PRODUCTS | SERVICES Products of the month ASHRAE recognises Elcos Hybrid System Wizard at technology awards Decarbonisation software wins acclaim for sustainable technology design E lco has achieved a notable milestone with its newly launched Hybrid System Wizard (HSW), receiving acclaim at the ASHRAE UK Chapters Technology Awards. The HSW triumphed in the Sustainable Digital Technology category. Geared towards consultants, building services engineers, and design and build (D&B) contractors, the userfriendly cloud-based software is designed to facilitate efficient decarbonisation of projects. A key highlight of the HSW is its ability to swiftly calculate a projects annual carbon emissions and operational costs. Valuable in planning stages 1 and 2, the software provides accurate comparisons of yearly CO2 emissions and running costs across diverse setups, including boiler-only, heat pump-only, heat interface unit (HIU)-based, and hybrid systems. These calculations significantly streamline consultants workflows. Andreea Manoiu, senior manager at Elco, expressed her delight at the recognition from ASHRAE UK: Its a testament to the benefits the Hybrid System Wizard offers consultant engineers and specifiers who work on the decarbonisation of heating systems. She highlighted the softwares capacity to evaluate annual CO2 emissions, running costs, and various options, thereby helping customers to meet net zero targets. The HSW allows customisation, offering three distinct weather data options, adjustable to match a systems energy needs. Additionally, it computes system parameters, seasonal performance factor, and crucial domestic hot water (DHW) data. The software facilitates monthly energy generation analysis for heating and DHW. Moreover, it incorporates a module for district heating projects, empowering users to design tailored systems for different apartment types. The HSW encompasses products from Elcos sister companies in the Ariston Group, further expanding its scope. It illustrates how hybrid system performance shifts with external and internal temperature changes, empowering users with data-driven insights. The software calculates 288 scenarios for each selected heat pump or boiler, factoring hourly temperature variations over five years for precise outputs. Elco offers the HSW at no cost to consultants and D&B contractors keen on accelerating the UKs decarbonisation efforts. The software promises to catalyse the transition to sustainable heating solutions, aligning with the industrys evolution towards a greener future. Visit www.elco.co.uk/selector-tooldemo Thermally insulated piping promises greater efficiency for district energy sector Aquatherm unveils piping system tailored for underground installation E xpanding into the district energy sector, Aquatherm has unveiled its thermally insulated (TI) range of pre-insulated piping systems. Tailored specifically for underground installation within district energy schemes, the new product promises efficiency, cost savings, and operational ease. One of the standout features of the TI range is its suitability for longer-distance water transportation. By combining advanced thermal insulation technology with robust engineering, Aquatherm has created a solution that can transport heating and cooling water safely and efficiently over extended distances. This not only guarantees improved performance, but also leads to significant cost and time savings. There are numerous benefits offered by Aquatherms TI range. Traditional underground installations demand substantial trench depths and accompanying civil work. However, Aquatherms TI pipes can be 78 September 2023 www.cibsejournal.com installed at shallower depths of 500mm. This not only simplifies installation, but also reduces civil work, materials and labour. The unique properties of Aquatherms Fusiolen material eliminate the need for costly expansion designs, loops and foam pads. This provides immediate and long-term cost savings, streamlining the initial costing and installation phases. The lightweight and flexible nature of Aquatherms polypropylene pipes facilitates easy installation, manoeuvring, and deflection around obstacles. The systems reduced weight in comparison with steel equivalents significantly cuts down on labour, machinery, and tooling requirements. Notably, jointing times are substantially reduced, with a 10in butt fusion joint taking around 30 minutes, including cool-down time. Aquatherm offers an extensive selection of fittings among PP-R manufacturers. Moreover, the company provides a bespoke prefabrication service, catering to specific project requirements, including degree bends, pre-insulated air vent assemblies, and entire prefabricated systems. The Aquatherm TI range has already garnered praise for its transformative potential. During the installation of the Gateshead district heating system, Balfour Beatty praised the systems ease of use and deflection capabilities, underscoring its potential to revolutionise the industry. Call 01444 250500 or email enquiries@aquatherm-uk.com Tel: 020 7880 6245 Email: cibsedirectory@redactive.co.uk