Sep 17, 2019 | News & Events
Vokèra by Riello launches AquaNova LE, a simple and energy-efficient solution for providing instantaneous domestic hot water to multiple outlets at a high flow rate. With low nitrogen oxides emissions, this new addition is classified under the Ecodesign of Energy-related Product Directive (ErP) Class A, making it fully compliant with the latest ErP Tier 3 requirements. It is ideal for domestic and small, light commercial applications that require an instant and reliable hot water supply, such as restaurants and shops. Vokèra, through its parent company Riello Group, is a part of Carrier, a leading global provider of innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies.
“Easy to install and to service and featuring a powerful heat output, our new AquaNova LE offers a continuous supply of hot water, and can be used simultaneously at various outlets while delivering a high flow-rate,” says Alister Maclachlan, product director, Vokèra. “In addition, this compact water heater takes up less space than a conventional storage tank and virtually eliminates standby losses as energy isn’t wasted when hot water cools down in long pipe runs or while it’s sitting in the tank.”
Delivering a flow rate of 13.2 litres per minute at temperature rise of 35 degrees C, AquaNova LE can fit applications where space is at a premium. Continuous gas modulation and electronic temperature sensing ensure accurate temperature control for user safety and comfort. A temperature lock function can be used to limit the outlet temperature, while a keypad lock function prevents tampering. The appliance features a digital display and user interface for ease of operation and there is also a fault code display function for diagnostic purposes. For increased efficiency, the appliance’s electronic ignition eliminates the need for a constantly running fan or energy-wasteful pilot light.
AquaNova LE is available in natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) versions and is also designed to accept pre-heated water for solar integration. Installation and commissioning are simple with all connections easily accessible and a built-in fly lead. The appliance is designed for flexible flueing and can be flued horizontally or vertically using Vokèra’s concentric uni-flue or twin-flue systems. Units also include stand-off brackets required for rear outlet flue exit. Servicing has also been simplified as there is no diaphragm or water section, which reduces maintenance requirements.
Summing up this latest innovation, Maclachlan, says: “When new ErP efficiency requirements for water heaters came into effect in September 2018, many existing appliances no longer complied. AquaNova LE has been specifically developed to provide a compliant solution that combines high performance with ease of installation, and is backed by our two-year warranty.”
For more information on AquaNova LE, please visit www.vokera.co.uk/trade-professionals/water-heaters.
Sep 1, 2019 | News & Events
Since the introduction of condensing technology, boilers have continued to increase in efficiency, with most current appliances able to reach over 90% efficiency. Neil Mattock, marketing director at leading heating manufacturer, Vokèra by Riello looks at how the correct use of control can further enhance boiler efficiency and performance without compromising comfort.
The technology within boilers is now so advanced that, even with future developments, there seems little chance of boiler efficiency percentages increasing much beyond current levels. This being the case, other ways are needed to maximise energy and fuel savings for the sake of both the planet and hard-stretched household budgets. One solution is the use of heating controls which, when correctly installed and used, can optimise comfort and economy for end-users. Modern central heating controls provide homeowners with the flexibility to have the boiler on at different times of the day and at different temperatures. Some devices can even sense the temperature automatically and adjust the boiler operation, while an Internet connected smart thermostat offers the added convenience of controlling the home temperature remotely via a tablet, smartphone or desktop computer.
Boiler Plus
The energy saving potential of high efficiency heating controls was recognised in Boiler Plus, new standards for domestic heating that came into force in England in April 2018. This latest legislation is aimed at giving consumers more choice over the way they heat their homes and more control over their energy bills. Boiler Plus set a new minimum space heating efficiency of 92% under the Energy-related Products (ErP) Directive for domestic gas boilers in English homes. As already mentioned, most of today’s condensing gas boilers already achieve this minimum – in fact, all models in Vokèra’s A-rated evolve range feature a space heating efficiency of 94% under ErP.
As part of its remit to help consumers cut their energy bills, Boiler Plus also requires an additional energy saving measure when fitting a new combination boiler. The options are to install a flue gas heat recovery system, which may not always be practical, or one of a choice of controls, namely weather compensation, load compensation, or smart controls featuring automation and optimisation functions.
Weather compensation interacts intelligently with the boiler to reduce the heating flow temperature, which increases efficiency without compromising user comfort. Indeed, the average efficiencies in a condensing boiler can be increased by an extra 2% with the simple addition of a weather compensation control. The load compensation option measures the gap between what the internal temperature is and what the user wants it to be, and modulates the boiler so that it only uses as much fuel as necessary to close the gap.
Intelligent choice
In addition to ensuring compliance where applicable, installers face a potentially confusing choice of controls to meet their customers’ particular requirements and budgets. There are controls that can be used with combi and system boilers that include basic time clocks, there are basic room thermostats, programmable room thermostats, and so-called ‘intelligent’ options that incorporate the most advanced technology available, such as weather compensation.
Over the past few years, forward-thinking boiler manufacturers like Vokèra have developed a comprehensive range of innovative appliances and control devices to help reduce the amount of fuel used by boilers to heat a home. For example, the majority of our domestic boilers now come with a pre-configured weather compensating function and are OpenTherm protocol enabled to help maximise efficiency. In essence, OpenTherm takes over the management of the heating flow temperature and raises or lowers the flow temperature from the boiler in order to maintain the desired room temperature. When used in conjunction with an external weather compensation sensor the flow temperature to the heating system increases as the outside temperature drops: if the external temperature rises, the heating flow temperature lowers accordingly. Combining the sensor with an OpenTherm programmable room thermostat will ensure the internal target temperature is maintained within the property.
Get smart
From our experience, smart heating controls don’t come much smarter, or simpler to install than BeSMART. Although designed to complement the Vokèra boiler range, this versatile control will also work with most high efficiency domestic boilers with On/Off control, making it an ideal replacement for old thermostats. BeSMART can be set-up for single or multi-zone control, with an impressive eight-zone maximum. The BeSMART App is available on both iOS and Android and works on a smartphone or tablet. Users can adjust the temperature, programme in settings and even check the boiler operating conditions, providing them with new levels of control over their heating system.
Take control
When it comes to heating their homes, consumers are bound to be attracted to controls that combine ease-of-use and affordability with additional energy efficiencies that won’t compromise comfort. It’s no surprise, therefore, that smart heating controls incorporating features such as automation, optimisation, and weather compensation using local weather data via the web, are an increasingly popular way for many homeowners to keep their houses comfortably and affordably warm. As the market continues to move towards smarter heating, we believe astute installers should embrace this sophisticated yet simple to use control technology for the benefit of their customers and their business.
Aug 1, 2019 | News & Events
Leading heating manufacturer Vokèra by Riello has opened a new showroom in the training centre at its head office in London Colney. The venue showcasing Vokèra’s new and existing products for both the commercial and domestic heating sectors provides an ideal space for meetings and presentations. Vokèra, through its parent company Riello Group, is a part of Carrier, a leading global provider of innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies.
Vokèra’s addition to the existing training facility, which offers specialist training courses for installers and continuing professional development (CPD) training courses for specifiers, reflects the ongoing commitment to supporting its customer base.
“The showroom really enhances London Colney’s main product training centre for heating installers and specifiers,” said Neil Mattock, marketing director and head of training at Vokèra. “Whether you are a local community or commercial installer, college, plumber’s merchant or domestic installer, you can visit our London Colney centre to see our latest products and talk to our experienced team about the issues that affect your business and the wider industry.”
To contact Vokèra’s training department, call 01727 744002 or email [email protected].
May 20, 2019 | News & Events
Compact, high power Condexa Pro condensing boilers from Vokèra by Riello ticked all the right boxes when it came to converting a former council building in Smethwick into modern private offices. Installed on a cascade rig, two 90kW Condexa Pro fully modulating gas boilers replaced the building’s inefficient and outdated boilers and significantly reduced costs by eliminating the need for a Building Management System (BMS). Vokèra, through its parent company Riello Group, is a part of Carrier, a leading global provider of innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies.
The modularity of the Condexa Pro system meant output could be accurately sized to suit the new heating demands of the building with maximum efficiency, and in a compact footprint to fit the small, triangular-shaped plant room. Thanks to the boiler’s advanced, built-in features, there was no need to install BMS controls, which saved project time and cost, as the Condexa Pro boiler controls are able to manage the day-to-day operation of the heating system.
Vokèra worked with heating, plumbing and gas specialists, Bog Standard Plumbing, to specify and supply a Condexa Pro system to meet the project’s bespoke requirements, including the confined space in the unusually shaped plant room. This was Bog Standard Plumbing’s first Vokèra boiler installation.
Ronnie McGrory, Managing Director of Bog Standard Plumbing, said, “Because Vokèra is part of Riello, whose burners we know and trust, we were confident that the Condexa Pro boilers would be of the same robust quality and reliability – and they are. Vokèra’s technical team provided excellent support throughout, from sizing the boilers to advice on wiring sequences, and the ordering process and delivery all went very smoothly. As well as combining high efficiency and control, the small footprint of the two 90kW Condexa Pro boilers in cascade configuration fits the plant room perfectly.
“Given the success of this first installation, we’ll definitely be recommending Condexa Pro again. In fact, we’ve already got a quote for another contract.”
Introduced in the UK in 2018, Condexa Pro is the latest addition to Vokèra by Riello’s high power condensing wall-hung boiler range. This A-rated boiler combines latest generation electronic control with modularity and compact dimensions for installation flexibility in a variety of applications, including residential and office buildings, hospitals, schools and manufacturing facilities. From standalone boilers to multiple cascades and with a wide range of optional accessories, Condexa Pro offers seemingly endless configurations that can help specifiers and installers overcome any complex or challenging installation they may encounter.
May 3, 2019 | News & Events
Vokèra by Riello, a leading heating manufacturer, has announced the launch of new commercial training hubs at its facility in Bradford, West Yorkshire, and at its head office in London Colney. Offering free, one-day specialist training courses for installers and continuing professional development (CPD) training courses for specifiers, the new training rooms complement the company’s existing training facilities for domestic installers. Vokèra, through its parent company Riello Group, is a part of Carrier, a leading global provider of innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies.
The training hubs focus on the new Condexa Pro high-power wall-hung condensing boiler range, a versatile, efficient boiler that allows installation flexibility for organisations where space is a significant consideration. It is ideal for numerous applications such as schools, hospitals, data centres, manufacturing facilities and residential homes. Displayed at the training hubs are plate heat exchangers and buffer vessels that are compatible with the company’s commercial range, as well as examples of legacy Vokèra commercial heating boilers for maintenance training.
“These are exciting new training facilities that allow us to offer dedicated support to our network of commercial installers and specifiers from locations that are conveniently accessed by road, rail and air,” said Neil Mattock, marketing director and head of technical training, Vokèra. “Our dedicated courses will give them everything they need to recommend our commercial range with confidence, whilst also increasing their expertise and experience with hands-on instruction. We fully believe in supporting the people on the road as much as we can, and these new additions to our installer support services show how much we value these relationships.”
For further information on the full range of courses available, please visit www.vokera.co.uk/trade-professionals/technical-training/
May 3, 2019 | News & Events
Condexa Pro 500 Box, a pre-built floor-standing cabinet commercial boiler from Vokèra by Riello has provided a plug and play heating solution for a prestigious independent preparatory school in Berkshire. The fully modulating gas condensing boiler replaces an outdated oil-fired boiler and oil storage tank at the school and is installed externally, freeing up valuable internal space. Vokèra, through its parent company Riello Group, is a part of Carrier, a leading global provider of innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies.
With indoor space at a premium, the ability to install the Condexa Pro 500 Box boiler outside was a key benefit for the school, as was the compact footprint. The self-contained units are supplied with water and gas manifolds, flue exhaust duct and condensate evacuation line already fitted and connected. A water drain for each heating unit is also built in as standard. When required, an internal solution is also available.
In addition to its space-saving design, the Condexa Pro Box boiler offers exceptional efficiency versus return water temperature. Units incorporate a highly efficient heat engine, resulting in an extremely low return temperature/flue exhaust gas temperature (temperature differential). To assist specification, Vokèra’s technical team is able to calculate how much clients could save on their annual energy consumption by installing a Condexa Pro Box, based on their existing fuel tariffs. The boiler’s impressive energy efficiency is complemented by minimum polluting emissions due to the controlled pre-mix burner and micro-flame burner combination.
The Condexa Pro 500 Box boiler specified for the replacement project at the school features four heat exchangers in cascade configuration, offering 200kW total output. The innovative design enables easy access to all components from the front, and each combustion unit can be individually serviced and maintained without loss of other units, ensuring uninterrupted operation.
Condexa Pro Box fully modulating condensing boilers also boast the latest generation electronic control. Although the compact in-line solution installed at the Berkshire school is connected to an existing Building Management System (BMS), the boiler’s sophisticated heating control and monitoring may negate the need for a BMS in some applications. The advanced remote control facility allows a maximum distance of 100 meters and makes it possible for end-users to manage functions such as setting the boiler’s on and off timings and weekly programming of the circuit.
