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Joburg apartment block invests in solar heaters

1st February 2013

By: Nomvelo Buthelezi

  

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Integrator of solar and other renewable-energy systems Kayema Energy Solutions recently completed a revamp and installation of energy efficient solar heaters for 59 units at Troon Gardens in Illovo, Johannesburg.

The project cost R1.6-million and was commissioned on November 30.

“For the project, we were asked to reduce the energy cost of water heating, while providing the units with energy efficient hot water. We decided to use the solar heating method, which consisted of 59 individual 200 ℓ solar water heating systems. The systems were configured in banks of either three, six or seven systems plumbed in series and installed at point of use,” explains Kayema commercial projects manager Zak Ferreira.

The installation of the solar geysers took two months and entailed closing the main roads and using a 10 t crane to deliver steel for the structure, which was installed on top of the building’s roof to support the geysers.

“We replaced the old centralised boiler system with the solar geysers, aggregated in banks of three, six or seven. This method was chosen to improve the energy efficiency of the banks, reducing the amount of backup electricity required and providing sufficient hot water for all 59 units without delay,” says Kayema GM James Shirley.

The monitoring system for the solar geysers is Web-based and enables the complex’s management, as well as Kayema, to monitor the heat levels of the system.

“It controls the backup heating elements according to Eskom’s required time schedule, with the capability to send notification and alarms, if necessary, and the timer override function for those with administrator rights,” says Shirley.

“The ring-feed system was about 50 years old and beginning to fail. So, instead of replumbing and repiping, the centralised boiler system was taken apart and reconfigured into systems feeding directly into the units at each point of use,” he explains.

“This allows for minimal heat-energy waste and, in addition, we were able to create enough hot water to eliminate complaints about too much water being used at various individual points,” says Ferreira.

The tenants were delighted that Kayema also improved and balanced the hot water pressure of the apartment block, which had become problematic in several instances, by installing energy efficient variable speed drive pressure booster pumps.

Shirley notes that they did experience some challenges on the project, as this was the first of its kind for Kayema.

“The scope of work was a chal- lenge because a new type of instal- lation, a tailored point-of-use system, was used for the units. Waterproofing on the roof during the construction phase was also difficult, owing to the rain and snow that fell during the last few weeks of installation. We had to be cautious because safety is some- thing that we take very seriously,” he says.

Solar heating solutions are a trend that is slowly picking up and either solar heaters or heat pump solutions will be a standard feature for buildings in the future.

“Current new building legislation requires that 50% of hot water in newly constructed buildings be supplied by alternative/renewable energy sources. This is no doubt good for society but existing buildings are not compelled to adhere to this regulation which makes the type of project described in this article most relevant, as the benefits are unquestionable.” Kayema CEO Dr. Dino Petrarolo.

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

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