Pipe Center has supplied a state-of-the-art solar water heating system for installation at the recently redeveloped Brixham Fish Market.
The Andrews Water Heaters system was installed by specialist contractor Space Engineering Services Ltd as part of a multi-million redevelopment of Brixham Fish Market and related harbour area.
The package includes 17 sq m of solar panels, two storage vessels, controls and a system integration package. It captures radiant energy from the sun and converts it to low-cost, low-carbon hot water for use in domestic hot water and cleaning of the fish market.
Sustainability is a key design factor for all aspects of the regeneration project, as part of Torbay Council’s low carbon and renewable energy policy.
Equipment supplied by Pipe Center for the system included nine glazed flat plate solar collectors, a 900 litre unvented cylinder and ST66 buffer tank.
A spokesperson for Space Engineering Services said: “An important part of the approach to the design was to ensure matching components from a single source - to give a balanced result and keep supply logistics straightforward. Pipe Center’s Roger Hoskins helped pull the various components together from the company’s portfolio with extensive technical support from Andrews.”
He added: “It was an excellent collaboration and delivered exactly what the client required.”
The glazed solar collectors are located on a roof facing close to due south. They capture energy from sunlight with 91 per cent transmission efficiency, 95 per cent absorption efficiency and an emission loss of just 5 per cent.
The system benefits from the sunny conditions that prevail in the area. Average annual sunshine totals are more than 1600 hours, compared with a little over 1000 hours for northern England and Scotland.
Roger Hoskins of Pipe Center said: “One of the keys with renewable energy projects is to ensure all parts of the system work effectively together - and integrate seamlessly with the overall building system. Working with Andrews Water Heaters we were able to support Space Engineering in delivering this for the client.”
Andrews Water Heaters is part of Baxi Commercial Division.
