We were please to support the latest business class hosted by Envirolink Northwest by delivering a presentation for their energy team. The theme for our presentation was practical advice on the use of heat pumps.
We stressed the importance of good design and application when selecting heat pumps or any other renewable energy. We also introduced the Energy Hierarchy, first used within the Merton Rule.
The energy hierarchy looks at reducing heat losses first to reduce the overall heating requirement. It then looks at the most efficient equipment available, looking at life cycle costs over initial capital investment. Finally it then looks at how to utilise renewable energy. If the energy hierarchy is followed, then the overall operation and reductions in CO2 will most likely be met. If you don’t then the system will probably not work. We spoke of the need for good design and application as many new technologies are misapplied. The importance of commissioning was also raised and from this we hope that those present will challenge their installers and suppliers to follow this model.
The presentation was finished off by Nigel Isherwood of Daikin where he showed a simulation of a typical commercial office space and showed that by applying the system correctly it was feasible to achieve COP’s of 7.3.
So when selecting a heat pump or any other renewable energy, think of the following:
- Look at your heat losses first and improve these before looking at a heat pump option.
- Look at the design and see what works best for the application. Try to model the system and look at life cycle and operational costs
- Make sure that the system is set up right at the start. Have this checked regularly to achieve best efficiencies.
By following these three points the choice and use of heat pump and similar renewable technologies will achieve the desired returns in costs savings and CO2 emissions
