ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Top tips for installing GSHPs
Darren Veal, Kensa Heat Pumps’ technical support & commissioning manager, covers 10 essential things anyone installing ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) should know
1. GSHPs can harness many energy sources You can also utilise water sources, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, aquifers - subject to volume and flow rate - and even the sea! Water sources can support very efficient and cost-effective ground source heat pump systems.
2. GSHPs can be installed in all types of buildings From holiday parks, care homes and offices to subway stations, hospitals and houseboats, ground source can suit applications of all shapes and sizes. Kensa manufactures the UK’s largest range of GSHP products for all kinds of domestic and commercial projects.
3. Multiple properties benefit from shared ground arrays GSHP projects with multiple properties can benefit from reduced installation costs and enhanced system efficiencies. In Kensa’s decentralised model, shared ground arrays
serve individual heat pumps in each property connected by ambient-temperature distribution pipework. This overcomes the need for a central plant and
prevents expensive heat losses. Each heat pump is independently controlled, so there is no need to meter and apportion energy bills between dwellings.
4. GSHPs can be installed indoors GSHPs are far quieter than their air source counterparts and can be fitted inside, meaning they don’t require planning permission. The Kensa Evo is engineered with industry-leading
noise reduction and designed to complement a utility room or modern kitchen. The Kensa Shoebox fits nicely inside an airing cupboard or kitchen unit, making it the perfect system for flats and smaller properties.
5. GSHPs integrate with all heating controls Simple thermostats, right through to advanced touchscreens are all suitable for use with GSHPs. Pick a control type that suits the end user’s needs and abilities. Once the heat pump is
commissioned and correctly set up, the end user shouldn’t need to change any of the settings; any
adjustments for comfort or timing can be made using the proprietary control system. Kensa’s Evo range features the Genesis System Manager with a touchscreen and live diagnostics that monitors GSHP performance in real-time. Smart control options and load shifting tariffs that
take advantage of when electricity is at its lowest in cost and carbon can achieve further optimisation and efficiency savings.
6. GSHPs are low-flow temperature devices GSHPs operate at a lower flow temperature than a gas boiler, so to get the best efficiencies, it’s important that the outlet temperature of the heating distribution system is kept as low as possible. This gives your customers lower running costs and cheaper heating bills.
Using underfloor heating is perfect because the
large surface area means the heat pump can deliver temperatures of 35°C. Radiators either need to be correctly sized or replaced with bigger ones to cater for a lower flow temperature.
7. Get the heat emitter sizing correct Room-by-room heat losses must be done in order for your installation to qualify for MCS approval, so make use of these calculations to correctly size your emitters. Your hot water cylinder also needs to be specified
to account for that lower flow temperature. The surface area required to transfer heat will be bigger than a standard unvented cylinder’s coil. Some manufacturers use ‘tank in tank’ cylinders, which is one way to overcome this issue. Alternatively, look at heat-pump-specific cylinders.
Make sure the coil size is appropriate though, and check that the coil diameter and tapping sizes are okay, especially for larger output heat pumps.
8. GSHPs can produce high-temperature hot water If a GSHP produces hot enough hot water temperatures, there is no need for an electrical top-up from an immersion heater. However, immersions can be fitted into hot water cylinders for back-up measures. Kensa models are capable of producing stored hot water up to 60˚C.
9. GSHPs require minimal maintenance GSHP units need very little servicing and have a 20- year design life. However, we recommend the whole heating distribution system is checked at least on a yearly basis. Make sure the pressure in the heating system and the ground loop is as it should be, and that the antifreeze is at the right concentration. Clear out any strainers fitted to the ground array and if there’s a filter on the heating system, check that too. An unvented cylinder should be checked annually, so you could do this at the same time.
10. Kensa provides expert GSHP training and support Upskilling is simple. Whether you’re new to heat pumps or a seasoned ground source installer, Kensa provides free training courses across the UK, and can help you to design and install your system. Seize the opportunity offered by this growing market sector. Contact Kensa for advice and support: • 0345 222 4328 •
enquiries@thekensagroup.com
Darren Veal, Kensa Heat Pumps
36 April 2021
www.heatingandventilating.net
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