The SLIM HIU

Introduction

The SLIM HIU is possibly the smallest and most efficient DHW generation unit on the market, using the latest electronic stepper motor controls to provide instantaneous DHW. A flow sensor allows the electronics to respond rapidly to changes in DHW flow rate, maintaining steady output temperatures with very little fluctuation.

As with all the electronic range of HIUs, the SLIM provides two modes of operation that can be selected at commissioning - a Comfort Mode, where the unit keeps itself hot at all times ready for rapid DHW response, or an Economy Mode, where the unit goes cold after one hour of inactivity. Anti-Legionella functionality is also provided.

The unit comes in an attractive EPP casing, with overall dimensions of only 240mm (W) x 420mm (H) x 90mm (D), and remarkably low heat losses of less than 2W. Suitable for primary temperatures up 85°C, and pressures up to 16 bar, with outputs up to 65kW (SLIM) or 80kW (SLIM Plus). As an optional extra the unit can be supplied with metal outer casing. All connections are bottom entry with union connection for easy installation.

Documents

Installation Instructions

SLIM User and Installation Instructions

Datasheet

SLIM Datasheet

Options

SLIM + DHW Recirculation

Amazon HX-SLIM with Recirculation

Extended Casing

SLIM Extra Datasheet

SLIM Primary Pump Kit

Software

Click here to go to the HIU Monitor Application Software page

3D Model

Please click here to go to the BIM / CAD File downloads page.

As Standard

Electronic Control

Rather than purely mechanical controls, the SLIM uses an electronic controller to read sensors and control outputs. The big advantage of this approach is it enables every control function desired to be implemented through lines of software code, where a mechanical system requires a separate device to perform each function. This is best demonstrated by the list of functions the SLIM can perform using just one valve for the heat exchanger, including temperature control, differential pressure compensation, domestic hot water preheat, heat boost, and security shut-off. A mechanical system to achieve this requires a multitude of valves, and becomes complicated, large, and heavy. The SLIM's electronics also enable such functions as smartphone control, network load management, and remote commissioning and fault reporting, by exposing data and receiving commands via a serial port to the optional IHIU Ethernet/WiFi control system.

Stepper Motor Technology

The SLIM makes use of the latest stepper motor technology for the hot water control valve. This provides a number of advantages over more traditional thermostatic or motorised valves, allowing significantly faster and more accurate control of flow rate and temperature. More significantly the SLIM can operate the valve to perform a range of functions, rather than simple fixed temperature control. These include flow limitation, and sterilisation cycles.

Economy / Comfort Mode

It is common for HIU's to include a thermostatic bypass to maintain heat across the domestic hot water plate heat exchanger at all times, this helps minimise delays in hot water supply when a tap is opened.

The DATA, DIGI, SPLIT and SLIM HIU's all perform a similar function with the Economy or Comfort mode, by momentarily opening the domestic hot water stepper motor to allow small quantities of primary water to creep into the unit at regular intervals. The primary pipework leading to and from the HIU usually loses heat faster than the HIU itself, hence the unit will typically settle trickling in heat fast enough to keep the primary return at or just below domestic hot water temperature. The DATA, DIGI, SPLIT and SLIM HIU's are the only HIU's capable of this level of control with electronics to ensure that primary return temperatures remain below the domestic hot water setpoint at all times.

Note that the units perform a Legionella protection cycle every 24 hours overnight, for 60 minutes over 57°C, enabling the safe use of lower keep warm temperatures.

Each HIU has two domestic hot water keep hot modes, Economy or Comfort. These can only be selected during commissioning or by a trained engineer.

The default setting is Eco mode, and this can be specified to run for 0 minutes (which turns the feature off all together), 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes after the last hot water draw off. In Eco mode the heat exchanger is kept to a specified temperature (between 25 and 60 Deg C) for the selected period of time and after this period of inactivity has elapsed the stepper motor closes completely and the temperature in the domestic hot water circuit is allowed to drop through natural dissipation to minimize energy consumption. If a hot water draw off is made any time throughout the Eco mode function the unit will deliver hot water as usual and the Eco mode function will begin counting down for the selected time once again.

In Comfort mode the heat exchanger is continuously supplied with a trickle of primary water for quicker hot water delivery, however energy consumption will be slightly higher than if the unit was set in Eco mode.

Commissioning Options

The DATA, DIGI, SPLIT and SLIM HIUs all offer a choice between two modes of keep warm function:

Comfort Mode maintains heat up to the HIU at all times
Eco Mode maintains heat up to the unit for a set period of time following hot water use, then goes cold for up to 23 hours. The period of time is selectable.
Keep Warm Temperature determines the temperature maintained in the HIU.

Comfort Mode

In Comfort Mode, the HIU maintains temperature into the HIU by pulsing in a calculated volume of primary flow water every few minutes. The amount of water let in is very small, and not enough to pass through the plate heat exchanger. The heat then dissipates throughout the plate.

Reduced Comfort Temperature

The latest firmware provides for a separate temperature setpoint for the keep warm mode, that can be set lower than the hot water temperature setpoint. This is to allow the system to be setup to maintain heat in main distribution pipework, but let branch pipework drop significantly in temperature.

The Comfort temperature setting must be high enough to maintain enough overall flow to maintain heat in the primary flow pipe.

The following shows how the use of reduced comfort mode at 26°C settles to a state where heat is maintained in the main pipework in readiness for a draw-off, however the branches see considerably lower temperatures and lower heat losses. Return temperatures are just above room temperature at all times (outside of heating season and Legionella cycles).

Economy Mode

Economy mode allows HIUs to turn off during periods of inactivity, only coming up to heat once per day as part of the sterilisation cycle.

The following diagram shows how the network can go completely cold, however there is significant risk that one system may call for hot water overnight, and experience a significant delay before heat can arrive from the plant, as the entire volume of cold primary flow pipework will need to be expelled.

To overcome this, a thermal bypass can be fitted on the end of the primary pipework. Given the main primary branches are well insulated, the heat losses in maintaining them at temperature this way is far lower than if HIUs are kept warm also. The primary return will reflect the setting of the thermal bypass.

Anti Legionella Function

After 24 hours of inactivity, the HIU will bring the domestic hot water plate heat exchanger up to temperature to prevent legionella from growing. The heat exchanger is heated to 57°C for a period of at least 60 minutes.

It is not possible to specify the time at which this occurs, however it will stop immediately upon a hot water draw off.

Moulded EPP Insulated Casing

The best way to reduce heat losses is typically to insulate. In an HIU this is especially important as there is very little water content and so even a small heat loss results in temperatures dropping and the controls cycling the primary supplies to reheat. To significantly reduce this, the DATA, DIGI and SLIM HIU's makes use of engineered EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) moulded enclosures that encase individual components preventing any heat bridging to the environment, or to other components within the unit. The resulting heat losses are less than 50 Watts across our range, helping to ensure that cupboard temperatures do not rise significantly, and although the finished moulded casing looks good in itself, there is also an option for an outer metal cladding.

Advanced Heat Exchanger Technology

District heating pipework should generally be sized for temperatures as high as the plant can typically generate, to satisfy those days when it is -5°C outside. Most of the time however, there is considerable space to run the network at lower temperatures during periods of reduced demand. In addition, modern heating loads are becoming very small indeed, making it difficult to maintain turbulence (and efficiency) within heat exchangers. The SLIM makes use of an Asymetric plate heat exchanger to best match the characteristics of modern dwellings, while maintaining efficiency.

Reliability and Confidence

Ask yourself, is it possible for installers or users to modify any settings in an HIU that could affect performance? Then ask yourself, of all the problems you have ever had with HIUs, were any related to inconsistent settings or tinkering?

The performance settings on the SLIM can only be altered by an approved engineer with the right kit and software, and is typically setup both in the factory, and again confirmed at commissioning. These settings are locked in software, with a report confirming all settings generated at commissioning. Following setup, no-one can change the settings, override DHW settings, open bypasses, or set the central heating temperatures too high. The whole system actually performs in reality as it does on paper.

Schematic

Images

DHW Performance - SLIM (24 Plate Heat Exchanger)

DHW Performance Table

DHW Power Chart for 10°C to 55°C

Primary Return Temperatures

Primary Flow Rates

Primary Pressure Drop

DHW Performance - SLIM Plus (40 Plate Heat Exchanger)

DHW Performance Table

DHW Power Chart for 10°C to 55°C

Primary Return Temperatures for 10°C to 55°C

Primary Flow Rates for 10°C to 55°C

Primary Pressure Drop for 10°C to 55°C

Domestic Hot Water Pressure Drop for 10°C to 55°C

Additional Functionality

As well as acting as a simple hot water generator for instantaneous hot water, the SLIM can be turned to additional applications where an accurately controlled heat exchange process is important. The image below shows two such applications where the SLIM is used to generate a feed to underfloor heating, and where it is partnered with a domestic hot water cylinder to generate copious amounts of hot water.

Domestic Hot Water Recirculation

It is also possible for a domestic hot water recirculation circuit to be fitted to the SLIM HIU, however a couple of minor modifications to the standard unit are necessary to enable this to work correctly. These modifications are best carried out at our factory, but they can also be done on-site.

When ﬁtting a DHW recirculation pump to the SLIM HIU, it is necessary to remove the ﬂow sensor from the HIU and relocate it on the cold water pipe prior to the incoming tee from the recirculation circuit. A spool piece must be ﬁtted into the HIU where the ﬂow sensors was originally located and the HIU software must be set into "Recirc" mode.

A non-return valve should also be ﬁtted into the cold water line, immediately after the ﬂow sensor and before the recirculation circuit tee.

For the best efficiency the DHW recirculation pump should be time and temperature controlled, or have built-in controls such as the Grundfos Comfort PM range of pumps.

Please contact us for more information and to order any of the additional components required.

Guarantees and After Sales Backup for HIU's

Heat Interface Units (HIUs) carry the following guarantees as standard:

FACTORY WARRANTY

1. The warranty begins on the date of delivery. A dated delivery note will be issued to the customer and a copy will be stored by Heatweb Solutions.

2. 12 Months Parts and labour - Parts or labour proven to be defective will be replaced / repaired free of charge for a period of 12 months from date of delivery, provided the HIU is installed by a qualified engineer within 6 months of date of delivery.

24 Months Parts Only - Parts proven to be defective will be supplied free of charge (for fitting by others) for a period of 24 months from date of delivery.

3. Replacement of parts under warranty does not extend the duration of the warranty.

4. Any other costs are not covered by this warranty. All other damages of any nature whatsoever and howsoever arising, are expressly excluded from this guarantee.

5. The warranty conditions above only apply:

a. In the UK only on items provided exclusively by Heatweb Solutions.

b. If the product is installed by a Heatweb Solutions approved engineer in compliance with the installation instructions.

c. The installer must complete the commissioning checklist in full at the time the HIU is installed. This checklist must be returned to Heatweb Solutions within 30 days of commissioning. Checklists are enclosed in the HIU installation instructions.

d. If the installation complies with all current and relevant building regulations and codes of practice. (including the requirement to clean the primary and secondary heating systems and add corrosion inhibitor in line with BS7593:2006)

e. If the product is used and maintained exclusively according to the manufacturer's instructions and proof of periodic inspection / maintenance by a Heatweb Solutions approved engineer is available.

f. If the returned item is accompanied by a fully completed Heatweb Solutions Warranty Return Form.

6. Excluded are defects caused by:

a. Failure to maintain in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

b. Improper use.

c. Any attempt at repairs / maintenance by un-qualified persons.

d. where parts other than Heatweb Solutions Genuine Parts have been used in any service or repair.

e. Lightning, fire or natural disasters.

f. Deterioration and / or pollution from the district heating system or water network, either domestic hot water or heating side.

g. PH values of the primary medium being less than 7.5 or greater than 9.0.

h. Harmful additives to the heating water.

i. Consumables as specified by us, including but not limited to: hoses, gaskets and batteries.

7. Report any faults to your installer, service engineer or Heatweb Solutions directly. Faulty parts must be accompanied by a fully completed Heatweb Solutions Warranty Return form, to be returned to Heatweb Solutions. Returned items remain the property of Heatweb Solutions Ltd.

The Heatweb Solutions Warranty Return Form can be requested by phone or email. Returns are not accepted unless expressly agreed in writing.
Transport risk of returned items lies with the sender. The shipping of replacement parts are the responsibility of the supplier.

8. If the HIU breaks down, we may ask you to pay us a deposit before we visit you to repair it. We will return the deposit in full if we find a fault that is covered by this warranty. We may keep the deposit if we cannot access your property at the time we had arranged with you to visit or we find other conditions of this warranty have not been met. A responsible adult must be at the property to give our engineer this access to the HIU.

9. COMMISSIONING
Heatweb Solutions offer commissioning services across the UK. The service includes:

a. The fulfilment of the defined commissioning instructions.

b. Completion and return of site wide commissioning paperwork.

c. Rectification of any HIU problems.

d. Confirmation of HIU performance to contract specifications.

e. Engineer travel and subsistence.

Commissioning rates are charged on a whole day basis, and it is the responsibility of the client to ensure:

a. Safe access to properties and HIUs

b. Correct operation of central plant with delivery of heat to HIUs at specified temperatures, flow and pressures.

c. All pipework has been correctly tested and flushed.

d. Credit on billing system to enable security valve.

A minimum 2 weeks notice is required in writing to Heatweb Solutions before the requested commissioning date.

SERVICE
Technical assistance and engineer backup can be obtained by calling our offices:

Commercial Sales and Operations: 0345 2411441 | @ enquiries@heatweb.com
Training: 0345 2411441 | @ enquiries@heatweb.com
Service: 0345 2411441 | @ service@heatweb.co.uk

FURTHER INFORMATION

The Heatweb Wiki website at www.heatweb.com/wiki contains information on all aspects of HIU design, function, and servicing, and is always the best place to visit for additional documentation or how to guides.