- Location: Northumberland
- Client: Kensa Contracting
- Services: Technical Survey & Energy Appraisal
Northumberland County Council has completed 20 ground source heat pump projects in its portfolio of non-domestic buildings so far.
These installations have significantly contributed to reducing the council’s carbon emissions by a third in recent years. This effort has saved 1,025.09 tonnes of CO2e, equivalent to the energy usage of 129 homes for a year.
For the case studies below, we conducted an energy appraisal:
- Belford Fire Station
- Stamfordham Primary School
- Stannington Primary School
- Willowburn Leisure
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Dynamic Thermal Analysis
For each case study, we carried out a dynamic thermal analysis.
Using three-dimensional dynamic modelling software, we calculated the site heat demands. This included assessing building fabric heat losses, ventilation heat losses, domestic hot water demands, system losses, and thermal response. We then adjusted these calculations to account for heat gains from occupancy, equipment, lighting, and solar gains. Based on internal heat settings and local temperature data, we modelled the building’s thermal demand for a full year at each location.
The model also optimises the contribution from solar thermal energy. Daily contributions can be stored and used later in the evening or the following day.
Achieving the right level of quality and detail in the model is crucial. Any inaccuracies in the output could affect all subsequent work, highlighting the importance of precision at this stage.
Heat Load Modelling
We used the IES model to analyse the heat demand for each site. This involved considering factors such as occupancy patterns, activities, and annual usage of heat and hot water. By including heat gains from the sun and other sources, as well as heat losses through the building fabric and ventilation, we created a comprehensive picture of each site’s requirements. These calculations allowed us to determine both the annual heat demand and the peak demand on the coldest days.
