Fourth generation Ecoflex VIP provides 70 % smaller jacket size

EU’s ambitious sustainability and decarbonization goals require more energy and cost-efficient installations for local and district heating. However, installation complexity slows down the development of alternative high-performance solutions. The fourth generation of Ecoflex VIP pipes features a 70 % smaller jacket size while reducing the heat loss up to 60 % (comparison with similar jacket size/heat loss with PE insulation​).

Ecoflex VIP already combines the best heat loss performance and flexibility for foam insulated pipes. Now we introduce a high-flexible version, tailored to medium to large sized local heat distribution network applications, where the pipe size reduction is critical. This ongoing evolution is a result of learning from advanced technologies in other fields such as aerospace, where the Vacuum Insulated Panels are also used.

More comfort, less water waste: no more waiting for hot water

The new Combi Port E-Hybrid flat station (HIU) represents the next generation of drinking water hygiene solution for low temperature systems, finally solving the common problem occurring especially in multi-family homes: the waiting time for the hot water to arrive. Incorporating an electrical booster on the heating side, it features higher tapping rates of 15 l/min compared to standard tapping rates of 9 l/min with lower supply pressures. The demand-based hot water supply reduces stagnation to a minimum, significantly decreasing the risk of legionella. On-demand hot water supply reduces energy consumption. The high degree of industrial prefabrication and quality ensures time savings in the planning and implementation phase.

Next step of intelligence – welcoming AI into radiant controls

Regulations for more energy efficient buildings have increased the use of insulation materials in constructions, making radiant heating systems less responsive. With Artificial Intelligence integrated into the latest Smatrix control for underfloor heating systems, it enables fast response, keeping the building at ideal temperatures throughout seasons. Based on weather changes, room temperature factors, and user preferences, the solution predicts, adapts, optimizes, and seamlessly connects with leading heat pump models. The cloud-to-cloud connectivity ensures a fast set-up of the system without complex wiring, installation, or additional hardware.

I-Shower: setting a new standard of shower installation and design experience

The I-Shower concept redefines the showering experience by re-ingeering the mixing unit into an electronic mixer within the Uponor Combi Port cabinet, regulating the optimal temperature. This innovation not only removes the need for tile drilling required by conventional mixers but also reduces the setup to a single pipe per shower outlet instead of two. As a result, the complexity of digital shower installations is significantly simplified, cutting mounting time by 50%.

With its sleek and high-design digital control unit, the Uponor I-Shower provides enhanced flexibility in shower space layout. It includes memory functions for multiple user profiles, enabling users to easily set their preferred water temperature with a single button press. The I-Shower – where the “I” stands for Installer-readiness, Individual shower comfort, Ideal design, and Intuitive operation, and it holds great potential to become truly iconic.

EcoMate can provide 30 % energy savings at 0 % risk

GF Building Flow Solutions’ new business model EcoMate is a 24/7 heat source management, combining intelligent software and IoT sensors upgrading buildings to save 30 % energy. The majority of older buildings are equipped with fossil heating systems with high energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Real estate value quickly becomes a financial risk when building emissions are not in line with new rules and regulations. Available energy monitoring and optimization solutions are normally linked to high entry and running cost. With EcoMate, targeting light commercial buildings, we want to lower this entry barrier. No hardware investment will be needed as sensors and software are provided. Savings are achieved through weather forecasting and real-time building occupancy insights, monitored via energy usage patterns. The solution is brought to the market with a contracting service fee based on shared cost savings.

Launching EcoMate at ISH with focus on Germany, we look forward to further develop the concept in partnership with real estate and asset managers, as well as building owners.