Heat Pump Advice

[franksonny]

I would like to pick the brains of any heat pump installers.

After a bit of research it appears that the subject is a bit of a minefield so would appreciate the views of the already experienced.
I have had experience of installing both ashp and gshp, on commercial heating systems but had no input regarding design and commissioning.
(I just piped up, as per the issued drawings)

I would now like to be able to offer heat pumps to my own customers but is it worth it? Do you now fit them and believe in their benefits or have you given the whole scene a side step? Are they a feasible solution to replacing conventional boilers on UFH? ( I am aware of the issues with low temp. water and radiators)

What I really would like to know is, what manufacturers are worth paying attention to and which courses are worth attending? I've looked at the Ecodan and Altherma air source. Any good?

Any advice, appreciated.

 

[Boilerman2]

Have a look at www.gah.co.uk,
They are maketing the Daikin Altherma which is availible as a Two part ASHP or Single unit (i.e Heat Exch built in) they are running product courses in Woodbridge (Suffolk)

 

[Biggles..]

That's the only unit half worth fitting

my stance on ashp/gshp is well documented in this forum and the crooks is,it's over priced/under performs/the manufacturers lie/car salesman sell it/I wouldn't spec it/and it's generally a con for the raving green lovers.

 

[Agile]

Lee has given you his honest appraisal.

The only situations where its may be worth considering is where there is no mains gas supply.

In spite of what you sellers will tell you even when the sums add up it performs worst when its most needed when its below 4° outside!

If I ever had the time I would make my own gas operated generator and use a heat pump. In that case where I can use the waste heat from the generator it would be very beneficial but where you have to buy electricity its not cost effective or green either!

Of course in countries where the electricity comes from hydro generation the the use of heat pumps is totally greed and the best option from a green point of view.

Of course that assumes the generation is all working and not like th Cariba where only four of the eight tubines are in use.

Tony

 

[franksonny]

If I ever had the time I would make my own gas operated generator and use a heat pump. In that case where I can use the waste heat from the generator it would be very beneficial but where you have to buy electricity its not cost effective or green either!Tony

Or alternatively, buy one of these - http://www.baxi-senertec.co.uk/ God only knows how many years it would take, before pay back.

I recently fitted two of them in a sports centre, in London. They were speced. to pre heat the swimming pool primary return and obviously, generate electricity to power the plant room.

Unfortunately,I never got to see them in action, as the company I was subbed to, went t*ts up before the end of the job.

 

[Agile]

I had in mind using a small car engine driven on gas to drive a generator of perhaps about 6 kVa which could handle the house load.

The beauty of a reasonably sized alternator is that it can be used to provide electric heating when more heat output is required in the property regardless of the actual electrical load at the time.

I had an expectation of making that up for about £100 but still have not acquired a suitable alternator. I was expecting to find a petrol generator with a good alternator but a failed motor. Unfortunately they are rarely advertised on Ebay and so are probably scrapped when they still contain what I need.

Tony

 

[tamz]

Tony you would be better with one of these
http://www.piping.georgfischer.com/go/225C1CFFD60EB5F06BBF217FE12C853A