Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency in heritage buildings
Phil Marris explains how to reduce energy consumption in heritage buildings through the use of renewable heating technologies
Unique considerations
When constructing any new build- ing, the best-practice for heating tends to be decided in the initial design process. However, when a structure has been in place for hundreds of years, standard heat- ing systems and procedures have to be reconsidered. In particular, historical churches which make up a large portion of the UK’s list- ed buildings, present unique heat- ing challenges: how to provide comfortable temperatures using renewable heat sources, while conserving the historic aesthetics and building materials?
Jaga fitted its Built-in Dynamic Boost Effect (DBE) technology system into the raised pew areas for St John’s Cathedral in Norwich
are we all increasing- ly aware of our collective duty to protect the fragile natural environ- ment, but regulations are in place to cut Britain’s CO2 emissions in accordance with international cli- mate change initiatives. This means a strong push in both the domestic and commercial sectors for the implementation of renew- able energy heating systems to reduce energy consumption and the costs too. With approximately 374,081 list- ed buildings in England alone, it is widely recognised and accepted that the historic environment should play its part in meeting these current and future environ- mental challenges. However, it is sometimes assumed that listed buildings are energy-inefficient and can’t be retrofitted with ener- gy saving measures because of their status as “historic” and the protective measures surrounding their architecture. This does not have to be the case any longer. By working closely with an experi- enced heating and ventilation partner, the latest and most energy efficient solutions can be adopted without damaging the building.
20 | September 2014 | HVR
Although older churches’ quin- tessential stone walls feature a high thermal mass to ensure they remain cool in the hot summer weather, the same effect in winter causes the expansive buildings to become uncomfortably cold. The sun’s heat can take all day to pen- etrate the thick stones and heat the interior; in winter, the temper- ature rarely soars high enough for the stones to radiate any heat at all. But switching on a conven- tional central heating system hours before every service is hardly ideal, particularly given the impact it has on a parish’s – and the plan- et’s for that matter – valuable resources.
While modern churches are often designed to double as com- munity centres and are used regu- larly throughout the week, the older, more historic churches are generally not in daily use and need to warm up quickly in time for a service. Highly responsive heating, coupled with a renewable energy source is the desirable solution – not only reducing the building’s carbon footprint, but the energy costs as well.
Jaga’s built-in Dynamic Boost
Effect (DBE) technology, com- bined with its Low-H20 heat exchangers prove suitable in these unique applications.
Compatible with all renewable
energy sources, the DBE convec- tor fan works with the radiator’s heat exchanger and draws air over the element to significantly increase the radiator’s output and
effectiveness in circulating air around the room. It reacts prompt- ly and accurately to any room temperature changes – which are forever fluctuating in large, draughty churches – and can sup- ply a quick boost of extra heat if necessary.
Fan-assisted heating also elimi- nates the need to rely on under- floor heating (UFH) when opting for a low temperature renewable heat source like heat pumps. The low-flow temperature associated with heat pumps has traditionally meant they have been better suit- ed to use with UFH because of the large surface area required for effective heat distribution. However, due to the introduction of DBE technology, heat pumps are now able to work with smaller radiators, with the ability to boost heat output by as much as 250 per cent, and results in a lesser intru- sive installation process. This is supported strongly through the Microgeneration Certification Scheme in the Heat Emitter Guide - MCS021, a vital tool used by installers when designing a renew- able heating system. The guide acknowledges that heat pumps can provide high-efficiency, low- carbon heat for dwellings, and gives advice on how their per- formance can be optimised through the choice of heat emit- ters best suited to the application. Additionally, a low mass, low water content (Low H20) radiator uses 90 per cent less water and weighs a tenth of a traditional, bulky steel panel radiator, ensur- ing it heats up instantly and quick- ly distributes the warmth through- out the vast structure – resulting in reduced energy consumption.
Case in point
An example of such an installation was St John’s Cathedral, located in the heart of Norwich. Standing as England’s second largest catholic cathedral, the Grade 1 listed build- ing became the first to step into the modern day with the installa- tion of a renewable energy heating system.
Reverend Deacon Pat Limacher,
from St John’s Cathedral, required a heating system which could work efficiently with a biomass boiler heat source – replacing the dated and costly part-electric, part- gas heating – and would maintain a comfortable temperature for parishioners and church visitors. However, churches face an ongo- ing difficulty with heating systems, as any heat provided rises to the top of the high vaulted ceiling, leaving a lower temperature below. In response, Jaga created a bespoke solution involving fitting Jaga’s Built-in Dynamic Boost Effect (DBE) technology system into the raised pew areas and diverting the heat to produce warm air from the side of the plat- forms. With more than 30 of the 2.4- metre Built-in DBE units installed throughout the cathedral, the new heating system is able to run effi- ciently without causing any dis- ruption during church services. Additionally, the control system monitors the fans which turn on only when there is a requirement for heating.
Preserving character
A further consideration when designing for heritage buildings is the aesthetics of the radiator. This is hugely important to ensure the building’s character remains intact. With the introduction of DBE tech- nology, radiators are now more attractive and take up less room whilst still offering powerful, super-responsive heating. Today’s market also offers space-saving, modern alternatives to the limited ‘wall-mounted’ option conventional radiators present. Trench and perimeter heating options allow the maximi- sation of available floor-space without losing valuable heat out- put, and are suitable for counter- ing draughts from full height glaz- ing. Alternatively, freestanding radiators offer stylish, yet power- ful, heating where wall space is at minimum – all compatible with renewable energy sources. // The author is the managing director of Jaga Heating Products //
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Phil Marris
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