Providing Ground Source Heat
The Project:
The owners wanted to upgrade this stunning farmhouse into a modern energy efficient liveable dwelling but keep the classical style of the front façade and use traditional materials. Vernacular Homes, acting as both architect and builder were appointed not only to convert the farmhouse but tasked with refurbishments to an Oast House building and former Granary.
The Reina Group are Installing a renewable heating system in all three properties opting for three different systems.
The Farmhouse is surrounded by substantial lavish garden area and it was agreed that a vertical borehole solution was probably the least disruptive option heat source to power the recommended Thermia 12kW Ground Source Heat Pump.
A thermogeological assessment was undertaken and a closed loop borehole design produced to determine accurate costings for the drilling element. Two 120m deep boreholes were drilled through the Tunbridge Wells sands, Wadhurst clay & Ashdown formations and header pipes relayed to a central manifold.
Heat loss calculations were performed with room by room requirements detailed along with known floor coverings, to ensure a highly efficient design with predicted SCOP’s (seasonal coefficient of performance) detailed in advance. This information produced an accurate expected return figure via the RHI and future running costs that excited the client.
GSHP benefits – Ground source heat pumps use naturally occurring heat in the ground or bedrock to heat domestic and commercial properties and provide hot water. Ground source heat pumps are an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional electric, oil and gas central heating systems and can reduce your fuel bills. They generate a lower amount of carbon dioxide than fossil fuel burning boilers. Although ground source heat pumps do need electricity to operate, they generate more heat than they need to run and the heat source is both renewable and natural.
Ground source heat pumps run most efficiently at lower temperatures over longer periods of time. A larger surface area is needed to emit similar temperatures to those provided by conventional heating systems. These systems work best with underfloor heating but also work effectively with larger radiators. To maintain a comfortable temperature during the winter, it is likely the ground source heat pump will be in operation constantly. Another benefit of ground source heat pumps, besides being low-carbon, is that they do not require expensive or regular maintenance. They are also safer because there is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or scalding from hot water. Heat pump systems produce water hot enough for domestic purposes but they don’t overheat water like conventional boilers can.
RHI Incentives – The Reina Group are at the forefront of renewable heat pump design and installations and have achieved MCS approved installer status for heat pump installations. MCS accreditation gives greater consumer protection and allows our installations to be eligible for government grants. The RHI was introduced by the Government to try and encourage homeowners to opt for renewable heating systems.
The Oast & Granary were smaller projects with a lesser heat demand than the main house and air source heat pumps (ASHP’s) were utilised to provide 100% of their heating & hot water demand. A Daikin 7kW and Nibe 8kW units are being installed in the near future as building works progress.
