Monodraught

Monodraught Cool-phase now available as a Cloud-based BIM Object

Tue, Sep 30, 2014 Written by Cantillion Ki...

Cool-phase, the award winning natural cooling, ventilation and heat recovery system from Monodraught is now available to architects, consultants, specifiers and building contractors through BIMobject.com a major worldwide source of free-to-use Building Information Modelling (BIM) content.

The Cool-phase BIM objects are data rich and are able to integrate with leading BIM software. The 3D digital representations have been built with the full product data and technical properties. This enables designers of buildings to create a fresh and healthy indoor environment for their concepts without using compressors or hazardous coolants. At the same time

Cool-phase offers a significant reduction in the running costs of the future building and assists with life cycle analysis.

Architects and consultants wanting to reduce the communication time on construction projects between customers and suppliers are now able to download full technical data on Cool-phase systems directly from the cloud. The BIM objects integrate automatically with their 3D models, allowing Cool-phase systems to be dragged and dropped into their own projects, improving visualisation and highlighting items such as fixing points and duct positions.

The key benefit of BIM is to increase productivity within construction. BIM allows centralised storage of data, linking important information between all teams involved in the process. Dimensional details direct from the manufacturer allow a greater degree of accuracy, ensuring close coordination on site and reducing complications. This can result in reduced lead times and lower overall construction costs.

Monodraught’s Technical Director, Nick Hopper says the launch of the Cool-phase BIM Objects continues Monodraught’s long history of integrating products within Building Simulation and CAD software.

Monodraught Appoints New Managing Director

Published in Monodraught

Wed, Aug 20, 2014 Written by Cantillion King Advertising

Monodraught Appoints New Managing Director

Monodraught is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew McCubbin as its new managing director, effective from 1st August 2014. He succeeds Steen Hagelskjaer who will become Chairman of the Board of Directors.

During the past twenty years Andrew has held a number of senior management roles with Japanese air conditioning manufacturers, most recently at Daikin UK Ltd, and therefore brings with him extensive industry experience in sales, marketing, product development and production.

Commenting on his appointment, Andrew says he is proud to be joining Monodraught at a time when he believes the company is well positioned to expand with its portfolio of products and a demonstrated commitment to customer service.

Looking to the future he says: “We have an impressive and constantly evolving range of innovative products including our latest generation Cool-phase range of cooling and ventilation products. These, coupled with other advanced products from emerging technologies that we will be showcasing soon, will provide the platform for us to achieve significant market expansion. The team is committed to maintaining and developing its excellent reputation for innovation, reliability and quality that Monodraught has earned over the past 40 years.”

He adds that the Monodraught brand is the strongest in the natural ventilation, natural lighting and natural cooling market places and is trusted and valued for its quality and reliability. Surpassing customer expectations is one of its core values and Andrew looks forward to leading Monodraught during this exciting period of growth.

Monodraught products and services are available throughout the UK and in export markets around the world.

Cool-phase ‘Science’ Improves the Student Environment in Bournemouth University Laboratory

Published in Monodraught

Wed, Jan 22, 2014 Written by Cantillion King Advertising

Cool-phase ‘Science’ Improves the Student Environment in Bournemouth University Laboratory

COOL-PHASE®, Monodraught’s ceiling-mounted low-energy cooling and ventilation system featuring phase change material technology, has been installed in a busy laboratory at Bournemouth University to provide a more comfortable, environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient atmosphere for students working in the space.

The second-floor laboratory in Christchurch House regularly accommodates up to seventy students at the same time, carrying out practical scientific experiments.

With Bunsen burners and fume cupboards being used throughout the day, and seventy people, each student generating 100 Watts of heat gain combined with substantial levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), there were on-going problems with the 100 square metre space due to poor indoor air quality. Whilst the laboratory was fitted with windows, its second-floor location meant that restrictors were fitted; so the limited amount of fresh air entering the space was not enough to reach all areas of the ‘deep-plan’ space.

The University’s Estates Department decided it was time to address the problem and the Henderson Green mechanical/electrical engineering consultancy based in Southampton, which supplies design services to Bournemouth University on a range of projects, was briefed to improve environmental conditions within the space.

Henderson Green managing director Russell Pitman says first thoughts involved traditional approaches such as AC units or a roof-mounted air handling unit pumping fresh air into the laboratory.

But having discussed options with the University’s Environment & Energy Team it was decided to investigate alternatives that would also provide a low carbon solution.

Commenting for the University, the Estates Department’s Energy Officer (Technical) Dave Archer says that during the initial search he came across a Cool-phase article in a HVAC journal and decided to add the new system to the list.

The Cool-phase system, which reduces the running costs of buildings and creates a fresh and healthy indoor environment without compressors or hazardous coolants, can maintain temperatures within the comfort zone, while radically reducing energy consumption by up to 90% compared to conventional cooling systems.

Henderson Green was then asked to undertake a feasibility study to establish whether Cool-phase could handle the two key objectives – the fresh air requirements and the cooling load; and Monodraught was asked to design the system and provide calculations to confirm it could achieve the required flow rates, etc.

Says Russell: “We reviewed, and eventually tested, Monodraught’s Cool-phase system against the air handling option and found that from the energy-saving viewpoint Cool-phase won hands-down, with relatively little increase in cost. Encouraged, we then went into a more detailed phase with Monodraught to ensure that the initial calculations matched the requirements of the space in everyday operational conditions.”

Once the air quality calculations and financial appraisals were completed and the University was satisfied that the system would do the job, Cool-phase was given the green light and two systems were installed in the laboratory by Monodraught, as part of a turnkey contract with one of the University’s approved building contractors.

Commenting on the installation Russell Pitman says everything went very smoothly, the project was delivered on time, with a minimum of fuss and no real issues and commenting on the Cool-phase itself he says it is almost too good to be true because it ticks every box.

Regarding the consultation period, he says Monodraught was very professional; and very flexible in incorporating changes the University team wanted to make to the initial calculations.

“In all, the working relationship was a very pleasant experience.” He says: “Work to install the two Cool-phase systems was carried out over four days, and even though some minor structural issues were encountered, the work didn’t stop – Monodraught’s team worked around the problems so that everything went smoothly and the job was delivered on time.” He adds that, besides improvements to the laboratory environment the Cool-phase system is also very quiet in operation, which is ideal in a space that is used for lectures.

Since completion of the installation Monodraught has been monitoring the laboratory’s environment to gather its own data, and the University Estates Department has also been recording data from the Cool-phase system on its BMS. Performance data from both parties will be reviewed to establish the overall effectiveness of the installation.

Dave Archer says Monodraught Windcatchers and Sunpipes are located in other areas of the campus and they have also proved to be very effective, so while it is too early to be definitive, early indications are that the Cool-phase system will perform to specification. He also anticipates that, at the end of the first year, the data will enable the Cool-phase software to optimise the system’s performance to best suit the laboratory space.

Cool-phase, Windcatcher and Sunpipe are registered trademarks owned by Monodraught Limited.

Monodraught Donates and Installs Windcatcher X-Airs and Sunpipes for Children in Need ‘Little Miracles’ Charity Build Project

Published in Monodraught

Wed, Nov 13, 2013 Written by Cantillion King Advertising

Monodraught Donates and Installs Windcatcher X-Airs and Sunpipes for Children in Need ‘Little Miracles’ Charity Build Project

In September, natural ventilation, daylighting and cooling specialist Monodraught supplied and installed free of charge a number of its natural ventilation and daylighting systems to ‘The Little Miracles’ Project as part of BBC’s charity ‘Children in Need’ featured in the BBC One special programme 'DIY SOS: The Big Build. The systems were used as part of a life changing transformation to the centre for disabled children in Peterborough.

‘Little Miracles’ (http://www.littlemiraclespeterborough.org.uk/about.html) is a Peterborough-based, parent-led centre support group and charity for children with additional needs, disabilities and life-limiting conditions. Set up by Michelle King in 2010 after she was refused access on public transport because of her son Oliver’s medical equipment; Little Miracles now helps 700 families and has over 2500 children registered to use the centre. What started out as a coffee morning for mums with similar issues quickly became a registered charity and a lifeline to the many families that use it. A staggering 83% of the families that use Little Miracles live below the poverty line, so all services are free-of-charge and, for many of the children that use the centre, Little Miracles is the only place where they are able to communicate freely, make friends, and most importantly – be themselves.

Built in Peterborough in just ten days in September, the Little Miracles site was erected on a gifted 2½ acre site, which includes an old, run down concrete prefab. While the new site is bigger than the Charity’s previous property, its existing building was not fit for purpose and had the potential to cause significant problems to many of the families who desperately rely on the help given by Little Miracles. There were no disabled toilets, access ramps or changing facilities, and the existing climbing structures were unsafe and condemned. The building contained asbestos, was not secure and had none of the sensory equipment so many of the children depend upon. Monodraught’s contribution was to supply and install three WINDCATCHER® X-Air 140 natural ventilation systems complete with an iNVent® fully-automatic control system, to provide natural ventilation to the Main Hall. In addition, nine 300mm diameter SUNPIPE® natural daylight systems were supplied and installed to serve the main corridor next to the “living wall” and toilet areas.

All of the systems were donated and installed free-of-charge by Monodraught. A team of four installers and a project manager completed the installation in just two days, amongst all the other activities involved in completing a brand new building from the ground up in less than two weeks!

Commenting for Monodraught, technical director Nick Hopper says: “To say it was chaotic at times would be an understatement. Monodraught, and in particular all of the engineers involved in this project, are proud to be associated with such a great cause.”

The top cappings and skirts of the three Windcatcher X-Air units were finished in different colours – one red, one yellow and one orange; and all the louvres were painted grey.

Set to be one of DIY SOS’s biggest builds yet, the show needed to demolish the existing space and build an entirely new centre using a timber frame structure. Essentials included full wheelchair access, a dedicated sensory room, space for counselling, an office, workable disabled toilets, a working kitchen and an area for the kids to eat, along with distinct spaces for both the young and the older kids that attend the centre. In addition, the centre was set in two and a half acres, with woodland, antiquated climbing structures and a football pitch, whereas the children needed a safe space to play with accessible equipment, sensory stimulation and space to run around.

Cool-phase Delivers Low Energy Ventilation and Cooling for Anglia Ruskin University Computer Room

Published in Monodraught

Wed, Nov 27, 2013 Written by Cantillion King Advertising

Cool-phase Delivers Low Energy Ventilation and Cooling for Anglia Ruskin University Computer Room

Early in January 2013 a computer room in the Bryant Building used by the Faculty of Science and Technology at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, had its aging air conditioning system replaced with two Cool-phase low energy cooling and ventilation systems fitted discreetly within the existing ceiling void.

In an effort to reduce its energy consumption, Anglia Ruskin University is keen to explore low energy alternatives to conventional air conditioning technologies and as a result, two Monodraught Cool-phase systems were specified to serve the Science & Technology classroom, replacing the existing end-of-life air conditioning system that provided comfort cooling but no ventilation. The Cool-phase systems provide intelligently controlled ventilation that naturally cools the area through the use of phase change material housed in thermal battery modules. The systems maintain thermally comfortable conditions and good air quality levels throughout the year.

Following the award of the contract, Monodraught’s design engineers first carried out dynamic thermal modelling, the results of which determined that two Cool‑phase systems (8KWhr) were required to ventilate and cool the space and, as is often the case with retrofit projects, the installation was rather challenging.

At the Anglia Ruskin site the conventional wall louvre assembly for supply and exhaust air also had to be reconfigured due to the existing building construction, but the design team engineered a solution that utilised a roof mounted supply and exhaust system to serve the two Cool-phase units. Similarly, the installation of both Cool-phase systems was also carried out by Monodraught’s installation team in to prevent disruption to teaching commitments.

Commenting on the selection of the Cool-phase systems, Andy Lefley, assistant director of building services, estates & facilities at the University says the university was grateful to the department for allowing the trial in the Bryant Room and will be monitoring the results closely to gauge the impact.

“If the trial is successful, the Estates & Facilities team will consider a range of further applications across the Cambridge and Peterborough campuses.” He says.

Each Cool-phase system continually monitors and records temperature, CO2 concentration and energy usage. Data collected the computer room between January 25th and September 2nd 2013 show very impressive results.

The average daily temperatures for the Science & Technology computer room clearly demonstrating that the Cool-phase systems have consistently maintained the internal temperature well within a comfortable band and that while internal temperatures have exceeded 25°C, 28°C and 32°C during the data logging period, the Cool-phase systems have maintained an ideal temperature of less than 25°C within the room for 97% of the occupied hours across the thirty-one week period. At no point has the room exceeded either 28°C or 32°C – a level of performance that far exceeds the target overheating criteria stipulated by both CIBSE Guide A and BB101.

The typical background or atmospheric CO2 concentration is recognized as approximately 400 parts per million (ppm). In education facilities CO2 levels should ideally remain below 1500 ppm, with levels above 1500 ppm considered high. The CO2 concentration in Room 016, where the two Cool-phase units are installed, is consistently maintained below the threshold level.

But perhaps the most impressive result shows that the combined energy consumption of the two Cool-phase systems was 197.6 KWh of electricity across the thirty-one week data logging period. Assuming a standard electricity tariff of 0.11£/KWh, this amounts to total energy costs of £21.74, or just 70p a week, for both Cool‑phase units.

Commenting on the choice of Cool-phase for the project, Andy Lefley, assistant director of building services, estates & facilities said; “I am very excited by this technology and by the opportunity to improve student comfort without increasing the energy burden to Anglia Ruskin University. The results achieved show that the solution has complied with the overheating and air quality criteria, keeping temperatures and CO2 concentrations within acceptable levels. This has been achieved with very low energy usage and equally low running and maintenance costs.”

Commenting for Monodraught, Cool-phase development manager John Curley says the two systems have clearly met the design criteria and specification requested by the client, adding: “Both Cool-phase systems delivered comfort cooling and maintained internal temperatures within an acceptable band, whilst providing fresh air to ensure that CO2 levels were maintained within acceptable boundaries.”

Further information and videos are available at http://www.cool-phase.net

COOL-PHASE® is a registered trademark owned by Monodraught Limited.

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Advanced Insulation (www.aisplc.com)

Since its formation in 2007, Advanced Insulation has become a single source provider for insulation and fire protection systems to the oil and gas industry, and represents one of the most respected and progressive names in topside and subsea insulation worldwide.

Advanced Insulation offers a wide range of products to meet the growing demand for fire protection and thermal insulation systems adaptable for elevated service temperatures and pressures.

AL-KO Kober (www.al-ko-co.uk)

Since 1931, AL-KO Kober has been manufacturing premium, high quality components used in the Automotive, Commercial and Leisure industry.

The extensive range of chassis components, premium accessories and spare parts are engineered to last, ensuring whatever product you have purchased, you will benefit from the generations of development and enjoy a lifetime of service.

Arc Energy Resources (www.arcenergy.co.uk)

Arc Energy Resources is one of the UK’s leading specialists in weld overlay cladding and fabrication for the oil & gas industry. The company’s expertise provides protection against corrosion and wear for a variety of process and pipeline equipment for use in any hostile environment.

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Industry certifications include ISO 9001:2008 quality management, ISO 3834-2 fusion welding of metallic materials, and the internationally renowned ASME U and R Stamps, as well as ISO 14001:2004 environment management, Investors in People and OHSAS 18001:2007 Health & Safety management system.

Curtiss-Wright Industrial Group, which includes the legacy brands of Arens Controls, Penny & Giles, PG Drives Technology and Williams Controls, is a recognized leader in providing components and sub-systems which enable customer specific solutions for on- and off-highway vehicles. These include medium- and heavy-duty trucks, buses and motor coaches, construction and agricultural vehicles, materials handling, and other specialty vehicles, as well as sophisticated wheelchairs and scooters for medical mobility.

We are a leading provider of electronic throttle controls, transmission shifters and sensors for commercial off-highway equipment and heavy trucks, so helping to address the long-term trend towards attaining higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions. We also supply operator controls and advanced motor controllers for hybrid and electric vehicles, such as buses, forklift trucks, pallet stackers, wheelchairs and rehabilitation chairs.

With a proud legacy spanning more than 85 years, Curtiss-Wright is a global innovative company that delivers highly-engineered, critical-function products and services to the commercial, industrial, defense and energy markets. Building on the heritage of Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, we have a long tradition of providing reliable solutions through trusted customer relationships.

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Euchner (UK) Limited (www.euchner.co.uk)

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As specialists in industrial safety engineering, Euchner develops and manufactures products and solutions tailored to the requirements of customers from a wide range of sectors. Using its guards on machines and installations helps to minimise hazards and risks, which in turn protects people and processes. For its 800 employees around the world, safety is the watchword.

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Exmac Automation is part of the MacDonald Humfrey group of companies and are market leaders in the supply of automated materials handling equipment to the automotive, aerospace, white goods, warehouse & distribution, nuclear, pharmaceutical and food & beverage industries.

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We are ISO 9001 accredited and constantly strive to achieve continuous improvements in the overall quality of our products and service.

Exmac Automation has has established a reputation for supplying high quality, robust systems at competitive prices.

In-house resources enable us to provide clients with a single source for complete systems integration including simulation, engineering, machining, fabrication, assembly, controls, installation & commissioning and after sales service.

Our 70,000 sq ft facility in Worcester has extensive design, manufacturing and assembly resources. Our skilled team of customer focussed automation professionals offers a broad base of knowledge and experience in a wide variety of industries.

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Fulton Limited (www.fulton.co.uk)

The Fulton name has been synonymous with steam since the company first introduced the vertical tubeless steam boiler in 1949 and Fulton was established in Bristol in 1966. Fulton is still one of the world’s leading manufacturers, producing an unrivalled range of multi-fuel steam boilers. But increasingly these are ordered by customers as part of bespoke turnkey systems designed to meet exacting specifications.

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Gast Group (www.gastmfg.com / www.jun-air.com)

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For industrial manufacturing, health care lab, or environmental cleanup applications, Gast provides a full range of ideally suited and cost-effective solutions to any pneumatic problem.

Monodraught (www.monodraught.com)

In the current climate of soaring energy prices and the fear of global warming, increasing attention is being focused on Monodraught’s range of energy-free products.

Monodraught has always sought to invent, explore and develop innovative technologies that harness the wind and sun. Products include Windcatchers, Sunpipes, Suncatchers, Sola-vents, Sola-boosts and Cool-phase.

Nexen Lift Trucks (www.nexenlifttrucks.com)

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Q8Oils (www.Q8Oils.co.uk / @Q8OilsUK)

Q8Oils has become a major player in the global lubricants market. Our success is founded on significant corporate resources, a commitment to product development and uncompromising standards of quality and service.

Q8Oils has a unique and innovative approach producing some of the world´s finest quality lubricants. Manufactured in its state of the art plant at Leeds, West Yorkshire, Q8Oils represent the very best and latest in lubricant technology. With over 1000 grades of finished lubricants, base oils, process oils, extracts and waxes.

We are dedicated to serving the needs of our customers by striving to understand, anticipate and satisfy their needs faster and better than our competitors. To achieve this our objective is to develop and supply products and services which reflect customer demands in each of our market sectors.

TLV Euro Engineering (www.tlv.co.uk)

TLV Euro Engineering UK is part of TLV, an internationally-established designer, manufacturer and provider of steam traps, condensate recovery pumps, pressure reducing valves and other specialist steam solutions. The company plays a leading role in the promotion of efficient energy systems and increased environmental conservation on a worldwide scale through its products and consulting and engineering services.

Rockatek (www.rockatek.com)

Cheltenham-based Rockatek Ltd is an engineering consultancy that offers design, analysis and physical testing services that set it apart from others. Its directors have over 40 years’ experience in complex engineering product optimisation and development; and its engineers specialise in engineering solutions for harsh environments and value improving reliability and performance.

Verco (www.ver.co.uk)

Founded in 1965, Verco quickly built a reputation for supplying quality refrigerated glass door and open chill cabinets to supermarkets, convenience and forecourt stores. Verco is now a leading supplier of retail refrigeration and the largest UK manufacturer of glass door cabinets.

Monodraught Cool-phase now available as a Cloud-based BIM Object

Monodraught Appoints New Managing Director

Cool-phase ‘Science’ Improves the Student Environment in Bournemouth University Laboratory

Monodraught Donates and Installs Windcatcher X-Airs and Sunpipes for Children in Need ‘Little Miracles’ Charity Build Project

Cool-phase Delivers Low Energy Ventilation and Cooling for Anglia Ruskin University Computer Room

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