A new heat recovery and ventilation system being developed by Claregalway firm ProAir in association with the British Department of Energy has potential for global sales, according to Corofin resident David McHugh who is managing director of the company.
His presentation on the progress of developing the product received positive reaction from builders, designers and architects at the See the Light conference in UCD at the weekend.
Many other experts from Ireland and overseas gave presentations outlining their experiences in the low energy construction industry. David McHugh’s company, located in Claregalway Corporate Park, specialises in the manufacture and installation of heat recovery ventilation systems.
“I was delighted to be asked to speak at this event and it was a great opportunity for me to share my knowledge about heat recovery ventilation, something I am very passionate about,” he says.
ProAir manufactures heat recovery ventilation (HRV) units in Claregalway from where it operates an installation service for these systems on a nationwide basis. HRV is a system now commonly used in many new houses and houses that are being renovated. Because these buildings are very highly insulated and draught-proofed they are mechanically ventilated in a controlled fashion rather than the traditional hole in the wall system.
It works by removing polluted air from bathrooms and kitchens and uses the heat from this air to pre-warm the incoming air to the building. Ireland is now leading the field in the area of low energy construction standards and ProAir are the sole manufacturer of residential HRV units in the Republic of Ireland.
David’s presentation to the conference highlighted the latest in ventilation technology and he gave an in-depth insight into a collaborative R&D product that he is leading in the UK for the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
“Working with the Department in the UK, we are now developing the next generation of our product which will not just ventilate but will also heat and cool and do so highly efficiently.
“We believe that if we can secure the correct investment and develop this product in the right commercial manner there are global export opportunities,” says David.
He added that this new product could eliminate the need for traditional heating systems. While his firm in Claregalway is leading the project the other partners are the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in Watford, England, Cardiff University, an English contract manufacturer and a Dutch manufacturer of heat exchangers.
