- How can you extract heat from the ground in the middle of winter
- Why are GSHP more efficient than any other heating system
- What type of GSHP collector is best for me:
- How do Heat Pumps actually work
- Why is underfloor heating so efficient
- Can GSHPs be used with radiators
About Exhaust air Heat pumps
About Solar hot water systems
- How can solar heating work throughout the year
- Can solar water heating panels be fitted on any roof
- Do I require planning approval to instal solar heating
How can you extract heat from the ground in the middle of winter
...The ground absorbs heat from the sun and because of its huge mass has an enormous capacity to store this heat. In the UK the earth, at 100m below the surface, keeps a constant temperature of about 11-12C throughout the year. GSHP collect pump this low temperature heat from the ground to provide space heating and provide pre-heating of domestic hot water. The designed performance of GSHPs is based on winter conditions.
Why are GSHP more efficient than any other heating system
...Traditional heating boilers generate heat energy by burning fuel and run at higher temperatures - Thermal losses are greatest at high temperatures. Heat output is dependent on the amount of fuel consumed. By contrast GSHPs transfer heat rather than generate heat and are designed to run at lower temperature. This reduces thermal losses. For every unit of electricity used to pump the heat, up to 3-4 units of heat are produced. With heat pumps you do get more out than you put in!
What type of GSHP collector is best for me:
... The Ground loop which can be one or more lengths of plastic pipe buried in the ground is designed to collect the correct amount of energy to heat your premises. It can be fitted, either in a vertical borehole or a horizontal trench. Where the site permits the collector can be installed in trenches about 1.5-2m deep. For sites with restricted space the collector can be fitted in a vertical bore hole. Site layout is the deciding factor.
How do Heat Pumps actually work
... The heat pump principle is widely used in Fridges and air conditioners. The heat pump works by using the evaporation and condensing of a refrigerant to move heat from one place to another. The cold refrigerant takes heat from the liquid circulated in the ground loop; It is then compressed and gives up heat to a hot water circuit which feeds the heating system. The compressor, which uses electricity, continuously moves the refrigerant between two heat exchangers, compressing the gaseous refrigerant to condense it and release heat to the output circuit, then evaporating it again to absorp heat from the collector loop. In essence the GSHP moves energy from the ground into the building in a useful form for heating.
Why is underfloor heating so efficient
...Because it is designed to operate at lower temperatures than traditional heating systems it has lower thermal losses.
Can GSHPs be used with radiators
...Yes but.. the radiators must be larger than those used with high temperature boilers to provide equivalent heat ouput. The laws of physics dictate this. In practice this may not be desirable.
How can solar heating work throughout the year
...Solar thermal panels are designed to convert light into heat - they harness power in both direct light and diffuse sunlight - which is available yearlong.
Can solar water heating panels be fitted on any roof
...Positioning is important for optimum performance. Due South is best but good results can be obtained by positioning the panels facing between SW and SE. The pitch of the collector also affects its efficiency. Both factors can be taken into account when designing your system.
Do I require planning approval to instal solar heating
...No. Except for Conservation Areas or Listed Buildings Planning consent is no longer required in Scotland for the products which we instal. We can advise and assist.
How does exhaust air heat recovery work
...warm inside air is drawn into the ventilation system..then passed through the heat pump. Here energy is extracted and the chilled spent air discharged outside. The extracted heat is used to heat water for underfloor heating and to supply domestic hot water.