Condensing Water Heaters
June 01st 2005

As a leading UK supplier of energy efficient equipment to the commercial and industrial sectors Andrews Water Heaters is continuing its development of condensing technology that will assist building proprietors and managers in complying with legislation on CO2 emissions and the energy performance of buildings Although legislation currently emphasises the need for high efficiency boilers, it would be unrealistic not to expect the same efficiency requirements to be applied to water heaters at some stage in the very near future.

It is with this in mind that Andrews has invested heavily in developing a range of condensing water heaters in anticipation of them being included in the standards presently under review.

The new Maxxflo condensing storage water heater range produced in line with the demands of the new Building Regulations Part L2, provides a new benchmark in modern high efficiency water heating production. Tank options of 200 and 300 litres capacity and are available in eight models with outputs from 30 to 120kW. The high efficiency stainless steel heat exchangers, numbering up to 4 depending on output, pre-mix fully modulating gas burners and stainless steel tank design allow the heater to generate hot water in the condensing mode up to 80% of the tank volume, producing a net efficiency of 109%.

The stainless steel tank has a built-in anti-legionella feature and a master controller provides for tank temperature setting as well as BMS and other external interfaces. Maxxflo’s multiple flue options and small footprint enable installation even in unusually problematical locations.

The complementary R300 Series high efficiency condensing Supa-Flo non-storage Water Heater is identical in appearance and technology to the R300 Series condensing Supa-Heat boiler. Combining maximum efficiency, minimum energy consumption and low emissions, these appliances are quick to respond, quiet in operation and compact for ease of siting. The rapid response burner achieves a net efficiency of 104% in addition to effectively reducing emissions of Nox, CO and CO2. Energy losses are minimized by a patented design, rapid response water-cooled finned tube pre-mix burner. This utilizes full gas modulation with a turndown ratio of at least 1:4, thereby matching the heat demand of the system with precision.

Noise levels of individual units is a very low 50-dB(A) and the range offers nominal outputs from 70kW to 275kW. The smallest unit in the range takes up less than 0.5m2 of floor space whilst the largest has a footprint of only 0.75m2. All models can be installed as open flued and room sealed appliances for increased siting options.

Andrews is assisting specifiers whenever possible to meet the criteria that will enable purchasers to benefit from the Government’s Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme that rewards businesses for investing in energy saving plant. As a qualifying product under this scheme, the R300 Series carries the Energy Technology List logo.

Installation will effectively reduce first year costs, annual running costs and Climate Change Levy payments as well as contributing to lessening the impact of climate change on the environment.

With more condensing water heaters in the “pipeline” Andrews intends to remain at the forefront in the supply of efficient hot water solutions for commercial and industrial buildings.