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Seeing Is Believing At South Wales Eco House
2nd September 2012
Two South Wales-based renewable energy specialists have collaborated on a demonstration project, involving a Danfoss heat pump, which they will use to help dispel what are described as 'popular myths' about the limitations of renewable systems.
Geoff Griffiths Plumbing and Heating Limited and Green Heat Wales Limited have installed a Danfoss 9kW DHP-AQ air source heat pump, as well as solar thermal panels, in a traditional mid-terrace house with a loft extension. The three bedroom property, located on Ruth Street, Bargoed in South Wales, will be used to allow potential customers to appreciate the efficiency of the new generation of air source heat pumps.
The heating system was designed and supplied by Green Heat Wales Limited, and installed by Geoff Griffiths Plumbing and Heating Limited.
Geoff Griffiths, Managing Director of Geoff Griffiths Plumbing and Heating Ltd., explains, "We decided to create this demonstration house because some members of the public still think that an air source heat pump will not work with radiators, or that underfloor heating cannot keep their home warm enough. When they walk around the house they are amazed at how warm and comfortable it is."
Managing Director of Green Heat Wales Limited, Simon Cometson, adds, "This is a mid-terraced house and so an air source heat pump was most appropriate because no additional land is required. I specified the Danfoss DHP-AQ because, in my experience, it is the quietest heat pump available and it was extremely important to avoid any noise nuisance to neighbouring properties."
The air source and solar thermal systems are integrated by the use of a Danfoss Extender Tank, which means that water is heated first by energy from the solar thermal panels and then brought up to the required temperature by the heat pump. This minimises the amount of electricity needed to operate the heat pump, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the property.
In order to demonstrate the versatility of a heat pump system, a combination of radiators and underfloor heating has been installed on every level of the building.
Chris Dale, Director of Danfoss Ltd, adds, "We are delighted that our DHP-AQ has been installed in this exciting demonstration property, where visitors will have the opportunity to see for themselves how comfortable and warm the temperature is. This pump has been specifically designed to operate at a very low noise level, making it ideal for locations such as this where it is important to keep sound to a minimum because there are other homes close by."
The DHP-AQ operates at temperatures as low as -20°C. The pump achieves this via a unique system which constantly controls and optimises three key parameters in the product: airflow (efficient variable speed EC fan), the refrigerant circuit (electronic expansion valve) and heat distribution (OPTI technology). It also includes state-of-the-art defrosting technology designed to ensure full functionality even in very cold weather.
The Danfoss Maxi Controller was specified for the pump's internal unit, containing the control system and an integral 180 litre hot water storage tank. The house is due to be let out to three sets of of tenants, but will still be available for customers to view by appointment. The ground floor of the property will be used as a hairdressing salon, the first floor for offices and the second storey will be let out as an apartment, giving people the opportunity to see the energy system fulfilling a variety of commercial and domestic demands.
Both Geoff Griffiths Plumbing and Heating Limited, and Green Heat Wales install a wide range of integrated renewable systems. The companies have worked in partnership on a number of projects, in particular in the social housing sector.
Geoff Griffiths Plumbing and Heating Limited. will be moving their office base into the demonstration house, where customers will have the ideal opportunity to see the air source heat pump in action when they call in to make enquiries about renewable energy systems.
