SmartTank: Remote Solutions for Legionella Management

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

As we continue our journey towards a sustainable future, innovative technologies play a crucial role in reducing our environmental impact. One such groundbreaking solution is the SmartTank system, which is designed not just to save water and energy but also to ensure compliance with Legionella regulations. In this article, we will delve into how the SmartTank system operates, its benefits, and why it is especially vital for student accommodations and multi-occupancy buildings, where Legionella risks must be meticulously monitored and managed.

The Importance of Legionella Compliance

Legionella bacteria can pose serious health risks, particularly in large buildings where water systems are complex. These bacteria thrive in warm water, particularly at temperatures between 20°C and 45°C, with an optimal growth rate around 37°C. Ensuring that water systems are maintained within safe temperature ranges is essential for preventing outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease. The SmartTank system offers a robust solution, integrating advanced technology to facilitate real-time monitoring, predictive insights, and automation.

Real-Time Temperature Monitoring

One of the standout features of the SmartTank system is its ability to provide continuous, real-time temperature monitoring. Traditional hot water cylinders often fail to offer precise temperature readings, which can lead to dangerous conditions. SmartTank utilises pocketed sensors to monitor the water temperature at the core of the cylinder, effectively avoiding the hazard zone where Legionella can flourish. This proactive approach ensures that water temperatures remain within safe limits, significantly reducing the risk of bacterial growth.

Automated Alerts and Notifications

In addition to its monitoring capabilities, the SmartTank system is equipped with automated alert functions. These alerts notify operators or maintenance staff of any unusual activity or excessive water consumption, allowing for immediate corrective action. The system is highly customisable, ensuring that alerts are tailored to the specific needs of the facility and its compliance requirements. This feature not only enhances safety but also streamlines the management of water systems in multi-occupancy buildings.

Data Logging and Reporting

Data management is a critical aspect of compliance, and the SmartTank system excels in this area. Through the Irus Portal, comprehensive logs of water temperature, flow rates, and tank status are maintained. This data serves as an audit trail, demonstrating compliance with Water Safety Plans and regulatory inspections. The real-time accessibility of historical data simplifies the process of generating reports, making it easier for facilities to prove adherence to safety standards.

Remote Monitoring and Control

One of the significant advantages of the SmartTank system is its remote monitoring capability. Compliance can be upheld even in the absence of on-site personnel. Facility managers can access the system remotely through online devices, allowing them to check conditions, adjust settings, and receive alerts from anywhere. This flexibility not only ensures continuous monitoring but also enables prompt responses to any potential issues.

Optimised Tank Performance

The SmartTank system is designed to optimise tank performance while ensuring water safety. By constantly monitoring cylinder parameters, it prevents conditions that could encourage Legionella growth, such as stagnation or inadequate water circulation. This level of oversight not only enhances safety but also contributes to the overall efficiency of the water system.

Proactive Maintenance

Another key feature of the SmartTank system is its predictive maintenance capabilities. By leveraging a combination of predictive analytics and continuous monitoring, the system can identify potential issues before they escalate into significant problems. For example, it can detect trends indicating that water temperatures are not being maintained adequately or alert users to potential malfunctions, such as water leaks. This proactive approach to maintenance helps facilities avoid costly repairs and ensures a consistently safe water supply.

Compliance with Regulations

In the UK, regulations surrounding Legionella control are stringent, requiring regular checks and thorough documentation. These regulations mandate maintaining water temperatures within safe ranges, performing risk assessments, and conducting routine testing. The SmartTank system simplifies compliance by automating data generation that demonstrates adherence to Water Safety Plans, including those set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Approved Code of Practice L8 (ACOP L8). By documenting temperature trends, risk assessments, and corrective actions, the system supports accommodation providers in meeting their regulatory obligations.

Effortless Installation

For facilities looking to implement the SmartTank system, installation is a breeze. Each unit arrives factory-fitted with onboard controls that are pre-wired and pre-plumbed, making it ready for efficient installation on site. Connection to the cold water supply, hot output, and electrical wiring is streamlined, resulting in a time-effective and hassle-free fitting process.

Significant Savings

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, cost savings are a significant consideration. Recent studies indicate that standard hot water cylinders consume 1.5 times more energy than the SmartTank system to achieve equivalent results. This efficiency is primarily due to the SmartTank’s tighter temperature control, which effectively manages overheating, overconsumption, and even detects leaks and water wastage. The cumulative effects of these efficiencies contribute to substantial cost savings for facilities, making the adoption of the SmartTank a financially sound decision as well as an environmentally responsible one.

In Conclusion

The SmartTank system represents a significant advancement in water management technology, particularly in multi-occupancy buildings and student accommodations where the risks associated with Legionella must be carefully monitored. By combining real-time monitoring, automated control, and comprehensive data logging, SmartTank ensures that water temperatures and quality are consistently maintained within safe parameters. The system not only reduces the risk of Legionella growth but also simplifies compliance processes with automated alerts and detailed reports. With its recent recognition as the Water Saving Commercial Product of 2024 at the Energy Saving Awards, the SmartTank system is set to play a pivotal role in maintaining safe water systems for all.

For more information on the SmartTank system and how it can benefit your facility, visit www.prefectcontrols.com.

This article originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

This rewritten article maintains the essence of the original content while ensuring it is presented in a compelling and reader-friendly manner, tailored to the audience of the Net Zero News Network.