Renewable heat systems
Discussion
Fwiw we are in the middle of a GSHP install based around a Niebe 15kw 3 phase pump and 750m of collector loops in our old derelict caravan site field.
We are also having solar hot water collector panels and a 300L tank.
It's a retro fit to a relatively new build (10 years) property with decent wet underfloor heating so hoping for good results.
The trenching was a massive effort and disruptive, so don't plan on inviting the bowling team round for a game anytime soon. We now need to get the local farmer in now to power harrow the field and get it something like level again.
It's going to be planted as a simple meadow once levelled a bit.
Pic shows 2 of the 3 reqd trenches 1m width 1.2m depth.
Will post details when it's up and running in a couple of weeks.
We are also having solar hot water collector panels and a 300L tank.
It's a retro fit to a relatively new build (10 years) property with decent wet underfloor heating so hoping for good results.
The trenching was a massive effort and disruptive, so don't plan on inviting the bowling team round for a game anytime soon. We now need to get the local farmer in now to power harrow the field and get it something like level again.
It's going to be planted as a simple meadow once levelled a bit.
Pic shows 2 of the 3 reqd trenches 1m width 1.2m depth.
Will post details when it's up and running in a couple of weeks.
Looks to me as if someone hasn't appreciated that heat pumps are not boilers - a different set of criteria apply.
It is indeed a 5kW unit, and for this radiator system in the UK chronically undersized.
Note that ALL heat pumps freeze up below about 5c, they reverse cycle every 20-30 minutes to clear it.
The U1 error code is refrigerant high pressure, indicating the water flow somewhere is too low. As a guide there should be something like a 5 degree temperature rise as the water goes through the heat exchanger of the heat pump. Feel with hands to see if this is occurring, warmer water should be coming out of the top of the heat exchanger.
It would be interesting to see how the rest of the system is plumbed, I would hazard a guess it is wrong for a heat pump install.
Don't be conned into a 500 pound heat pump "service", you need a heating technician who also understands heat pumps - sorry I can't help you - I'm 12000 miles away.
It is indeed a 5kW unit, and for this radiator system in the UK chronically undersized.
Note that ALL heat pumps freeze up below about 5c, they reverse cycle every 20-30 minutes to clear it.
The U1 error code is refrigerant high pressure, indicating the water flow somewhere is too low. As a guide there should be something like a 5 degree temperature rise as the water goes through the heat exchanger of the heat pump. Feel with hands to see if this is occurring, warmer water should be coming out of the top of the heat exchanger.
It would be interesting to see how the rest of the system is plumbed, I would hazard a guess it is wrong for a heat pump install.
Don't be conned into a 500 pound heat pump "service", you need a heating technician who also understands heat pumps - sorry I can't help you - I'm 12000 miles away.
Eighteen months (blimey where did the time go) and two winters and we're really happy with our GSHP. We used a mole drain to put our stuff in Peter, less mess and 550m of pipe in within the day! We've had a years worth of running costs too - all electric, heating and hot water works out at £60 per month over the year and house is lady spec temperature because I'm in charge 
Our RHI is worth £2400 a year for 7 years, which is nice considering we had to spent money on whatever system we chose. No mains gas here.
I think it's definitely about having it specced by the geeks first. I'd definitely choose the same again.
Just wish I could pull my finger out and get round the the final decorating!
Our RHI is worth £2400 a year for 7 years, which is nice considering we had to spent money on whatever system we chose. No mains gas here.I think it's definitely about having it specced by the geeks first. I'd definitely choose the same again.
Just wish I could pull my finger out and get round the the final decorating!
I can answer why mine was under rated. The previous owners knew someone who installed these, I imagine a cash job for old stock or similar!
There is a slight difference to the pipe temps, don't have my laser to hand to get real figures. As said, a Mitsubishi accredited installer is coming next week.
With regards to the error; the pump was on 3 (fastest) and still errored so I suppose that rules i that out.
There is a slight difference to the pipe temps, don't have my laser to hand to get real figures. As said, a Mitsubishi accredited installer is coming next week.
With regards to the error; the pump was on 3 (fastest) and still errored so I suppose that rules i that out.
illmonkey said:
With regards to the error; the pump was on 3 (fastest) and still errored so I suppose that rules i that out.
Depends, invariably the circulating pump is too small for an underfloor system - I would guess even speed 3 is still only 99 watts - we use 300 watt pumps.However if the water is circulating then the pump probably isn't the problem (you should check it is actually turning).
Could be diverting valve, if you have one - or secondary circulating pump (if fitted).
halo34 said:
What is the Per Kwh cost of oil vs anything else just now out of interest?
I haven't yet gone ahead with biomass as getting onto RHI seems a pain in the ass and still not 100% convinced.
There's a chart on here;I haven't yet gone ahead with biomass as getting onto RHI seems a pain in the ass and still not 100% convinced.
http://www.confusedaboutenergy.co.uk/index.php/dom...
We primarily heat our house with a great big multi fuel stove, as you can see......good old king coal isn't dead yet.
Timmy40 said:
There's a chart on here;
http://www.confusedaboutenergy.co.uk/index.php/dom...
We primarily heat our house with a great big multi fuel stove, as you can see......good old king coal isn't dead yet.
Thats nearly a year out of date.http://www.confusedaboutenergy.co.uk/index.php/dom...
We primarily heat our house with a great big multi fuel stove, as you can see......good old king coal isn't dead yet.
jason61c said:
What bits a pain in the ass?
I have issues with the green deal assessor not picking up timber frame, so had to get a surveyor out to overwrite the cavity wall insulation recommendation and I believe it takes about 4 months to get the payments through.What bugs me about it is the 7 yr payback that's set from the start, you have to find the money up front then drip feed it back somehow.
Fine if you have the capital - not so much if not.
halo34 said:
What is the Per Kwh cost of oil vs anything else just now out of interest?
I haven't yet gone ahead with biomass as getting onto RHI seems a pain in the ass and still not 100% convinced.
The RHI payments over the 7 years will cover the install plus 10 years worth of fuel and servicing which for filling a few forms in and getting a survey or 2 is a pretty good return. Been running the biomass just over 12 months now and had my first RHI payment in mid Jan. Had the first service - still running great and no issues at all. Also now how heat which is a big bonus as I've had pneumonia 3 times since we've been in this house and it ain't pleasant.I haven't yet gone ahead with biomass as getting onto RHI seems a pain in the ass and still not 100% convinced.
FFG
FlipFlopGriff said:
The RHI payments over the 7 years will cover the install plus 10 years worth of fuel and servicing which for filling a few forms in and getting a survey or 2 is a pretty good return. Been running the biomass just over 12 months now and had my first RHI payment in mid Jan. Had the first service - still running great and no issues at all. Also now how heat which is a big bonus as I've had pneumonia 3 times since we've been in this house and it ain't pleasant.
FFG
It covers around 70% of the install cost for me unfortunately, so different basis. Don't want to derail thread tho so hope OP gets sorted FFG
Though I am curious why it took 12 months to get payments?
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