A property development company working on behalf of Bryce & Wood Ltd of Blyth near Newcastle approached Harry Taylor to provide a heating solution for a new building, 1,500 sqm and 8.5m high. The structure was to be used to store archived data and required a minimum internal temperature requirement of 10 degrees Celsius when -5 degrees Celsius outside. The client had initially intended to heat the space with electric heating. However, because of the size of the structure, we advised against this due to running cost reasons, especially when natural gas was available on the site.
When designing the system, we faced several problems. The building was large and tall, and the heating load was low in relation to the space at only 90 kW. These factors would produce severe heat distribution and stratification problems. It was essential that the temperature of the building was constant to provide temperature protection for the building contents and that the system was fuel-efficient. For these reasons, a standard warm air heating system was deemed unsuitable.
Our solution:
After careful consideration, Harry Taylor recommended the installation of an Air Rotation system. An Air Rotation systems comprise a small number of units strategically placed within the premises they are to heat. These operate by circulating large volumes of air at low velocities, thereby maintaining constant air circulation in the building. This system reduces stratification and provides a uniformity of heat that is difficult to match. They are best used in facilities that operate 24 hours per day.
The installed heating system consisted of one Nordair Niche IDF5V Vertical Air Rotation unit. The system works very effectively. The unit is 91% efficient and is listed on the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme, and is rated for an output of 100 kW. Additionally, the system is easily serviceable. It uses parts available in standard unit heaters, and all serviceable components are at a low level (burner, heat exchanger, fan etc.); therefore, maintenance is simple without needing access equipment. The value of the project was £15,700 + VAT.