solar energy
Once the first radiator has reached the required temperature, the intelligent controller will then divert the excess PV generation to a second radiator. The intelligent controller will then regularly monitor the first radiator to ensure that it is still at the desired temperature; if it is not then the PV generation will be sent to the first radiator again until it reaches the temperature. This process will continue while excess PV generation is being diverted to the ceramic radiators. The intention behind the technology is not to provide a whole heating
system for a property, but to provide background heat during the day until the main central heating system in the property is required. Where heating during peak times is unaffordable for the tenant, this is something that could be particularly beneficial. It is recommended that solar PV-ready radiators be installed on their own circuit in the property, to ensure the tenant does not suffer increased heating costs due to additional radiators operating when the main central heating system is operating.
Proving the benefits
To prove the benefits that solar PV-ready radiators can provide, a trial study has been commissioned on the system. This trial will involve approximately 40 properties which have solar PV already installed. Each property will be fitted with two solar PV-ready radiators and an intelligent controller. Through a remote monitoring capability, an independent company specialising in research, analysis, insight and advice on emerging distributed energy markets and systems, will then collate data on the trials for a period of six months. The independent specialist will then analyse the data collected and key performance indicators of this solar PV-ready radiator heating system
against other heating systems available. Performance factors such as CO2 savings, electricity and gas usage savings, return on investment and increased utilisation of PV generation will be critically assessed, as well as softer factors such as health benefits to tenants who now have a higher base temperature to their home and benefits to the building fabric of properties which otherwise may have had no heating system operating due to the cost. It has been predicted that this system will assist energy companies to deal with infrastructure problems they may be experiencing due to particular areas having high amounts of solar PV generation being sent back to the grid. Operations director for The Electric Heating Company, Calum Black
explained: “These trials have been commissioned to provide an independent view on this innovative way of maximising solar PV generation. We believe that this trial study will prove the benefits that solar
“The intention behind the technology is not to provide a whole heating system for a property, but to provide background heat during the day until the main central heating system is required. This could be particularly beneficial where heating during peak times is unaffordable for the tenant.”
PV-ready radiators can provide and show that such a system can make a home a more comfortable and cost effective environment. We also believe that the trials will demonstrate electric heating products can be adapted to work with ‘green’ technologies and should not be discounted as an efficient and cost effective means of providing heat to a home.”
Initial trial data
With initial trial properties now running, early results have demonstrated the CO2 savings, improved heating experience for tenants and an increase in the utilisation of PV generation and reduction in the amount of PV
generation being exported back to the grid. One trial is taking place at a three-bedroom property near Wrexham
occupied by a family of four with a gas central heating system. The intelligent controller has been programmed such that excess PV generation is prioritised to two of the solar PV-ready radiators located in the living room and hallway. Charges are approximately 4 pence per kWh for gas and 15.52 pence per kW for electricity. The trials will run until early 2017 and once the data has been analysed and the independent report completed, The Electric Heating Company intends to share the report with all interested parties. The company’s Calum Black commented: “We will present the final report to the Department of Energy and Climate Change and others to show there are innovative electric heating systems being created and other electric alternatives to heating homes in an energy-efficient manner.” He adds: “In this way we hope the Government will consider supporting them in the future.”
50 | HMM July 2016 |
www.housingmmonline.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52