Emitters: Considerations for Low Flow Temperature Heating

Description

New building regulations recommend that when installing heat pumps, the heating system should be designed on a water flow temperature of 45°C to achieve maximum coefficient of performance (COP). In this CPD we will be examining how a heat pump works, what coefficient of performance is, and how water flow temperature effects efficiency. We’ll explore the evolution of central heating and what is now common practice today. The issues around retrofitting heat pumps in existing buildings will be explored, as will the associated questions on insulation, air leakage and emitter performance at lower temperature. Emitter types will be covered, detailing how they work and how best they are applied. Cooling will be presented, the difference between air conditioning and thermal comfort, and how some heat emitters can cool too. An overview of controls options will be presented. The final topics will be sustainability, compliance and safety.

By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:

- The different types of heat emitters available and how they perform at low flow temperature

- The effect a lower Delta T (?T) has on emitter performance

- The issues around switching to low flow temperature heat sources in existing buildings

- How heat pumps work and how low flow temperature impacts on system efficiency

- Government incentives around its net-zero target and the relevant changes to building regulations