Vaillant has introduced three new online CPD modules for professionals involved in the built environment, including architects, M&E consultants, specifiers and energy managers.

‘Decarbonisation of Heat & Low Carbon Technologies’, ‘Heating’s Dirty Little Secret’ and ‘Hydrogen: the role of green gas in the decarbonisation of heat’, have been designed to give participants an insight into system design best practice for modern heating technologies, and the role of low-carbon technologies such as ‘green gas’ in decarbonising heat in the future.

The ‘Heating’s Dirty Little Secret’ module provides an overview of the evolution of commercial heating systems over the years, the challenges found in modern boilers, the importance of water quality and treatment in ensuring efficient boiler performance and prolonging equipment lifespan. It also explains what happens inside a modern boiler installed in a system with poor water quality, and how low loss plate separation using plate heat exchangers helps clients protect their investments.

John Bailey, head of commercial and renewable systems at Vaillant Group, says: “Although system water is flushed, cleaned and treated properly in most cases, treatment often takes place weeks after installation when damage to the boiler’s heat exchanger has already begun.

“After investigating the root cause of heat exchanger problems, we found that if the level of scale or corrosion within the heat exchanger is very severe, premature failure can be seen in a matter of months.

“We now insist on fitting plate heat exchangers when using Vaillant boilers greater than 70kW, so it makes absolute sense to show consultants, specifiers and energy managers why this method of best practice should be deployed. This way, participants who are specifying projects now can help protect the end client’s investment of a new plant room and maintain the efficiency of their boilers for their complete lifetime.”

The ‘Decarbonisation of Heat & Low Carbon Technologies’ module explores the drivers and current challenges when it comes to decarbonisation of heat in buildings, while also providing an overview on the low carbon technologies currently available on the market.

While, the ‘Hydrogen: the role of green gas in the decarbonisation of heat’ module gives a high-level overview of the pathways to decarbonisation; potential uses of hydrogen and other green gases; challenges faced in developing future products for domestic and light commercial applications; and, crucially, the scale of what needs to happen to roll out hydrogen in the UK.

Mark Wilkins, head of training and external affairs for Vaillant, adds: “As manufacturers, we have a key role in providing the right training and ongoing professional development to industry professionals so that they can, in turn, help their clients to decarbonise heat in their buildings. During this challenging time, we hope that by educating specifiers, building services consultants and energy managers online, they can build on a solid knowledge base and be ready to deploy low-carbon systems in the future.”

For more information on Vaillant’s online CPD modules, or to register, please visit https://www.vaillant.co.uk/specifiers/design-and-support/services/cpd-training/