SPECIAL FEATURES CHILLERS, AIR HANDLING UNITS, AIR MOVEMENT AND VENTILATION This month: Comparing chiller energy use and cleanroom technology in offices Low-GWP chiller solutions for Oxford science labs Three laboratories replace old chillers with air-cooled scroll chillers using R32 refrigerant Three medical science laboratories at the University of Oxford have been equipped with Carrier chillers using low-global warming potential (GWP) R32 refrigerant, in line with the university s sustainability strategy of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2035. Four Carrier AquaSnap 30RBP air-cooled scroll chillers with Greenspeed intelligence have been installed at the Henry Wellcome Building for Genomic Medicine, the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine at the John Radcliffe Hospital, and the university s Old Road Campus Research Building, a leading institution in cancer research. The Carrier chillers were specified by Heaton Design and Engineering, a building services consultant based in Witney, Oxfordshire. The Carrier R32 units replaced less efficient chillers that were coming to the end of their working lives, delivering a significant improvement in the seasonal energy efficiency ratio for the Carrier replacements. The new chillers were treated with super enviroshield condenser coating to protect the aluminium heat exchange surfaces from corrosion, with the aim of extending their working life. As a result, the condensers are covered by an extended seven-year warranty. The project was carried out by installer Aircon Services. Oxford University s Old Road Campus Research Building, a leading institution in cancer research, cooled by Carrier Cost rises could hit steel-based ductwork The continuing rise in energy costs and the increase in price of galvanised steel could encourage the construction industry to adopt cheaper and more environmentally friendly ventilation systems, according to Spiralite ventilation technology manufacturer Khansaheb Industries. Rising energy prices resulting from Russias invasion of Ukraine have led to a rapid increase in wholesale electricity prices, raising the cost of running and manufacturing new ventilation systems. At the time of writing, British Steel had reported a 33% increase in the cost of steel because of energy cost hikes, from 750 per tonne to 1,000 per tonne. Khansaheb believes these cost pressures, as well as increasing manufacturing process and transportation costs, could result in construction firms moving away from steel-based ventilation systems towards solutions such as its resin-based, prefabricated Spiralite system. New standard revision on refrigerants The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has approved a revision to safety standard EC 60335-2-40 to allow higher charge limits for hydrocarbons such as propane (R290) and other flammable refrigerants in domestic air conditioners, heat pumps and dehumidifiers. The revision was approved on 29 April and allows for a larger charge of flammable refrigerants in new equipment designed according to certain additional safety requirements. Asbjrn Vonsild, convenor of the IEC working group that oversaw the revision process, said: The new edition of IEC 60335-2-40 will enable R290 to be used in many AC and heat-pump systems that were previously blocked from using this refrigerant. This will enable a thousandfold reduction in direct climate emissions compared with systems using R410A. The new standard is expected to be published on 24 June. WEBINAR NOW AVAILABLE ON DEMAND Upfurbishment designing new pump technology into older spaces WATCH NOW : bit.ly/cibsegrundfos Brought to you by: SCAN ME www.cibsejournal.com June 2022 39 CIBSE June 22 pp39 Specials News.indd 39 27/05/2022 15:30