Copenhagen’s district heating relies largely on biomass and waste incineration power plants, but net-zero carbon targets are now encouraging suppliers to harness energy from renewables and industrial by-products. Alex Smith reports
Category: Technical
Making the switch from gas-fired CHP to heat pump
Lower carbon factors for Grid electricity proposed for Part L are already in place in London. Andy Pearson looks at one scheme in North London where the design is switching from gas CHP to heat pump
Using water as a refrigerant in a commercial chiller
The eChiller is a novel solution that uses water as a refrigerant. Green Thermal Energy’s Garry Broadbent explains how it works and why it’s suitable for applications requiring chilled water flow temperatures of 16°C and above
Fuel for thought – prototype hydrogen gas boilers
Worcester Bosch and Baxi Heating have revealed plans for hydrogen gas boilers. Phil Lattimore looks at the technology, while Worcester Bosch’s Martyn Bridges explains where he thinks hydrogen can replace natural gas
Taking the temperature – domestic hot water
A CIBSE roundtable looked at the potential to reduce carbon through low temperature domestic hot water systems – and whether revised guidance is needed to deliver modern, safe low energy solutions. Phil Lattimore reports
Net gains – retrofitting scenarios for net zero carbon
Retrofitting homes to be net-zero carbon is one of the great challenges of the new decade. Radwa Salem applies the existing nZEB standard to two dwelling types to assess its suitability and predict the overheating risk of targeting net zero
Plugging in numbers: integrating cars with all-electric homes
Plugging an electric vehicle into a home energy network could save homeowners £300 a year, according to a new study by the University of Salford in collaboration with Honda and two energy firms. Phil Lattimore looks at the challenge of integrating cars with all-electric homes
Loud and clear on noise control
Excessive noise from mechanical ventilation systems can have a detrimental effect on the comfort of building occupants, but Apex Acoustics’ Jack Harvie-Clark believes the proposed Approved Document F fails to address the issue
Film studies – retrofitting window film
A BIM library for window film will allow the technology to be modelled accurately during design, says Andrew Cooper, of Evora Edge
Best practice for system maintenance
Scott James, Director at Viega, discusses the importance of ensuring building service systems are not only installed and commissioned correctly but also maintained appropriately to prevent contamination, corrosion and shortened lifespans of the pipework