GroundTherm have worked in the
renewable energy industry since 1999,
designing and installing GSHP, ASHP,
Under Floor Heating, Mechanical
Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) and
Solar Thermal systems.
Is your renewable energy
installation in pole position?
GroundTherm specialise in providing
comprehensive solutions for architects
- taking care of renewable energy
installations from start to finish, managing
the process completely and liaising closely
in partnership with all parties to achieve
optimal results. Here GroundTherm’s
Andrew Louth explains that he and
architects have more in common than
you may think - as the key to effective
application is design.
Design is key
When designing a building, efficiency, visual
appeal and liveability are all front of mind.
When focusing on energy efficiency, it’s
useful to think of a property as a Formula
One car – requiring a perfect blend of
design and functionality. A performance car
needs meticulous attention to detail for each
element to work well to produce overall
success - and the same applies for renewable
heating.
Although renewable energy systems and
innovative design don’t appear to go
hand-in-hand on the outset, they are in
fact intrinsically linked, with the success
of the installation depending on both
being properly executed. Their symbiotic
relationship allows architects to achieve
green objectives whilst maintaining
aesthetic appeal and keeping to project
deadlines. Together the two work cohesively,
just as performance cars need streamlined
design with a powerful engine to excel.
The devil’s in the detail
For a renewable heating system
incorporating ground or air source to work
optimally, the design of the installation
needs to be meticulously planned and
executed in line with the overall goals
desired. The sizing of the heat pump, buffer
tank and hot water cylinder are the key to
the capacity of the system - especially the
duty cycling of the heat pump, as insufficient
capacity will affect the absorber and ground
temperatures resulting in higher electricity
bills. Newly-built, highly-efficient buildings
are based on w/m2 and kw/h running
time – meaning the sizing of the absorber is
dependent on the thermal conductivity.
Ground source heat is derived from the earlier concept of refrigeration – effectively the
same process in reverse. With this in mind it’s inevitable that the fabric of the building
and heat losses also become important considerations when calculating of the volumetric
capacity of the absorber, ensuring it is sized to the peak loading of heating and hot water
demand. This is dependent on the external temperatures and ground temperature – so
it’s also necessary to confirm the geology of the ground with a British Geological Survey
carried out by a trained Geologist.
Get it right – first time
We always accurately size and design the system using heat loss calculations, thermal
bridging, and thermo-geology for the absorber sizing to perfectly suit the client’s needs
as part of our process. Working closely with architects, developers, project managers and
clients to get best of the system has many benefits for all involved – and often brings down
the cost of materials though forward planning - just like a Formula One team mechanic
works with the engineers, designers and driver to achieve optimum results.
Some of our work involves repairing and re-designing installed systems - normally though
insurance companies or direct clients who have high electricity bills – intervention is often
needed due to poor design and installation. Remedial work can be disruptive and costly –
which is why getting it right is so very important.
Contact Us:
www.groundtherm.co.uk
[email protected]
T: 0161 451 0225