Energy-saving heating and cooling system makes UK debut
Greenwise Staff
15th June 2009
An Anglo-Italian alliance has announced the UK launch of a heating and cooling system for buildings, which it claims “substantially reduces” energy costs and CO2 emissions compared with traditional heat pumps.
UK-based sustainable power business ENER-G has joined forces with Italian manufacturer Robur to supply the gas absorption heat pump (GAHP) system to UK businesses and consumers.
The technology, which is powered from natural gas or LPG, works by removing energy from the outside air and then upgrading it in the heat pump so that it can be used to heat or cool air or water inside a building.
While traditional heat pumps use a compressor to convert the gaseous refrigerant into a liquid state, the GAHP transfers the refrigerant into an absorbing fluid and then liquefies it.
“This means that only a small supply of energy is required to pump the refrigerant solution around the fan to circulate the air, which substantially lowers both energy costs and CO2 emissions,” said Andrew Hill, product manager at ENER-G.
According to ENER-G, the GAHP system, which is manufactured by Robur, can reduce energy consumption by up to 50 per cent when converting from traditional boiler technology. Other benefits include exemption from the climate change levy, cost savings relating to the new Carbon Reduction Commitment, improved Building Energy Certificate ratings and compliance with building regulations.
The technology delivers heating and cooling for buildings, with up to 165 per cent efficiency, according to ENER-G, which confirmed the only comparable technology on the UK market was the "absorption chiller" system. In terms of output, a single unit delivers 35 kilowatts of power, making it appropriate for business and large domestic use.
“Our heat pump solution, in partnership with Robur, provides a reliable, cost-effective, and constant energy source that is highly effective for industrial, commercial and residential use,” said Hill. “This is due to the system’s ability both to save energy and increase the value of the building with its A+++ classification issued by the European Commission.”
ENER-G, which is acting as the UK supplier for the Italian-built GAHP system, said its services included a free feasibility study; project design; system specification; installation and commissioning; a 24-hour help desk; after-sales support; service and maintenance; and flexible finance options, including a rental agreement where costs are met through savings in energy.
ENER-G is and independent power generation and management company, which finances, develops and supplies renewable and energy efficient technologies such as combined heat and power, geothermal technology, energy from digester gas and new generation energy from waste.