Interest in heat pump technology is increasing due to a number of Government initiatives such as the Merton Rule and the drive for all new homes to be zero carbon by 2016. The BERR’s report ‘The potential for Micro-generation’ suggests that 28,000 heat pumps will be installed by 2012, a ten-fold increase on current volumes.

Solutions for Architects Specifying Ground Source Heat Pumps

As the UK’s only manufacturer of a full range of domestic and commercial ground source heat pumps capable of handling space heating and domestic hot water production, Kensa Engineering has considerable experience and expertise to help with any ground source heat pump application.

The government’s drive towards carbon neutral new home construction by 2016 will heighten the profile of ground source heat pumps and your clients will increasingly request advice on this emerging renewable technology.

From domestic applications through to commercial projects Kensa can advise you on all aspects, including integrating heat pumps into buildings, Building Regulations and SAP issues.

The Government has confirmed its intention for all new homes to be zero carbon by 2016 with a major progressive tightening of the energy efficiency building regulations - by 25% in 2010 and by 44% in 2013 - up to the zero carbon target in 2016.

This drive will highlight the need for renewable technologies such as ground source heat pumps, to be effectively integrated into new buildings.  The DTI’s report ‘The potential for Micro-generation’ suggests that 28,000 heat pumps will be installed by 2012, a ten-fold increase on current volumes.

The interest in heat pump technology is therefore increasing and to provide an effective solution it is important that the benefits and key issues on how these systems are integrated into buildings are understood.

The use of renewables within developments is now becoming more mainstream, either to satisfy planning requirements such as the Merton Rule or to meet ever more demanding building regulations.

You will be aware of ground source heat pumps and their growing popularity for use as a renewable heating system. As the UK’s only manufacturer of a full range of ground source heat pumps, Kensa Engineering has established an unrivalled reputation for providing first class technical support and advice to help clients easily integrate the technology into their projects.

For example, Kensa can quickly identify whether horizontal trenches or vertical boreholes are required, can assist with compliance issues, can provide budget costs (including installation fees) and can discuss the most suitable heat distribution systems.

Interest in heat pump technology is increasing due to a number of Government initiatives such as the Merton Rule and the drive for all new homes to be zero carbon by 2016. The BERR’s report ‘The potential for Micro-generation’ suggests that 28,000 heat pumps will be installed by 2012, a ten-fold increase on current volumes.

Before you commit to specifying a ground source heat pump on your project, it is important that you establish whether ground source is a feasible option.  You can start to establish this by answering a few simple questions:-

1. Is there sufficient land available to install the required number of ground loops/slinkies or boreholes?

Energy for the heat pump must be extracted from the ground or from a local water source.  The ground needs to be suitable for digging trenches and must be accessible to digging machinery.  The area of ground or water source required to extract sufficient energy will depend on the size of the building you want to heat.  As a general guide, Kensa recommend 10m of trench with slinkies will be required per kW of the heat pump size.  ie. 4kW Ground source heat pump will require 1no 40m long trench with slinky pipes buried in the ground for space heating. Should domestic hot water be required, the length of the trench will be slightly increased. 

If there is insufficient land available for digging trenches, boreholes can be considered.  Installations costs will increase dramatically when drilling is involved.  For this reason, boreholes are not considered a feasible option on small domestic applications.

For an accurate sizing of your heat pump and to establish exactly how much land will be required for your heat pump installation, submit your plans to Kensa. 

2. Is the building going to be well insulated?

Since ground source heat pumps produce a lower temperature heat than traditional boilers, it's essential that your home is insulated and draught proofed well for the heating system to be effective. It could also make the system cheaper and smaller.

3. What sort of heating distribution system is currently in place, or what heating distribution system do you propose on using?

The ideal application for any heat pump is a well insulated new build property with a wet underfloor heating system and sufficient land to bury the ground arrays. However heat pumps can also be used effectively for buildings using radiators however there are a number of considerations which need to be taken into consideration.

4. What level of financial commitment can you give to installing a ground source heat pump?

Costs of a ground source heat pump, plus installation can range enormously and depends on the size of the building you wish to heat and the insulation levels in place.  To get an idea of typical project costs, you can download the Kensa ground source heat pump prices factsheet. Running costs will depend on a number of factors - including the size of your home and how well insulated it is.

One you have established that a ground source heat pump is a feasible option for your project, you can now explore the benefits and key issues to installing a ground source heat pump by clicking on the below links:-

• Find out more about the Benefits of installing a Kensa Ground Source Heat Pump
• Find out more about the Key Issues which must be considered for any Ground Source Heat Pump Application.

To find out more about Kensa Heat Pumps, click on one of the below links to be taken to the relevant page.  

• How do ground source heat pumps work?
• Information on typical energy costs and CO₂ emissions
• The Kensa Heat Pump Product range
• Find out about the different energy sources that can be used.