Oakland Group Articles

Important update for ECA Scheme

April 9th, 2008 | Posted By James

It isn’t often that the Inland Revenue gives money back, so it’s a good indication of the importance of energy efficiency in buildings that Government is making changes to the Enhanced Capital Allowances Scheme to reflect more accurately how much energy the equipment saves.

VRF heat pumps are the latest equipment to see a change in the way eligibility for ECA’s are calculated. Until recently, heat pumps qualified for the ECA scheme as long as they were labelled Category B or above on the ECU Directive. However, by April 2008 a new method
of assessment will be fully adopted.

The new method applies to air source VRF heat pumps in both split and multisplit systems and the new rules mean that the energy use of the indoor units and outdoor units in any combination has to be measured and accounted for. The latest Mitsubishi Electric Guide
explains how the new system will work, with details on where you can check for eligibility online.

The ECA scheme exists to encourage specifiers and building owners to invest in energy efficient technologies. In order to be eligible, you must select a product which appears on the EnergyTechnology List (ETL).

Manufacturers like Mitsubishi Electric must submit detailed information on the performance of their products and each product must undergo independent testing by a body such as BSRIA. The Carbon Trust then randomly requests a model on the list for various manufacturers.

ECA’s enable a business to claim 100% first-year capital allowances on their spending on machinery or plant that qualifies for the scheme. This means that businesses can write off the whole of the capital cost of their investment in these technologies against their taxable profits. Claiming for ECA’s is simple, because they are claimed in the business corporation tax return in the same way as other capital allowances.

Energy saving technology doesn’t stand still and there are new developments and improvements all the time. If you want to help customers make energy efficient choices then the ECA scheme is a great way for them to see quick payback on their investment.

Posted in News

Increasingly competitive market
March 25th, 2008 | Posted By James

Modern convenience stores face a number of challenges in an increasingly competitive market.

New demands are placed on refrigeration and air conditioning systems due to the growing demand for fresh goods, prepared meals, and chilled drinks as well as the need to offer a comfortable environment to shoppers.

Yet conversely, retailers are also faced with the challenge of rising energy prices and the need to reduce CO2 emissions. Daikin, the UK’s market leader in heating and cooling solutions have developed Conveni-pack, a complete and integrated solution for convenience stores.

What does it do?

Conveni-pack is a compact, low noise system which integrates high and low temperature refrigeration and air conditioning, including heating, into one solution.

The Conveni-pack system consists of an inverter driven outdoor unit and indoor air conditioning units that can be connected to high temperature refrigeration cabinets and unit coolers.

Conveni-pack can take heat from the refrigeration cabinets and provide it to the indoor air conditioning to comfort heat for free. Use of this waste heat stabilizes ambient temperatures at no extra cost, improving customer and staff comfort levels.

Conveni-pack saves energy and money

The Conveni-pack system is a sustainable energy solution that is both energy efficient and provides a subsequent reduction in carbon emissions.

Heat recovery provides up to 23% saving in an average year, and with the energy savings of up to 27% from the inverter technology, Conveni-pack has the ability to save up to 50% of energy requirements.

Importantly, this provides a corresponding reduction in carbon emissions when compared to conventional systems.

With the savings in energy, maintenance and low lifetime running costs, Conveni-pack can provide substantial lifetime costs savings, estimated at between £40,000 to £60,000, and a Return on investment of 2 to 3 years based on the premium attached to the capital cost.

Other benefits to the retailer

The Conveni-pack system is compact when compared to conventional options, as its footprint is 60% smaller, allowing its use in applications where space is restricted. This also provides the convenience retailer with the valuable commodity of extra retail space, enhancing the earning potential of the store.

Restricted space and proximity to dwellings can mean that conventional remote refrigeration systems are unsuitable. Conveni-pack is an ideal response to these more stringent requirements, being a compact and modular low noise system.

Conveni-pack equipment attracts an enhanced capital allowance which provides 100% of the capital cost to be claimed against tax in the first year.

Daikin also provides a unique, continuous real time monitoring system as standard with Convenipack. The measurement parameters allow Daikin’s support centre to provide retailers with exception reports and the opportunity to carry out predictive maintenance, meaning no expensive emergency service visits at inconvenient times.

Conveni-pack provides significant benefits and meets the retailer’s challenges
Consumers want their retailers to provide more fresh and ready to go produce, in a convenient location rather than an out of town supermarket. They also increasingly demand that retailers provide a sustainable approach to the environment. This paradox poses a challenge to fulfil both of these obligations.

Conveni-pack provides a complete solution for both of these demands, giving value for money to the retailer through significant energy and lifetime cost savings.

For more information contact the Oakland sales office at 01905 753060 or jr@oaklandgroup.com

Posted in News

Air Conditioning buying guide
March 10th, 2008 | Posted By admin

There are five questions you need to ask yourself before purchasing an air conditioning system:

1. How large is the area you will be cooling?
2. Where is the best place to install your air conditioning system?
3. Can an air conditioners do more than just cool a room?
4. How important are controls?
5. What is your budget?

1. How large is the area you will be cooling?
Depending on the size of the room you want to cool, will depend on the air conditioning system you will require. Air conditioning systems are rated in Btu capacity. For a small room between about 100-300 square feet, you would need around 5,000-6,000 Btu/hour. For larger rooms say 600–1000 square feet you would need an air conditioner which is of 10,000-15,000 Btu /hour.

These are only guidelines, depending on whether you have insulation, or a taller room than average will all depend on which air conditioning system will be suitable for that room.

2. Where is the best place to install your air conditioning system?
There is a range of air conditioning systems available, and so it not only depends on how much of a budget you have, but also where you want it to be installed.

You can have air conditioning systems installed in a range of areas in your home, including on the window, Ceiling and in the wall. If you just need a temporary system for the summer months, then perhaps a portable standalone one may be the best option.

3. Can an air conditioner do more than just cool a room?
Air conditioners not only cool a room, but they can also dehumidify and humidify. Depending on where you live, you may need to add moisture to the air to make it more comfortable, or remove moisture from the air. Some air conditioning models can also be used as heaters, they are multi-purpose and ideal for all climates, all year round.

4. How important are controls?
Today, air conditioning controls have become a lot more convenient and advanced. You can set a temperature and the air con system will automatically keep the temperature within 1 degree of the selected temperature. There are a range of settings including direction of airflow, which can be changed at a click of a button from a wireless remote. They can also be programmed, so they can be on for when you return home.

5. What is your cooling budget?
If the selected room only gets hot during a couple of weeks in the summer, you probably want to invest in a less expensive model. If the cooling season is long and the room is frequently populated, you should invest in a more expensive and more powerful unit.

If you would like more information on purchasing an air conditioning system, please feel free to give us a call or send us an online enquiry using our quick online form>

Posted in Air Conditioning

What is the D1 Partnership?
January 11th, 2008 | Posted By James

OAKLAND ANSWERS - WHAT IS THE D1 PARTNERSHIP?

Daikin Air conditioning UK Ltd products and systems are marketed and sold through an extensive UK network of installers who act as Daikin direct sales representatives throughout the UK. The D1 Partner Network is a recognised group of highly skilled independent companies who have an active and on-going dialogue with Daikin UK and provide many advantages to the customers they serve. These advantages are explained below and play a vital role in understanding why you should choose a Daikin air conditioning system for your premises and a D1 Partner to install and commission it.

WHY CHOOSE OAKLSND AS YOUR D1 PARTNER FOR YOUR NEW AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM?

Established partners with the full support of Daikin UK.

Expert installers with full design and technical capability.

Detailed quotations explained to you in straightforward terms.

Committed to training and developing installation engineers to the highest standards.

Recognised by Daikin UK with ‘Approved Installer’ status.

Many D1 Partners offer full service and maintenance.

Professional and established businesses with diverse industry experience.

Many D1 Partners are recognised members of industry organisations and the leading trade associations

–providing additional sources of information and expertise for the installer.

Access to tools and knowledge from Daikin UK for the most up to date product applications.

Sensitive to the needs of business, avoiding disruption for customers and their customers.

Extended warranty offering. Fast, efficient and friendly service backed by a global leader and manufacturer.

A PARTNERSHIP BUILT FOR SUCCESS

Daikin UK’s goal is to work in partnership to help our installer customers grow and develop their business through building long term relationships. The D1 Partnership offers Approved Installers a vast range of benefits including technical support, project assistance, marketing and communication information. D1 Partners benefit from being in a network which rewards and promotes them, gets to know what they expect and how to meet their future demands.

DESIGN AND INSTALLATION

D1 Partners are selected by Daikin UK for their high standards of installation and expertise and awarded ‘Approved Installer Status’. Recognition of D1 Partner status provides the end user with peace of mind that the installer is publicly endorsed and supported by Daikin UK. In many cases the D1 Partner can offer full design and technical assistance and provide detailed support information relevant to the project. The D1 Partner acts as a valuable aid to the M & E consultant or architect offering their expertise to the design process.

QUOTATIONS AND PROPOSALS

The D1 Partners are skilled professionals who will provide proposals based on many years’ experience, technical know-how and product knowledge so that you can be confident your new system is the best possible solution, combining operating efficiency with cost.D1 Partners will explain the options available, provide detailed quotes and written recommendations to guide you through the complete process.

PRODUCT TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

One of the key benefits of using a D1 Partner is their access to product training courses from Daikin UK where the goal is to help D1 Partners to continually build upon the skills of their engineers to maintain the highest of industry standards. Daikin UK operates the most comprehensive training facilities in the industry with dedicated centres in Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and a state-of-the-art Technology Centre in Woking. Courses are run throughout the year by an expert training team and cover installation, controls on the full range of Daikin products and systems – from apprentice to senior engineer level. This significant investment is undertaken as part of Daikin UK’s overall business strategy and its commitment to maintaining and improving industry standards.

PROFESSIONAL AND ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES

A D1 Partner will have already developed a good working relationship with Daikin UK and have an established client portfolio, product knowledge and experience. By recognising that they are using a D1 Partner, the customer will know that they have a sense of permanence and reliability and can be confident they are dealing with a company that will serve them for many years. D1 Partners are innovative and dynamic, enthusiastic about building their relationship with Daikin UK in order to grow their business, and committed to the highest standards in customer service.

EXTENDED WARRANTY

All Daikin products typically come with a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty on products to demonstrate quality. However, because of Daikin UK’s belief in the standard of D1 Partner installations,D1 Partners are offered a 5 year warranty (subject to conditions). This benefit can be passed on to the customer as a sign of confidence in the quality of both the product and the installation.

OAKLAND SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

Daikin products have an unrivalled reputation for quality and reliability and are manufactured to the highest standards. Continual investment in research and development has resulted in an unmatched product portfolio. Oakland, a D1 Partner, can provide full service and maintenance for optimum efficiency in operation for Daikin air conditioning systems, and provide reassurance in those unlikely events of equipment breakdown.

INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND RECOGNITION

Daikin D1 Partners are in many cases members of the leading trade associations, adding to their credentials as industry experts. Daikin UK positively encourages and supports their D1 Partners to become part of independent recognised organisations who look to continually raise industry standards.

SPECIALIST AIR CONDITIONING TOOLS

Daikin D1 Partners have access to specialist diagnostic tools and design software to enable them to provide the very best possible service to customers.

APPROVED INSTALLER STATUS

This D1 Partner certification shows customers that Oakland are committed to the Daikin brand and Daikin UK is committed to them in every respect.

Posted in News

New VRVIII heat recovery
January 11th, 2008 | Posted By James

Our VRVIII heat recovery system combines the renowned VRVIII heat pump/cooling only models with the more recent mini VRVIII-S and replaces the earlier VRVII heat recovery system.
The new VRVIII system however, whilst incorporating the best features of its VRVII predecessor, represents a significant step forward in addressing both existing and forthcoming environmental regulations and in addition to its heat recovery facility, also offers consultants, contractors, service engineers and end users many design, installation and maintenance friendly refinements.

Many new features

Among its most important new features is the ability to connect up to 64 indoor units (40 for VRVII) to a single outdoor unit in increments of 2HP up to 48HP. Outdoor unit modules can be configured on a combined ‘multi’ basis between 18 and 48HP with a single heat exchanger as well as in ‘stand alone’ format from 8 to 16HP with two heat exchangers that is currently the largest single unit on the market.

VRVIII HR also offers up to 200% overall increase in unit diversity ratio for a single outdoor module system and 160 to 130% on double or triple multi modules. Operating range is wide at -50C to 43°C in cooling and -20°C to 15.5°C in heating and the system supports no less than 14 different format indoor fan coil units, including the new and much acclaimed 360° radial airflow ‘Roundflow’ ceiling cassette.
Unlike contemporary VRF systems, which cease operating during defrost and oil return, alternate defrosting of the heat exchangers on VRVIII HR multi module outdoor units or the dual outdoor coil of single modules allows continuous heating to be supplied from the indoor units throughout these cycles thereby avoiding the transmission of cold draughts of air into the room area.
Leakage prevention is ensured by the use of brazed joints in place of flanged and flared connections before the shut off valves as well as by brazed pressure sensors and electronic gauges instead of sensors and gauge ports. There is also on average, 10% less refrigerant charge compared to a similar VRVII system.
A new design BSVQ branch selector box enables the cooling/heating changeover function to be activated by pressure equalisation at the box itself rather than for the entire system. In this way the 13 minute maximum ‘no capacity’ status of VRVII during changeover, which is in any case reduced to a maximum 8 minutes on VRVIII HR, occurs only on the unit changing over and not on other units in the same condensing system.
Also important is the ‘night quiet’ mode, which can be set automatically to cut in 8 hours after peak daytime temperature and run for 10 hours before reverting to normal operating mode. During the night quiet mode, 10 hour cycle, operating sound can go down to 45dBA. Alternatively, starting and ending times can be input manually via a time clock or both automatic and manual modes can be combined as required.

Design flexibility is also enhanced by the incorporation of a powerful new inverter driven outdoor unit fan, which provides a higher ESP of 78.4Pa (58.8Pa for VRVII). Outdoor unit
footprint is less than similar capacity VRVII models and piping lengths are the highest in the industry at 1000m (total system), 165m (maximum run), 90m (maximum level difference) and 90m (longest branch).
In the event of a malfunction automatic back up is provided on outdoor models, enabling a twin compressor single module to operate on a single compressor until the fault is rectified and continuous operation for 8 hours on for example, two out of three multi modules, after the remote controller has been reset.

Automatic charging and checking

Daikin’s well known strict adherence to imminent ‘F’ Gas regulations are reflected in the unique VRVIII capacity for refrigerant containment during both charging and system operation. This important facility enables the amount of additional refrigerant charging during commissioning to be controlled automatically. Charging, initiated via a button on the outdoor unit printed circuit, ceases as soon as the correct amount of refrigerant is transferred. Refrigerant cylinder ‘empty’ status is indicated on the remote controller. An electronic containment check can also be activated manually, any changes being indicated by LEDs on the outdoor unit PCB.

Meeting legislative requirements

VRVIII HR takes full account of all legislative efficiency requirements by returning an enviable 14% average increase in efficiency and 20% increase in single unit efficiency over VRVII HR. COPS and EERs of up to 4.4 and 4.2 respectively are obtained at 100% connection. Efficiency improvements of this order stem from the application of new technology, which results in a 3 – 10% increase in airflow rates from the new aero spiral high output dual DC fan and grille assembly and low pressure loss bellmouth. Also, a new 3 wall heat exchanger increases effective coil surface. Friction losses are also reduced by virtue of its high thrust mechanism, which reduces operating noise as well as generating improved efficiency.

Source: Daikin Europe N.V.

Posted in Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning - The Very Basics
January 8th, 2008 | Posted By James

The principle of air conditioning always comes down to the same:
absorb energy in one place and release it in another place
The process requires an indoor unit, an outdoor unit and copper piping to connect both. Through the piping the refrigerant flows from one unit to another. It is the refrigerant that absorbs the energy in one unit and releases it in the other.
Cooling mode

1 Indoor unit
A fan blows the hot indoor air over a heat exchanging coil through which cold refrigerant flows. The cold refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air and cooled air is blown into the room.
2 Copper piping
The refrigerant circulates through the units and the piping and takes the heat from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.
3 Outdoor unit
Through compression, the refrigerant gas is heated and its boiling point increases. In the outdoor unit the obtained heat throught compression is released to the outdoor air by means of a fan which blows the outdoor air over a heat exchanging coil.
4 Refrigerant
The liquid refrigerant flows back to the indoor unit.
5 Indoor unit
Back in the indoor unit, the refrigerant is decompressed and thus enabled to extract heat form the indoor air.

Posted in Air Conditioning

Welcome to the News !
December 10th, 2007 | Posted By Oakland

Welcome to our News and Article feature on our web-site. Here we will be posting news, information, special offers and all that is happening at the Oakland Group and the Air Conditioning Industry. If you have an RSS Reader, you can also subscribe to our news by clicking the RSS Feed.

Please check back soon when we will be uploading news and information.

Posted in News