By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2010-03-10 17:19
In Case Study 6, the investment costs and environmental payoffs of newly built houses were compared. In this case study, the renovation options of a standard house (see Glossary and parameter settings in Appendix) will be compared both in terms of the environmental benefits obtainable with the investment of 1 million Euros in each case.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2010-03-10 16:51
In this case study, the analysis targets a comparison between heating systems in a low-energy house. The definition of a low-energy house can be found in the Glossary.
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By HDK / Published on Fri, 2010-01-15 16:35
This paper describes the performance of the network of a typical future residential concept area, as has been studied in the Intelligent E-Transportation Management project. Several scenarios have been elaborated by load flow simulations. The study investigated what level of introduction of electric vehicles, heat pumps, photovoltaic systems and micro combined heat and power plants is feasible in this network. Possible overload situations are examined and the opportunities of demand side management for the power grid are investigated.
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By Hans De Keulenaer / Published on Wed, 2009-09-09 11:54
This document is an overall report of the seminar “Electricity in the next decade”, the first in an annual series of events regarding “Low carbon electricity systems”. KEMA, ECI and Leonardo ENERGY are jointly organising these events.
Next to the topics presented during the first event, a few additional topics have been added in order to create a white paper and a more complete picture on the theme “Electricity in the next decade”.
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By Bruno De Wachter / Published on Thu, 2009-01-22 06:30
A crystal-clear and quantitative view of the road towards a low-carbon economy
The book Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air by David J.C. MacKay is a unique case among all of the current publications on this topic. If every author and decision maker involved with climate change and energy issues would take this book as a starting point before making any claims or proposals, the world would be saved a huge amount of discussion-energy, energy-to-disentangle-confusion, and energy-spent-on-fruitless-efforts.
'What exactly do you mean by "a huge amount"?' David MacKay would ask me at this point. Indeed, one of the remarkable facts about his book is that it is free of meaningless claims. In his introduction, he cites that most publications on sustainable energy do not give numbers or examples that are easily compared or put into perspective. What they do give are data used simply to impress.
MacKay’s book, on the other hand, constructs several numeric examples on how to create a low carbon economy in the UK. He reduces all figures to the unit of kWh per person per day, making the problem suddenly very transparent.
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By Angelo Baggini / Published on Sun, 2008-12-28 10:00
Year: 2007
Policy Status: In force
In 2007, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) launched an Innovation Fund to encourage smart innovations that will lead to the uptake of solar water heating and heat pump water heating technologies.
Under the new fund EECA will contribute up to 50% of the cost of an approved project, with a maximum grant of NZD100,000.
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By Hans De Keulenaer / Published on Wed, 2008-11-05 09:51
This introductory webinar explains how a heat pump system works, what is the most suitable solution in your case and, if it makes sense, how to start planning and building your installation.
After a briefing presentation, a case study will be presented using the RETScreen analysis software.
Related content:
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By Bruno De Wachter / Published on Thu, 2008-09-04 05:30
Heat pump reduces energy and water consumption dramatically
When talking about a heat pump, most people will think of a system taking heat at low temperature from the ground, the air, or a water reservoir. However, other configurations are possible. Sony City, the new Sony headquarters in Tokyo, receives heating and cooling from a heat pump connected to a nearby sewage water treatment plant.
By recycling the heat from the sewage plant, the system achieves a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 5.19, which is exceptionally high. It means that the building receives 5.19 units of energy for each unit of primary energy that is consumed.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Thu, 2008-05-22 15:46
What is a Heat Pump?
Does it really provide heating and cooling to my house?
Is it a reliable technology and powerful enough to provide enough comfort to my house, yet using less energy than a conventional heating and/or cooling technology?
These are some of the questions for which the following How to Manual tries to provide answers.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Thu, 2008-05-22 13:17
Assess your knowledge of Heat Pump technology in just a few minutes. If you want to learn more, or gain a better understanding of the correct answers, you can find additional resources on the Heat Pumps microsite (“How To” Manual and Frequently Asked Questions.)
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:29
Yes. If the cover is far enough above the top of the unit as to not impede the air flow discharging from it, and if it doesn't interfere with servicing of the unit, then it could help protect the unit from the elements like snow, ice, falling branches and leaves. However, it is not really necessary. Heat Pumps are designed for outdoor use.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:27
Check it at least every month during peak use, and replace it when it looks dirty enough to impair the air flow through it. Some filters, such as media filters or electronic air cleaners, are washable; others are disposable and must be replaced. You should clean the filters on your Heat Pump depending on how dusty your house is. This can be done with a vacuum cleaner.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:26
In most cases, no. Heat Pumps are on a 230 volt circuit. Severe shock or electrocution is possible without a thorough understanding of electricity. Also, Cooling systems today are more complicated to service than ever with solid state circuit boards and sensors.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:25
It can vary, depending on how much the system is used and how regularly it is checked or serviced. Generally, the average life-span of units built in the 1970s and 1980s is about 15 years, but individual units may vary and last much longer depending on use and how well they are maintained. Newer units are expected to last even longer. Air source units usually have a shorter life since they have to work out in the elements.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:22
When the system starts giving you more problems than seem cost-effective to fix.
If the unit is approaching 10 years in age and major components such as the compressor, reversing valve, accumulator or outdoor coil go wrong, it might make sense to replace instead of fixing. When faced with major repairs, we can help you make the right choice. Replacing a compressor is somewhat less expensive than replacing the entire unit, but new units may give you greater efficiency, lower operating costs and a brand new warranty on the whole unit, not just the part to be replaced.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:18
Heat pumps are driven by fairly large electric motors. Such motors work best with a 3-phase electrical supply. Unfortunately, this supply is not common for most houses in Europe. Having said that, small heat pumps (say up to 8 kW output) work just as well on single phase. Multiple compressor systems are available.
A 3-phase unit will arguably last longer, or may be a little more reliable than a single phase unit, so we favour that type.
It may be worthwhile asking your electricity supplier the cost of installing a 3-phase supply.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:14
Yes, you can.
A hydro-powered heat pump is probably the most viable renewable power-source since it is fairly constant. Solar or wind inputs would be difficult, especially on a small scale. The outputs are variable and dependent on the weather so there can be problems matching the input power requirements. The very large number of photo-electric cells required to power a heat pump would probably make this option impractical.
Powering a heat pump from grid electricity derived from a renewable source (e.g. wind-farm or hydro) is a good option for the environment.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:12
Heat pumps offer many more benefits than any other heating systems. They do not burn oxygen or create stuffiness like open fires. They are designed for year-round comfort, not just the four months of winter. They produce low density heat, unlike fires or electric heaters. They are unmatched for convenience and ease of use (remotely controlled). They do not pollute our atmosphere like combustion heating sources. They also filter the air in your home with their filtration systems.
Heat pumps are three units in one. They will heat, cool and de-humidify.
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By Sergio Ferreira / Published on Wed, 2008-05-21 17:11
Like a car, heat pumps should be serviced regularly for optimum performance. This involves cleaning the air filter and perhaps checking that the refrigeration charge is correct. It is also good to service the heat pump before each extreme season, i.e. before winter and summer.
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