Sustainability in Practice

Sustainability in Practice

Heat pumps Ignore manufacturer hype and choose simple, correctly sized heat pumps, says Sandy Patience
This months report by the Energy Saving Trust (EST), Getting Warmer: A Field Trial of Heat Pumps, will encourage the installation of ground source (GSHP) and air source (ASHP) heat pumps in areas of application where they are most effective, particularly in off-gas homes, in new-builds and when a house has been well-insulated. The slightly more efficient GSHPs work by extracting heat from the ground and upgrading it to a useful temperature. In most instances GSHP works best with the low-grade heat associated
KENSA
Manufacturer Kensa Model Compact range Outputs at 0-35oC 4-12kW COPs to EN14511 at 0-35oC 3.91-4.07 Compressor type Scroll Working temperatures on collector hose side -5-15C Dry weight 85-110kg Height/width/depth 900 x 550 x 570mm Country of manufacture UK www.kensaengineering.com

VENT-AXIA
Manufacturer Vent-Axia Model Thernamic High Capacity range Outputs at 0-35oC 12-24kW COPs to EN14511 at 0-35oC 3.97-4.07 Compressor type Scroll Working temperatures on collector hose side -5-15C Dry weight 165-180kg Height/width/depth 900 x 900 x 570mm Country of manufacture UK www.vent-axia.com

with space heating, rather than higher temperature DHW. Prior to the trial, the industry was becoming mired in the kind of controversy familiar to those recently involved in the domestic wind turbines debacle. Yet again, the concern was that the performance promised was not being delivered in practice. Heat pumps are only effective where the heat gained is a significant multiple of the electrical energy invested in running the pump. The ratio between the two is known as the Coefficient of Performance

(COP). The system efficiency ratio is slightly more onerous in that electricity for the entire heating system is included as the input. It is important to realise that manufacturers publish idealised COP figures as produced under laboratory conditions to EN14511. Above 3.0 is generally regarded as acceptable. The EST report reveals that, for a small proportion of GSHP installations, system efficiency figures of above 3.0 were achieved, but mid-range came in between 2.3 and 2.5; figures well

below industry hype. Further analysis of the weaker performers suggested that installations had suffered from inadequate design and installation along with poor user understanding of controls. Critically, the report proves that systems sized correctly and designed for simple operation are the more successful. The EST recommends that carefully monitored installations should be carried out by companies who provide the complete service. Sandy Patience is an architect and editor of www.greenspec.co.uk

Thernamic pumps provide space heating, cooling and domestic hot water. The range includes single-phase units from 4 to 24kW. A hightemperature series is also available from 4 to 20kW, which is capable of heating at temperatures of up to 65 C.

WORCESTER
Manufacturer Worcester, Bosch Group Model Greenstore System range Outputs at 0-35oC 6-11kW COPs to EN14511 at 0-35oC 3.8-4.6 Compressor type Scroll Working temperatures on collector hose side -5-20C Dry weight 149-164kg Height/width/depth 1,520 x 600 x 600mm Country of manufacture Sweden www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/ specifier

The range includes a highly efficient and effective scroll-type compressor, which allows around 65C flow temperature from the appliance and high COP ratings. Pumps can be combined with solar collectors for hot-water production.

Designed for domestic application, the single compressor heat pump range incorporates both the ground and underfloor circulation pumps, high-specification acoustic hoods and double vibration isolation to reduce noise and vibration.

DIMPLEX
Manufacturer Dimplex Model SI MEH range Outputs at 0-35oC 6-11kW COPs to EN14511 at 0-35oC 4.0-4.5 Compressor type Scroll Working temperatures on collector hose side -5-25C Dry weight 118-133kg Height/width/depth 805 x 650 x 462mm Country of manufacture Germany www.dimplex.co.uk

The range features an integrated heat-pump manager that monitors, regulates and controls the entire heating system. It also allows the heat pump to be integrated with existing heating systems, making it suitable for retrofit applications.

DANFOSS
Manufacturer Danfoss Model DHP-L Opti range Outputs at 0-35oC 6-16kW COPs to EN14511 at 0-35oC 3.99-4.34 Compressor type Scroll Working temperatures on collector hose side -10-20C Dry weight 145-165kg Height/width/depth 1,538 x 596 x 690mm Country of manufacture Sweden www.uk.heatpumps.danfoss. com

Opti technology incorporates an intelligent control system that ensures that the performance is adjusted to the prevailing requirements and conditions of the heating system. This makes the heat pump work under the most ideal conditions available.

NIBE
Manufacturer NIBE Model F1145 range Outputs at 0-35oC 5-12kW COPs to EN14511 at 0-35oC 4.12-4. 44 Compressor type Scroll Working temperatures on collector hose side -15-25C Dry weight 140-178kg Height/width/depth 1,520 x 600 x 620mm Country of manufacture Sweden www.nibe.co.uk

The F1145 is equipped with a control unit to maintain a comfortable indoor climate, both cost-effectively and safely. Information about status, operation time and all temperatures in the heat pump are shown on the large and easy-to-read display.

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AJ 23.09.10

AJ 23.09.10

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