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BUILDING CONTROLS & TECHNOLOGY


Smarter Technologies director Matthew Margetts runs through the energy reuse options currently at play in the UK, and how the impending demand on the electricity grid can be balanced effectively with IoT technology, to build an effective smart Net Zero future.


Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. But, to truly commit to a carbon-neutral future, cutting down on emissions is not enough. That’s why technologies for energy reuse are beginning to receive a lot of attention. Over the last decade, the UK has been developing technological options for the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This includes nature-based approaches, such as reforestation, as well as technology-based approaches such as capturing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industries for underground storage or re-use.


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Combined heat and power (CHP) The government is backing the CHP model, also known as 'cogeneration'. CHP captures and utilises the heat that is a by-product of the electricity generation process. The heat generated is supplied to an appropriately matched heat demand (one that would otherwise be met by a conventional boiler and require additional fuel to be burnt). By making use of heat that would otherwise be wasted when generating electrical or mechanical


usinesses and


organisations across the UK are under pressure to implement commitments and actions to achieve


power, CHP systems offer an efficient means of working towards reducing emissions. In fact, CHP systems avoid network losses and reduce emissions by up to 30% compared to conventional generation via a boiler and power station.


An example of CHP use is at The Shard in London, the tallest building in Europe with 72 storeys. This landmark building is powered by a natural gas fuelled CHP plant to operate at the highest level of energy efficiency. The plant provides energy for electricity and water heating to the surrounding area, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the low-carbon footprint of the building. Air source energy generation The Government is also targeting the installation of 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028. Heat pumps take heat from the air outside or the ground and circulate it around a central heating and hot water system. At the moment, over 80% of British domestic heating is supplied by gas boilers, which is why the Government is driving a switch to heat pumps. However, heat pumps require electricity, which means that upgrades to the grid will be necessary. The electrification of water heating will also only result in decarbonisation if the electricity is renewable-sourced.


BSEE Smart energy consumption through connected technology


Another challenge with the switch to heat pumps is balancing the electricity load. Adding in lots of synchronised heating demand with heat pumps could result in network bottlenecks. Compounding this challenge is combining increased electricity demand with inflexible energy generation. Because heat usage fluctuates with the time of day and year, heat pumps will make electricity demand rise and fall more dramatically.


Smart solutions


for load balancing To support the roll-out of heat pumps, we will need to use electricity when it is available and when the network has the spare


capacity. Smart meters and automated meter readers provide accurate, real-time consumption data to help utility providers, building managers and occupants make more informed decisions around optimising electricity usage. Heat pumps themselves could be optimised using smart thermostats to save both money and energy. These smart thermostats can use artificial intelligence to automate temperature settings based on specific daily routines and heating needs.


Reaching a Net Zero 2050 will require a smarter and more flexible energy system based on data and digitalisation. Fortunately, today’s connected technology is helping us move in the right direction.


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2021 27


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