Some updated Thermodynamic heating system info

Posted on by

I’ve come across the GreenServeUK website with new info on the Thermodynamic Panels.

There’s a big FAQ at http://www.greenserveuk.com/faq/

How it works from http://www.greenserveuk.com/thermodynamics/how-they-work/

Step One

The environmentally friendly refrigerant liquid is fed into the veins of the solar collector.

This refrigerant (R134A) has a boiling temperature of -25°C. The panel absorbs the heat from the environment and raises the temperature of the refrigerant.

The liquid absorbs the heat and it vaporises into a gas which increases the pressure.

Thermodynamic Panel Dimensions are h 800mm, l 2000mm, D 20m.
Each panel is about 8 kg.

Step Two

The hot gas is then passed through a compressor where the pressure causes it to heat further.

Step Three

The heated gas is then passed into the heat exchanger where the heat is transferred into the water cylinder.

Step Four

The cooling gas then passes through a valve reverting back into a liquid where it runs back into the panel where the process begins again.

The system is a solar domestic hot water system in which the solar loop operates on a similar principle of a heat pump.

It is composed of:-

  • An unglazed heat absorber  (1) with 3.20 m2 total aperture area.
  • An insulated,  hot water thermal store (200 l) (2)
  • A  thermoblock, which comprises the electrical powered compressor (5), the thermostatic expansion valve (7), the electrical heating element (4) and the controller.
  • Heat transfer fluid (refrigerant R134a)

The heat transfer fluid in the solar loop is the refrigerant R134a.

The refrigerant is passing through the absorber and evaporates while collecting energy from the surroundings.

The evaporated refrigerant is sucked by the compressor which raises the pressure.

In the condenser, which is integrated as an immersed solar-loop heat exchanger in the lower part of the store, the refrigerant condenses while transferring its condensing heat to the domestic water in the store.

Before the refrigerant is returning to the absorber, a thermostatic expansion valve is reducing the pressure.

An electrical heating element is located in the lower part of the store at the height of the solar-loop heat for use in emergencies and for the anti-legionnaires system.

The magnesium anode (8) or sacrificial anode will extend the life of the tank.

 

Project Management

Posted on by

A nice article by Charlie Laing on Project Management at:

http://charlielaing.wordpress.com/2012/08/18/controlling-your-building-costs-through-robust-contracting-techniques/

They talk about a  Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) contract between builder(s) and client. Going through it and both signing it, so that there is a pre established way to control the work and exchange of money that is fair to all.

For changes during the project, their advice is that:

  • contract changes can only be made by the project manager / contract administrator (which should not be the client).
  • the builder should quote for the changes
  • the contract manager uses this to get client approval. If given, passes this on to the builder.

As I’ve read elsewhere, informal approval changes from the client is the most common area for problems when the consequent bill for this arrives.

A Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) contract, brings with it an agreed adjudication / arbitration route, but in most cases, a common sense, sit down and come to an agreement solution is best. Here the contract manager can mediate.

For this, Charlie Laing have some suggested questions to cover the conversation over what is being claimed. Is / was it:

  • described within the contract?
  • described as a revision to the contract and the contract sum?
    – if yes, was it requested, quoted for and approved?
  • related to completed work? Is there any evidence that it has been done?
  • related to work that the contractor had to redo through no fault of his own?
  • requested directly by the client?
  • raised by the contractor to the client directly as an option that they may choose?
  • clearly confirmed by the contractor to the client as being at extra cost?
  • carried out with an element of risk by the contractor through not following procedure?
  • in line with market rates for materials and labour time used
  • related to the actual labour time used

In light of the answers to the above, is full payment of the claim considered fair and reasonable?

This all re-enforces the idea I’ve read elsewhere abut keeping a site / project diary. ie keeping your own notes and other records.

 

Thermodynamic installed at Maidstone UTD Football Club

Posted on by

Just got this press release:

Thermodynamic installed at Maidstone UTD FC…
Project: Maidstone United Football Club – Gallagher Stadium
Client: Graham
Contractor: Gallagher / Greenheat

Thermogroup UK recently supplied two Thermodynamic systems, an Eco 2000 and an SB 24 to meet 100% of the hot water demand for showers and underfloor heating at the new home of Maidstone United FC.

MUFC were attracted to Thermodynamic because of the environmental factor and the potential savings possible against the originally specified electric heating system.

Thermodynamic panels at maidstone united

 

It was estimated that a 24 panel system, to provide underfloor heating to the clubhouse, would use a minimum load of 4.2kW of electricity. Based on this figure and assuming the system is used for an average of 5 hours a day, it is estimated that the SB 24 at MUFC will cost £2.10 per day or £766 per year to run (at £0.10/kW per hour).

The SB24 at MUFC is expected to have a payback of around 5.5 years and bring about an annual saving of £3000 when compared to the electric system that was originally specified.

Please note: The figures in this email are estimates only and we are in the process of installing energy monitors at MUFC to track the exact running costs, savings and payback period.

Thanks for taking the time to read this email and look out for the next Hot News delivered to your inbox. Please consider adding this email address to your safe senders list to ensure you receive all of our communications.

Hot Water Heat Recovery Options

Posted on by

It looks like there is a new player in the UK market. OR one that I’d not previously spotted!

They have a good few shower tray / under shower options and those that can be more centrally integrated into your whole property hot water system.

From http://www.recoupenergysolutions.co.uk/our-range/recoup-retrofit/:

Our most popular waste water heat recovery system due to it’s great efficiencies, low price and superb all round performance. Ideal for new build applications, this product is sure to deliver results, whatever your criteria.


Recoup Tray+

Our tray is the perfect solution for apartments or ground floor en-suites. Achieving code in city apartments without renewables is notoriously difficult; this shower heat recovery system with flexible tray size is the answer that doesn’t cost the earth.

Building a wet room or have access issues? The Recoup Drain+ provides a great option. Finished in stainless steel and offering 50% efficiencies, this is a must have system for your self build or walk-in shower.

This compact WWHRS is easy to install, easy on the pocket and easy to maintain! As it’s name suggests, it’s ideal for retro-fitting in domestic and commercial properties. A very cost effective way to achieve efficiencies of up to 22%.

A system with great efficiencies specifically designed for large developments with good water pressure. This single walled exchanger provides up to 68% efficiency, so will tick a box for the Technical Director or architect looking for a cost effective solution to achieve code.

Advantages of a Green Roof

Posted on by

From http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1708780/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u147&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery9

  1. Reduced energy needs. A living roof acts as an insulator, reducing the energy needed to heat and cool your home or building.
  2. Reduced greenhouse gases. Living green plants convert carbon dioxide to sugars, producing oxygen as a byproduct.
  3. Reduced urban heat island effect. The cooling effect of evapotranspiration and the lower Solar Reflective Index* of a living roof result in lower overall heat given off by the roof surface. (*SRI: a measure of the energy a material absorbs, then releases as heat.)
  4. Enhanced stormwater management. Slick, impermeable roofs shed water quickly and efficiently, contributing to both higher and faster peak runoff and flooding in densely developed areas. A green roof’s plants and soil slow both the rate and the energy of runoff.
  5. Enhanced water quality. Plants and soil in a green roof absorb and break down pollutants in rainwater. The slower flow rate of stormwater equals less erosion and subsequent sedimentation downstream.
  6. Added habitat. A living roof provides shelter and food for local birds, bees, butterflies and other fauna.
  7. Improved value and curb appeal. This is a no-brainer — just look at the pictures!
  8. Improved quality of life. Admit it: You’re happier when you’re surrounded by beauty … and I’d argue that most ordinary roofs fall in the category of blight rather than grandeur.

The Natural Home – Ecobuilding Consultancy

Posted on by

It was a while ago, that I met up with Adam & Sarah from The Natural Home, Ecobuilding Consultancy.

It was great to get input from a team that don’t have a vested interest with a particular main project supplier, such as the architects or builders.

Amongst their many comments and recommendations:

  • If you find a contractor you trust, they’d recommend their employment under a ‘prime cost’ (also know as ‘cost-plus’) contract. This means the contractor charges for the total price of buying goods, materials and components, of using or hiring plant and of employing labour, in order to delivery the construction project plus a management fee.
    Their are apparently a broad range of contracts available and they could advice / assist with this.
  • Adam pointed out that the distance from the proposed house to the garage at the front may need advance consideration in relation to the surface water run-off  from the building and soak-away. This / these have to be at least 5 meters from the building, so may need to go beneath the garage.
    Adam recommended a permeability test to ensure a soak-away can accommodate the volume of discharge.
  • Current building re-use. As clearing the current building will give a large amount of aggregate, Adam suggested that it might be possible to crush and use some of this in the concrete mix for retaining wall sections.

Stairs

Posted on by

Just saw an article  in this months Homebuilding & Renovating magazine for this stairs & balustrades company.

Apparently they have a great range at good prices.

I’ve had a quick look and they include outside stair cases, which I’ll need.

They also have glass stair railing systems.

– which could look great with these “organic” railings (http://www.eestairs.com/en/292_cells_design.htm) although I was thinking vertical wood cladding to the same style as the bedrooms (see below).

 

Basking sharks

Posted on by

Saw my first basking shark of the season on Saturday.

In the sea, within a mile of Silver Spray, swimming along under our stand up paddle boards.
It was about 11 foot long.

A second flat water trip on Sunday, saw another one. So it looks like their annual drift up the Cornish coast has begun.

We also saw either plenty of seals or the same one kept following us (which is what it looked like).

Both were heading north, so they will have gone past Perranporth beach within an hour of going past us.

 

 

A seal just in front of the board as we went through a tunnel.

 

Green Build Hub to be built at the Eden Project.

Posted on by

Planners have given the go-ahead for a centre demonstrating green building technologies to be developed on a site at Cornwall’s Eden Project.

The Green Build Hub (GBH), conceived by Cornwall Sustainable Building Trust (CSBT), will be constructed using new green techniques and materials and will target a BREEAM Outstanding rating. It will be delivered as part of a broader move to establish the St Austell area of mid-Cornwall as a focus for the development and manufacture of low carbon technologies and products, and for training and skills development.

Technology showcase

When complete the hub will showcase and trial new technologies and will be occupied by CSBT and allied companies Sustain Cornwall (SCL) and SW Ecowarehouse. The hub will be accessible to the public and will provide a meeting and training venue.

The project has been brought to planning approval by a collaboration of CSBT, ID+EA, Ocean Design Consultancy and Ward Williams Associates, with The Eden Project agreeing to a 99 year lease on the site.