The Great Western Arms at Aynho near Banbury recently added five bedrooms as part of a major refurbishment. This work included the upgrade of its heating and hot water systems, replacing the old cast iron boiler and indirect hot water cylinder, with modern, high efficiency equipment.

Hot water for the Hook Norton Brewery-owned pub is now provided by an air source heat pump working in conjunction with a Lochinvar EcoForce+ gas-fired condensing water heater, running on Calor LPG.

The heat pump converts the ambient outside air into hot water, which is used to pre-heat the feed water to around 40°C and at this temperature the heat pump operates with a COP of 3:1. In other words, for every kW of heat input, the heat pump generates 3kW of output. The EcoForce water heater then raises the temperature to the required 65°C, but savings on LPG are achieved due to the feed water being pre-heated.

Space heating for the new bedrooms and the existing pub/restaurant is provided by a traditional radiator system and a Lochinvar CP-M 60 boiler. Control options are one of the significant features of this product and on this project, the EBC controller was used, which allows for 'zoning' of different areas of the premises and enables the boiler to operate at its highest efficiency.

David Pepper, managing director of Lochinvar, said: "The air source heat pump/water heater package is a really good solution for commercial applications like the Great Western Arms. Combining the use of the low carbon heat pump technology, a condensing gas-fired water heater has provided an efficient, environmentally friendly solution, without compromising hot water supply. The use of separate plant for space heating and hot water is widely recognised as good practice in terms of energy conservation and this has also been achieved on this project."

Banbury based Chartered Interior Designers, David Moore Associates, developed the overall refurbishment scheme for their client, Hook Norton Brewery, and they were keen that the design should be environmentally friendly. "We are delighted that Lochinvar has been able to bring its specialist knowledge and advice to this project by designing and supplying the energy efficient water heating installation, contributing to the overall improvement made in the energy efficiency of this facility," said David Moore.

The Great Western Arms is a traditional, canal side pub which also has an excellent reputation for its restaurant. As well as being popular with local people, it also attracts visitors from London and the south east.

About Lochinvar

Lochinvar products were introduced to the UK in 1976 and have been supplied for numerous industrial, commercial and large domestic applications over the last 32 years. The company is a subsidiary of Lochinvar Corporation based in Nashville, USA, and designs, manufactures and distributes a comprehensive range of high efficiency gas fired water heaters and boilers. In addition to EcoForce, EcoKnight boilers and water heaters are also recent additions to the product range, which now comprises a most versatile and flexible portfolio of gas-fired condensing boilers and water heaters. Lochinvar also offer bespoke renewable packages combing direct gas-fired water heaters with solar thermal systems and air source heat pumps.

Hartcliffe Community Centre, which hosts a range of activities for all ages, chose an eco-friendly solar package designed and supplied by water heater and boiler manufacturer Lochinvar.

The 12 collector solar installation is providing pre-heated feed water for two Lochinvar LBF300 water heaters. During the summer a high proportion of the centre's hot water demand may be provided by solar energy, but even on cloudy days the solar gain is likely to generate a temperatures of between 25 and 35°C. This pre-heated feed water means that the LBF300 water heaters use less energy to achieve the required temperature for the hot water supply.

David Pepper, managing director of Lochinvar, said: "A bespoke solar package can be provided with all of our water heaters. Working with our established solar partner, Rayotec Ltd, we provided a tailored renewable energy solution for the centre which conserves fossil fuel and reduces carbon emissions, without compromising hot water supply for the building occupants."

"Our direct gas-fired water heaters provide a more efficient method of heating water than traditional indirect systems and on solar packages the use of a separate pre-heat tank helps to achieve maximum solar gain."

The Hartcliffe community centre development was funded by supermarket chain Morrisons plc as part of their investment in the community when they built a new store.

The Lochinvar equipment was specified and installed by Mitton Mechanical Services Ltd, specialists in the supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of building services.

Mitton projects director Chas Thompson said: "The community centre wanted to reduce its carbon footprint without compromising its hot water supply and in our experience, the combined solar thermal and direct gas-fired water heater package offered the ideal solution."

About Lochinvar

Lochinvar products were introduced to the UK in 1976 and have been supplied for numerous industrial, commercial and large domestic applications over the last 32 years. The company is a subsidiary of Lochinvar Corporation based in Nashville, USA, and designs, manufactures and distributes a comprehensive range of high efficiency gas fired water heaters and boilers. In addition to EcoForce, EcoKnight boilers and water heaters are also recent additions to the product range, which now comprises a most versatile and flexible portfolio of gas-fired condensing boilers and water heaters. Lochinvar also offer bespoke renewable packages combing direct gas-fired water heaters with solar thermal systems and air source heat pumps.

Five Lochinvar CP-M high efficiency gas-fired condensing boilers, three 150kW and two 180Kw plus two EcoKnight 115kW water heaters, have been installed at George House, the newly opened headquarters of the popular fashion label at Magna Park in Lutterworth, Leicestershire.

Selected for their high efficiency and low NOx emissions, the Lochinvar products are providing space heating and hot water for the purpose built 84,440 sq ft offices which include special fashion concept and development areas, a café, a shop and shower facilities for the comfort and convenience of the 521 employees based at the site.

David Pepper, managing director of Lochinvar, said: "We've worked with a long list of leading UK retailers in the past, including Morrisons, Tesco, Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser, and are pleased to have our products selected for the new HQ of such a high profile fashion range as George.

The selection and installation of gas-fired condensing boilers and water heaters can play a significant part in the challenge to reduce carbon emissions and our flexible products can provide some great solutions for commercial new builds such as this as well as refurbishment projects.”

The installation was carried out by the main contractors, Northampton based Encon Special Contracts Ltd.

The booklet gives in-depth information on specifying and installing bespoke direct gas fired / solar thermal hot water packages. Featuring technical diagrams and charts, topics covered include basic design, components and system sizing, solar collector efficiencies and integration with commercial and industrial hot water equipment. There is also a section on legionella control options and a full glossary of terms.

David Pepper, Managing Director for Lochinvar, said: "We launched our solar packages in 2007, since when we have been working with partner company, Rayotec Ltd, who have been in the solar energy business for more than 20 years. The technology is still new in the UK and the Industry in general is still on a learning curve, so we decided to produce this guide to assist specifiers and installers."

The guide is available from Lochinvar by calling 01295 269981 or via email on info@lochinvar.ltd.uk

Specified by Oxford based SI Integrated Services & Design, the EcoKnight boilers were selected for their green credentials as they offer improved efficiencies thereby helping to reduce the college’s carbon emissions. In addition, EcoKnight’s small footprint and ability to provide long flue runs allowed for flexible siting within the old plantroom where space was limited.

David Pepper, managing director of Lochinvar, said: “We’ve worked with a number of important educational establishments over the years including UMIST, Middlesex University, the University of Nottingham and University of Bath and we’re pleased our products have been selected for this prestigious college, part of the historic University of Oxford.

“The selection and installation of gas-fired condensing boilers can play a significant part in helping to reduce carbon emissions and our high efficiency products can provide some great solutions for commercial refurbishments such as this historic building.”

The EcoKnight is a floor standing range comprising five models with heat outputs from 41kW to 141kW based upon a 50°C/30°C system design.

The boiler features a fully modulating burner and a stainless steel heat exchanger, which is robust and durable in design, giving high resistance to corrosion. Lightweight construction allows for easy installation. An additional benefit is the wide range of flue options, which include concentric, horizontal and vertical balanced flue assemblies and conventional/open flue.

Established in 1870, Keble College currently has 410 undergraduate and 235 graduate students. In addition to its high standard of academic achievement, the college also excels in music, drama and sports activities.

Six air source heat pumps are available with outputs ranging from 4kW to 16kW. The heat pump unit is sited externally and ambient air is used to supply pre-heated feed water for the selected Lochinvar high efficiency gas-fired water heater, providing reductions in fuel consumption, saving both money and carbon emissions.

Air source heat pumps are fully weatherproofed units and easy to install. No refrigeration pipework is required, just a hot water circuit connection and a single phase power supply. The user interface controller ensures easy management of the system, offering clear and simple instructions.

Heat pump efficiency is often referred to as Co-efficient of Performance (COP) with up to 4:1 being available on air source models. This means the unit will generate up to 4kW of output for every 1kW input. Although water temperatures of up to 55°C are achievable, COP is usually at its best when providing water temperatures of around 35°C. Integrating air source heat pumps with direct gas-fired condensing water heaters offers an efficient and environmentally friendly method of providing hot water for a wide range of commercial buildings.

David Pepper, managing director for Lochinvar, said: “With the continuing drive towards improved hot water system efficiencies, we believe these packages provide a solution which utilises a renewable technology at a reasonable level of capital cost. In addition to our now established solar/direct gas-fired water heater packages we are pleased to provide further flexibility for commercial users who wish to reduce carbon emissions without compromising the hot water supply.”

Lochinvar is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high efficiency boilers and water heaters for commercial and industrial applications. The company offers an extensive product range, including the EcoKnight, TurboCharger and EcoForce condensing water heaters, which all have potential to be incorporated with renewable systems.

David Pepper, Lochinvar’s Managing Director, said: "The commercial heating and water heating market has seen significant changes in recent years, with condensing products being used in a high proportion of commercial and industrial developments." 

The TT is available as a heating Boiler, or as a dedicated direct gas fired Water Heater. Twin modulating pre-mix burners and a triple pass heat exchanger are the design principles of this product which operates at efficiencies of up to 97 per cent (gross). In addition, the wide range of control options available provides real potential to reduce fuel consumption and consequently carbon emissions and fuel bills. Low NOx emissions make the new TT range a more environmentally friendly choice.

The TT’s triple pass heat exchanger provides high output from a compact design and is constructed from stainless steel, with a construction similar to that used in the well-established CP-M and EcoKnight product ranges.

Boiler models can provide heat outputs of 411 and 580 kW based upon a system design of 50/30°C and the water heater versions offer recovery rates of 8,168 and 11,334 litres per hour based upon a 50°C temperature rise.

David Pepper, Managing Director of Lochinvar, said: "We already have an extensive range of gas fired Boilers and Water Heaters for use in commercial applications. The addition of the TT products incorporates the best elements of our existing design, such as the stainless steel heat exchanger, and provides further choice and options for projects with higher heating and/or hot water demand."

Based in Banbury, Lochinvar is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high efficiency gas fired Boilers and Water Heaters for commercial and industrial applications.