Oceanair - Experts & Thought Leaders

Sophisticated temperature control using Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK technology is delivering the best possible growing conditions for a vertical farming enterprise in Northamptonshire. Vertical farming involves growing food indoors on multiple levels, in vertically stacked layers, using UV lighting. With arable space increasingly coming under pressure from urbanization, the technique aims to provide an efficient and sustainable source of food into the future.  energy and resource-efficient Vertical Future says its systems use up to 98% less water compared to traditional farming, are energy and resource-efficient, and can grow the same amount of produce in 1% of the space when compared to traditional methods. The installation was carried out by CSL Air Conditioning with equipment supplied by distributor Oceanair.  monitoring and control technologies Darren James, Director of Vertical Future, said, “We deliver advanced growing solutions tailored to an industry that demands unparalleled precision and control. Our systems integrate sophisticated monitoring and control technologies, ensuring the optimum growth environment to maximize crop quality and yield." “I was extremely impressed with the combined work of both Fujitsu and Oceanair on this project." choosing equipments "Both companies attended the site in tandem so that they could come up with the best option for this project in loadings and efficiency, and choose the relevant equipment within the area where we could install the systems." “This meant more than one site visit but they kept me informed throughout the design stage of the project and it has worked wonders. The site has been up and running for over 12 months with no issues.’’  Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technology By monitoring every aspect of the environment, it can achieve the best possible yield For the installation at Syan Farms in Horton, CSL Air Conditioning chose equipment from Fujitsu to meet the precise requirements of the customer and end-user. Electrical installation was carried out by a third party. Syan Farms uses Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technology, which sets the temperature, light, and humidity within each growing stack. By monitoring every aspect of the environment, it can achieve the best possible yield and ensure crops are never affected by poor weather conditions or land damage. addressing air conditioning challenges Dave Crate from CSL Air Conditioning, said, “The biggest challenge is designing a system that can distribute air efficiently across the growing area." "We have developed a solution with all air conditioning units installed at a high level, with cool air sinking across the growing pods and any heat rising into the units. The wall mounts are positioned perpendicular to the growing racks to deliver air across the vertically stacked pods.’’  Fujitsu 22kW High Static Duct Units The ducted units are mounted centrally, and each uses a flexible fabric duct sock to distribute air evenly Oceanair supplied CSL with the equipment needed to keep the growing area at a constant 23°C. It was also crucial to design a system which avoided high-velocity air movement in the 30m2 space, as the plants require conditions as close to natural as possible. Two Fujitsu 22kW High Static Duct Units are paired with 22kW HP Inverter Condensers. The ducted units are mounted centrally, and each uses a flexible fabric duct sock to distribute air evenly along the center of the warehouse. These units work alongside eight Fujitsu 9.4kW Inverter Heat Pump Condensers, connected to eight 9.4kW Wall Mount Units. single controller operation The two groups of four systems, operating off a single controller, are sited at high levels on facing walls perpendicular to the growing racks to prevent excess air movement. Tony Holland of Oceanair said, “We know from long experience the capabilities of the Fujitsu kit and were confident that it was the correct choice for Vertical Future at Syan Farms." “It was a new experience to work out climate control loadings for plants rather than people but working as a team of manufacturers, distributors, engineers, and end users, we came up with a grid system to make sure each section had the correct loading to do the job and the proof of the warehouse now up and running and working to its full capacity is a testament to all parties concerned.”  Fujitsu 6.8kW Multi Condenser The installation marks a significant leap forward from the container-based modules with localized cooling Elsewhere on site, a multi-split system consisting of a Fujitsu 6.8kW Multi Condenser connected to two 3.4kW Wall Mount Units and a Compact Cassette serves the entrance, offices, and meeting area. The project is the first of this size for Vertical Future and further sites are in development. For Syan Farms, the installation marks a significant leap forward from the container-based modules with localized cooling used previously.  Food security Kelly Bullivant, Distribution Account Manager at Fujitsu General Air Conditioning, said, “Food security is becoming increasingly important and we are proud to be able to contribute to the development of vertical farming." "Our equipment is ideally suited to the precision needed for an installation of this type.’’

A new build bespoke property from Dovecote Homes integrates cutting-edge green technology featuring the Panasonic 12kW Aquarea Monobloc air-to-water heat pump, alongside solar panels and a battery storage unit. The stunning property has achieved the most efficient EPC rating possible (A-rated) thanks to its thoughtful specification. The heating and cooling system was supplied and designed by Oceanair and installed by Danny Wakeman of Wakeman Heating & Renewables. Innovative Heating Solution The centerpiece of this remarkable home is the Panasonic Aquarea 12kW T-Cap monobloc unit, expertly designed to provide optimal performance. Combining the eco-friendly heat pump with underfloor heating on the ground level and radiators on the upper floor results in unparalleled comfort throughout the property. The intelligent integration of solar panels and a battery storage unit further enhances the home’s energy efficiency, minimizing its environmental impact. air source heat pumps The combined efforts of Panasonic and Oceanair ensured timely supply, seamless installation Dovecote Homes was introduced to Panasonic Pro Partner, Danny at Wakeman Heating & Renewables, and Roland Gurner from Oceanair, an authorised Panasonic distributor. Their expertise in air source heat pumps and assurance of Panasonic’s reliability ensured the project’s success. Roland Gurner, in collaboration with Danny, designed the new heating system for the house, offering valuable technical support throughout the installation process. Despite tight deadlines, the combined efforts of Panasonic and Oceanair ensured timely supply, seamless installation, and adherence to high-quality standards. Aquarea T-Cap Mono-bloc The Panasonic Aquarea T-Cap Mono-bloc is a single system to heat the home and produce hot water, thus solving a variety of problems while allowing occupants to enjoy greater comfort. The Mono-bloc range can be simply connected to underfloor heating, radiators, or fan coil units. The range boasts high energy efficiency, is rated A+++ at 35ºC and A++ at 55ºC plus has a high SCOP capacity. Furthermore, the impressive system can work under higher pressure and reach a 65ºC water flow temperature for the ultimate high-performing unit. sustainable systems Danny Wakeman of Wakeman Heating & Renewables is very knowledgeable and passionate about renewables and providing sustainable systems to future-proof homes. He comments, “Aquarea’s high SCOP figures at the design temperature mean low running costs for the homeowner, plus the outdoor unit housing a lot of the components frees up space which would otherwise be occupied within the property.” Optimum comfort The Panasonic Aquarea units were installed in October 2022, and therefore have seen a winter The Panasonic Aquarea units were installed in October 2022, and therefore have seen a winter, and homeowner Dave Love said, “We have been more than impressed with how the units keep their level of warmth and constant temperature throughout the whole house." "Initially, we found the house too warm, but Danny was quick to help. He came round to explain the controls to us and helped us find the optimum level of comfort throughout the house – we even had a Facetime call with Danny when we first moved in." Heating services "We have been impressed with the level of aftercare service we have received regarding the heating system." "The sustainability of the home and energy efficiency was a key part of the appeal and a factor in our decision to purchase the house in the first place, especially with the energy crisis at the time.”

MKM, the UK’s pioneering independent builders’ merchant makes a strategic move into the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) sector with the acquisition of Oceanair UK Ltd. Established in 2002, Oceanair has built a reputation as a specialist distributor for market pioneering brands Daikin, Fujitsu, and Panasonic. Their successful transition into the air-to-water market makes them ideally placed for significant growth in the future. Distributor of HVAC Oceanair is an award-winning distributor of HVAC, operating from locations in Mansfield and Crawley. The business has built strong relationships with both customers and suppliers over the years. Kate Tinsley, CEO of MKM, commented: “This is an interesting acquisition for MKM and enables us to expand into further emerging marketplaces; Oceanair is a great company with very talented people. I’m really excited about our growth plans.” Importance of finding the right home Oceanair will continue its operations under its existing name, ensuring continuity for both customers and suppliers. Tony Evanson, the owner of Oceanair, will remain involved in the business for the foreseeable future providing support during the transition. He emphasized the importance of finding the right home for the business and expressed pride in its growth over the years. Oceanair will continue its operations under its existing name, ensuring continuity for both customers “I’m incredibly proud to see the business grow over the years and have developed some fantastic relationships with staff, customers, and suppliers. I have thought long and hard about selling the business and was adamant it needed to go to the right home. I’m very pleased to be around the business to support the MKM team and look forward to seeing Oceanair grow under its new ownership.” MKM's plans for expansion Rob Barnes, MKM's Business Development Director pioneering the acquisition, expressed confidence in the growth potential of Oceanair. "This acquisition fits perfectly with MKM's plans for expansion, allowing us to branch out further into the HVAC industry. Continuing to work closely with the current Oceanair team guarantees a seamless transition, customers and suppliers can expect business as usual." He added: “Oceanashp.co.uk, part of Oceanair, specializes in heating and concentrates on designing, supplying, commissioning, and supporting air-to-water heat pumps. Their Heat Pump Training Academy conducts courses on design and installation and has recently earned recognition as a "Centre of Excellence" by Panasonic. This fits perfectly with our commitment of offering more sustainable options to customers.” Independent builder's merchant With a turnover of circa £1 billion, MKM is a prominent player in the UK's building and construction industry, standing out as the pioneering independent builder's merchant. Established in 1995, the company has rapidly expanded its footprint with branches strategically located across England, Scotland, and Wales. From Redruth to Elgin, Norwich to Llandudno, MKM has a national presence, ensuring accessibility for customers throughout the United Kingdom.