PROJECT
system as opposed to a heat pump for a building, is that the
amount of hot water varies considerably between tenants
with some benefitting and others losing out – potentially
causing tensions. Commercial-sized heat pumps come into
their own in large developments with the considerable cost
of the heat pump and reticulation system being averaged
out over 400 or more units.
The instantaneous water heaters with the advantages for
such concentrated living arrangements being its compact
size. It’s flow rate of 5-6ℓ is suitable for a single person
to have a hot shower or to run a tap, without worrying
about running out of sufficiently hot water. This is far
more economical than any other system as the water is
not heated unless it’s being used. However, it will not be
sufficient to fill a bath.
“From our perspective these units are easy to install –
you’re in and out very quickly – while with a geyser you
have to have sufficient space within each unit, and it has
to fall within the SANS regulations when its installed,”
says Kahan.
Instantaneous water is much easier to regulate because
there’s no tank to store water.
How much electricity (and money) is saved will always
be an imprecise measure as it depends on usage and
other factors, but Kahan says they are evaluating previous
installations “and there are no complaints from the tenants.”
31
“An
instantaneous
water system
definitely
works better
than an
integrated
system, where
the need is
for a simple
configuration
of shower,
basin and
sink.”
Triumph Taps and Solo Sanitary Ware were selected in
respect of taps, mixers and other bathroom finishes.
hand with the builders to complete the plumbing as each
floor was renovated. “It’s a bit crazy working while two floors
are already occupied, and it meant we had to have the
drainage done beforehand.”
Each unit has a standard bathroom – something of a
misnomer considering none have baths, only showers. It
has a swimming pool on the roof along with an Astroturf
garden and finishes that are of a high quality. “It is affordable
housing that doesn’t look like affordable housing – especially
when you look at the rest of the ‘affordable housing’ here in
the CBD,” quips Kahan.
Pro Plumbing’s brief was to supply the hot water reticulation
and it came up with the solution of decentralised water
heating, rather than the other available solutions: hot water
geysers; heat pump; or solar heating. “It’s a conversion,
stripping out the guttering, installing new sewer pipes and
PVC. It required a new drainage and entirely new reticulation
system, and a smart meterage system with an electronic
probe for each unit so that each could be responsible for its
own pre-paid billing. The great thing about the smart meters
is they are all panelled up and invisible.”
Each floor is a combination of bachelor pads, one- and
two-bedroom units, and three to four luxury units on each
floor. Rentals starting at a reasonable R3 800 to R4 200
per month and falls into the affordable housing market
notwithstanding that the finishes are superior to those
commonly found in other CDB developments.
An instantaneous water heating system adds to the efficiency of the building.
Features:
Microprocessor control with inlet and outlet temperature sensor for accurate temperature
delivery
• Selection of temperature (40, 50, 60 °C) up to maximum output for maximum
convenience.
• Manually adjustable flow limiter in cold water inlet (can be adjusted by the contractor) for
greater energy savings.
• LED ON indicator on the appliance cover provides clear information about appliance status.
• Installation on finished and unfinished walls is possible.
“This was our design, based on the brief from the developer
which wanted to bill each tenant individually, giving peace of
mind to the developer,” says Kahan. The advantage of this
February 2020 Volume 25 I Number 12
• IP 25 for greater protection against water ingress (hose-proof).
• Tubular heater made of copper for a longer service life.
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