs of installers.

Environmental performance
Vision’s versatility and performance will be the benchmark for the future of radiant heating.

Heaters conform to the most stringent environmental requirements of building services design. NOx emissions have been reduced to as low as 55ppm on certain models – 50% less than current equivalent. Quiet operation (<47dba) href="http://www.ambirad.co.uk/htm/ambirad/php/productRange.php">AmbiRad Vision range among the most environmentally friendly heating solutions on the market.

Radical technology
AmbiRad Vision has changed the face of radiant heating technology. The process of combustion has been altered by dispensing with the traditional burner control housing, as combustion occurs within the firing tube. The new slimline burner head provides a long, evenly distributed flame that dramatically improves temperature distribution along the entire length of the heater, resulting in even wider floor coverage.

On higher efficiency models, a recuperative heat exchanger (patent pending) further improves performance, heat distribution and thermal/radiant efficiency.

Long-term benefits
The result is a radiant tube heater that offers real long-term benefits, including lower running costs, improved comfort, flexibility, value for money and pleasing aesthetics.

Overall fuel savings can amount to 65% compared with conventional heating systems.

SmartCom
Complementing the new AmbiRad Vision range is a newly-developed flexible control system – SmartCom.

SmartCom enables AmbiRad Vision heaters to operate according to varying work patterns and operational temperatures within the same building. Increased flexibility of operation will mean enhanced fuel savings and lower environmental impact.

Total flexibility
AmbiRad Vision radiant heaters are available in U-tube, linear, double linear or herringbone configuration for optimum flexibility and effectiveness in a very wide range of industrial or commercial environments.

All heaters are available as unflued, individually flued or as part of herringbone central manifold system. They are also available with ducted fresh air inlets for use in fume-laden or dusty atmospheres.

The heaters have a range of inputs from 15kW to 50kW. For enhanced aesthetics – for use in car showrooms, for example an innovative styling kit is available.

Vision for all
Buildings for which AmbiRad Vision radiant tube heating is appropriate include:
Factories
Hangars
Workshops
Warehouses
Retail outlets
Automotive workshops and showrooms
Sports arenas and halls.

Web: www.ambirad.co.uk

Nor-Ray-Vac in the running at Sutton Arena

The prestigious new sports facility at Sutton in Surrey is a flagship for Sport England. In line with Sport England recommendations, the Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating has been installed to maintain, even heat coverage and constant comfort temperatures for athletes and spectators in the main indoor athletics track and sports hall areas.

The £4.8m Sutton Arena is a purpose-built athletics and leisure complex, with adjoining external track and field facilities, for use by the public, schools, community groups and sports clubs. It is a regional centre of excellence for athletics training and competition, and a national centre for pole vaulting and hammer throwing.

Designed and built on behalf of Sutton Council by architects Construction and Property Consultancy and builders R Durtnell and Sons Ltd, the building was part-funded by a Sport England lottery grant and Single Regeneration Budget funding.

The unusual design incorporates a cantilevered sprint track at mezzanine level, with an indoor athletics area at ground floor. A spectator gallery with tiered seating allows viewing of the external track and field events, and an eye-level view of pole vaulting .

Within the single 2,400m² building are high and long jump pits, a throwing cage, weight training area for athletes, a four badminton court sports hall, health and fitness gym and dance studio. There are also media facilities, a medical room and children’s creative play area.

AmbiRad supplied heating to the main athletics arena and sports hall. A key requirement was that constant temperatures of 16°C should be maintained in the field sports and athletics area, and in the sports hall, ensuring that both those actively participating in sports and seated spectators would feel comfortably warm. Sutton Council also required an economical, energy efficient heating system.

A total of eleven Nor-Ray-Vac gas-fired continuous radiant tube burners were installed in the two areas. Nor-Ray-Vac provides even, low intensity space heating which easily achieves the required comfort temperatures, even above the raised running track.

Senior Architect Paul Algeo of Construction and Property Consultancy, which works on behalf of Sutton Council, comments: “The Nor-Ray-Vac system is a highly efficient heating solution within this complex building design. It answered all our requirements for effectiveness and economy.”

Web: www.ambirad.co.uk

Driving up heating efficiency

When it comes to achieving fuel and emissions reduction in the industrial and commercial heating market, the onus is on manufacturers to drive the demand for energy efficient products – by developing genuinely leading-edge technology. Keith Sprague explains how AmbiRad is meeting this challenge.

Today’s heating systems have to be lean burn, fuel-efficient and cost effective. There is no alternative, as someone once famously said.

With increasing government and EU pressure on clients to reduce their carbon footprint, combined with soaring fuel costs and uncertain future supplies, heating is becoming a major element in many companies’ efforts to become energy efficient and environmentally friendlier.

Sustainable fuel supplies seem to be a long way off; fossil fuels are going to continue to be the staples - for the short- to medium-term, at least. The challenge is therefore to create heating systems that are capable of reducing fuel consumption down to the lowest possible levels while cutting emissions from the fuel that is burnt.

AmbiRad’s R&D has spent the last few years focusing on this issue. The result is a radiant tube range that represents the next generation of heating systems.

AmbiRad Vision™ is the latest and most exciting development in radiant heating technology of recent years. The principles behind radiant heating systems have changed little since the technology was first invented, but Vision takes performance further than ever before.

Radiant heating works by emitting infra-red rays which, like the sun, warm only people and objects in their path. This makes the system an ideal large space heating solution since no energy is wasted heating the vast volume of air in the building. Operatives feel warm even if external doors are opened regularly and in many cases the temperature can be turned down by one or two degrees to achieve the levels of comfort expected from higher operating temperatures.

Factories, warehouses, aircraft hangars and sports halls have all used AmbiRad radiant heating to beneficial effect.

The AmbiRad Vision™ concept centres around all-new burner technology. The process of combustion has been altered by dispensing with the traditional burner control housing, as combustion occurs within the firing tube. The new slimline burner head dramatically improves temperature distribution along the entire length of the heater, resulting in even wider floor coverage.

On higher efficiency models, a patented recuperative heat exchanger further improves performance, heat distribution and thermal/radiant efficiency.

The result is a radiant tube heater that offers real long-term benefits, including lower running costs, improved comfort, flexibility, value for money and pleasing aesthetics.

Heaters conform to the most stringent environmental requirements of building services design. NOx emissions have been reduced to as low as 55ppm on certain models – 50% less than current equivalent. The new models are quiet when in operation (<47dba) href="http://www.ambirad.co.uk/htm/ambirad/php/benefits.php">Energy Technology List and Enhanced Capital Allowances.

Rigorous testing has shown that overall fuel savings can amount to as much as 65% compared with conventional heating systems. In large, high-roofed premises which have substantial heating requirements, that figure may translate into lower operating costs, as well as reduced impact on the environment.

Vision™ is a new way of thinking about energy efficiency and a major step in the evolutionary process towards reduced consumption of fossil fuels.

Web: www.ambirad.co.uk

Rail maintenance sheds – too cold for comfort?

Heating rail maintenance sheds effectively and economically is a challenge many train companies are now facing with confidence. Nick Winton of AmbiRad Ltd explains.

Economy and effectiveness are the two key criteria specifiers are required to answer when selecting a heating system for rail maintenance sheds. Finding a solution to both in a single heating system can be challenging.

Rail shed design has changed little over the years. They are typically 200 to 300 metres long and around 15-20 metres wide depending on the number of tracks running through the building. To accommodate train carriages, the roof height is often 7 to 8 metres.

Entrance and exit doors often occupy the full width of the building, and may be left open for many hours a day. When doors are open at both ends, a wind tunnel effect is created, and cold air at high velocity is drawn through the shed. In some areas of the country, the problem of keeping the shed warm enough for personnel to work comfortably is compounded by the north-south alignment of the tracks which allows very little sunshine in to warm the interior.

With a constant flow-through of external air, the rail shed environment is too hostile for some forms of heating. Warm air heating, for example, would not be an appropriate solution. The system would consume fuel attempting to heat the entire volume of air in the shed, only for it to be replaced instantly with colder externally air when the doors are open to allow trains to manoeuvre in and out.

Blanket heat coverage is not generally a prerequisite. The ideal heating system – one which answers the prime requirements for economy and effectiveness – will heat only those areas where personnel are working. And in such long buildings, it should also be capable of being zoned to heat smaller working areas when necessary.

Radiant tube heating answers all these needs. It is one of the most energy efficient forms of space heating available; it burns fuel (natural gas or LPG) at the point of use so there is no loss of temperature in distributing heat around the building. Most importantly in the case of rail maintenance sheds, the warmth from the radiant system felt by personnel is less affected by cold air influx through open doors.

Radiant systems work like the sun, emitting infra red rays that warm only people and objects in their path. They do not heat the volume of air in the building, so no fuel is consumed wastefully and people remain warm regardless of fluctuating air temperatures when doors are open and closed.

Positioned directly above the working areas (ie. between trains being serviced), the radiant tubes focus all their heat exactly where it is needed – at the lowest two metres of the building. Personnel feel comfortably warm at all times, while the intense chill is taken off machinery, preventing the build-up of potentially hazardous condensation.

When operatives are working on one part of a train, zoning enables all other parts of the system to be switched off. Over time, this produces considerable fuel economies and cost reductions.

Gary Thompson of C Spencer, a main contractor on many rail shed heating projects, believes: “Radiant is one of the best schemes for handling rail shed heating. It is inordinately expensive to heat the sheds otherwise. Economy and energy efficiency are a big part of the equation.”

He cites Neville Hill Train Repair Sheds in Leeds as a good example. Here, the doors at both ends of the shed are permanently open during working hours. The existing high temperature hot water radiant strip system, powered by a central boiler, was decentralised in 2003, to be replaced by Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating systems from AmbiRad in two of the sheds.

In shed one, a 2520m2 building with 6metre average roof height, two tracks are accommodated. Thirty-six Nor-Ray-Vac burners were installed, divided into four zones for optimum flexibility and economy. In the second shed, of 2300m2, 30 burners, divided into four zones along the length of the building, were also installed, suspended at 5metres from floor level.

Continuous radiant tube heating offers further advantages over linear radiant tubes. The number of burners may be reduced and roof or wall penetrations can be kept to a minimum. The system provides low intensity, even heat coverage over very large areas, and is economical, energy efficient and quiet to operate. It can be easily zoned to answer local heating requirements.

A similar decentralisation project was carried out at Hornsey Rail Repair Shed. Here, six rail tracks run into the 33m wide building. A Nor-Ray-Vac system was installed to provide heating between each track and between track and walls. In total 56 burners, each with a 35kW heat output, were installed in 14 zones.

In Belfast, at the 5-track Translink Rail Cleaning Facility, the heating needs were slightly different. Blanket coverage was required to ensure operatives remain comfortably warm at all times. A Nor-Ray-Vac system with three branches across the width of the shed was installed, suspended at 7.5metres. This gives the required blanket heat coverage, both economically and efficiently, without the unique zoning, as utilised in train maintenance sheds.

Whatever the size or type of rail shed, radiant tube heating is an energy efficient solution. In these days of rising fuel costs and restrictions on ‘greenhouse gas’ emissions, reducing the fuel burden makes good sense. In the case of radiant heating, the economies and environmental considerations can be achieved without compromising the comfort or safety of personnel.

In addition, the Nor-Ray-Vac system is eligible for the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme, an upfront tax relief enabling the Rail company investing in energy saving equipment to claim 100% of the capital and installation costs as capital allowances against taxable profits in the first year.

Web: www.ambirad.co.uk

Nor-Ray-Vac heats world’s largest private hangar

Servicing and maintaining planes as big as Boeing Business Jet 737s for private clients requires a sizeable building. The 8000m² hangar at Luton Airport operated by Signature Flight Support is believed to be the largest private aircraft hangar in the world. With an 80m wide door at the front and a 25m roof height, it can easily accommodate the larger private jets, or up to 10 smaller planes.

Heating the vast, high-roofed building economically is a challenge. Quinn Ross consultants of Sittingbourne worked with the Architects Co-Partnership Ltd to design a heating system that would effectively counter the influx of cold air experienced when the doors opened, yet run at a relatively low rate of fuel consumption.

A Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating system from AmbiRad was specified. With 16 no. 46LR and eight 38LR burners, the system is suspended at 15m above floor level. It is zoned into three separate areas, each controlled by black box sensors and time controls, allowing Signature Flight Support the flexibility to heat only those areas where work is being carried out.

As radiant heating warms only people and objects in its path, the system does not waste energy in heating the entire volume of air within the hangar, ensuring very economical operation for the size of building.

In addition, the heaters can be used to defrost planes that have been standing outside in winter to assist their maintenance year-round.

Derek Quinlan of Quinn Ross comments: “This is an excellent heating solution in an otherwise difficult-to-heat application. The AmbiRad heaters very effectively maintain comfort temperatures within this vast building.”

Web: www.ambirad.co.uk

SmartCom - advanced automated heating control systems from AmbiRad

Modern buildings require advanced control systems. Increasing demands for energy efficiency and reductions in CO2 emissions – through the Climate Change Levy, upgraded Part L Building Regulations and the forthcoming European Performance of Buildings Directive – mean energy management is a critical function in the operation of every building.

To meet today’s stringent requirements, heating control systems must be capable of increasing internal comfort conditions while effecting real fuel cost savings. Ideally, they should also be very straightforward and secure to use, with a wide range of energy-optimising features.

Few computerised systems offer the same breadth of functionality and benefits as SmartCom, the new heating control system from AmbiRad, the UK’s leading manufacturer of energy efficiency radiant tube heating systems and a major provider of warm air systems.

Compatible with radiant tube, warm air and many other types of heating system, SmartCom incorporates self-adapting optimised start-up to ensure increased comfort and cost savings. SmartCom enables the heating to be networked across multiple zones, with the advantage that varying work patterns and operational temperatures within the same building can be taken into account – adding to the system’s energy saving capability.

Installation is quick and straightforward. A wall mounting template is designed to make things as easy as possible for installers.

Users will find the system simple to operate since programming is carried out following intuitive on-screen instructions, without the need for a manual.

Functionality
SmartCom has been designed to offer exceptional functionality, including:

Multiple control options – eg. ventilation-only operation, 7-day programming, 3 on-off periods per day, holiday and overtime mode. Password-protected operation to prevent units being tampered with. Compatibility with building management systems – units have an override facility that allows the BMS to control any number of SmartCom units.

There are a number of standard features, common to all models, that will enhance the operation of both heating system and safety back-up: Compact IP30 enclosure complete with cable entry knock-outs Built-in room temperature sensor 7-day battery back-up Flame failure lock-out Optimum start-up Easy overtime and holiday period set-up Integral temperature sensor in every SmartCom control unit – although optional remote sensors, including radiant black bulb, warm air and duct sensors, are also available.

The SmartCom range
There are four models in the SmartCom range.

SmartCom Standard is suitable for all AmbiRad radiant tube and warm air unit heaters. Functionality includes single stage heating and cooling.

SmartCom Advanced is a sophisticated control system for a wide range of larger applications. Additional features include two-stage heating and three-stage cooling, fully modulating operation and a communication facility to enable the system to be networked.

SmartCom Network is a dedicated networked control system solution that enables multiple zoning within the building. A maximum of 15 slave units can be centrally controlled by a single master. The master unit can automatically:
Update clock settings
Update temperature functions and programme settings
View room and adjust temperature settings of all units
Set holiday, overtime and ventilation only functions for the entire network.

Simon Hartles, Marketing Director of AmbiRad, comments: “SmartCom is designed to satisfy the market’s need for higher efficiency heating and heating control systems, and to complement the development of high performance gas-fired heating systems, whether radiant or warm air.”

Web:www.ambirad.co.uk

AmbiRad goes sky-high with Ryanair

A Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating system from AmbiRad, positioned at high level in the 22m roof of Ryanair’s prestigious new hangar at Prestwick airport, ensures night-shift workers keep warm in spite of open doorways and cold winds.

The hangar is used for the maintenance of Ryanair’s fleet of 737-800 aircraft. The 189-passenger planes are brought into the building at night for repairs and servicing, before jetting off the following day to international destinations.

Since all work is carried out overnight and large doorways remain open for long periods, the temperature within the hangar can fall dramatically, particularly in winter.

An underfloor heating system was originally specified, but rejected because of the discomfort working on a warm floor can cause to employees. Instead, Ryanair requested at radiant system from AmbiRad.

Ed Cunningham, Hangar Manager, says: “We required heating to the hangar with all services installed above a minimum aircraft clearance height.”

Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating was selected. Suspended from the roof, the heaters emit infra-red rays that warm only objects and people in their path. They do not waste fuel heating the volume of air in the building. In Ryanair’s case this will ensure that running costs are kept to a minimum.

The Nor-Ray-Vac system provides even heat coverage throughout the building, with rapid warm up time and low noise operation.

Although built as a single space, the hangar effectively operates in two bays. Closest to the doorway, the roof height is 22m to accommodate the aircraft tail fin. Further inside, where the body section of the plane sits, the roof height is just 11m.

In the higher area, six Nor-Ray-Vac 46LR burners were installed in two zones. Above the aircraft body area, sixteen Nor-Ray-Vac 32LR burners, zoned into eight separately controlled sections, were fitted. The installation was carried out by contractor Haden Young for consultant Donald Smith, Seymour and Rooley of Glasgow.

Lyall Smith of Haden Young comments: “Ryanair wanted an effective system that would maintain comfort levels throughout even the coldest night at Prestwick.”

Web: www.ambirad.co.uk

Radiant trounces underfloor in the great sports hall heating battle

There can be no doubt about it – radiant tube is the acknowledged leader when it comes to heating large multi-use sports hall. Whichever way you look at it – comfort levels, economy, ease of maintenance, safety – overhead radiant systems are so far ahead of the competition that they can’t see it for dust.

Why, then, does anyone consider specifying underfloor heating for sports halls? The choice is wrong in every aspect.

Underfloor is a great heating system in a huge variety of applications. Homes, offices and smaller shops are all ideal settings for the neat, discreet underfloor tubes that keep the floor surface and air above it warm.

But sports halls have very different requirements from domestic and retail settings, and these are at odds with the benefits of underfloor heating.

Take the average sports hall – one attached to a school, for example. It will be around 600m² in floor area with a roof height of 8 metres, up to 10m to the apex. The volume of air in the building is therefore approximately 5,500m³.

The primary requirement is to ensure that active sports participants and spectators are comfortably warm at all times. Players will usually be in the central courts area; spectators seated on tiered benches, which may be raised above floor level.

An underfloor heating system delivers all its heat up from the floor, directly under the feet of active players, and can thus produce “stuffy” conditions at low level, which are not conducive to playing sport. Spectators at higher levels will only feel residual benefits as the warmed air rises. The balance is inappropriate – spectators need more warmth than players – but underfloor heating does not compensate for different activity rates.

Radiant tube heating, by contrast, keeps everyone warm to the level of their need. Suspended from the roof at high level, the radiant tubes emit infra-red rays that warm people and objects in their path. The air remains relatively cool and conducive for active sports - at low level it does absorb some of the heat given off the people and the building fabric, but it is not heated directly. Building occupants feel comfortably warm at all times. And should people feel too warm, the close control possible with radiant means it can be turned down or off and temperatures reduce immediately.

Economy
As it doesn’t heat the volume of air in the building, a radiant system operates very economically. Energy consumption levels can be reduced still further by zone control. This allows areas of the building that are not being used to remain unheated, without compromising comfort temperatures in areas that are in use.

Underfloor systems consist of continuous tubes sealed under the floor. Zone control is not an option and the whole building must be heated, regardless of occupancy.

Flexibility is key to economic is sports hall heating. Extended warm-up periods are wasteful of fuel. With radiant heating, building occupants feel warm within just a few minutes of the system being operational. Underfloor heating takes a long time to warm up the building, and even once warmed up it takes an equally long time to cool down. This lack of responsiveness may even require 24-hour operation to maintain comfort temperatures while the building is in use – a significant draw-back if the building has extended periods of non-use, such as outside school hours.

Furthermore, a radiant system burns fuel efficiently at the point of use whereas an underfloor system requires a separate boiler plant. A boiler can be inefficient in itself – particularly if it is running constantly – and heat may be lost transferring energy between the plant and the underfloor tubes.

Cracking up
What about the effects on the building fabric of the two systems? Radiant tube heaters are positioned overhead, some metres away from the people and objects they heat, with no risk of overheating or damage to building or equipment. Roof or wall flues are kept to a minimum, with the average sports hall of 600 metres squared requiring only one flue.

By contrast, underfloor acts directly on the surface of the floor. To achieve tempertatures for sports activity, exam and sedentary functions the floor will often have to be heated to 27°C. Over time, this may have a detrimental effect of the floor covering. It has been known that floors fail within three years. Replacement is an expensive option.

This is what happened at Ysgol Dyffryn, a secondary school in North Wales. The 640m2 sports hall was equipped with underfloor heating as part of a major refurbishment and new build project throughout the school. The floor began to crack and the underfloor heating system had to be changed for safety reasons. A Nor-Ray-Vac radiant tube heating system with a two-stage temperature control was installed in 2003 to provide a background warmth of 16°C for sports activity, rising to 20° for exams and other sedentary functions.

Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating is among the systems recommended by Sport England for use in the Optimum Sports Hall, an off-the-shelf sports hall design that is configured to enable multi-use with minimized running and maintenance costs.

If all these benefits weren’t argument enough for the case for radiant heating in sports halls, cost is the final nail in the coffin. Capital outlay for installing a radiant system is around half that of underfloor heating.

Web: www.ambirad.co.uk

Comfort soars while fuel costs swoop at RAF Valley

The replacement of the original 1960s high temperature hot water heating system with Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heaters has transformed comfort conditions – and reduced fuel consumption by 50% - at RAF Valley’s Gaydon hangar on the island of Anglesey.

The hangar is temporary home to Hawk training jets while they are being maintained and repaired. The 5,000m2 building can accommodate up to 15 jets at any one time. With a 20m high roof at the apex, there is little problem manoeuvring the aircraft in and out of the building through the doors at either end. Providing adequate heating in such a large space is another matter, particularly as the site is exposed to freezing winter winds blowing off the Irish Sea.

Because of the roof clearances required, it was not practical to install the new heating system at low level. The semi-circular roof – which, with a single span, was the largest of its kind when installed over 40 years ago – meant the heaters had to be carefully positioned following the line of the roof.

The heating comprising of four Nor-Ray-Vac gas fired continuous radiant tube systems, with a total of 28 no. 46LR burners was installed by Gradwoods of Stockport on behalf of the client; Amey BPO Services @ RAF Valley and Design Consultants, Carl Bro.

The heaters are zoned in six separate areas, ensuring that heat is available only in those areas where people are working. No energy is wasted in heating unoccupied parts of the building.

A key factor in the decision to install Nor-Ray-Vac was its flexibility and rapid warm up. Working areas reach working temperatures of 16-20°C, according to requirements, within five to ten minutes. This is a major benefit when mechanics are called in at a moment’s notice, often outside normal working hours, to carry out maintenance work.

Flight Lieutenant Stuart Geary, Property Manager at RAF Valley, comments: "The radiant tube system gives us the flexibility we require in this hangar. It is also providing us with significant cost benefits."

Nor-Ray-Vac heats historic hangar at Hendon

When curators of the Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon dismantled and reconstructed the Grahame-White Aircraft Factory on Museum land, they created a unique exhibition hall – an important grade II listed industrial building housing priceless early aircraft and associated exhibits.

But heating it was a problem. The system specified for the refurb was gas-fired wall mounted plaque heaters but these proved entirely unsuitable for the purpose of the building.

They were soon replaced with Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating – a system that emits low-intensity heat with even distribution, suitable for creating comfort conditions for visitors and staff but without affecting the valuable aircraft on display.

A system comprising six 38kW linear burners with one discharge fan was installed. The heaters are controlled in two separate zones, allowing the Museum to shut down heating in one section when it is necessary to do so. As a result, unnecessary use of fuel is eliminated and running costs are kept to a minimum.

In its new position on the Museum site, the building sits alongside other period buildings left from the inter-war years when Hendon was an important RAF station. The building has been moved complete with five huge timber Belfast trusses that span the full width of the structure.

The choice of Nor-Ray-Vac heating was based on previous experience. Mike Gell, Building and Services Manager at the Royal Air Force Museum comments: ‘We have used this type of radiant heating for a number of years in other Museum buildings on this site and similar AmbiRad heating in our sister museum at Cosford, Shropshire. We have found it to be a cost-effective solution for heating our large display halls and aircraft hangars.’

Web: www.ambirad.co.uk

Radiant heating – for economy and versatility

Radiant tube heating is among the most economical forms of space heating on the market. It is clean, energy-lean and responsive. Howard Marfleet looks at the options and applications for radiant heating.

Faced with the challenge of selecting a new or replacement heating system for a large space building, specifiers or building energy managers seeking to minimise fuel consumption should automatically look at the options for heating by radiant tube.

This form of high performance heating is effective in a wide range of applications where even heat coverage, rapid warm-up, quick heat recovery and flexibility of operation are required – for example, in sports halls, aircraft hangars, warehouses, automotive workshops, transport maintenance sheds and factories.

Typically, radiant heating will reduce running costs by 25-60% in retro-fit applications, although this is occasionally beaten. In a recent heating decentralisation project for the MoD, energy cost savings of 64% where achieved by replacing a boiler and high temperature hot water system with gas fired radiant tubes from AmbiRad.

Low operating costs are achieved by concentrating the heat at low level, where it is most needed, without heating the volume of air in the building. Rapid response times reduce running costs still further. Such flexibility means that warmth is felt by people in the building within minutes of start-up on cold mornings – no fuel is wasted bringing the air to a comfortable temperature. By contrast, some conventional convection systems may take up to an hour to reach comfort conditions.

Similarly, when external doorways are opened – periodically or for long stretches of time – people working in a building heated by a radiant system continue to feel warm and once the doors are shut again, comfort temperatures are restored almost instantly. A minimal amount of heat is lost through the doorway, or through the roof.

Should a facility be down-sized, or activity confined to only one or selected areas of the building, radiant heating can be configured to heat only the part(s) required. This is called zone control and is a further energy-saving measure. It is particularly useful where activity takes place in different parts of the building on a daily basis – such as in an aircraft maintenance hangar. The building will not be fully utilised all the time, but selected areas will be occupied when planes are brought in for service and repair at different times.

Most importantly for many applications, especially environments where small particles and dust may be present in the air, radiant systems heat without air movement. In this context, radiant may be a trouble-free option for heating, where the air movement association with a convection system would tend to disturb particles in the air.

Since a radiant system burns fuel at the point of use, there are no distribution losses to take into account. Gas fired radiant tube heaters need to have a net thermal efficiency of 86% and a minimum radiant efficiency of 60% for inclusion on the Government’s Energy Technology List, in order to be eligible for Enhanced Capital Allowances.

Radiant tube heating is mounted overhead, often at very high level - normally between 4 and 12 metres, although mounting heights of 25metres are not uncommon (for example, to accommodate cranes). The gas burner fires a flame along the inside of a black steel tube causing it to heat up. The external surface temperature of the tube can reach 400–700°C, at which point it is emitting radiant heat. This is reflected downwards by a highly polished reflector.

Types of radiant heater
Linear or U- tube
These ‘straight line’ heaters are positioned at strategic points to provide excellent heat coverage around the building. Most commonly used in high bay factories or aircraft hangars for maximum effectiveness and flexibility, they can also have unusual ‘tailored’ applications.

At Interlink Express’ national distribution centre in Smethwick, for example, where around 110,000 parcels are processed every night, a total of 27 AR22SL linear radiant tube heaters were positioned over the 92 doorways at approximately 3.5m from ground level. The system effectively and economically heats the area immediately around the 95 loading bay doors while they remain open during the night.

Continuous radiant tube
Continuous radiant tube offers all-round, low intensity warmth in a variety of settings. It is particularly suited to sports halls where it can be set to a lower temperature than would be normally required, yet still achieve the required feeling of warmth for both athletes and spectators.

At Bath University Sports Training Village, a new university/community sports facility, Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating with a total of 24 burners ranging from 24 to 38kW output was installed in the Tennis halls and Multi-Purpose Sports Hall to provide even, low intensity heat at a constant 16-18°C.

Continuous radiant tube has the advantage of being quiet, aesthetically in keeping with the surroundings, convenient (in that it does not take up valuable floor space) and safe.

Packaged compact units
The latest type of radiant heater to come on to the market is the packaged unit, such as the Vision Compact from AmbiRad. This heater arrives on site in shrink-wrapped packaging which can be left on when the heater is installed to protect the unit from dirt, knocks and scrapes during non-related building work. The packaging can simply be removed at commissioning stage.

Radiant wall plaque heaters
Suitable for high roof buildings that suffer frequent air changes, or for spot heating applications, wall-mounted ceramic plaque heaters provide ‘instant’ heat exactly where it is needed. This small unit offers all the advantages of larger radiant models - quick warm-up (the Solarglow from AmbiRad can reach 1000°C in just two minutes), minimal air movement and a high level of comfort. Economically, it offers lower running costs, lower capital costs and lower installation costs due to its lightweight construction and ease of handling.

Web: www.ambirad.co.uk

RNAS Culdrose ‘Sea King’ heating solution

Cornwall-based RNAS Culdrose is one of the Royal Navy’s busiest aircraft bases, home to training and operations squadrons of Sea King and Merlin helicopters, and a large squadron of Hawk training aircraft. It also houses the main 771 Search and Rescue fleet which helped the people of Boscastle, when the town was hit by devastating floods in August 2004.

The hangars on the base are in constant use for maintenance and servicing. The buildings have proved hard to heat in the past since the doors have to be opened several times a day to manoeuvre aircraft in and out, and the site is exposed to fierce coastal winds. With no gas infrastructure, a steam heated radiant panel and oil fired warm air ducted radiant heating systems have been in use, but a more efficient alternative was sought.

Station energy manager John Gardner has overseen the progressive conversion of the base to more energy efficient heating, starting with the installation of mains gas. Four hangars each of 2,700m2, have since been equipped with Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating from AmbiRad, an economic form of heating ideally suited to aircraft hangar applications.

The radiant tube heaters are suspended at high level (approximately 7-10m from ground level) to ensure clearance above the aircraft. The heaters emit even, low intensity warmth throughout the building, eliminating cold spots and heat stratification. From start-up, or following a period when doors are open, comfort temperatures are achieved within minutes.

Radiant tube heating works like the sun, emitting infra-red rays that warm only people and objects in their path, but not the volume of air in the building. This makes radiant heating one of the most energy efficient space heating systems available.

To maximise the heaters’ efficiency, the Nor-Ray-Vac burners were equipped with an automatic shut-off facility which comes into operation when the doors remain open for longer than five minutes. Once doors are closed again, the heaters switch on and heat recovery follows rapidly.

John Gardner comments: “Our coastal location means the buildings are subject to strong winds off the sea and dampness. These problems have been eliminated in the hangars equipped with the Nor-Ray-Vac system. The heaters maintain comfortable temperatures for our personnel. They even take the early morning chill off tools.”

Web: www.ambirad.co.uk

Liebherr goes radiant

Liebherr-Great Britain Ltd has installed radiant tube heating from AmbiRad at its £15m state-of-the-art British HQ building in Biggleswade. The 5,000m2 hi-tech facility houses service, maintenance and equipment testing for the Group’s complete range of heavy plant and construction equipment.

The new building, which is the size of a soccer pitch, has a roof height of 18 metres to accommodate the 25-tonne capacity overhead cranes. Among the innovative features designed into the premises is the UK’s biggest rolling road for mobile cranes, capable of handling up to 20-tonnes axles. There are 10 separate workbays for cranes, earthmovers, concrete truck mixers and a welding area.

Heating and maintaining comfort temperatures in such a large space building, which is subject to influxes of cold air when entrance doorways are opened, was a challenge for the services design engineers QuinnRoss Consultants Ltd.

AmbiRad designed a Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube system that would guarantee even heat coverage throughout the main assembly part of the building. The system was installed by M&E contractor Mitie Engineering Services (SE Region) Ltd.

A total of 14no. 46kW and 3no. 38kW burners were positioned in the main assembly areas, mounted at 15.3m from floor level. In the vehicle cleaning area, two AR35 U-tube radiant heaters were installed. This model is suitable for car wash environments, where water could be dangerous to standard radiant tubes. An additional heating supplement is supplied to the welding bay by four SG31 wall-mounted radiant plaque heaters.

The systems achieve excellent heat coverage, in spite of having to be positioned around and between the high-level cranes. The principal requirement of the system was that it should be economical to run. Radiant tube heating from AmbiRad is among the most economical forms of large space heating available. It allows the end-user close control of the heated environment, both with regard to temperature and zoning. The Liebherr system is divided into four separately-controlled zones to optimise fuel economy.

Radiant tube heating is cost-effective in large space buildings because it does not waste energy heating the vast volume of air within the building. It warms only people and objects in its path. All the heat is focused at the lowest two metres, exactly where it is most needed by people working in the premises.

Web: www.ambirad.co.uk

NOR-RAY-VAC HEATS NEW GENERATION OF COMMUNITY SPORTS HALL

The first examples of the Optimum Sports Hall – the benchmark design for combined school / community sports facilities, developed by Sport England – are now up and running. These high-tech, low energy, low maintenance buildings are constructed to an exacting specification that covers not just design, build quality and performance parameters, but also prescribed products.

To achieve the required comfort temperatures at optimum energy efficiency, radiant heating has been specified for the multi-use sports hall within the Optimum Sports Hall. In pilot projects now completed, Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating from AmbiRad has been installed.

Nor-Ray-Vac provides effective heat coverage throughout large-space buildings – at a relatively low environmental temperature and without wasting energy warming the entire volume of air. Its ease of operation, low maintenance, energy efficiency and discreet appearance match the objective and purpose of the Optimum Sports Hall.

In commissioning a design for the Optimum Sports Hall, Sport England was looking for ways to make the process of building new sports facilities as streamlined and cost efficient as possible – an off-the-peg design that would save time and professional fees for community and local authority clients wishing to develop a sports hall.

A wider political philosophy underpins the initiative. As a nation we are significantly less fit than we were 50 years ago. Levels of obesity are rising – a particularly worrying trend in children – and key health indicators, such as the incidence of heart disease, are showing deterioration. Access to active sports has polarized in favour of private, often expensive, fitness suites over free or heavily subsidized community facilities.

Sport England wants everyone to be attracted to playing sport and to have access to facilities within their local community. The Optimum Sports Hall template sets benchmark standards for an inviting, open-to-all, multi-use sports centre that can be built, run and maintained at relatively low capital and whole-life costs, while creating income streams to meet operational costs.

Paul Gibbins, architect at Sport England, explains: “It is more important than ever that everyone is able to participate in sport for long-term fitness as well as to improve performance and excel. Communal sports facilities are one means of achieving that.

“Sports facilities represent a significant financial investment for local authorities, so they must serve the widest possible number of people.”

The Optimum Sports Hall is designed primarily for school sites, and to be used by schools during the day and the local community outside schools hours. “In appearance and general facilities, it must have customer appeal and compare well with the private leisure market,” adds Paul Gibbins.

The design is based on a single building that houses a four-court multi-use hall, a fitness suite, dance studio, communal changing areas and a generous entrance lobby and social hub. The plan form is compact and reduces circulation to a minimum. All servicing and stores are closely located to make, for example, change-over of equipment or vending machine replenishment quick and easy. There is good visibility from the reception counter and office to ensure effective supervision. The overall ambience is light and airy, with good air quality at all times.

The ‘heart’ of the building is the main hall – a simple vaulted space with a 10m high sloping roof. Heating, lighting, ventilation, beams, flooring and storage are all designed to ensure the best and most flexible environment for multiple uses.

Radiant tube heating was specified for the main hall because it is “economical to install and effective in its distribution of heat”, according to Paul Gibbins.

He explains: “Radiant is an effective generator of heat, economical and aesthetic. It provides quick warm up and easy control in different circumstances – for example, active sports or spectating.”

Radiant heating works like the sun, emitting infra red heat that warms objects and people in its path, but not the air around them. It also gently warms the fabric of the building to provide additional low level background heat. The heaters are suspended from the roof at high level, yet all the warmth is concentrated at the lowest two metres of the building – exactly where it is needed by the building’s occupants.

The economies that can be gained from installing radiant are substantial. Savings of between 25 and 60% have been achieved when radiant replaces a traditional boiler and radiator system in a large space building.

In sports hall environments, radiant has two other key advantages. First, it heats the space very quickly. Users feel warm within minutes – a particularly important factor in preventing muscle injury when people are engaged in active sports.

Second, the physical properties of radiant heat mean the system can be set to a lower air temperature than convection heaters to achieve the same level of comfort. For sports activities, for example, radiant heaters can be set to 14°C, yet the effect within the building is that of a heating system operating at 16°C. Over time, this will result in significant fuel cost savings.

The completed pilot projects – St Mary’s College in Hull and Robert Clack School in Dagenham – both opted for the largest of the three generic Optimum Sports Hall designs. This has a 612m² main hall. To heat the space effectively, two 32LR and two 24LR Nor-Ray-Vac burners were specified, positioned at eight metres from floor level. Ball guards protect the heaters and the black bulb sensor that regulates the temperature is also protected from damage.

The system is flued via a vacuum fan located in the nearby plant room. Products of combustion are discharged through the plant room roof. No roof penetrations are therefore necessary in the hall itself, reducing the risk of leaks. Remote fluing also ensures that the system operates silently.

Although only in operation for a few months, the AmbiRad systems are proving effective for purpose. Carl Southcoat, manager of St Mary’s College sports hall, remarks that: “The hall warms up quickly and the temperature is always just right.”

Over the next year or so, Sport England will be conducting a comprehensive feedback exercise to ascertain usage levels, customer appeal and performance of the radical new buildings. This will include responses to the comfort levels of different users.

Paul Gibbins adds that Sport England is “quite optimistic” that the feedback will be positive.

Web: www.ambirad.co.uk

Sport meets science at Leeds Metropolitan University

Leeds Metropolitan University Bio-Mechanics Laboratory is among the most advanced sports research facilities of its kind. Within the specially-equipped sports hall, the performance of current and future athletes is filmed and assessed, injuries are analysed, movement and co-ordination are scrutinised and the data captured for studies into fitness, performance improvement, motor control and sports psychology.

Among the laboratory’s more famous subjects are the Leeds Rhinos rugby and Yorkshire County Cricket teams.

It is important to the research that comfort conditions within the laboratory are maintained at optimum levels – both for the active athletes and the sedentary researchers. An AmbiRad radiant tube heating system provides warmth to the level required by both types of building user.

The 2,400m³ sports hall, which is used conventionally for tennis, badminton and volleyball when research is not taking place, is kept at a comfortable 18°C during periods of occupation. A total of four AmbiRad AR35 single linear radiant tube heaters are suspended in the roof space, providing even heat coverage throughout the large space building.

Radiant tube heating works like the sun, warming only people and objects in its path. No energy is wasted heating the volume of air in the building, making it ideal for applications such as large sports halls. Additionally, the physical properties of radiant heat mean it can be set to a lower constant temperature than other forms of heating to achieve the same level of comfort. Less fuel is used as a result and, over time, energy cost savings can be significant.

The AmbiRad system was specified by engineering consultants Troup Bywater and Anders of Leeds, and installed by Morfits of Leeds.

Web: www.ambirad.co.uk

AmbiRad radiant heating serves up warmth at Bath University Sports Training Village

Elite athletes and aspiring amateurs visiting the state-of-the-art Sports Training Village (STV) at Bath University feel comfortably warm during cold weather, thanks to the installation of a Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating system from AmbiRad.

The Sport England-funded facility, a national sporting Centre of Excellence, is the training ground for several of the UK’s leading athletes, including Jason Gardener, the international and Olympic medal-winning sprinter. It is also home to the England Rugby Academy and the regional headquarters of the Lawn Tennis Association.

Many different sports are accommodated in the single building – tennis, badminton, netball, aerobics, 5-a-side football, volleyball, basketball, athletics, throwing events and martial arts.

The building is divided into a number of discrete areas and functions – a multi-use hall for sports and non-sporting activities such as exhibitions; a tennis hall; gymnasium; fitness centre; a do jang for martial arts; bobsleigh start track; and projectile hall.

Nor-Ray-Vac continuous radiant tube heating, with a total of 24 burners ranging from 24 to 38kW output, was installed in the Tennis halls, and Multi-Purpose Sports Hall to provide even, low intensity heat at a constant 16-18°C.

Radiant was selected for these applications for a variety of reasons:
Aesthetics – the heaters are suspended from the roof at high level, minimising their obtrusion for players
Safety – they are out of reach of most equipment, but protected by grilles for additional safety
Convenience – unlike conventional heating systems, the heaters do not take up floor space
Efficiency – all fuel is burnt at the point of use, eliminating distribution losses. The heaters are also highly energy efficient, with a rating of 92% thermal efficiency. Radiant tube heating warms only objects and people in its path, so the heat is felt at the lowest two metres of the building while no energy is wasted heating the volume of air.
Effectiveness – continuous radiant tube heating rapidly takes the chill off the area without overheating during periods of activity.

Peter Jonik, Building Services Engineer for the STV, comments: “Radiant is an ideal solution for this type of sports facility. The system needs to run for just 1-1½ hours a day to maintain an ambient 18°C. It warms up very rapidly and takes the chill off the air within minutes. It is also much more economic for heating a sports hall than a wet system.”

Web: www.ambirad.co.uk