ASHP Case Studies
HP Federation members have provided a number of notable air source installations. A number of interesting case studies are highlighted below. They show that air source heat pumps can provide an economical heating solution for buildings from small one bedroom bungalows to large buildings.
An ASHP can provide heating successfully to old buildings as well as new, to buildings in towns as well as buildings in the country, and to factories, hospitals and schools as well as to homes.
Office refurbishment, Slough
Renovation of the 367m² three-storey office building was already underway when the architect realised that by removing the wet heating system not only was the lettable space increased but this approach also provided a more economical and controlled working environment by providing heating in winter as well as cooling in summer.
The ducted units fit neatly into the ceiling void supplying conditioned warm or cool air to the space via diffuser grilles. Two three-pipe heat recovery VRF networks have been installed connected to a total of 14 indoor units. The condensers provide an equally discreet installation outside.
Chewton Glen Country House Hotel, New Forest
Chewton Glen Country House Hotel wanted to build new accommodation in its grounds, at the edge of the New Forest National Park, in time for the London 2012 Olympics. The challenge was to provide heating and hot water in the twelve luxury suites in six treehouses on the forest edge.
The installation of high temperature heat pumps and underfloor heating at the Chewton Glen Treehouse Suites satisfied demands for a continuous supply of high volumes of hot water and underfloor heating at 45°C. The system has reduced running costs dramatically when compared with fossil fuels and the resulting drop in carbon emissions is in keeping with the requirements of the surrounding area.
Lea Valley Swimming Pool, Broxbourne
A total loss ventilation system was previouly ejecting warm air from the Lee Valley Leisure Centre in Broxbourne, at the rate of eight air changes an hour.
Faced with escalating energy bills a heat recovery and dehumidification system was suggested to provide efficient environmental control.
The pool complex was refurbished to maintain optimum pool air conditions while providing the majority of the pool water and air heating by means of heat recovery from the dehumidification.
During warm weather, this is reversed to reject surplus heat outside and cool incoming fresh air to maintain comfortable air temperatures within the pool hall.
Heat pump technology cuts the cost of running a pool as it permits a high coefficient of performance to be attained. For each kW of electrical energy used, 3.5kW of heat energy can be recovered, thus generating major savings in CO2 emissions.
Oak Trees, Attleborough
Oak Trees is a new housing development in the market town of Attleborough, rural Norfolk, where air-to-water heat pumps provide an alternative to fossil fuel boilers for 22 properties.
All properties have underfloor heating on the ground floor, with larger radiators on the upper floors designed to operate at the same low flow temperature of 45°C as the underfloor heating to optimise the performance of the heat pumps, ensure high system efficiencies and lower fuel bills.
The heat pumps provide off gas grid heating and meet the local authority's 10% renewable energy target as well as providing an efficient heating for their customers.