- Location: Kirkcaldy
- Client: Raith Rovers FC
- Services: Air Source Heat Pump
Technical Assessment & Review
For the Stark’s Park Raith Rovers FC project, we used IES three-dimensional dynamic modelling software to calculate site heat demands. We assessed building fabric heat losses, ventilation losses, domestic hot water needs, system inefficiencies, and thermal response.
Additionally, our modelling process created a thermal demand profile for the building. This profile accounted for internal temperature settings and local outdoor temperatures throughout the year.
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Dynamic Thermal Analysis
We created a detailed thermal model of the property using IES-VE. This model ran multiple simulations to accurately replicate the performance of the Stark’s Park Raith Rovers FC building, with a resolution of 10 minutes.
Additionally, the model optimised the contribution from solar thermal energy. Daily solar gains could be stored for use in the evening or the following day, maximising efficiency.
Achieving the right level of quality and detail in the model was crucial. An inaccurate output would significantly impact all subsequent work, highlighting the importance of precision.
Heat Load Modelling
Traditional ‘steady state’ calculations for heat load tend to oversize the heating plant requirement as they are limited in their assumed internal and external parameters. These simple calculations also cannot take account the previous operating periods.
In simpler terms, the building might retain some heat from the previous day instead of assuming it starts completely cold each day.
Traditional ‘steady state’ calculations for heat load often oversize the heating plant requirements. This happens because they rely on limited assumptions about internal and external conditions. They also fail to account for residual heat from previous operating periods.
In simpler terms, these calculations assume the building starts completely cold each day, ignoring any heat retained from the previous day.
By utilising the IES model, we analysed the site’s heat requirements in detail. This included variables such as yearly occupancy patterns, activity types, and heat and hot water demands. As a result, we could accurately predict heat demands while factoring in additional gains and losses. These calculations provided both the annual net thermal demand and the design day heat load.
Overheating
Overheat risk in modern buildings is increasing and is likely to get more of a concern as the climate changes in the future. We created case studies for multiple scenarios (i.e closed windows/ binds etc) and deducted that overheating can be solved if blinds are used and windows are opened.
Heating equipment selection and Electrical Loads
In practice, primary heating systems for new builds typically include heat pumps, gas or oil boilers, and electrical heaters.
We assessed the electrical (small power) loading by considering the property’s size and estimated occupancy. This analysis was then verified against the UK average for similar properties or predicted usage, ensuring accuracy.
Additionally, we provided the client with a comprehensive overview of both solar PV and solar thermal systems, highlighting their potential benefits and applications.
