You may have heard about Heat Recovery Ventilation systems [HRV] or you may be a complete newcomer to the party, but never fear, we’re here to breathe some fresh air into what it all means and help you decide if a Heat Recovery Ventilation system could really benefit you and your home.

Okay so let’s start with the basics, what is a Heat Recovery System?

Essentially it’s a system installed in your home to recovery heat energy that would usually be lost. To do this, an air-to-air heat exchanger will be installed into your home. This will recover the heat that would normally be wasted heat from your home, but it will also supplying you with fresh, highly filtered air at the same time. It’s a system that works independently from your heating system, but due to it recovering heat that would normally be lost, it can actually give great savings on your energy bills. Don’t worry about baking in summer though! You can bypass the heat exchanger at any time to bring in air from outside at a lower temperature but your air in your home will still be filtered and purified.

What are the benefits of a heat recovery system?

We all know that our homes should be as airtight as possible to make them more energy efficient by not wasting energy and ensuring lower energy bills in the longer-term. Did you know that this can cause poor air quality due to there being no sources of natural ventilation? By sealing up our homes to keep that valuable heat from escaping, we’re essentially sealing in the moisture produced by everyday activities such as washing, drying, cooking, bathing and simply breathing. We couldn’t believe it when we found out that the average family produces up to 10 litres of moisture in their home every day! In a month, that is A LOT of moisture, enough moisture to fill 2 baths in fact!

A recent report from the Royal College of Physicians revealed some alarming statistics on the impact of air pollution on our health. It said that indoor air can be up to 50 times more polluted than outdoor air, containing up to 900 potentially dangerous chemicals. This could make our homes fill with condensation and mould, damaging the walls and the fabric of our house. However, and probably more importantly it can make the occupants sick. High humidity levels can affect allergies and respiratory diseases brought on by mould and mildew. Mites, mould and mildew all thrive in these high humidity environments and we all know how deadly certainly moulds can be.

So in the transition towards airtight buildings and energy improvements, adequate ventilation is now more important than ever. Working on your ventilation strategy will not only keep your home free from condensation and mould, it will also ensure that your air quality is at an optimum level; fresh yet free from pollutants.

When should I install a Heat Recovery Ventilation System?

We would advise that installation of a Heat Recovery Ventilation is part of the initial design of a new build property. Ideally, you’d like a few bends as possible in the systems, as these bends increase the air resistance and flow rate, and these have to be considered in the overall design. If the system isn’t designed correctly, you run the risk of ending up with a noisy system that doesn’t move the air enough [or moves too much air].
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Retrofitting is possible too. There are just a couple of things to consider when assessing the suitability of installing a heat recovery system. Firstly we will need to check whether there will be enough space to house the heat exchanger, normally in the loft or storage space at the top of the building. It also be necessary to check whether there is adequate space and access for the installation of ductwork and that it can reach all of your rooms. In some cases, it can be tricky and can often require the lifting of floors. For this reasons, some people choose to fit their system when the whole property is being renovated. Don’t forget that some older buildings aren’t as airtight as newer houses and offices, and often lose valuable heat through cracks in the walls or old vents.  Before taking on a system, we’d recommend consulting one of our experts to ensure that the correct system is installed.

Here at Delkia we are always ensuing that we are up-to-date and complying with the most recent standards and regulations.  The most recent change being the BS7671:2018 (18th Edition) and is now in effect as of 1st January 2019.  We thought we would highlight some of the key amendments.  

Energy Efficiency

In an ever growing world of efficiency demand the 18th edition has now dedicated a whole appendix to it; Appendix 17 makes recommendations for the design construction & assembly of the installation for optimizing efficiencies in the use of electricity.

Skilled Person

Reading through the scope they have only been a few slight amendments however the main change that stands out is “Skilled person” in replace of competent person.
This now reduces DIYers and novices from making alterations or installing new circuits and will reduce risks and avoid hazards which electricity can create.

Chapter 46 is back

Chapter 46 Devices for isolation and switching has been re-introduced which focuses on non-automatic local and remote isolation and switching measures for the prevention or removal of dangers associated with electrical installations or electrically powered equipment. Also, switching for the control of circuits or equipment. Where electrically powered equipment is within the scope of BS EN 60204, only the requirements of that standard apply.

Definitions

There are several new definitions, and a few existing definitions that have been amended. For example, “Discrimination” has been replaced by selectivity, although the meaning remains the same. “Departures” is new and can be utilized during the design approach in certain circumstances, where used they must be agreed be all parties to a contract.
Non-compliance: a Non-conformity that may give rise to danger.

RCD Protection

This seems to be one of the biggest amendments in particular, <30mA RCDs will now be a requirement on sockets rated up to 32A rather than just 20A, there is an exception to omit RCD protection where, other than a dwelling, a documented risk assessment determines that RCD protection is not necessary.
RCD’s will also be needed on all AC final circuits supplying luminaires within residential buildings.
It is also important to note that Table 41.1 now applies to final circuits rated up to 63A (with sockets attached) so maximum disconnection times will apply to a greater number of circuits.
RCD’s should be tested every quarter and not 6 monthly.

Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs)

AFDDs have been introduced in protection against thermal effects Chapter 42 as a recommendation of additional protection against fires that are caused by arc faults in AC final circuits.  Arc fault detection devices (when used) should be installed at the origin of each final circuit that is are being protected.

Surge Protection

In circumstances where over-voltage protection is not required, a risk assessment can be carried out. If a risk assessment is not carried out, over-voltage protection must be provided.  Where there is risk of serious injury or of loss of life, where many co-located people are affected, where there is an interruption to public services, or commercial / industrial activity.

Metal Cable Supports

One of the big changes is wiring systems now must be supported against premature collapse in the event of fire and this applies throughout the entire installation by use of metallic clip supports. Not all clips will need to be metal, however – there just needs to be an adequate number in place e.g. every 4th clip.
These are just a few of the amendments that we have highlighted and there are many more.
For a full list read pages 4 – 7 of the BS7671 or CLICK HERE .

On today, the shortest day of the year and as Christmas is almost upon us, we thought it pertinent to discuss through our first technical topic, the subject of lighting.  Lighting at this time of year is very festive and everywhere, on the Christmas tree, in windows, on the roof and of course the front door wreath! This of course is lighting for festivities and fashion, however selecting suitable lighting should be determined with its purpose and context in mind.

Take our Christmas lights for example, dug out from the back of the cupboard, purchased several years ago and although they look festive and functional on the tree, the whining from the transformer can bring out our irritable nature!  It’s always a surprise when we get into lighting designs the quantity of attributes to consider, and how this affects our level of comfort and physiological well-being – vital for high performing tasks.

According to the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) there are three levels of lighting – good, bad and indifferent; all of which generates around our level of function and comfort.  Delkia have provided a number of lighting designs over the years, predominantly for industrial and office purposes. Although client and industry domain standard lux levels are excellent guidance to aim towards the ‘good’ level, they are certainly not the only factor.

Understanding the need and client objectives is of course vitally important but transposing these into digital platform is where the magic really happens.  Choosing the correct lighting software to use is critical.  Challenges of getting the most accurate CIE general colour rendering index (CRI) correct can affect the digital output, most problematic in industrial applications when using LED lights.   Other such factors include accurate glare considerations that are fully compliant to BS EN12464; as well as such interfaces with objects, task type, surfaces and what is called ophthalmic visual capacity – people’s normal performance to see.  All of which can be difficult to model in rudimentary or subpar software packages that don’t allow for accurate representation of the real-world and high-definition rendering and modelling.

Using the most advanced design lighting packages with knowledge and application of their use, allows the finer details to be captured.  This is specifically important in high-demanding environments, such as medical surrounding, offshore and nuclear, to name a few.  To capture this detail accurately through digitalisation and photorealistic visualisations, it allows the lighting designer to focus on the true benefits of effective lighting designs; leading to an enhanced performance.

Our physiological behaviour plays a dynamic part in the interactions with lighting, which is often missed in the engineering fraternity, leading to more involvement of human factors and ergonomic assessments.  We must also assess when we need the light at certain junctures of a task including duration as well as our bodily interactions with day and night.  To perform cognitively at our best simply assessing glare, flicker, contrast and luminance is not as straightforward as we first thought.

Of course it would be remiss of us not to mention the power usage of lighting. Coming back to the annoying transformers in the Christmas tree lights, the actual noise is really down to poor quality.  As such they will use more energy, and yes, we will be replacing them, despite our frustrations.  But this is another factor in lighting design, the balance between quality, cost, application, maintenance, and longevity not forgetting energy usage. One of our clients told us recently that their energy bill was consistently a six figure sum.  Although this sounds high, it was a hotel with a swimming pool. They blamed all the lighting as the main issue, and upon first inspection – we could see why, especially at this time of year.
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As technology improves in lighting products so does its consumption of energy.  According to a report from the department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy [BEIS], lighting is the second highest consumption of energy in any building; heating and ventilation cooling being the first. This makes up in excess of twenty percent of the building or plant’s energy consumption.  This clearly has an environmental impact and environmental assessments are usually insisted upon for occupied buildings through various known endorsed methodologies.

So whether it is for designs for emergency lighting to BS 5266-1:2016, confirmation of lux levels for display screen equipment to ISO 9214-307, high-hazard risk lighting or some fashionable or iconic lighting displays; even for Christmas, get in touch with Delkia in the New Year to see how we can add value to your projects.
Finally as we have an office not too far from the Scottish border we thought we’d leave these safety tips, courtesy of Scottish Christmas Trees.  Note the point on the buzzing transformer!

On Friday 14th December colleagues at Delkia will be putting on their warmest, wackiest and most wonderful festive woollies to raise money for Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day.
 
Silliness is set to sweep the nation as millions of people in schools, offices and homes up and down the country donate £2 to sport a festive sweater for the day. From technicolour festive knits festooned with reindeer antlers to balancing baubles, the best bit is that all this silliness has a serious purpose.
 
All money raised through this wacky woolly-wearing could help give a child living in a refugee camp clothes to keep them warm through winter, help buy nutritious food for their entire family, or set up a safe space to give children the chance to be children again. It’s a very silly way to solve some very serious problems!
 
Rebecca Canfield, Finance Manager said: “The whole office are really getting in to the Christmas spirit and have promised to dig out their Christmas jumpers. My jumper is of a Christmas tree with flashing lights! I hope that the staff will have a fun and festive day, while raising lots of money for Save the Children.”
 
Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day is fun, easy to organise and everyone can be part of it. To find out more and sign up, visit www.christmasjumperday.org.
 

Delkia, a West Cumbrian based SME, has teamed up with Capula, an Imtech company to offer enhanced services to the energy industry  The agreement between the two companies is intended to  provide increased scope and local capacity to shared clients from within the region’s nuclear and energy sectors.
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This move will complement Capula’s existing engineering resources at its long-established Cumbrian office, which is one of five nationwide Capula offices.  The collaboration will allow both businesses to continue providing socio–economic benefits to the wider community in the west Cumbrian area and is expected to facilitate future business growth.
 
Kurt Canfield, the Founder of Delkia, said, “This is an exciting time for the company, and we have some significant and aggressive growth plans for the very near future.  With this special arrangement we will be able to provide our clients with confidence, and equally to provide a healthy, complementary and synergistic commercial partnership.  Capula has significant engineering capacity and is very strong in software development.  Both companies share a common vision with regards to growth, innovation, project delivery and maximizing key experience.”
 
He added, “This is one of a number of strategic steps planned for the company over the next 6 – 12 months.  Whilst maximizing our current portfolio we will be diversifying and increasing our current offer to clients, whilst still focusing on power and automation engineering in the energy sector.”
 
Mark Hardy, Capula’s Managing Director stated, “This partnership arrangement leverages the footprint Delkia has in West Cumbria, as well as supports our local project delivery to key clients in the nuclear industry.   Additionally this will aid Delkia’s diversification plans to achieve further growth throughout the North of the UK.”
 
Lee Heathcote, Business Manager for Capula’s Nuclear sector commented, “The collaboration will allow us to provide local employment and help contribute to the success of the local economy; factors that align with Delkia and Capula’s corporate social responsibility objectives.  We are pleased that this partnership compliments and strengthens our existing capabilities based out of our Westlakes office.”
 
The partnership is set to yield some quick returns for their clients and will result in shared resources, capability and facility utilisation. Delkia will be converting their facility to a dedicated test and training facility as part of the move, as well as acquiring further facilities as part of their growth plans. 

We have recently had the delight of supporting the newly launched National Nuclear College located within Lillyhall training estate in Workington, West Cumbria.

Delkia in collaboration with the college and Sellafield, provided design and assembly of 8 bespoke PLC test bays. These have been designed and assembled with a view to provide prospective students with typical examples of the types of control systems with the nuclear industry they can expect to encounter.  It's a simplistic but brilliant idea to generate bespoke setups from  remote wireless PLC's &  I/O's to hardwired solutions. It certainly shows a flair for new technologies and also importantly underpins the necessity that nuclear safety relies heavily upon proven robust functional control and safety systems.

We wish the college well and look forward to attending the grand opening soon ....update to follow.

Delkia recently welcomed Copeland Conservative MP Trudy Harrison to the office, during her ongoing commitment to visit every Copeland based company engaged in the Nuclear Sector. During the visit Trudy was very keen to hear Delkia history, vision and our views on the state of current and future SME opportunities both within the County and more importantly outwardly into new national and international markets. It was an engaging and collaborative conversation resulting in some excellent ideas on how to train, grow and promote this County’s great potential as world leader in technology solution provision. We offered her our full support and best wishes in her endeavours to keep Cumbria at the forefront of Government policy and look forward to many more future opportunities to feed in to that process.   

Delkia's female staff was at Cockermouth School this week part of 'World of Work Day'!
 
Not only raising the awareness of Automation and Power Engineering for secondary schools but our own ambassador for STEM and Women in Engineering.  Delkia workforce stated "It was great honour to be asked to be part of the Cockermouth School World of Work Day.  Our role was to perform mock interviews with a number of students.  .  We found it quite a humbling experience to spend time with these young people and to hear about their dreams and aspirations and for them to openly share and trust me with their innermost thoughts.

Recently appointed Mike Luchford, Associate Director, heads up our new South East office, based at Discovery Park, Sandwich in Kent. The opening of this new office is to ensure a point of contact for our customer’s in the Southern Region and to continue to grow our capacity within this area.
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For more information, contact us.