News Type: Case Study

CASE STUDY

Vaillant: Rivermead House

Summary

54 residential flats in an off-gas grid location with expensive and ageing electric storage heaters, using air source heat pumps as a solution.

 

Refurbishment

Residential

Air Source Heat Pump (5kw)

Background

Derby Homes is an arm’s length management organisation (ALMO) created by Derby City Council to manage, maintain and improve its social housing. Having undergone a process of assessing all the properties in its portfolio, Rivermead House was identified as requiring a more efficient heating system to reduce carbon emissions and lower fuel bills for tenants. The organisation initially considered running a microdistrict heat pump, using energy from the ground or the local river. A solution which could be easily installed with as little disruption for tenants as possible, at an affordable price, was needed.

 

Solution

Upon surveying the site, the Vaillant team immediately recognised that the balconies of each flat would be an ideal space to house an air source heat pump. Each flat was installed with its own aroTHERM 5kW air source heat pump, VRC 700 weather compensating system control and a 150-litre slimline hot water cylinder. Costs were successfully kept to a minimum, with each flat fitted for £6,000 – a huge 30 per cent saving against a comparable quote.

Tenants have seen a huge reduction in their fuel bills. With the previous storage heating system, the average energy consumption of 13068 kwh equated to costs of around £1,250 a year. With aroTHERM heat pumps in place, bills have been slashed to £730 per annum, providing a typical saving of £520 a year per household.

The installation also means that Derby Homes can take advantage of the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

“Thanks to Vaillant’s help throughout the process, the feedback and support of the tenants has been excellent, there have been no problems whatsoever. The new heat pump systems are a major improvement on the electric storage heaters, and now the residents can enjoy affordable control of their heating throughout the entire flat”
David Pickering,
Gas Supervisor, Derby Homes

CASE STUDY

Vaillant:
Yoga Studio,

Summary

An off-grid sustainable property requiring environmentally friendly heating and hot water system for a new yoga studio.

 

New Build

Commercial

Air Source Heat Pump (5kw)

Background

Because the building was going to be mainly used as a yoga studio, the customer specifically wanted a quiet heat pump. She was also keen to use a low-carbon solution to keep the building warm and provide hot water to serve the shower and kitchen facilities. This meant that traditional fuel sources for off-grid areas such as oil and LPG were out of the question. Occupancy levels would vary in the building depending on when classes were on, so it was also crucial to design a system which would enable the heat pump to deliver the energy savings expected.

 

Solution

Indigo Renewables worked in partnership with Vaillant to offer the aroTHERM plus heat pump as an optional extra for their customers. With sound power as low as 54 dB, this solution fitted the bill perfectly, helping to uphold the yoga retreat’s tranquil surroundings.

To ensure that the aroTHERM plus would deliver high levels of energy efficiency for the customer, a Vaillant 45l buffer tank was also included in the system. This set-up allows the heat pump to run for extended periods of time to charge up the buffer, from which the underfloor heating draws its heat as and when needed.

To give the customer full control of their heating system, a Vaillant VRC 700 was specified to schedule when the heat pump comes on to heat up the buffer and produce hot water. With its weather and load compensation features, it can check the external and internal temperatures and tells the heat pump how much energy is required to reach the right comfort levels without wasting any energy to get there.

“This was the first time we have installed the aroTHERM plus. The technical assistance from Vaillant has been excellent, helping us to make this eco-development a reality for the customer every step of the way”
Christian Ford, Director,
Indigo Renewable Energies

CASE STUDY

NIBE: 
University of West London

Summary

With aspirations to retrofit its main sites, £5 million in funding unlocked a major opportunity to improve air quality around the borough whilst taking a big step towards meeting its net zero pledge by 2030.

 

Renovation

Commercial

Ground Source Heat Pump

Background

UWL contracted Ameresco as principal contractor and designer, who partnered with NIBE Energy Systems and JKN Renewables, Ltd. The first and main challenge was to design a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system for the university without disrupting the main car park on the campus to reduce the impact on students. This, in turn, resulted in an innovative solution, combining a ground source heat pump system working with boreholes and solar PVT panels. The designed system not only supplies 222 kW of PV electricity generation but, crucially, acts as a collector system for the GSHP, capturing naturally occurring energy in the air to drive the heat pump process, and therefore reducing the number of boreholes required. The old gas boilers previously heating the campus were replaced with 584 solar PVT panels in combination with 34 169-meter boreholes to provide 900 kW of heating and hot water throughout the site.

 

Results

This transformation really highlights the benefits of combining multiple technologies to deliver efficient, low-carbon solutions. Whilst the full capacity could have been delivered using boreholes, which would have been a less costly option, the University welcomed the installation of PVT as an innovative and space-saving option.

The major project will save an estimated 500 tonnes of carbon each year, and 9,460 tonnes across the equipment’s lifetime. It will also save 3,116,738 kWh of gas-derived energy per year (equivalent to 70 heated homes) whilst improving local air quality.

The project is thought to be one of the world’s largest PVT projects, and positions UWL as a leader in higher education for addressing the climate crisis. The project was recognised by the Energy Managers Association’s (EMA) Energy Management Awards, receiving the Highly Commended designation in the Decarbonisation Project Category.

CASE STUDY

Daikin: Classic Cottage, Cornwall

Summary

A classic Cornish country cottage with its roots in the 17th century is undergoing a massive makeover to equip it for 21st century living in a heritage environment.

Renovation

Domestic

Air Source Heat Pump

Background

Michael Hawes, the owner, says: “The property is formed from three old cottages knocked into one. It was liveable, but in a state of disrepair, so we are having to do a lot of renovation work to achieve what we wanted. The oil boiler was very old and we knew we would have to replace it. We didn’t really want to go ahead with oil: we didn’t like it and it’s very expensive. This pushed us down the renewable energy route.”

The owners were keen to invest in the right renewable heating solution to keep the house warm and produce long-term energy and carbon savings.

Solution

At the heart of the project is an upgrade from an oil-fired heating and hot water system to a Daikin Altherma high temperature heat pump, linked to a Sunamp heat battery. The new system, designed, installed and commissioned by Bodmin-based Abode Heat, not only promises an economical and environment-friendly heating system, but also a space-efficient source of ‘instant’ hot water. According to the installers, the system will reduce energy costs by more than £500 a year and will earn a Renewable Heat Incentive of £9,100 over seven years. In addition, annual carbon savings of 34% are estimated.

A heat loss survey confirmed the need for high-temperature heating – and a solution to the slow-running hot water. The Daikin Altherma High Temperature system selected includes a secondary refrigerant circuit, which provides the higher output temperatures needed in this kind of property.

“We accept that we’re not like a modern super-insulated, super-sustainable house but we wanted to retain the character of what we always imagined we’d be living in – to accommodate our lifestyle but go as far as possible away from using non -renewable energies. We’re really pleased we’ve done it.”
Homeowner

CASE STUDY

Brewham Lodge Estate

Summary

Name: Helen Cooper-Altecnic
Project date: 19 April 2020

Brewham Lodge in North Brewham, Somerset is a small estate consisting of one main house, which dates back to the 17th century, and three 150-year-old cottages, together with several barns. Amber Heating of East Knoyle, Wiltshire were brought on board to modernise the heating system for the estate moving it from oil-fired heating to a ground source heat pump. Altecnic is the UK’s leading supplier and manufacturer of hydronic solutions. Part of the Caleffi Group, our products serve a wide range of industry sectors such as merchants, OEMs, and specifiers, while complying with all UK and European legislation and standards.

The Brewham Lodge cottages were modernised 15 years ago but running on oil-fired heating, a costly heating solution with negative environmental impact.

Residential

Refurbishment

GSHP & Heat Interface Units

Key objectives

To replace an old oil-fired system with the latest GSHP heating technology incorporating domestic hot water

Background/description

The Brewham Lodge cottages were modernised 15 years ago but running on oil-fired heating, a costly heating solution with negative environmental impact. Amber Heating approached Altecnic to advise, design and develop an effective heat network running off a ground source heat pump, that would meet the requirements of residents and provide a high quality, reliable and energy efficient solution appropriate for 21st century living. Simplicity, as well as cost and energy efficiency, were at the heart of this project, with the aim of creating a modern-day instant, streamlined solution to their heating through a district heating network.

Solution

Altecnic consulted with Amber Heating regularly throughout the project to understand the limitations on the design and implementation to ensure the heat network configuration overcame any concerns or challenges.

Altecnic calculated the typical flow and return temperatures that could be achieved and showed the benefits of instantaneous DHW generation over a more traditional stored DHW solution. As a ground source heat pump installer, this was the first time Amber Heating had used HIUs and therefore benefited from Altecnic’s continued advice and expertise throughout the project.

It also provided its Heat Network Bypass control modules to minimise bypass flow and increase network efficiency at times of low demand.

 

Challenges

The original concept was to integrate domestic hot water (DHW) storage within the network. In the majority of cases, DHW storage has negative effects on the efficiency of a heat network. Altecnic recommended the removing of the DHW storage and showed that the DHW requirements could be met by the SATK20307 HIU, that has been specifically designed for heat pump led networks with low primary flow temperatures.

 

Results

The advice and solution that Altecnic provided resulted in many benefits to its client, Amber Heating, as well as the end users.

The HIUs installed provide instantaneous domestic hot water and control the space heating, whilst taking up minimal space within the cottages. Now that the network is operational, the fuel saving versus the old oil heating is considerable as well as the subsequent reduction in the buildings operational carbon footprint. Previously it was costing around £1200 a year in fuel per cottage. Now the year-on-year savings are so influential that tenants aren’t being asked to pay anything by the landlord! Considering the overall product lifespan and a highly beneficial 6.7 year Renewable Heat Incentive payback period, the projected return on investment is a staggering £306,118.

“As ground source heat pump specialists, we were new to the world of HIUs but wanted to provide a more efficient approach than stored hot water.  “We hadn’t worked with Altecnic before, but the team offered excellent specialist advice from the start and were able to provide the high quality and efficient systems we needed to deliver the best solution.  “Using the latest heating technology in such old buildings shows that it’s not just a solution for new builds.”

Bob Roddy, Managing Director
of Amber Heating

CASE STUDY

NIBE:
Ivan White Farm, North Yorkshire

Summary

A striking barn conversion in the heart of Nidderdale, North Yorkshire, has capitalised on the benefits of installing a NIBE Ground Source Heat Pump system to supply heating and hot water to the 200 year old property.

Renovation

Domestic

Ground Source Heat Pump (12kW)

Background

Owners of Ivin Waite Farm, located on the fringes of the hamlet of Bewerley, close to the affluent spa town of Harrogate, chose the system as a replacement to its LPG system which was costly and required modernising. Annual costs for running an off-grid LPG system can be four times as much as a sustainable source and generate at least twice as many CO2 emissions. The homeowner, Richard Dutton, who has lived there for four years with his family, explored renewable heating systems which supported the off-grid nature of his home and his research highlighted the efficiencies of Ground Source Heat Pumps, their capabilities of supplying heat and hot water and their carbon neutral credentials.

Solution

The project required the installation of two NIBE F1145 – 12kW ground source heat pumps with a 200 litre NIBE VPB hot water cylinder and 200 litre UKV buffer cylinder. 1500 metres of pipe was laid in the paddock adjacent to the Dutton’s home which, whilst labour intensive, generated the required heat so that they could enjoy ambient temperatures throughout the day and night rather than limiting the use of their previous system due to escalating and unsustainable costs.

The Ground Source Heat Pump System works through a buried pipe system laid 1.2 metres below the surface which extracts heat from the ground to provide efficient and reliable heating and hot water. It circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze around a ground loop. The heat is absorbed into the fluid which then passes through a heat exchanger and into a heat pump. Because the ground stays at a remarkably consistent temperature below the surface, and is not affected by weather conditions heat pumps can be used successfully throughout the year.

CASE STUDY

Grant:
New builds, Cornwall

Summary

A small development of new build properties has been completed near Helston in Cornwall, homes which will be exclusively available to local people with long-standing associations with the area. The homes have renewable heating systems installed with Aerona³ air source heat pumps and cylinders all supplied by Grant UK. 

New build

Domestic

Air Source Heat Pump (6kW)

Background

For over twelve months, a development of two three-bedroom houses and four two-bedroom flats has been built in Ruan Minor near Helston, Cornwall. The new build properties were granted permission based on the homes being made available to people who are local or who have strong connections to the parish area. The ethos of the build was to create homes for the local community, homes that would be both affordable and sustainable so to ensure that all the stipulations laid out in the planning permission were fulfilled, renewable heating systems were required.

Solution

The developer appointed Jonathan Bray of D & J Bray Plumbing and Heating Limited, local G1 Installers, to design and install the heating systems at all six properties. Working closely with Grant UK’s in-house Design Team, Jonathan carried out the heat loss calculations, completed the system design and specified the package of products needed to meet the heating and hot water demand of the homes. For each property, an Aerona³ 6kW air source heat pump and a Grant High Performance 200ltr Pre-Plumbed cylinder with integrated buffer was specified and installed, to work alongside standard compact steel radiators.

The Aerona³ 6kW heat pump is the smallest unit in the range, combining a small footprint with an A+++ ErP rating. Its reliable performance alongside its compact design made it the ideal solution for both the houses and flats on this development. 

“We always knew we were going to install Grant for this project,” comments Jonathan Bray. “We have worked with Grant UK for many years, installing their oil boilers and now we are actively involved in the renewables sector too. This project was very different to our usual work and working with housing associations and tenants was a different experience compared to supplying a private buyer. However, Grant UK were on hand at all times, from design through to the commissioning, so the project ran smoothly from start to finish.”

CASE STUDY

Grant: Property Renovation, Oxford

Summary

A large property in Oxford has updated its heating system, opting for a renewable solution featuring a Grant Aerona³ air source heat pump, a QR hot water cylinder and underfloor heating laid throughout the home.

 

 

Renovation

Domestic

Air Source Heat Pump (17kW)

Background

In December 2021, a four bedroom, detached Oxfordshire home made the decision to upgrade its central heating system. The property had previously been heated by an oil boiler and the homeowners, who are passionate about the environment, wanted to make the change from oil and choose a low carbon alternative. Like so many consumers nowadays, the homeowner wanted the new system to be more sustainable so they looked into a renewable solution.

 

 

Problem

Their G1 installers, Busy Energy Ltd, were on hand to provide the advice and guidance they needed to select the most suitable system for their requirements. “The property was your typical “hard to heat” home,” explains Adrian Liddell, Managing Director at Busy Energy Ltd. “The property had smaller pipework and radiators to suit a higher temperature fossil fuelled system which meant it was not possible to simply disconnect the boiler and re-connect a heat pump with the upgraded cylinder.”

Solution

The system installed included an Aerona³ 17kW R32 air source heat pump which is the largest output available in Grant’s heat pump range. Quiet Mark awarded, this 17kW model is a twin-fan unit that achieves excellent efficiencies while also being compact in design. Alongside the heat pump, Busy Energy Ltd also installed a new Grant QR 300ltr pre-plumbed cylinder which is ideally suited to complement the heat pump as it incorporates a large stainless internal coil which allows for efficient heat transfer within the cylinder. The QR cylinders also have a high level of insulation which ensures low standing heat losses.

“The heat pump is currently outperforming an oil boiler which is fitted in a neighbouring property which is also owned by our client.”
Adrian Liddell,
Managing Director at Busy Energy Ltd

CASE STUDY

Mitsubishi Electric:
St Andrew’s School

Summary

St Andrews is one of the first schools to obtain a grant under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. The funding has been used to replace an old oil boiler with Ecodan Air Source Heat Pumps, helping the school to transition to green energy.

Refurbishment

Commercial

Air Source Heat Pumps (four 14kW units)

Challenge

St Andrews primary school wanted a low cost and renewable heating system which could maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the school, whilst being as energy-efficient and carbon-neutral as possible.

The challenge was to completely move away from the antiquated oil fired system and use a low carbon form of heating while optimising the current radiators which would be supplied by low temperature Ecodan Air Source Heat Pumps.

Solution

The project carried out by Jason Rogan and his team at C P Jefferies was to de-commission the existing old oil fired boiler, and remove redundant pipework and materials and to install a new low carbon heating system. The design requirements for the new system was to cater for multiple heating zones, which includes radiators and underfloor heating.

Disruption to pupil attendance and the down time of heating whilst the school was still in use had to be considered during the project.

A new Ecodan heating system incorporating four 14kW units and a new distribution system was installed which supplies heat to the existing combination of underfloor heating and radiators already in the school. The use of the existing emitter system meant that internal disruption and the need to be in the main public areas was minimised.

“Our school is nestled in the most incredibly beautiful countryside, and we feel an absolute moral responsibility to take action to maintain and sustain this for our children’s future. A lot of our curriculum content covers the climate crisis and the damage to our environment in the world, but our school’s effort makes these topics accessible to every pupil. It is vital that we teach children that what they do matters, whether this be in their actions towards our planet, or actions towards each other“.
Headteacher

CASE STUDY

Mitsubishi Electric: Tulloch Homes

Summary

Tulloch Homes, has a 95-year history of delivering homes that complement the communities they are built in and respect the environment. All of the 24 homes in Phase One of the development include highly efficient QUHZ Ecodan air source heat pumps.

New Build

Domestic

Air Source Heat Pumps (4kW)

Background

“The key objectives for the renewable heating system was that the units had to be compact, quiet and energy efficient,” added Gordon Macallister from Highland Plumbing & Heating, which installed the renewable heating systems.

“Low Maintenance and reliability are every bit as important from both the customer and the installer perspective and with running costs that are comparable with natural gas but without the emissions, that can only be a good thing in helping prevent climate change.”

Solution

Bordered by native Caledonian pine forest, the stunning development of 2 and 3 bedroom homes is nestled in one of the Highlands’ most vibrant villages. The properties are built to Tulloch Homes’ premier specification – and come with a 10-year NHBC warranty.The mix of both social and private properties on this site all benefit from the QUHZ Ecodan air source heat pump, which delivers all the heating and hot water the properties need.

The QUHZ Ecodan is specifically designed with new-build standards of insulations and lower heating loads in mind. The super-efficient system uses CO2 as a refrigerant, which allows the heat pump to deliver water at 70°C to a packaged 200 litre thermal store, so that families receive hot water whenever they need it.

All of the homes in Phase One have now been snapped up and Tulloch Homes are anticipating similar interest once Phase Two is completed.

“We look at what customers are asking for and have seen a growing interest in renewable technologies”.
Kieran Graham,
Commercial Director Tulloch Homes