Improved insulation in wet leisure centres not only cuts heat loss through walls and windows, but also allows swimming pools to operate at a higher relative humidity, resulting in energy savings as ventilation rates are reduced. Dee Associates’ Mike Hancock explains
Category: Technical
Arc detection devices: fault-finding mission
Arc fault detection devices have been recommended in wiring regulations since 2019. Based on his own experiments, Hoare Lea’s Kenelm Hoare MCIBSE looks at the realities of arc risk and discusses how effective the devices are in preventing electrical fires
The art of illumination in museums and galleries
LEDs and the internet of things have transformed specification in the lighting industry, and this has been reflected in the updated Lighting Guide 8 – Lighting for museums and art galleries. Guide author Mark Sutton Vane summarises the key changes
A novel approach: air cleaning devices
A new CIBSE guide aims to equip specifiers and facilities managers with the knowledge to safely and effectively select air cleaners. Cundall’s Ed Wealend summarises the contents
Upward trend: ventilating buildings to minimise Covid-19 risk
In a summary of his winning paper at the CIBSE Technical Symposium, Ventive’s Tom Lipinski discusses the evidence available for the best methods for ventilating buildings in a ‘Covid-conscious future’
On target: net zero modular homes at zero extra cost
Ilke Homes has vowed to manufacture zero carbon homes at zero additional cost by 2030. Andy Pearson speaks to ilke’s Nigel Banks about the services strategy and the manufacturing efficiencies that will enable it to hit its goals
Taking shape: shape memory alloys in air conditioning
A shape memory alloy technology could be a GWP-free, cost-effective successor to vapour compression refrigeration. Liza Young finds out more
Engineering the new normal: Technical Symposium highlights
Striving for net zero while making buildings Covid-secure has been challenging academics and engineers since the virus first appeared. Last month’s CIBSE Technical Symposium was an opportunity to share experiences in two days of live sessions discussing 64 papers. Alex Smith, Liza Young and Phil Lattimore report
Storage beater: compact energy stores
One barrier to heat pumps in smaller homes is the requirement for a large water cylinder to store hot water. Midsummer’s Jez Climas looks at how compact thermal-energy storage systems could solve the problem
Pump primer: heat pump installation
CIBSE’s new heat-pump installation guide aims to equip designers, installers and operators with the knowledge to successfully deliver the 300,000 annual installations needed by 2025. Arup’s Joshua Bird summarises AM16