Danfoss Randall
United Kingdom - News from Danfoss Randall

Danfoss Randall strengthens 'no quibble' warranty for controls

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:07:00 GMT

Danfoss Randall strengthens 'no quibble' warranty for controls

Danfoss Randall is reinforcing its industry-beating ‘no quibble’ two-year warranty on its domestic heating product range, from programmers and thermostats to TRVs and motorised control valves. Whatever the nature of the fault or defect, manufacturing or installation, installers can return ‘in warranty’ products to their local merchant and receive an equivalent product from the Danfoss Randall range – completely free of charge, no quibble!

The installer doesn’t have to wait for a faulty product to be tested or for a new product to be despatched; he can simply swap old for new at the merchant counter. Of course, when a faulty product is then returned by the merchant Danfoss will test it to original manufacturing specification, and even if a problem cannot be found the offer of a free replacement still stands. “That’s what we mean by no quibble,” says the company’s Marketing Director, Bjorn Sejr Nielsen. “And if you can’t find the original receipt, simply contact our customer service department and request a Return Materials Authorisation (RMA). Warranty expiry details are clearly marked on all products, making it simple to see if it’s still under guarantee,” he adds.

Danfoss Randall believes this unique product warranty reflects the company’s ‘no nonsense’ approach to customer support. From technical helplines and online installation guides to training that keeps installers up to date with the latest technologies, Danfoss Randall is dedicated to making life easier for its customers. “Now, if any of our products fail to meet our high quality standards, for any reason, we’ve made it really quick and easy to get a free replacement at no cost to your business,” says Bjorn Sejr Nielsen. “The benefit to Danfoss is two-fold: happier customers who can trust the brand, and, of course, the opportunity to identify any possible product defect which can be engineered out by better manufacturing.”

Danfoss has been a leader in radiator thermostats since the 1940s, and Randall became a leader in central heating controls in the early 1960s. Formed in 1991, Danfoss Randall is a leading manufacturer of world-class heating controls, from programmers and thermostats to TRVs and motorised control valves, with factories in the UK and Denmark. The company’s extensive product range is supplied through a national network of stockists. As part of its commitment to improving the knowledge and profitability of its customers, Danfoss Randall offers a programme of installer training courses and CPD seminars, covering all aspects of domestic central heating techniques.

Frequently asked questions about installing heating controls

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Frequently asked questions about installing heating controls

Our technical team offers answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about choosing and installing domestic heating controls.

What do you need to consider to ensure that new heating controls will be compatible with a new or existing boiler?
This is a common enquiry and the main consideration is the type of boiler. In many three-port zone valve and two-port zone valve systems, for example, the motorised valve actually fires the boiler and the room thermostat switches the valve, so a standard mains voltage room thermostat should be used. With a combination boiler the room thermostats are normally wired directly which means that you need to find out the boiler’s switching voltage in order to select a compatible control; the boiler’s installation manual should tell you whether it is a mains voltage unit, often referred to as low voltage, or an extra low voltage model. Low voltage refers to any voltage between 50V and 1000V but is most commonly 230V (-6% +10%). Extra low voltage is under 50V and can be as low as 12V. You may find that some combination boiler manuals do not state what the voltages are across the thermostat contacts and will just state that the thermostat must have volt-free, or dry, contacts. This means they have no voltage on the contacts and, generally speaking, will switch any voltage across their contacts.

To sum up, if the boiler is mains voltage switching then a mains powered room thermostat should be used. If you are not sure, then a volt-free switching room thermostat is probably the best option as many of these are suitable for use with either 230V or below 50V boilers.

How do you decide whether to install wireless or hard wired heating controls?
Wireless room thermostats provide a particularly quick and convenient solution when upgrading an old heating system where room thermostats may not have been fitted when the system was originally installed, or the thermostat is no longer in a practical position. Installing wireless rather than hard wired controls is ideal for this type of job as it doesn’t disturb existing décor. However, wireless controls are not exclusively for retrofit installations. Although room thermostats in new build homes are mostly hard wired, wireless controls can still be an attractive solution for new heating systems. With no hard wiring involved, most qualified plumbers can complete an installation without the assistance of an electrician – saving time and cost on a job.

Is it possible for wireless thermostats to be affected by other wireless products in the home?
This is a question that installers are often asked when they suggest wireless controls to a customer, and the answer is no. There is no chance of interference from a home computer’s Wi-Fi system, for example, because wireless heating controls use unique identity coded radio signals which ensure secure communications.

How do you calculate the number of thermostats required?
Since it was introduced last October, Part L 2010 has required domestic heating installers to include at least two temperature-controlled heating zones and one hot water zone in all new systems in dwellings that are not open plan. Each zone must have at least one room thermostat and individual radiator control, such as TRVs. Of course, room sizes should also be considered when assessing the number of thermostats required. According to the Part L 2010 Guide produced by TACMA (The Association of Controls Manufacturers) rooms up to 150 sq m can have a common time control; any zones above this size should be timed independently. Installers should also be aware that when replacing a boiler in an existing system it is now considered good practice to install TRVs in all rooms with radiators except those with a reference room thermostat.

Having worked out the number of thermostats needed on a job, are there any guidelines about where these should be located?
Traditionally, thermostats were positioned at 1,500mm above floor level for optimum efficiency in terms of room temperature, and to be at a convenient reading level for most adults (but beyond the reach of a child’s inquisitive fingers!). With the introduction of Part M this has been reduced to 1,200mm to enable easier access for wheelchair users, without being too low, where the air will be cooler. Apart from mounting at the regulatory height, a thermostat should be installed in an area with good air circulation and where it will not be affected by draughts, dead spots behind doors, radiant heat from the sun, hot or cold air from ducts etc. Also, it is not recommended to have an outside wall behind the thermostat, and areas with concealed pipework are best avoided.

Part L made easy with new guide to heating controls from Danfoss Randall

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:53:00 GMT

Part L made easy with new guide to heating controls from Danfoss Randall

Domestic heating installers can find out all they need to know about Part L 2010 with a helpful new guide to compliance from heating controls manufacturer, Danfoss Randall. The free 28-page booklet explains how changes to the previous Part L documents affect domestic installers, particularly in terms of enhanced zone control, and sets out solutions for different types of domestic heating systems using Danfoss Randall’s range of Part L Control Packs.

Presenting Part L 2010 - and how to comply - in a user-friendly format is the main purpose behind the new Guide to Part L, explains Danfoss Randall’s Marketing Director, Bjorn Sejr Nielsen. “We know that getting to grips with new regulations can be daunting, especially for smaller companies who may not have the benefit of an in-house technical department. Part L 2010 has been no exception,” he says. Using example system layouts and simple diagrams showing time control requirements for combi, standard, and unvented systems, the company’s free publication aims to demystify the regulations for domestic heating installers. Bjorn Sejr Nielsen continues: “It guides installers through the process of setting up time control zones for new and replacement heating systems, and selecting the right Part L Control Pack from our range to ensure compliance.”

Since it was introduced last October, Part L 2010 has required domestic heating installers to include at least two temperature controlled heating zones and one hot water zone in all new systems that are not open plan. Each zone must have at least one room thermostat and individual radiator control, such as Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs). Also, when replacing a boiler in an existing system it is now considered good practice to install TRVs in all rooms with radiators (except those with a reference room thermostat).

Summing up, Bjorn Sejr Nielsen says: “All the Danfoss Randall Control Packs featured in our new Guide will ensure that domestic heating installers meet the requirements of Part L 2010 legislation. From a standard vented or unvented hot water cylinder installation to a wireless combi boiler system, we’ve got it covered, which makes life a lot easier for our customers.”

To obtain a free copy of Danfoss Randall’s new Part L Control Pack Catalogue call 0845 1217 400.

Danfoss has been a leader in radiator thermostats since the 1940s, and Randall became a leader in central heating controls in the early 1960s. Formed in 1991, Danfoss Randall is a leading manufacturer of world-class heating controls, from programmers and thermostats to TRVs and motorised control valves, with factories in the UK and Denmark. The company’s extensive product range is supplied through a national network of stockists. As part of its commitment to improving the knowledge and profitability of its customers, Danfoss Randall offers a programme of installer training courses and CPD seminars, covering all aspects of domestic central heating techniques.

Links
	Part L Catalogue

New High-Output Underfloor Heating Mat

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:42:00 GMT

New High-Output Underfloor Heating Mat

DEVI has introduced a new high-output underfloor heating mat especially suited to new or refurbishment applications such as poorly insulated conservatories and cellars that tend to lose heat more rapidly than other parts of the home. It is also ideal for other small areas that would benefit from the introduction of floor heating.

The Devimat DTIF-200 has an output of 200 W/m², allowing for faster heat-up and durable comfort.

DEVI, part of the global Danfoss Group, has been manufacturing electric floor heating units for more than 60 years and is currently Europe's leading industrial player. The new mat, designed for installation on concrete or tiled floors, completes the DTIF range and complements its existing 100Wm² and 150Wm²mats.

Devimats are prefabricated to allow easy installation. They comprise a self-adhesive open mesh onto which is attached a thin heating cable. The mat is laid in position and is then covered by a flexible tile adhesive that is used to fix the tiles to the floor. The total thickness of the mat and cable is just 3.5mm. Mats are available in a range of sizes from 1 – 12m², each mat being approximately 0.5m wide.

The DTIF-200 mat utilises a twin-core heating cable with solid aluminium sleeving for added safety. Termination of the mat to the thermostat is achieved using a single 2-core cable moulded onto the met during manufacture. Appropriate thermostats are available from the DEVI range. The DTIF-range is certified in accordance with current standards and the heating cable mats are covered by DEVI’s general 10-year guarantee.

Links
	More information...

New Manifold System Introducecs Cutting-Edge Features

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:29:00 GMT

New Manifold System Introducecs Cutting-Edge Features

Danfoss’ new FHF-F manifold system incorporates additional features that introduce a far higher level of functionality than most previous solutions.

The Danfoss FHF-F is used for controlling water flow in underfloor heating systems. Each pipe in the floor heated system is connected to the manifold, making it possible to individually control water flow or heat supply to each room in the building.

The FHF-F, in common with its now obsolete CDF predecessor, employs established and well-proven Danfoss valve inserts to regulate the flow to each circuit, thus assuring continued high performance and dependability. After this, the specification broadens to include a number of innovations.

Each FHF-F unit, size 1”, comprises a supply and a return manifold with connections for a minimum of 2 or up to as many as 12 heating circuits. The supply manifold allows for any of the circuits to be completely shut off and includes an individual flow meter (sight-glass type) for each. This makes it easy to balance the total underfloor system by providing an instantly visible reading of the water flow in each circuit at any given time.

The return manifold is equipped with Danfoss integrated valves with a simple, effective pre-setting facility, allowing optimal hydraulic balancing and easy commissioning of the underfloor system. Pre-setting can be carried out quickly without the need for any tools. Once the thermal actuator is mounted, presetting is automatically protected and can only be altered by removing the actuator.

Each heating circuit is controlled by Danfoss TWA thermal actuators. These are available in Normally Closed (NC) or Normally Open (NO) modes and as either 24V or 230V units.

Connections between the manifold and the underfloor heating pipework are made readily by using standard Danfoss ¾” internal threaded compression fittings for PEX, AluPEX or copper pipes.

Ball valves are available as an option for providing positive shut-off between the manifold and the system. Manifold end pieces are supplied with manual air vents; automatic air vents are available as an option.

A full range of accessories for the FHF-F is available including mounting brackets, end sections with drain taps, automatic air vents, ball valves, thermometers and reduction pieces. All FHF-F products plus supplies of sales literature are available with immediate effect.

Technical parameters for the FHF-F are:

Maximum differential pressure: 0.6 bar

Maximum working pressure: Manifold with flow meter – 6 bar

Maximum test pressure: Manifold with flow meter – 10 bar

Maximum flow temperature: 90°C

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	More information...

Danfoss Launch CPD Seminars

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:23:00 GMT

Danfoss Launch CPD Seminars

Danfoss has launched a new CPD seminar - The Complete Balancing Solution.

With the now almost universal use of variable flow heating and cooling systems, Danfoss Randall has sought to bring together all aspects of system balance and control into one CPD seminar. Aimed at mechanical design engineers, the two 40 minute workshops titled 'The Complete Design Solution for Variable Flow Systems' will give design engineers a complete understanding of variable flow balance throughout a project's design, installation, commissioning and lifetime. For further information or to arrange a CPD seminar at your premises click on the link below.

Links
	Further information...

Advanced and Easy Wireless Floor-Heating Controls

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:24:00 GMT

Advanced and Easy Wireless Floor-Heating Controls

Danfoss has launched its new and exciting, energy-efficient CF2 Wireless Floor Heating Control System that provides individual room or floor temperature control with the option of wireless remote control.

Based on advanced Z-Wave 2-way wireless technology, this versatile CF2 system offers optimum reliability and extended functionality, combined with unrivalled ease of installation and use. With its automatic self-diagnosis system, it has been developed to ensure quick and easy installation, commissioning and servicing - thus saving installers time and reducing their costs.

Designed for use with hydronic floor heating systems, the CF2 system provides a range of features for optimal comfort with individual room or floor temperature control, plus the option of wireless remote control. Depending on requirements, a CF2 system consists of up to three Master Controllers with appropriate wireless room thermostats from a choice of four, i.e. Standard, Public (tamperproof), Display and Display with Infrared Floor Sensor.

As required, an optional easy-to-use Remote Controller makes all CF2 system options, functions and application features accessible through its large display and centrally placed push buttons. A large system with up to 3 Master Controllers can be accessed using one Remote Controller.

Also, a Repeater Unit extends the transmission range between the Master Controller, room thermostat and other connected components by 2-way wireless communication. This is particularly useful where distance or physical objects may impede RF signals.

CF2 installation simply requires the Master Controller to be mounted on to a wall and connected to a 230V power outlet before quickly connecting the actuator cables. Each Master Controller features 5 or 10 outlets that accommodate a wide range of actuator cables. After the wireless assignment of the room thermostats to the Master Controller, the system is ready for use and to be handed over.

The system’s 2-way wireless communication ensures a high level of transmission reliability and, by means of the link test function, all wireless connections to room thermostats can be verified before the thermostats are physically installed. A remote antenna is available for situations where the Master Controller is shielded (e.g. in a metal cabinet) from other system components.

The Danfoss CF2 Wireless Floor Heating Control System is so versatile, easy to install and simple use that it is sure to become the first choice of many installers.

Links
	CF2 Room Thermostats
	CF-MC Master Controller
	CF-RC Remote Controller
	CF-RU Repeater Unit

The Whole Controls System Must Be Right

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 GMT

The Whole Controls System Must Be Right

There are more than 20 million dwellings in the UK and tens of thousands of extra new homes are to be built over the next two or three years and all of them will require heating systems with heating controls. It is, very largely, up to the installing trade to ensure these controls produce the savings of which they are capable.

In July 2009, Gordon Brown pledged £1.5 billion for affordable housing. He said this strategy would increase the number of affordable homes built before 2011 by 20,000, to 110,000. Apparently, funds available for council house building will triple to £350 million; a further £500 million will be allocated to the kick-start fund for stalled private sector developments and £750 million to the national affordable housing programme.

Advanced controls

For some time, the UK trade media has exhorted domestic heating installers to fit advanced controls whenever possible. This is sound advice because, in most cases, these latest devices can provide energy savings beyond the scope of conventional controls.

Danfoss, the major controls manufacturer, has always remained at the forefront of innovation. It has developed and produced its comprehensive range of cutting-edge electronic time controls, pioneered the use of programmable room thermostats in the UK, developed fast-response electronic thermostats and introduced energy-saving chrono-proportional control.

But all this does not mean that we should turn our backs on those other essential controls that have served us so well and even now make it possible to achieve today’s higher levels of savings.

Support controls

Danfoss engineers also understand that advanced controls need to be installed in well-designed systems to attain optimum results and that success depends upon support products such as motorised valves, cylinder thermostats, room thermostats and automatic by-pass valves. Also, as the inventors of the TRV - the oldest room temperature control of them all - they do not need to be told about the huge contribution this has made to energy-saving.

Accuracy, reliability and ease-of-use are the prime requirements for these ‘support’ controls and it is in these areas that Danfoss has continually developed its conventional products year-by-year. Decades of global experience in central heating application coupled with the finest R & D resources means the company is exceptionally well-placed to create ground-breaking product designs.

Bi-directional TRVs

As just one example, Danfoss development engineers recognised that widely varying hydraulic dynamics in ‘wet’ central heating systems made it physically impossible to produce one single bi-directional TRV design that could totally prevent system noise in every case. The solution was the patented ‘Revolver’ mechanism – now standard in all Danfoss domestic TRVs - that quickly and easily enables ‘water-hammer’ to be overcome, whenever it occurs, without draining down and re-plumbing.

Motorised valves

Also, Danfoss motorised valves – both paddle and shoe types – have been extensively developed. Operating on proven principles, they were massively re-engineered to give them additional strength and reliability. Danfoss introduced features such as higher-than-usual test pressures, support bearings at both top and bottom of the shoe and paddle spindles and tough polycarbonate actuator covers – all without any price premium for the added quality, robustness and performance.

Thermostatic control

Again, Danfoss in-depth research confirmed that one conventional product in particular – the electro-mechanical room thermostat - requires careful consideration before its continued use in a system after the boiler has been replaced with a new condensing type. In such situations, it is often necessary to fit a faster-acting electronic thermostat that allows the boiler to operate in condensing mode for the majority of its time. Obviously, unless the boiler is operating in condensing mode, it is saving little more than the one it replaced.

Making correct choices

The choice of controls, therefore, is vital to the efficiency of any central heating system. Advanced devices are designed to provide extra savings made possible by latest technologies, but these very devices themselves rely for their success upon quality conventional products. Making correct controls selections is a complex decision that, for most installers, needs assistance from heating control specialists such as Danfoss.

Building Regulations require that, each time an ageing boiler is replaced, the controls are updated where necessary. Danfoss can provide both the advice and the controls to allow this requirement to be met. Visit website www.danfoss-randall.co.uk for information and literature.

The Need for Advanced Heating Controls

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 GMT

The Need for Advanced Heating Controls

In the UK, upgrades on the smaller domestic-type heating systems used in shops, schools, offices and dwellings are urgently needed. Heating controls are playing an increasingly important role as the drive towards the government-projected low carbon economy gathers pace. Electrical contractors would be well advised to prepare for increased involvement in this sector, which might be a new area for many.

As the future unfolds, no matter what heating source is used, it is the way in which the energy is controlled that will make the difference; and it will be necessary to adopt improved controls concepts if we are to make the required energy savings.

Around 27 million dwellings plus thousands of small commercial premises (shops, offices, etc.) are equipped with domestic-type heating systems. Many of these are using traditional heating controls that are no longer achieving the energy-efficiency levels needed. More flexible control technologies based on electronics are required to enable, previously neglected areas of energy wastage to be eliminated.

Such advanced technologies, of course, are already being used in larger commercial and industrial complexes where small percentage savings represent substantial cash sums. Now is the time to upgrade the smaller installations.

UK dwellings alone generate over 25% of total national greenhouse gas emissions. Add to this the emissions from small commercial premises and a very worthwhile reduction target emerges. This could create huge opportunities for electrical contractors who choose to refurbish these smaller heating systems across the UK.

Installation of advanced controls seems ideally suited to the skills of electrical contractors and this work certainly does not need to be abdicated to plumber/heating engineers.

Background

Today’s high prices for heating fuels, coupled with the pressures being applied for environmental conservation, have stepped up awareness of the need to consume fuel only when and as necessary. Past revisions to the Building Regulations Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) have imposed improved levels of heating control in new-build properties and in those undergoing major refurbishment. The latest change directs that only high-efficiency condensing boilers may be installed, and this has had far reaching effects.

Whenever one of these more expensive replacement boilers is installed, the heating system’s controls also need to be updated, as appropriate, to latest Building Regulation standards.

However, although many of these existing controls meet the basic letter of the law, in operation, not all of them are able to respond sufficiently quickly to temperature changes to maintain the boilers in their condensing modes. Thus, the high efficiency rating of the new boiler is often not achieved, making it little more energy-efficient than a non-condensing type.

Tests

Condensing boilers can be massively more efficient than conventional types, but only if they are supported by the other heating system components. A year or two after their introduction, there arose a generally held assumption that, by doing nothing more than installing high-efficiency condensing boilers, reductions of 10% - 14% in central heating energy consumption and carbon emissions would be achieved automatically.

For this to be true, it meant that, when replacing boilers, existing room temperature controls had no influence whatsoever on boiler efficiency.

Controls manufacturers felt that the choice of room temperature controls does have an important bearing on system efficiency. Members of The Association of Control Manufactures (TACMA) decided to carry out investigative tests.

In a purpose-built, environmentally-controlled test house, carefully measured trials were conducted on three types of room thermostats in a gas-fired central heating system using a Class A condensing boiler.

Controls tested were:

■ A standard mechanical room thermostat

■ An electronic on/off room thermostat incorporating a microprocessor operating a PI control algorithm.

■ A similar electronic thermostat operating in chrono-proportional mode. This method of control divides each hour into sections (usually 3 or 6) and calculates the percentage of these periods for which the boiler should operate to maintain desired comfort.

High-efficiency condensing boilers

To achieve their high efficiencies, condensing boilers need to extract and use heat from the combustion gases that are discharged through their flues. Removing this heat (typically dropping the flue gas temperature from140°C to 50°C) causes moisture to be precipitated in the form of a slightly acidic condensate.

Unless these boilers operate in this condensing mode they will not achieve extra savings or attain optimum efficiency ratings.

Most current published advice on controls merely states that the basic set of controls needed with a condensing boiler comprises an electronic time control allowing independent switching of heating and hot water, a room thermostat, thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) and separate temperature control of hot water

Some advice also mentions programmable room thermostats, weather compensators, boiler energy managers and zone controls.

Test profile

The in-house tests simulated a ‘Winter Weekend’ profile where the external temperature was maintained at 10°C, the test room was allowed to cool to 15°C before commencing the run and the room temperature control was set at 20°C. The run was a single 12-hour operation, turning the system on once and controlling at a fixed temperature. The total system load was 13kW at start-up.

This set-up allowed the effect of temperature control alone to be accurately monitored with all other factors remaining constant.

Impact on boiler efficiency

Test results confirmed that the relatively slow temperature-triggered on/off cycling of conventional mechanical room thermostats did little to assist the boiler attain condensing mode.

By measuring the temperature of the water returned to the boiler it was found that, controlled by the mechanical thermostat, the boiler hardly ever operated in full condensing mode during its ‘On’ cycle. This was due to the control’s relatively slow response and indicated that too much heat was lost from the water in the system during the ‘off’ period to maintain the condensing temperature.

Using the on/off electronic room thermostat produced slightly better control and room comfort. Control again relied on a temperature-triggered on/off cycle. Gas consumed was just over 3% lower but there was a small increase in electricity consumption due to the more frequent pump operation and the fact that pumps have peak electrical demand when they are switched on.

When a similar electronic thermostat was used in chrono-proportional mode, results showed reductions of over 10% compared to the mechanical thermostat in both energy consumption and carbon emissions. This can be explained by the faster chrono-proportional control reaction with its time-calculated modulating action that kept the boiler almost permanently in condensing mode

Summary

The tests indicated that, if a property has only a simple mechanical thermostat installed, then the energy-saving benefits of a replacement high-efficiency condensing boiler will not be realised as the boiler will rarely be running in condensing mode. Switching to an on/off electronic room thermostat produces reductions of over 2% in both energy cost and carbon emissions.

Use of an electronic thermostat with chrono-proportional capability provides closer temperature control plus possible reductions of 10% in both fuel cost and carbon emissions.

The reductions identified in the tests are tabulated below.

Control	Energy Cost (£)	Energy Saving (%)	Carbon Emissions (kg CO2)	Carbon Saving (%)
Mechanical On/Off	2.39	-	13.56	-
Electronic On/Off	2.34	2.10	13.25	2.31
Chrono-Proportional	2.14	10.35	12.11	10.71

Tests carried out with other manufacturers’ on/off controls produced similar figures.

Test conclusions

Changing just the boiler from a non-condensing to condensing type in a domestic-type central heating system does not necessarily optimise potential energy and carbon emission savings. An electronic room temperature control, preferably with chrono-proportional capability, is often needed to justify the cost of replacing the boiler.

Upgrading not difficult

Chrono-proportional room thermostats are readily available and are just as easy to install as traditional electro-mechanical units. To make the job extra easy and quick, RF (wireless signalling) thermostats overcome any question of having to run fixed wiring and eliminate the need for any making good.

Probably the best upgrade currently would be to replace the existing room thermostat and programmer system with one chrono-proportional programmable room thermostat. This enables a number (say up to six) of room temperature levels to be automatically programmed each day, allowing space heating to be ‘tailored’ to occupants’ needs. In this way, only necessary heating fuel is consumed.

Looking forward

These advances provide just a taste of what will be happening until the government’s low-carbon economy becomes a reality. Who knows what further exciting energy-saving products, fuels and heating technologies will be forthcoming. It is, however, very clear that heating controls are essentials for now and the future and could be an important part of every electrical contractor’s work.

It seems likely that, rather than having stand-alone control systems for all the energy-consuming functions under one roof, a more integrated set-up will become the norm in order to optimise total energy usage.

The arrival of one-way proprietary wireless controls some years ago has thrown up enormous possibilities for the future; not just in saving energy and reducing harmful emissions, but for overall convenience and comfort. Rather than being stand-alone propriety products, heating controls are instead probably going to have to be able to communicate with many other systems controlling other functions such as lighting, security, electrical appliances, home entertainment equipment, access control, garden sprinklers, etc.

Most people currently have only standard heating controls in their home network but, as the wireless home controls market expands, electrical switching solutions, security systems and even utility metering operating are likely to be included. As a consequence, many heating controls manufacturers are beginning to produce two-way wireless controls.

A well known widely used 2-way wireless technology is the Z-wave, already incorporated and available in room thermostats, programmers and cylinder thermostat. Further compatible heating controls are constantly being developed.

Z-Wave is a wireless communication protocol that allows products using it to understand what each is saying, even if they have no actual interaction. Over 125 companies have formed the Z-Wave Alliance, all of these active in developing products like domestic electrical wall sockets, light switches and luminaries, garage door openers, security products and heating controls.

As an open protocol, Z-Wave offers huge benefits for home automation and integration. Z-wave based control systems can be expanded as and when needed without the need for a large up-front investment in a total home control system and without the need to stay with one supplier of various controls. Users can buy Z-Wave security, garage door opening, heating and lighting systems from different suppliers and they will all work happily together.

Existing one-way proprietary wireless communication technology normally employs 433MHz transmission frequency. These systems are relatively difficult to expand at a later stage and some installation rules have to be strictly followed in order for the system to work satisfactory.

A two-way Z-Wave based communication overcomes many of the installation restrictions experienced with a one-way based communication by enabling signals to pass from one product (regardless of its function in the system) to another in a network automatically creating the optimum route for the wireless signals. This technology offers truly exciting possibilities – improved home comforts, convenience, easy installation and operation plus energy and fuel cost savings – for householders.

Are you prepared?

Changes in the way we all handle our consumption of energy are already happening. The government is committed to a massive 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. There can be little doubt of its determination to achieve this target.

Every possible tax, law, restriction, incentive and measure is likely to be utilised to bring about the required huge change in public attitude to reducing energy consumption and fuel wastage. All relevant new technologies are sure to be incorporated into our changing society.

Advanced heating controls will be required as a part of ensuring that essential energy consumption is properly used. All installers working in this sector will need to become increasingly knowledgeable about controls technology.

Are you prepared? If not, are you prepared to do something about it? If you are, a very remunerative area of work could be open to you simply by supplementing your present skills with improved controls knowledge.

Heating controls information is freely available by visiting the TACMA website www.heatingcontrols,org.uk or by making contact direct with TACMA member companies.

TRV's Are Essential

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT

TRV's Are Essential

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs), the original and simplest room temperature controls, remain essential for optimum efficiency in most ‘wet’ domestic central heating systems. They help create optimum comfort while significantly reducing heating costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Function

TRVs, fitted to individual radiators, are accurate set-and-forget room temperature controls that generally help minimise heat generation and enhance comfort levels. They also make additional savings by independently maintaining lower temperatures in unoccupied and other appropriate rooms.

Requiring no external power to operate, TRVs sense room temperature changes – including extraneous ‘free’ heat from sunlight, appliances, body heat, etc. – and adjust the flow of heated water through the radiators accordingly. Conventional room thermostats alone provide just single-zone temperature control based on one sensing point and one temperature setting.

Construction

A TRV comprises two basic sub-assemblies – a valve body and a sensor - that are easily fixed together.

Valve bodies regulate the flow of heated water through radiators. They are available in straight, vertical angle and horizontal angle configurations to suit various applications. There are also special valves, e.g. presetting types and high flow versions for single pipe systems.

Sensors monitor room temperatures and adjust valve operation. They incorporate wax, liquid or gas charged capsule-and-bellows assemblies within the sensor head. Wax has the slowest response to temperature change with liquid being currently the most usual option. Gas-charged sensors have the quickest response to temperature changes and hence provide the optimum comfort control and energy saving.

In use, these easily settable units expand and contract with room temperature changes, operating a piston that acts on the valve pressure pin (spindle). As room temperature increases, the valve throttles back the flow. A spring returns the piston promptly when contraction (cooling) occurs.

The TRV’s control action is modulating, i.e. it makes appropriate slight adjustments to the valve spindle position to increase or reduce the volume of heated water passing through the individual radiators. The desired control temperature is easily set by rotating the setting dial (sensor head) until the appropriate icon or number coincides with the setting mark. Setting ranges vary with different manufacturers and types.

Types

Today’s most popular TRVs for fully-pumped (2-pipe) domestic systems are 15mm bi-directional, reversible, angle types with built-in (integral) sensors. These allow total installation flexibility, i.e. sensor mounted vertically or horizontally in either flow or return.

Many alternative versions are produced to suit other systems and situations where this type is not appropriate.

Valve Bodies. Valve bodies for domestic systems exist in sizes from 3/8” to 1” BSP (Imperial) or 8, 10 and 15 mm (metric) for use in 2-pipe systems.

TRV valve bodies can be either threaded or provided with compression fittings. Also available are push-fit fittings for plastic pipe. Special high capacity bodies are available for 1-pipe systems.

Others, such as presetting valves, are also obtainable. These help installers to hydraulically balance heating systems to give even distribution of heat, better comfort and lower energy consumption.

Standard bi-directional valve bodies are claimed to allow flow in both directions, thus removing the possibility of system noise. However, intensive research found it physically impossible to produce a completely universal bi-directional valve that would eliminate noise under every set of conditions. Consequently, a flow selection mechanism was introduced that enabled flow direction to be completely reversed simply by rotating a metal collar through 180°. Thus, any noise problems encountered could be easily and quickly overcome without draining down and reinstalling.

Sensors. Built-in (integral) sensors may be secured to valve bodies by Allen screws, screw collars or snap-lock mechanisms.

For installations where integral sensors are not practical, remote adjusters are readily available. These sealed units connect to the valve-operating unit by a length of thin capillary tubing.

Also, there are advanced battery driven electronic programmable sensors that enable temperature setting changes to occur at pre-set times.

Installation

Installation involves a straight-forward plumbing job for the valve body plus ensuring the sensor head is fixed correctly. No wiring is necessary. However, care is required with valve siting and sensor mounting.

To monitor air temperatures representative of the room as a whole, the best installation position is in the radiator flow with the sensor mounted horizontally away from the hot valve body and pipes. Mounting the sensor vertically above the hot valve can prevent the room attaining the desired temperature as and when the flow temperature fluctuates.

If sensors must be mounted vertically, due to space limitations or for other reasons, they are best fitted at the return where temperatures are lower.

Also, sensors positioned behind curtains or furnishings, or in tight corners alongside hot pipes, will not allow satisfactory control and remote sensors should be used.

In all domestic heating systems, including those controlled predominantly by TRVs, an overriding room thermostat should be provided to meet the Building Regulations requirement for boiler interlock circuitry that prevents wasteful boiler ‘dry’ cycling.

Explain use

It is important that installers explain to end users how to operate TRVs so that all optimum savings are made, e.g. turning down the setting when ventilating a room or when rooms are not being used for a longer period of time. It is although important to get the message across to the user that a TRV is overall a set-and-forget control and there is no need to operate the TRV as a manual valve. The opening and closing will be handled by the sensor according to the set temperature.

Commercial TRVs

Also available are excellent ranges of radiator thermostats designed to withstand the accidental and deliberate abuse frequently encountered in commercial and public premises. They high quality units are designed to give extra strength to resist heavy loading (e.g. children standing on them) and with more robust fixings.

Devimat Cost Effective Invisible Heating

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Devimat Cost Effective Invisible Heating

The DeviMat electric cable mat system is one of today’s easiest and most cost-effective methods of floor warming. Completely unseen in the home, DeviMat is easy and quick to install, totally safe (CE compliant), and easily controllable.

Whether you are renovating a kitchen or bathroom or building a house or extension, DeviMat provides a selection of cost-effective, reliable and easy-to-install solutions.

DeviMat provides efficient underfloor warming in new or existing buildings – e.g. bathrooms, , kitchens, conservatories or anywhere that requires comfortable warmth. It can be used as the only heating source or as an additional source for creating comfortably warm floors. Suited to all new and renovated solid and wooden floors, DeviMat requires no maintenance whatsoever or associated servicing costs. It is guaranteed for 10 years.

Providing comfort at floor level where it is best needed, this system minimises dust and air movements. It also allows greater versatility in furnishing placements and interior design by freeing up valuable wall and floor space that conventional radiator systems would otherwise occupy.

DeviMat cable matting consists of a thin (3.5 mm) earth-screened heating cable affixed to a self-adhesive open mesh. Installation of DeviMat heating is extremely easy and can be carried out by unskilled workers. Only the final quick electrical connections need to be made by qualified staff.

After preparing the surface, in some cases a small groove needs to be channelled in the floor to house a floor thermostat tube. The matting is then simply rolled out, cutting the backing material as appropriate to turn corners or to skirt round fitments. Twin conductor cables require connection at one end only. The entire layer can then be covered by a) one layer of flexible tile adhesive/self-levelling compound that is allowed to dry before tiling or b) by laying tile adhesive and tiles in one operation.

Two types of DeviMat are available – DTIF-100 and DTIF-150. These may be purchased in various lengths from 1m up to 12m to suit the floor area being heated. The width of the mat is 500 mm.

DTIF-100 is suitable for timber-based floors, delivering a maximum heating load of 100 W/m2 DTIF-150 is intended for concrete-based floors with a maximum heating load of 150 W/m2 .

DeviMat systems are ideally controlled by a flush-mounting, intelligent 7-day programmable thermostat, the DeviReg 550, which regulates floor temperature. This can control heating loads up to 3600 Watts and comes with a floor sensor on a 2.5m cable. Alternatively, the wall mounted dial setting thermostat DeviReg 130 (also supplied with a floor sensor) is available.

Devi (part of the Danfoss Group) is an acknowledged supplier of proven, relevant products for the underfloor heating industry.

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DEVI Home Floor-Heating Products Now Supported From Bedford

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:54:00 GMT

DEVI Home Floor-Heating Products Now Supported From Bedford

Full customer support for the Devi range of domestic underfloor heating products has now been transferred to Danfoss Randall Limited at Bedford, where these products will complement the company’s comprehensive selection of thermostats, controls, manifolds and other fittings required in this sector of the heating market. Devi has been a member of the Danfoss Group since the beginning of 2003.

Customers will benefit from improved ordering access, information and assistance for all these closely related products. Danfoss Randall now provides support for the following UFH products:

DeviFlex Heating Cables

DeviMat Cable Matting

DeviReg Thermostats

Hard-wired Controls for Water-based Systems

RF (Wireless) Controls for Water-based Systems

Manifolds

Thermal Actuators
Self-acting UFH Controls

These products are available from a growing number of builders’ merchants plus numerous heating, flooring and tiling stockists who will all benefit from Danfoss marketing support.

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New opportunities for installers thanks to mobile connection to the Internet

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:04:00 GMT

New opportunities for installers thanks to mobile connection to the Internet

Danfoss Randall has launched a new facility, called mobile view, which makes it possible for installers to access product information at www.danfoss-randall.co.uk using a mobile phone.

Installers now have access to the same information as that available on the Internet, however, the layout is adapted to the small screen of the mobile phone.

Søren Hansen, Market Intelligence Manager, says that the new facility is based on the installers’ request for easy access to information.

”Of course, the information is available to the installers on the Internet, but how many would bring a computer with them when visiting customers? I’d say not many, whereas everybody has a mobile phone and at the same time, it is getting increasingly common for mobile phones to have access to the Internet and they also often have very large screens.”

New Controls Technologies Essential

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:00:00 GMT

New Controls Technologies Essential

Traditional domestic central heating controls - programmers, room thermostats, cylinder thermostats, etc. - have, until now, served us very well. They have improved home comfort levels and, while utility prices increased, moderated our fuel bills. It is easy to be complacent against this backdrop.

However, far greater energy savings are now being demanded as the nation strives to achieve its low carbon economy.

New technologies needed

Current mainstream controls are magnificent examples of design and engineering and will continue to do what they were designed for; but we have refined them to the point where their further significant development no longer seems feasible. We must look to new technologies to achieve the additional savings that are now so important.

Many installers seem reluctant to adopt advantageous controls advances and yet only minimal (if any) extra training is required and cost impacts on the user are relatively low. As these changes seem unavoidable, why not act sooner than later.

Effect of condensing boilers

One recent factor in the controls evolution process has been that high-efficiency condensing boilers are now mandatory in new-build and most refurbished private housing.

Regretfully, simply installing a Class A condensing boiler does not automatically achieve the high energy-savings that its SEDBUK rating might suggest. Unless the heating system’s controls are sufficiently responsive to allow the boiler to operate in condensing mode for reasonable periods, any savings are likely to be insignificant. This is especially true when old boilers are being replaced and the existing heating controls are left unchanged.

Room thermostats

Most electro-mechanical, bi-metal room thermostats that were always considered to be low-cost, reliable, functional and easy to use are just not responsive enough to sustain a boiler in condensing mode for any length of time. Obviously, if a condensing boiler is not allowed to condense, it offers little or no advantage over a standard appliance.

The solution is to simply fit a more responsive electronic On/Off thermostat that can make all the difference, and restore the functionality of the boiler.

Programmable room thermostats

We need to go much further than using simple room thermostats controlling at one preset room temperature to achieve the extra savings required.

Central heating systems should provide heat only when it is needed. During most weeks, there are regular periods when houses are unoccupied (shopping, dog walking, visiting, etc.) and others when lower room temperatures are acceptable (e.g. morning housework). A programmable room thermostat enables these low and zero heating periods to be implemented in a way not possible with a single-temperature control.

The electronic sensor and switching action of a programmable room thermostat will ensures a condensing boiler operates to full effect. These flexible controls, having been available for some years, cannot be designated as latest technology but fitting one in a house can make a huge saving on the heating bills.

Chrono-proportional control

What more can we do? Should we also be questioning whether On/Off control is still appropriate? To make the ambitious savings targets now required, should we take a lead from commercial HVAC systems and use modulating control?

The use of chrono-proportional controls domestically can produce a very marked improvement on even the performance of programmable room thermostats.

Chrono-proportional control, instead of reacting to temperature events and going through On/Off cycles, splits each hour into sections (usually 6) and the controller calculates the proportion of these periods for which the boiler fires to maintain desired comfort levels. This modulating control mode provides a closer control band and faster reaction to temperature change, resulting in improved energy savings and better home comfort.

Closely controlled tests carried out by Danfoss Randall showed that using a simple mechanical thermostat meant the energy-saving benefits of a replacement high-efficiency condensing boiler were lost because the boiler rarely operated in condensing mode. Using an on/off electronic room thermostat in the same set-up produced reductions of over 2% in both energy cost and carbon emissions.

However, the use of an electronic thermostat operating in chrono-proportional mode provided closer temperature control plus possible reductions of 10% in both fuel cost and carbon emissions.

Looking ahead

Tomorrow’s central heating controls will need to go beyond the capabilities of traditional mainstream devices. They must be flexible enough to save energy that has previously been wasted. What’s more, they need to be installed now!

Heating installers should not be nervous about looking at all technological advances introduced – chrono-proportional control, optimum start, weather compensation and more – and using these advances to best advantage for their clients.

New Danfoss Product Selection Guide - Commercial Products

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:00:00 GMT

New Danfoss Product Selection Guide - Commercial Products

Danfoss Randall Limited has published a new full-colour Product Selection Guide (PSG) that comprehensively illustrates and describes in crystal-clear detail the company’s extensive range of stand-alone products for HVAC, commercial heating/cooling and building services applications.

Many engineers may be surprised by the numbers of these essential products and variations that are now available from Danfoss. They include thermostatic radiator valves and controls, motorised control valves, balancing valves, thermostatic mixing valves and advanced room thermostats. Widely compatible with most popular building systems, their Danfoss pedigree is an assurance of top performance and long-term reliability.

The new commercial PSG is not just a product listing. It is a must-have 72-page quality-produced booklet that also provides information on working principles and systems, cross-reference guides and more. There is much to be learned from its pages and it is sure to be invaluable for anyone involved in commercial heating, cooling and ventilating.

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Important New RF Programmable Room Thermostat

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Important New RF Programmable Room Thermostat

Superbly easy to operate and install, Danfoss Randall’s new TP4000 RF (wireless) programmable room thermostat is ideal for use with combination boiler systems and those numerous basic room temperature control applications that call for same-each-day programming. Today’s prominence of combination boilers, and the growing need for controls simplicity, means this unit is sure to appeal to a major sector of today’s domestic central heating controls market.

The stylish wall-mounted TP4000 RF incorporates all the features of the existing popular TP4000 and brings the additional installation benefits that come with RF (wireless) controls, i.e. no long fixed-wiring runs, no lifting floorboards, no channelling walls and no subsequent making good. The programmable controller transmits unique, secure radio signals up to 30 metres away to a hard-wired RX1 receiver unit located close to the boiler or other appropriate control component.

The TP4000 RF’s large, easy-to-read LCD panel displays AM/PM times. Being battery operated (2 x AA), it requires only two-wire connection when replacing existing thermostats.

Its factory-set switching programme, which is easy to modify as desired, makes setting of the switching times even easier. Up to six automatic changes of room temperature each day allow the heating system operation to match the householder’s lifestyle. Heat is used only when required, creating improved comfort conditions whilst making substantial energy savings.

Preset regular temperature settings can be temporarily over-ridden as is needed simply by pressing a button to change On to Off or vice versa. The regular programme resumes automatically after each change has occurred. There is also an adjustable ‘frost protection’ setting feature.

TP4000 RF Data:

Setting range: 5°C – 30°C, Off

Events per day: 6

Clock display: AM/PM or 24 hour

Preset programme: Yes (easily modified as desired)

Temp. Override: Yes

Frost protection: Yes

Output voltage rating: 10-230Vac

Output current rating: 3(1)A

Output switching: 1 x SPDT, type 1B

Max. Ambient temp.: 45°C

Power supply: 2 x AA/MN1500/LR6 alkaline batteries

Memory retention: Events - retained for life; Time - 1 min. to change batteries

Transmission frequency: 433.92 MHz

Transmission range: 30 metres

The Danfoss Randall TP4000 RF Programmable Room Thermostat is an important control for the times.

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Fitting the Right Heating Controls Pays Dividends

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:44:00 GMT

Fitting the Right Heating Controls Pays Dividends

Today’s sky-high prices for heating fuels coupled with concerns about the environment and global warming are very good reasons for using the best possible heating controls. Correct selection of controls applies whether we wish to install one of the latest advanced electronic programmable thermostats or a set of self-acting thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs).

Yes, even these simple controls have been continuously developed during the sixty or so years since Danfoss first marketed them. Today, the difference in performance between the best TRV and worst can be considerable and fitting the wrong ones can prove quite costly.

TRVs

A TRV is a low-cost, non-electric, self-acting thermostatic valve that controls flow through a heating radiator to maintain the room temperature at desired set levels. These controls have always been very popular with heating installers because fitting is just a simple plumbing job requiring no electrical wiring.

TRVs use expansion and contraction of either a wax, liquid or gas charge in a sensor head to open or shut a central heating radiator valve. Their sensors and valves are usually separate components that are coupled together at installation. One TRV is required per radiator.

Without requiring any external power, TRVs bring total simplicity and accuracy to room temperature control. By just turning the setting knob to the desired temperature room comfort becomes automatic. Not only this, TRVs enable temperatures in individual rooms to be increased or reduced as required. Unoccupied areas of the home can be held at frost protection level, achieving worthwhile energy and emission savings.

The hundreds of millions of TRVs installed all over the world endorse their effectiveness. However, as with all good things, there are a few areas requiring special awareness.

Be aware

The following facts are basic to TRVs:

■ Being non-electric, conventional TRVs cannot be connected to the boiler to switch it off when no heat is needed. This means it is possible for the boiler to keep firing, cycling on its own internal thermostat and wasting heat to the flue. Heating systems using TRVs, therefore, need the overall control of electric thermostats.

■ The compact design of a TRV can bring the sensor within very close range of heat coming from both its hot valve and the radiator. Incorrect installation can allow this ‘temperature dependence’ to affect operation, i.e. early closure due to high sensor readings.

■ The very first TRVs had to be fitted so that the flow through them travelled in the correct direction. Incorrect installation could give rise to ‘water hammer’ type system noise. Most manufacturers now market ’bi-flow’ models but even these are not completely noise-free under all application conditions. The Danfoss ‘Revolver’ design provides the total solution.

Reaction

The faster a TRV reacts to room temperature changes, the more accurate will be the comfort control. The better the control, the greater will be the savings.

As mentioned earlier, TRV sensors can be charged with wax, liquid or gas. Wax, the original filling, is the slowest to react. Liquid (special alcohol blend) is considerably faster and ideal for the vast majority of applications. Danfoss’ market-leading RAS-C2 is liquid charged.

Gas is slightly quicker and best suited to precision commercial controls such as the Danfoss RA20

Developing solutions

00 range.Danfoss has addressed the various points raised above and produced solutions that make its TRVs more versatile than ever before.

One of the basic design features of Danfoss TRV sensors positions the sensing element as far away from the valve body as possible. Thus, when the complete unit is installed horizontally (recommended), the sensor is not affected by the hot valve or radiator heat and monitors a true room temperature level. Even so, Danfoss TRVs can still be installed in most applications - in flow or return, horizontally or vertically - providing maximum plumbing convenience and accurate control.

Danfoss Revolver

The Danfoss patented ’Revolver’ mechanism, now fitted to all its TRVs provides the total solution to system noise. Should such noise occur in a rogue system, it can be cured simply by rotating a simple collar through 180° to reverse the flow direction through the valve. There is no need to drain down or remove and refit the valve.

Right first time

When installing heating controls, and more are being required all the time, it is worth getting them right first time. Correct controls ensure comfort and increase energy savings. The cheapest will almost certainly cost more overall.

The Danfoss Story

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 23:00:00 GMT

The Danfoss Story

1933 Mads Clausen establishes the company, Dansk Køleautomatik- og Apparat-Fabrik.
The first ARV and TRV valves were soon supplemented with automatic AV and AVS valves. Between 1935 and 1938, a long list of new products were introduced – automatic spring valves, ball float valves, thermostats, pressure-controlled valves, diaphragm valves, suction valves, room thermostats, constant-pressure valves and drying filters.

1939 Bitten and Mads Clausen are married. The company signs its first contract with a foreign dealer. Number of employees – 26.
In 1940, an idea for a room thermostat that could maintain a room temperature of 18°C had to be temporarily shelved.
Expansion of the old factory is completed in 1942 – area now 1,400m2.
In 1945, Mads Clausen’s company sets up dealers in Belgium, Norway, Finland, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands and England.

1946 Company name changed to Danfoss, office opened in Copenhagen.
Number of employees – 261.
In 1946, Danfoss launches automatic control systems for oil burners. The harsh winter of 1947 boosts interest. In 1948, trials of thermostatic radiator valves are stepped up and a prototype sent for market testing.

1949 The first Danfoss company outside Denmark is established in Argentina.
In 1950, distributors from 21 countries meet at the Danfoss Convention and piecework is introduced at the factory. In 1951 licence production of compressors for refrigerators is launched, and in 1952, a new 12,000m2 factory is completed.
A thermostatic radiator valve is launched on the market in 1952.

1953 Employee number 1,000 is hired. The next year, the number of employees rises to 2,000.
In 1955, the first edition of the in-house newspaper Ventilen is published. In 1956, flame monitoring using photo-electric cells is patented. In 1957, the company establishes its own punched-card department.
In 1962, the company sets up its own research department.

1966 On 27 August, Mads Clausen dies at the age of 60. Bitten Clausen leads the company on as Chairman of the Board. President – Andreas Jepsen.
Electronics has come to stay. In 1967, the research department demonstrates a static frequency converter for controlling the speed of electric motors.

1969 Danfoss in Denmark now has more than 150,000m2.
In 1971, Bitten Clausen becomes Chairman for a newly established fund that receives a majority holding of ordinary shares.

1972 Danfoss sales turnover reaches 1 billion Danish kroner. In 1973, the number of employees exceeds 11,000.
In 1975, an entirely new product area is launched – flowmeters. In 1976, Danfoss opens North Europe’s most modern heat treatment department. The same year, a course is held in general management, the first of its kind in Denmark.

1976 Danfoss share capital increased to 400 million Danish kroner.

In 1977 , automatic control systems for natural gas are introduced. The first electron microscope is installed and compressor no. 50,000,000 rolls of the assembly line. The company celebrates the first employee with 40 years’ service.

In 1978 , oil pre-heaters are introduced, followed by new radiator thermostats in 1979 and TWIN compressors for heat pumps in 1980.
Sales turnover in 1980 rises to 3.3 billion Danish kroner. 9,300 employees in Denmark alone.

1983 Danfoss celebrates its 50th anniversary and the 1000th employee to reach 25 years of service.
Andreas Jepsen retires as President. Succeeded by Harald Agerley.

1985 Danfoss becomes the first company to be presented with the Quality Award for its work in quality control.
Sales turnover reaches 5 billion Danish kroner.

1988 Henry Petersen takes over the position of President from Harald Agerley who becomes Chairman of the Board the following year.
Annual sales turnover 6.3 billion Danish kroner.

1989 Bitten Clausen retires from the Board but continues as Chairman of the Fund.
Compressor no. 100,000,000 is produced. In 1990, the factory receives ISO 9001 certification.

1992 Danfoss committed to complete voluntary environmental approval.
The first environmental statement is presented with the 1994 Annual Report.
The Group’s “Nessie®” water hydraulics system generates great interest.
In 1995, the fifth generation of expansion valves sees the light of day.
Birger Riisager, FLS, relieves Harald Agerley as Chairman of the Board.

1996 Jørgen M. Clausen appointed as President and CEO for the Danfoss Group.
Sales turnover exceeds 12 billion Danish kroner.
The factory at Gråsten receives environmental certification. In 1997, the foundation stone of the first Danfoss factory in China is laid. The Danfoss Museum opens a copy of the Old Factory exactly as it looked in 1933.

1997 Sales turnover reaches 13.1 billion Danish kroner and after a short period of staff reductions, Danfoss sets a new record with 18,257 employees at the end of 1997.
Danfoss buys companies in Denmark, Germany, Norway, France and South Africa.

1998 Danfoss Drives A/S establishes Danfoss Silicon Power GmbH in Germany. The company develops and produces electronic power modules.
Danfoss acquires JJ Sampson & Son in Ireland and established sales companies in Estonia and Lithuania.
The Mobile Hydraulics Division became an independent limited company, Danfoss Fluid Power A/S.

1999 Danfoss acquires Bauer Antriebstechnik GmbH in Germany. It is Danfoss largest acquisition to date.
Danfoss establishes sales companies in Greece, Morocco and India and acquires its agent in Iceland.
Danfoss Fluid Power A/S and Sauer Inc. make plans to merge.

2000 The merger between Danfoss Mobile Hydraulic activities and Sauer Inc. is finalised and Sauer-Danfoss A/S is established.
Danfoss acquires Woodley Electronics Group in Great Britain and Energy Controls International (ECI) headquartered in Baltimore, USA. The acquisitions of Woodley and ECI strengthen Danfoss’ worldwide leadership in electronic solutions for control and monitoring of supermarket refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
Danfoss makes plans to establish a regional distribution center for northern Europe in Rødekro, Denmark.
Danfoss acquires the district heating division of IWK GmbH in Stutensee, Germany.

2001 The Danfoss Group acquired a number of companies: IWT Power Electronics, Karlsruhe, Germany, JiP Kugleventiler, Glamsbjerg, Denmark, a Compressor factory in Zlaté Moravce, Slovakia, and finally Aircool b.v., Rotterdam, Holland.

2002 The Danfoss Group acquires the following companies:
UNITEK, South Korea; PentaCom, Denmark; Danfoss Marine Systems, South Korea (from 50% to 100%).
New activities: Assembly of stop valves and filters in São Paulo, Brazil. New joint venture company, Danfoss Saginomiya Sp. z o.o., Poland. A new factory was built in China.

2003 The Danfoss Group acquires the following companies:

DEVI A/S, Denmark
Desbordes, France
51% of AS Proekspert, Estonia
LPM, Finland
LPM, Poland
Redan A/S, Denmark

Danfoss increases ownership share of ANSHAN Controls Company Ltd., China to 75%.
New activities: New sales company in Istanbul, Turkey. International purchasing office in Wuqing, China.
In 2003, Danfoss sells its flowmeter business to Siemens.

2004 The Danfoss Group acquires the following companies:

Gemina Termix A/S, Sunds, Denmark
Convec A/S, Karlslunde, Denmark (acquires remaining shares)
Danfoss Turbocor Compressors Inc., Montreal, Canada (joint venture)
Danfoss (Tianjin) Limited, China (acquires remaining shares)
ZAO Danfoss in Moscow, Russia (acquires remaining shares)

New facilities:
China: Construction starts on a new 12,000 square-metre factory in Wuqing.
Russia: Construction starts on a new 12,000 square-metre factory in the Istra region outside Moscow.
In 2004, Henrik Nygaard succeeds the late Birger Riisager as Chairman of Danfoss A/S.

2005 The Danfoss Group acquires the following companies:

AGH warmte-units b.v., Holland
FWT Wärmetechnik AG, Germany
Thermia Värme AB, Sweden
Holip, China
Senstronics Ltd., England (joint venture)

Establishments: The construction of the new 15,000 square-metre factory in Wuqing, China, was completed in June.
Danfoss sells Danfoss Analytical A/S, Sønderborg, Als Motor A/S, Sønderborg and the Spring Factory, Tinglev, all Denmark.
On October 21, 2005 employees worldwide celebrates the 100th anniversary of the company founder, Mads Clausen.

2006 Danfoss ends the fiscal year with the best result ever in the Group’s history.
In order to support Danfoss’ strategy of being the number one or two within all strategic core business areas, the Group acquires 12 businesses.

New All-In-One Programmable Room Stat With DHW Time Control

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 23:00:00 GMT

New All-In-One Programmable Room Stat With DHW Time Control

The new TP9000 Si from Danfoss Randall is a stylish ‘universal’ programmable room thermostat that incorporates an additional channel enabling the time control of domestic hot water. Factory-set to provide energy-saving chrono-proportional control as standard, the TP9000 Si allows selection of conventional On/Off control if required.

Operating on mains voltage (230Vac, 50Hz), this versatile control unit allows the user to select up to 6 different room temperature levels per day and to choose the exact times at which these changes are to occur. The domestic hot water time channel provides a programming choice of 1, 2 or 3 timing periods each day.

The TP9000 Si can be installer set to operate either in full 7-day, 5 day/2 day or 24-hour mode. These control options enable the heating system to be easily tailored to individual living patterns, thus only using heat when required and avoiding any unnecessary use of energy. But the TP9000 Si has even more to offer as shown below.

■ Time saving factory-set standard programmes – easily user-changed as desired.

■ Automatic summer/winter time change.

■ DHW only mode – summer operation.

■ Optional optimum start control feature.

■ Optional delay start control feature.

■ Optional remote room temperature sensor that can be mounted up to 50m from the controller provides extra flexibility in siting the control unit.

■ Temporary room-temperature overrides – up or down.

■ Selectable 1, 2 or 3 hour boost mode.

■ Frost protection and holiday modes for house protection when unoccupied.

■ Optional Service Interval timer function to remind of boiler servicing requirement.

■ Information button for quick viewing of next timed event.

■ Standard temperature setting range maximum (5 - 30°C) can be amended to 5 - 40°C at installation to help guard against hypothermia when required (e.g. in sheltered housing).The Danfoss Randall TP9000 Si is therefore a fully independent control for both heating and domestic hot water with numerous added features that make it an ideal all-in-one controller for modern central heating systems, optimising both energy-saving and home comfort.

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The Need For Changes in Home Heating Controls

Wed, 21 May 2008 23:00:00 GMT

The Need For Changes in Home Heating Controls

Controlling the consumption of carbon fuels, and the global-warming ‘greenhouse gases’ they produce, is vital to our society. This particularly applies to the domestic sector where heating controls are under scrutiny to ensure essential future energy-savings can be achieved.

In the

, dwellings create about 27% of the nation’s carbon emissions and, of these, around 75-80% can be attributed to home heating. As energy costs and environmental concerns increase, the need arises to re-evaluate all methods of preventing fuel wastage.

Heating our homes is an essential life-supporting requirement but we have a duty to ensure that our boilers fire only when necessary, and that home temperatures are maintained at the minimum levels commensurate with desired comfort. All previously acceptable areas of energy-wastage, however small, need to be eliminated.

This requires advanced automatic heating controls and, in some cases, different control techniques. The latest energy-saving controls include programmable room thermostats that allow different room temperatures to be set for different periods throughout each day, programmers with optimum or delayed start functions and new control modes such as chrono-proportional to replace the traditional On/Off method.

Such new products and techniques need to be blended in with proven traditional controls for optimum effect.

Controls and Regulations

Stringent Building Regulations govern the essentials of fuel and power conservation and the Government’s White Paper on energy points the way ahead to essential energy savings areas.

In the 1950’s, a set of heating controls typically included an electro-mechanical timer, a bi-metal room thermostat, a cylinder thermostat and, possibly, a pump or motorised control valve.

Since then, driven to a large extent by statutory regulation, all types of energy conservation products – boilers, motorised valves, pumps and controls – have evolved considerably through the use of electronic technologies.

Today’s ‘minimum’ heating controls set now typically includes a full programmer allowing independent control of heating and hot water, a room thermostat, a cylinder ‘stat, Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs), and a pump. An electric interlock arrangement to prevent the boiler firing when there is no call for heat must be provided. Furthermore, the latest Regulations call for separate control zoning of living and sleeping areas.

Regulation of the way houses are heated has evolved through the statutory requirements of the Building Regulations, Part L, Conservation of Fuel and Power, which now specify high-efficiency condensing boilers in all new or refurbished dwellings with ‘wet’ central heating systems.

These requirements are easily met for new-build dwellings. However, refurbishing older heating systems may not be so straightforward.

Refurbishment

Replacing existing boilers with new mandatory condensing types should theoretically produce a 10-14% improvement in system efficiency. However, any existing temperature controls may have an adverse bearing on this.

Condensing boilers can only deliver peak performance while running in the condensing mode. Unfortunately, many domestic room thermostats have comparatively slow response rates (i.e. some electro-mechanical types) that inhibit condensing from occurring for much of the boiler’s operating time. In fact, tests have shown that such controls may only rarely permit the condensing mode to cut in.

Electronic room thermostats demonstrated better performance, particularly those equipped with chrono-proportional control capability.

Chrono-proportional control, as opposed to the temperature-event based On/Off cycling of a traditional room thermostat, regulates the amount of time for which the boiler fires. In operation, each hour is split into sections (usually 3) and the controller calculates the proportion of these periods for which the boiler needs to fire to maintain desired comfort levels. This provides a closer control band and faster reaction to temperature change, resulting in improved energy savings and better home comfort.

The tests indicated that using On/Off electronic room thermostats, in place of electro-mechanical types, can save over 2% in both energy cost and carbon emissions. Moreover, the use of chrono-proportional thermostats can push these savings up to 10%.

Consequently, when fitting a replacement boiler, it should be checked that any installed room temperature controls allow boiler condensing mode to be achieved for most of the boiler’s operating time. If they do not, then ideally they should be replaced with either an appropriate electronic room thermostat or, for even greater savings, an even more versatile chrono-proportional programmable room thermostat. Such thermostats are a small investment giving big savings for the customer.

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