Knowledge: Heat pumps
Going to ground
Kensa Heat Pumps explore the diverse opportunities for micro heat networks
using ground source heat pumps
espite the current dip in oil prices helping to ease the
pressure on home heating a little, interest in district
heating continues to gain momentum, not least because
of the recent popularity of district biomass systems.
However, with biomass RHI tariffs now starting to degress and with
the inherent drawbacks and inefficiencies of conventional central plant
district heating systems, micro district ground source heat networks
can provide a more compelling solution for landlords or housing
developers looking to heat multiple buildings, especially those in rural,
off gas grid areas.
With the domestic RHI unavailable for new build developers
and structured in a way that fails to present a compelling case for
social landlords in the retro fit sector, the opportunity for larger scale
residential projects increasingly lies with district heating solutions and
the existing non domestic phase of the RHI.
Significantly for the residential sector, the non domestic RHI
also covers district heating installations, both for existing buildings
and – unlike the domestic RHI – new build. This opens up significant
opportunities for renewable heat installers to promote solutions to
residential developers, social housing providers and private landlords
by considering a district heating approach.
And with significantly more appealing non domestic RHI tariff
rates for ground source heat pumps now in place, the economics of the
solution make interesting reading.
Under Kensa’s innovative micro district approach, individual
GSHPs are installed in each dwelling - giving each occupier complete
control over their own heating and hot water system and responsibility
for their own bill. Multiple heat pumps are then linked to a communal
ground array, which enables the system to qualify as district heating
under the RHI, generating 20 years of income under the non domestic
RHI stream.
Crucially, unlike district biomass systems, there is no need for a
plant room, no heat losses through the district distribution pipework
and no need to apportion bills between residents. And of course, there
D
The opportunity for larger scale residential
projects increasingly lies with district
heating solutions
is no need for fuel storage and logistical management of fuel deliveries;
or expensive regular maintenance to enable the system to continue to
operate efficiently.
And importantly for the retro-fit sector, district ground source
systems are also recognised as a measure able to attract ECO funding,
so particularly where electric heating is being displaced, landlords can
benefit from an attractive capital subsidy in addition to the long term
RHI payments.
Opportunity knocks: Unlike its biomass counterparts, district GSHP
networks have the advantages of no plant rooms or distribution pipes and
associated heat loss, argues Kensa Heat Pumps
Westward Housing has already pioneered this approach for the
replacement of electric heating systems at a sheltered housing scheme
in Holsworthy, Devon and is the first housing association scheme in
the UK to be retrofitted with a Kensa ground source heat network,
receiving support funding through a combination of the ECO and a
Ready for Retrofit grant.
The scheme, which is designated for elderly residents, has seen
17 flats retrofitted with GSHPs, with great success and praise from the
residents regarding the real savings they are making on their electricity
bills since the GSHPs have been installed.
With significantly more appealing non domestic RHI tariff rates
for GSHPs now in place and this route available as an option for both
existing buildings and – unlike the domestic RHI – new build, the
opportunity for small district ground source heat pump systems is
one that MCS installers can now consider as a really attractive option
whenever the opportunity to heat multiple buildings arises.
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