Phil Draper has been pioneering heat pump retrofits in commercial buildings since 2012 and has now been recognised as CIBSE’s Engineer of the Year. Andy Pearson finds out what the industry can learn from his innovative and collaborative approach
Tag: heat pumps
The bigger picture: non-domestic heat pump retrofits
Retrofitting heat pumps in non-domestic buildings will be key if the UK is to meet its net zero targets. To help building owners assess the best solutions, a UK-led International Energy Agency project is developing a tool based on potential cost and carbon savings. Roger Hitchin reports
Essential lessons from electric schools
Too many all-electric schools are being designed for peak loads that will never be met, says Cundall’s Peter Hazzard, who has been analysing data from previous designs to slash electrical demand
High hopes: overcoming challenges with high-temperature heat pump integration
Retrofitting with high-temperature heat pumps can pose significant challenges if buildings are not properly investigated first. Baxi’s Ryan Kirkwood navigates the highs and low of swapping boilers for heat pumps in hard-to-heat buildings
Heat pump design from the ground up: upcoming TM51 update
New CIBSE guidance on ground source heat pumps is due to be published in early 2024. Here, project lead Ken Gordon outlines the changes
The balance of power: the bivalent approach to heat pumps
Using a boiler to top up peak space heating in heat pump systems can save CO2 and costs, says Mitsubishi Electric’s Chris Newman, who gives examples of two configurations
Sound advice
Noise and vibration from HVAC systems such as large heat pumps can have a huge impact on occupant comfort. KP Acoustics Group’s Kyriakos Papanagiotou and Mason UK’s Adam Fox say CIBSE’s Guide B4, and early engagement with acoustic specialists, will give peace of mind
Lochinvar launches high temperature low GWP heat pump
New range of high temperature air-to-water heat pumps capable of producing hot water up to 70degC while still achieving high energy efficiencies
Formula for success: Sizing heat pumps in hybrid energy centres
Reducing the size of heat pumps in hybrid energy centres can cut carbon and capital costs dramatically – but what ratio of heat should they supply? Research by FairHeat’s Ellie Hiscock used hourly load modelling to come up with a rule of thumb for the optimal heat ratios for heat pumps and thermal storage with electric boilers
Beauty in standardisation: Travis Perkins’ digital plan to decarbonise housebuilding
Travis Perkins’ WholeHouse digital design platform allows housebuilders to deliver efficient, repeatable housing to the latest sustainability standards, and includes prefabricated heat pump systems. Alex Smith reports