AIR SOURCE & GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS
Meeting the ‘high-rise’-ing demand to decarbonise multi-dwelling properties
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As increasing urbanisation starts to tip the scales for a multi- dwelling-led residential landscape, the unique challenges of replacing existing centralised heating systems with a more sustainable option is a rising topic. James Moran, UK sales manager at Panasonic, looks at how the latest advances in water-based heat pump technology can provide a lower carbon, energy efficient solution for such high- rise properties
olicymakers have identified heat pumps as a favorable alternative to gas boilers with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) providing capital grants to support such installation across the UK. It is
clear heat pumps are expected to play a key role in reaching the UK’s Net Zero targets, which makes it crucial that we have the right solutions for all types of properties, whether detached, semi- detached, terraced homes or high-rise apartment blocks.
As quoted in the Electrification of Heat Report, Energy and Clean Growth Minister, Lord Callanan, said: “Heat pumps powered by clean, renewable energy will be key to warming UK homes in a Net Zero future. This trial demonstrates that low-carbon heating systems are an effective alternative for homes of all types and ages. As technology continues to improve and costs plummet over the next decade, they will become the obvious, affordable choice for consumers.” The above report showed that when comparing housing categories, multi-dwelling properties had the lowest adoption of heat pumps. This is concerning as the number of people living in such properties is only going to increase, therefore manufacturers must provide suitable solutions for engineers working on such projects.
Multi-dwelling properties come in all shapes and sizes, and perhaps the potential heating solution could be construed as being more complex to cover heating and domestic hot water demand. However, as I see it, the advantages of deploying air source heat pumps in such properties are clear, they are energy efficient, utilise a low carbon technology, they are easy to operate and with today’s advances, some systems are capable of being connected to existing heating / hot water infrastructure, so minimise potential disruption during installation. But heat pump manufacturers need to ensure continual development of flexible solutions which meet the unique demands of such homes, as well as provide plenty of support and training for all elements of the specification, installation and commissioning process.
A renewable answer
To meet the rising demand to replace existing gas boilers in a wide range of property types, manufacturers have increased their portfolio of energy-efficient alternative technologies that meet the challenges across the diverse housing sector. Panasonic, for example, is continuously investing and developing its heat pump technology in line with the emerging challenges. Its latest solution, the new ECOi-W AQUA-G BLUE air-to-water reversible heat pump, is suitable for multi-dwelling residential applications amongst others. This new series offers improved energy performance, provides a higher water output temperature of 70°C, can be connected to existing radiators and utilises R290 natural refrigerant. R290 has a GWP of only 3, taking greater steps towards meeting environmental concerns. Typical technical challenges for multi- dwelling properties are factors such as long pipe runs, shared spaces, vertical distribution of residences, lack of outside space, potential complex layouts, and increased distribution losses, meaning higher temperatures will be needed to maintain sufficient performance and costly internal infrastructure could be required. However, the latest technologies can match the outputs of traditional gas boilers and address the above issues. For example, the new ECOi-W R290 can provide 70°C output water from just 0°C outside air temperature, meaning
14 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEPTEMBER 2023
it can deliver the output required to meet the challenges present in multi-dwelling properties. Providing a higher achievable output temperature becomes a significant tool in overcoming both the technical and logistical challenges that arise when retrofitting multi- dwelling properties. With the 70°C output, there is less need to upgrade the internal infrastructure, as it may be able to connect to the existing pipework and radiators. This new series of heat pumps has the additional benefit of providing both heating and cooling in one solution. As heatwaves are becoming more of a common occurrence, multi-dwelling properties are left particularly vulnerable to this extreme weather. With heating and cooling operational through one system, these living spaces can more easily achieve a comfortable year-round climate control.
Paving the way for heat pumps in all properties
With suitable technology being introduced to the market, the important next step to make the change happen is a collaboration between manufacturers, housing suppliers, and specifiers to ensure adequate knowledge is provided to end users. An important consideration for multi-dwelling is that administrative hurdles, for example, the ownership of a multi-dwelling property, can be diverse. With properties being leasehold, owned by housing associations, or various apartment owners, the challenge becomes ensuring buy-in from a large audience. Therefore, it is important we continue to provide the most up-to-date information on the alternative technologies on the market and their capabilities to ensure effective decision- making is possible in multi-dwelling properties.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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