GET THE MOST FROM YOUR HEAT PUMP PROJECT
In our experience PSDS projects seem to have some unusual aspects that can lead to sub-optimal outcomes for the public sector buildings. The funding requirements change the flow of design and apply criteria that force sub-optimal solutions.
This leads to wasteful or inefficient heat pump projects which do not live up to the capabilities of the technology.
As we’re all UK tax payers we should have an interest in the long term performance of public buildings. After all we’ll have to pay to put poor installs right, so why not get it right in the first place?
Below are a few tips and suggestions we’ve picked up whilst working on these projects. Or if you’d like to talk to us about how we can help, click below:
TIP 1: DESIGN
The heat pump manufacturer must provide technical input into the design team from an early stage. Much of the industry is still learning about heat pumps and there are a wide variety of types which we’ve seen lead to poor specification. Technical input from the manufacturer will guide the design team towards a good design and specification. For example our Applications Engineering team will review designs and our Product Engineering team will help specify the heat pump compressors, heat exchangers and controls for optimal performance. If the heat pump manufacturer is unable to provide this support then they are not the right supplier.
TIP 2: FOCUS ON COP
Design for maximum COP, using total cost of ownership models to show the value over time. Installing a cascade air-then-water heat pump arrangement might look simple because it can replicate boiler temperatures, but its COP is disastrous. In the end it does no one any favours. Read our blog for more information about what COP is.
TIP 3: HEAT EXCHANGERS
Select the heat pump heat exchangers that are optimum for the building operating temperatures and flow rates. Don’t compromise with off-the-shelf heat pumps that force a sub-optimal heat exchanger selection, this will lower the actual performance of the heat pump.
TIP 4: DELIVERY
Secure your heat pump delivery by working with your supplier. The global supply chain for heat pumps and components is extremely stretched. There are many reasons for this and industry predictions are for the situation to continue for some time. Clade operates an extremely flexible, multi-source supply chain which minimises delivery times, and builds in resilience should a shortage occur.
TIP 5: THINK BIG
Don’t use multiple small units. We’ve seen designs featuring 16 or more small heat pumps. When install cost is taken in to account these cost more than a single commercial heat pump and don’t feature the benefits of commercial specification (e.g. a full oil management system, efficient defrost with minimal impact on heat delivery). Resilience is often cited as a reason for this approach but this is a misunderstanding. Multiple unit systems still have single points of failure, for example the power supply or header. Turn down ratios of multi compressor commercial heat pumps are around 10% of total capacity, more than enough for building applications. Components are also better quality on commercial heat pumps because they are designed for a long service life, plus the units are almost infinitely serviceable.
In summary public sector buildings are benefiting from PSDS funding from Salix. We have only a short time to decarbonise heat (estimates give us 8 years of carbon budget remaining) and so we have a duty to get this right. As a UK manufacturer Clade is dedicated to getting it right.
TALK TO US IF YOU’D LIKE TO KNOW HOW WE CAN HELP.
ABOUT US
Clade is the UKs leading manufacturer of natural refrigerant heat pumps. With significant R&D, field trials and a proven deployed portfolio of over 500 natural refrigerant appliances there are no other UK manufacturers that come close to our expertise and experience.
Operating on a national basis from our green manufacturing Technology Centre in Leeds and our Head Office in Bristol, which has achieved CEEQUAL status and the internationally recognised BREEAM Excellent standard, we design, manufacture, supply and maintain heat pumps and refrigeration around the world.
CONTACT US
Speak with our team of experts and discuss your requirements. Complete this quick form and we will be in touch or contact us using:
Bristol & Bath Science Park
Dirac Crescent, Emersons Green
Bristol, BS16 7FR