Knowledge : Community
Large heat pumps can become zero carbon by 2050
ndustrial-sized district heat
I pumps , which draw warmth from the air , rivers , lakes , the sea and the ground , are expected to play a key role in achieving COP21 carbon reduction targets because “ they are the only proven , viable technology capable of delivering zero carbon heat on a large scale ,” attendees at The Future of Thermal Energy Conference heard .
Hosted at Warwick University in October , the conference emphasised the importance of the UK government ’ s new focus on decarbonising heat . Jonathan Graham , Head of Policy for The Association for Decentralised Energy , differentiated between technologies that save CO2 in the medium-term such as Gas CHP and those that fully integrate with the grid ’ s natural decarbonisation progression , making heat pumps a long-term and potentially zero carbon solution .
For Trevor Whittaker of Aqualor , who took installation and operational costs into account , heat pumps are also a financially sound solution : “ Heat pumps have a higher installation cost than a gas CHP but much lower operational costs at only 4 % of capex and will last well beyond 20 years .”
Nicky Cowan , Technical Engineer from Star Renewable Energy , added :“ Proven renewable heating technologies that avoid burning gas , particularly large district heat pumps , are becoming one of the most talked-about topics for governments and increasingly recognised as the best way to combat climate change . We have shown efficiencies far in excess of those used to model energy systems .”
“ According to the Committee on Climate Change , heating may have to almost fully decarbonise if the UK is to hit its long-term goal of an 80 % reduction in emissions by 5050 ”.
Thomas Nowak , Secretary General of the European Heat Pump Association , said : “ We know that heating and cooling are responsible for 50 % of the energy demand used in Europe , today . We also know that heat pumps can efficiently provide both at the same time . So the only logical conclusion is that heat pumps become a central part of the decarbonisation of the system in order to realistically deliver COP21 carbon targets .”
New partnership set to boost number of low and zero carbon UK homes
ore new homes across Britain
M could become energy selfsufficient thanks to a new partnership between renewable energy system developers , The Zero Carbon Solution and Vaillant , the world ’ s leading heating technology manufacturer .
The companies have joined forces to create an affordable and self-supporting heating system that is easy to install , and compatible with a wider range of property sizes than ever before .
Vaillant ’ s flexoTHERM and 3kW geoTHERM mini heat pumps will form part of the industry-leading solution , by using an inter-seasonal heat store known as the Earth Energy Bank , patented by The Zero Carbon Solution . The technology uses an array of photovoltaic-thermal solar panels to collect both thermal and electrical energy that can be stored and used all year round . The system then utilises a Vaillant ground source heat pump to extract the heat from the earth but , unlike traditional ground source systems , doesn ’ t require long trenches or deep boreholes , making it ideal for properties with limited space
The simple installation process and affordable technology mean that the heating system is ideal for higher density housing developments . The Zero Carbon Solution also project manages the installations , bringing together renewable technology providers , architects and building consultants , while Vaillant installers provide the plant room equipment .
Michael Goddard , founder of The Zero Carbon Solution , said : “ We ’ re thrilled to be working with Vaillant . Our collaboration means that developers are now being offered a more affordable renewable heating system that is easy to install and compatible with a greater range of new build properties . Our technology is unrivalled and we ’ re already delivering on our ambition to become the default renewable energy system provider for new builds .”
John Bailey , Commercial and Renewable Systems Director at Vaillant , commented : “ We were delighted to partner with The Zero Carbon Solution to develop a truly innovative heating solution for house builders . The system has been specifically designed to inspire commercial builders who are looking for new ways to incorporate the ultimate in renewable energy efficiency into their properties , whatever the size .
“ We encourage anyone who it interested in finding out more about what the next generation in renewable technology can do for them , to get in touch with The Zero Carbon Solution .”
The Zero Carbon Solution is aimed at commercial builders looking to incorporate renewable technologies within their projects . First installed in the Solar House in 2013 , the system has since been included in homes of all sizes .
26 | www . renewableenergyinstaller . co . uk