The perfect radiator/heat pump partnership

Dimplex is expanding its portfolio of low carbon heating solutions with the launch of SmartRad. This range of wall-mounted fan convector radiators offers specifiers working in refurbishment and new build a cost effective, responsive and energy efficient alternative to underfloor heating or conventional radiators for heat pump systems.

A key benefit of SmartRad is its excellent performance at water temperatures as low as 40°C, making it ideal for use with heat pumps as part of a complete renewable energy system by allowing CoP to be optimised to reduce running costs and CO2

For properties with condensing boilers, the lower flow temperatures allow the boiler to operate in its most effective range.

SmartRad contains only five percent of the water volume of a conventional steel radiator and its low thermal mass makes it four times faster to warm than a conventional radiator. As a result of this dynamic response, tests indicate that SmartRad uses 70% less energy than a standard radiator with comparable output.

An integral electronic thermostatic control gives automatic control over fan speed output and room temperature stability, improving efficiency and comfort, while the optional plug-in 24-hour or seven-day programmers can tailor the functionality to closely match occupancy pattern for maximum energy-saving.

The range is available in four sizes, with nominal outputs ranging from 0.8kW to 1.8kW. However, with the flexibility of significant output variations based on fan speed and water flow temperature, the range spans applications from 0.4kW to 5kW. The range will be available either as a modern twist on the classic metal radiator style, or elegant white or black glass finish.

Using standard 15mm fittings and with weights for the range starting at just 12kg, installation is straightforward. Plumbing connections can be right or left hand for maximum flexibility, while an air bleed valve ensures efficient operation by avoiding air pockets.

The future integrates perfectly with the past at Castle Howard

One of Britain’s finest historic houses, Castle Howard, is now combining heritage and high tech with the installation of Dimplex ground source heat pumps, which is already cutting energy costs by nearly 90%.

The programme was introduced to secure a more sustainable future for the leading visitor attraction set in spectacular Yorkshire countryside and the location for the Brideshead Revisited TV series and film.

The radical overhaul at the 142,400sq ft house involved the replacement of the old heating and hot water systems with the latest Dimplex heat pump technology. And measurements taken over just three full winter months of operation, since the heat pumps were switched on in October 2009, have shown the average fuel bills drop from around £4,690 per month to just £644.

Forward-thinking owner Simon Howard comments “We’re delighted to see that our investment in the future and the installation of heat pumps is already paying off so positively. They have only been operating for a few months and we’re really excited about the results so

Model SRX140M

Dimplex solution saves £1000’s

far as it ticks all the boxes for lower carbon, lower fuel bills, reliability and an expected life of 25-plus years. The costs associated with running Castle Howard over the last 10 years have risen and although we’d taken steps to reduce our fuel consumption from 85,000 litres of oil to around 51,000 litres, this was just not enough. We wanted to reduce our running costs and make a positive contribution to improving the environment, with additional opportunities for educational purposes.”

Dimplex installer-partner Ecovision Systems devised an innovative solution using two Dimplex high power 100kW SI 100 TE ground source heat pumps, with a projected payback of just six years. And the six month long £200k project received a significant level of grant support from Dimplex via the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target scheme, as well as an interest free loan of nearly £60,000 from the Carbon Trust.

Model SRX120WG Model SRX180M

emissions.

Bedfordshire based Aragon Housing Association is helping its residents fight back against rising energy bills.

The association has fitted Dimplex solar thermal in a number of its electrically heated properties and saved an estimated £1,000 per installation on each property, and with the capacity to provide more than half of each household’s hot water.

The original plans were to equip each house with four solar collector panels on opposing East and West facing slopes but once Dimplex was selected, its team arranged a T-Sol report. The report demonstrated three collector panels in a single West-facing array to be only slightly less productive than four panels in an East/West configuration. And with one fewer collector panel, less associated pipework, a simpler controller and pump and less scaffolding, the single arrays greatly reduced costs and time on site.

Property manager, Barry Gissing explains,

“Dimplex standard packs were immediately available and fitted without alteration, making ordering, installation, warranty and maintenance straightforward.”

The Dimplex solar thermal hot water system is an off the shelf package, in a choice of pre-packaged kits, with each component carefully selected for its suitability for the UK’s climate. Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8