University of Bristol introduces the eTRV (electronic thermostatic radiator valve) from Chalmor Ltd into halls of residence

2011-10-06 11:32:43

According to the University’s Sustainability Manager (Energy), Chris Jones, the first trial installation of eTRVs in the Hawthorns, 53-room hall of residence has already been proved to save around 30% of heating costs.   This saving is paying for the cost within the first year of operation.

These British-made programmable valves from Chalmor Ltd have inbuilt features that provide full and individual heating control in both refurbishment and new build systems with no need for the high cost and investment in whole building management systems.   A lock feature enables the energy team to fully program the valves to suit a specific room and user, locking it to prevent anyone tampering with the settings.   However, students can press the grey button on the front of the eTRV for extra heat when they need it.

Chris Jones, from Bristol University, says “The eTRVs are programmed to come on in the morning and evenings in our student accommodation, while being set to ECO during the day and to FROST at night.   If students return early from lectures to find their room’s a little cold, they can press the push button on the front to gain an hour of extra heat.”

He adds, “The University of Bristol wishes to provide a comfortable environment while also making the lowest carbon impact.   The combination of gas fired heating and the controllability afforded by the eTRV is helping us to achieve this goal.”

Next on the updating agenda for the halls of residence is at Churchill and Wills halls with 204 rooms benefiting from the controllability of the eTRVs.   The refurbishment is scheduled for completion before the start of the new University year.  The University has a total of 5,000 rooms for students on its sites.

An interview with Chris Jones the University’s Sustainability Manager can be viewed on the Chalmor website.