EPSRC logo

Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/P016146/1
Title: Development of a new generation of high efficiency heat pumps using pre-heated air supply
Principal Investigator: Maidment, Professor GG
Other Investigators:
Paurine, Dr A
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Fac of Eng Science & Built Env
Organisation: London South Bank University
Scheme: Technology Programme
Starts: 01 October 2016 Ends: 30 September 2017 Value (£): 61,254
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Energy Efficiency Solar Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Energy
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
This project is a feasibility study into the proposal of using solar collectors which when integrated into buildings can pre

warm the air fed into ASHP (Air Source Heat Pumps)

Pre-feasibility modelling indicates that by using solar air collectors to pre-heat the air supply to specially optimised ASHPs

we will be able to increase the efficiency of ASHPs to the extent that 1) the carbon emissions (per kWh of heat) from their

use will be significantly lower than the emissions associated with energy efficient gas boilers and 2) the cost of heat will

(within the 2020s) become lower than that from efficient gas boilers.

The findings could therefore lead to a step-change in the competitiveness of ASHPs relative to gas boilers. This will

accelerate the mainstream deployment of ASHPs in the UK, initially within new build housing and new commercial

buildings and subsequently into the existing UK building stock.

The project will specifically investigate:

Appraisal of system design options

Development of a detailed thermodynamic system design model and demand-side model(s),

Formulation of control and modulation strategies

Investigation into optimisation of system components (with particular attention to working fluids, fluid flow rates, heat

exchanger and controller)

Calculation of theoretical system performance in different climates and undertaking of cost benefit and benchmarking

analysis.

This project will contribute towards addressing the UK's energy trilemma by reducing emissions by leading to a supply of

renewable heat with lower carbon emissions than mains gas and of renewable cooling with significantly lower emissions

than electricity powered compressor-based cooling systems; improving security of supply by significantly reducing demand

for fossil fuels; and reducing cost by providing a high-efficiency ASHP capable of generating heat (for space heating, water

heating and cooling) at a lower cost than both mains gas and other renewable energy/"clean energy" options.

Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Summary
Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk