News
Heat pump performance varies widely, says study n
The first large-scale field trial of domestic heat pumps in
the UK has found that performance varies widely from site to site. The year-long field trial by the
Energy Saving Trust monitored technical performance and customer behaviour at 83 sites across the UK. It found that only 13% of
pumps produced a coefficient of performance (COP) of at least 3.0 – the optimal performance. It also found that, when installed
correctly, a heat pump can cut costs and carbon, but its performance can be affected by occupant behaviour. The report, Getting warmer: a field
trial of heat pumps, says: ‘The worst- performing sites we monitored illustrate the need for customers to be vigilant when purchasing a heat pump, to be sure that they are buying the best system for their property and their lifestyle. ‘Manufacturers and installers
should also take care to ensure that heat pumps are specified and installed properly. It adds: ‘Installers need to be
aware that they play an important role in educating customers on the best way to control their system.’ The trial found that ground-
source heat pumps had a slightly higher efficiency rate than air-source versions.
Heat pump performance was also
found to be sensitive to installation and commissioning practices.
Key conclusions
n Better training is still required in the industry when designing and commissioning the technology.
n Systems should be kept simple. n More investigation is needed to determine what factors affect the efficiency of hot water production.
n A comprehensive review of heating controls is needed after a failure to properly explain them to customers and installers was found.
n A further study on a site-by-site basis needs to be undertaken to record what has been done wrong and well, and what can be done better.
The trial has now been extended
to June 2011.
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
CBI calls for better heat policy ....
The Combined Heat and Power Association (CHPA) has thrown its weight behind a CBI report that calls for an integrated and efficient policy on low-carbon heat. The report argues that cutting
emissions from heat is crucial to meeting legally-binding carbon reduction targets by 2050 and mitigating rising energy costs, but that existing heat policy is fragmented and complex. Among its demands are: an
early review of the Renewable Heat Initiative; a government- backed advice service on better energy management for buildings; and extra resources for heat- mapping initiatives. Graham Meeks, director of
CHPA, said: ‘Tackling emissions from heating will be fundamental to efficient and cost-effective decarbonisation of the UK economy. It is encouraging not only to see the CBI clearly making this point, but also highlighting the need for policy on heat to be better integrated into long-term energy policy.’
www.cbi.org.uk
... and to keep investing in infrastructure
The coalition government should prioritise spending on infrastructure to safeguard the UK’s long-term interests, says the CBI. Its deputy director general, John
Cridland, told industry bosses that failing to do so would risk ‘repeating past mistakes’, and that spending adequately in this area would help boost the economic recovery, create jobs and attract inward investment to the UK. Cridland said: ‘Reducing spend
Cambridge laboratory project moves closer
The topping out ceremony has been held for the new Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) building in Cambridge. The £200m building, which is due to open in 2012, has been dubbed the flagship building of the extension to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, with the design reminiscent of paired chromosomes. The sculptural plant towers on each side of the building are designed to keep weight and vibration away from the laboratory areas. It was designed by RMJM Architects.
on transport links might seem a politically saleable option, but it’s just not in the country’s long-term interests. The UK’s infrastructure is poor by international standards and is a serious barrier to greater efficiency and to economic growth. Put simply, balancing the government’s books is going to need improved infrastructure, and doing it on the cheap would be a false economy.’
8 CIBSE Journal October 2010
www.cibsejournal.com
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