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.

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.

Two Lochinvar EcoKnight EKW85CE gas-fired, high efficiency water heaters and a stainless steel buffer vessel have been installed in the Cystic Fibrosis unit at Wythenshawe Hospital, which is part of the University Hospital of South Manchester, to provide hot water for the bathing and washing facilities.

EcoKnight was selected for its green credentials as the water heaters offer improved efficiencies thereby helping to keep carbon emissions to a minimum. In addition, the small footprint and ability to provide long flue runs of up to 60 metres allowed for flexible siting within the plant room.

The Lochinvar equipment was specified by consultants Hoare Lea in Manchester.

David Pepper, managing director of Lochinvar, said: “The selection and installation of gas-fired condensing water heaters can play a significant part in helping to reduce carbon emissions and our EcoKnight range of products can provide some great solutions for commercial projects such as this new extension to Wythenshawe Hospital.”

The EcoKnight is a floor standing range comprising eight models offering recovery rates from 709 to 3819 litres per hour based upon a 50°C temperature rise. It is designed for use with direct storage vessels.

The water heater 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.

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.

A total of four EcoKnight gas-fired condensing water heaters, model EKW205CE, plus four LST166 storage tanks are being installed in blocks five and eight at the College on Bradgers Hill Road in Luton, Bedfordshire.

The equipment has been specified by Spie Matthew Hall’s London office and will provide hot water for all showering and hand washing in the main building and sport sections.

David Pepper, managing director for Lochinvar, said: “We’re delighted the new additions from our EcoKnight range have been selected for Luton Sixth Form College. The new output models were only launched in January 2010, so it is great news that they’ve already been specified for this upgrade project. “The installation of high efficiency gas-fired condensing equipment can still play a significant part in the challenge to reduce carbon emissions and our extended product range can provide some great solutions for both new build and refurbishment projects such as this.”

Luton was the first sixth form college to be established in the UK and specialises in education for young adults between the ages of 16 and 19. The College has a well earned reputation for outstanding success, as recognised by Ofsted, and achieved the Learning and Skills Beacon status back in 2004. More than 80 per cent of students each year progress on to universities around the country.

Lochinvar is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high efficiency boilers and water heaters for commercial and industrial applications.

About the Lochinvar EcoKnight range.

Earlier this year, Lochinvar announced the arrival of the three new higher output additions to its EcoKnight range of high efficiency gas-fired boilers and water heaters.

The EcoKnight boiler range now comprises eight models with outputs ranging from 41 to 228kW with the three based upon a system design of 50°C/30°C. EcoKnight water heaters are designed for use with direct storage vessels and the eight models now offer recovery rates from 709 to 3819 litres per hour based upon a 50°C temperature rise.

Both boiler and water heater models include fully modulating pre-mix burners with 5:1 turndown and feature stainless steel heat exchangers, which are robust and durable in design, giving high resistance to corrosion. Lightweight in construction for easy installation, they can be supplied with concentric or twin pipe balanced flue assemblies and can also be conventionally flued if required.

EcoKnight high efficiency condensing boilers offer the additional benefit of flexible control options, providing a cost effective alternative to a full building management system. Built in sequencers allow for control of up to eight boilers and full cascade management will accurately match output to the system requirement on multiple installations. This ensures maximum operating efficiency and provides a stand-by facility should heat demand still be required during maintenance and servicing.

Interrogation via a laptop computer can provide boiler performance history data, enabling the user to determine the correct setting and allow for any necessary adjustments to be made.

In conjunction with our solar partners Rayotec Ltd, we received the ‘Partnering Initiative of the Year’ accolade at the annual award ceremony, which is fondly known as the ‘Oscars’ of the HVAC industry.

The glittering awards night took place on 29 April at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London where Lochinvar MD David Pepper and Reza Sabba, General Manager of Rayotec Ltd, received the award from this year’s celebrity host, comedian and actor Hugh Dennis.

The judges described the partnership as a “true demonstration of two companies working for the greater good.”

For further information on our award winning Solar/ Direct Gas-fired Water Heater packages please click the following link:

Solar/ Direct Gas-fired Water Heater packages 

Two CP-M wall hung boilers and three TurboCharger direct gas-fired water heaters have been installed to provide space heating and hot water facilities to not only a large boarding house, but also the health centre, main kitchen and dining hall as well as the offices and staff accommodation.

The Lochinvar equipment was specified and installed by H&E Engineers of Oxford.

David Pepper, managing director for Lochinvar, said: “Our products have been used in schools, colleges and universities in many areas of the UK for more than 30 years and we’re delighted to be able to add the renowned Dragon School to our list.”

Ian Hardwick of HE Engineers, said: “We’ve worked with Lochinvar on many similar projects over the years and know their products to be reliable and of high quality making them a perfect choice for this application.

“The condensing high efficiency and low NOx features on both the CP-M and TurboCharger will enable the delivery of fuel savings and low emissions for the school while providing all the heat and hot water they need.

“In this situation, the size and design of the equipment was an important issue due to the available area within the plant room and particularly as the CP-M boilers are wall mounted, we were able to free up some valuable space for our customer.”

Dragon School estates bursar, Steve Poyntz , comments: “ Although the old gas boilers and calorifiers had served the school well for many years, they were very tired and noisy; and the prospect of potential failure, plus the drive to reduce emissions lead to this installation.

“Against a very tight programme, H&E Engineers delivered on time and within budget; and we also took the opportunity to connect all new plant into our Priva BMS, installed by PA Collacott. The results delivered from the first three quarters of operation speak for themselves giving a 12 per cent reduction in both CO2 emissions and kWh consumption compared to the same period the previous year.”

Lochinvar is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high efficiency boilers and water heaters for commercial and industrial applications.