EVENTS | HEAT PUMP RESEARCH SEMINAR cant say that, because you have an old home, your heat pump wont run effectively. If the design is done well, there is no reason why they shouldnt run effectively, said Logue, who nevertheless expressed concerns. Almost all heat pumps performed below what was predicted. Some performed better, but there is a systemic disparity in performance across all of the heat pumps. We saw no correlation between what a customer was told they would get and what was actually achieved, and there was no way of telling which of the heat pumps would perform better, he said. Padraic OReilly, engineer at Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, reported on the performance of heat pump retrofits installed as part of the Irish Superhomes 2030 project, a joint venture between Electric Ireland and Tipperary Energy Agency. In two research projects, OReilly said that heat pumps generally performed well, but he told delegates there were some variations between predicted and actual performance. In one project looking at the actual performance of 40 heat pumps compared with that predicted in the Irish Building Energy Rating (BER), the team found that, for space heating, the heat pumps produced an average of 12% more thermal energy than had been predicted, while the SPF was 17% lower than had been predicted. It was a different story for domestic hot water (DHW), with heat pumps using 51% less thermal energy than predicted. The efficiency was also higher. One theory for the DHW performance was that BER software overestimated DHW use. OReilly said one reason for disparities in performance was the lack of a handover to end users, who often dont understand how to optimise heat pumps. It is essential the skills are in place before embarking on a mass rollout of heat pumps, he added. Breaking the sound barrier Etienne Bailey, senior research officer at DESNZ, summarised the findings of the governments Independent review of air source heat pump noise emissions, permitted development guidance and regulations. Current planning standards put restrictions on the placement, size and noise emissions Complete M&E solutions and project support from heat pumps, but Bailey said the research team felt the evidence for these was limited and that the restrictions may act as a barrier to heat pump uptake. We found that noise complaints are relatively infrequent compared with the number of installations in the UK, with poor installation a key factor, says Dr Antonio Torija Martinez, reader in acoustic engineering at the University of Salford. Several policy implications were drawn from the research, with recommendations for changes to Microgeneration Installation Standard 020 which will be published shortly. One recommendation is to scrap the rule requiring heat pumps to be positioned one metre away from a neighbours wall. There is an opportunity for consultants to contribute to Annex 60, which is due for completion in late 2024. Researchers are interested in speaking to consultants who have examined the pros and cons of different configurations of retrofit heat pump systems for non-domestic buildings. To find out more, contact Peter Mallaburn at peter.mallaburn@ucl.ac.uk or Roger Hitchin at roger.hitchin@hotmail.com. CJ Walraven Project Solutions As an M&E Fixing specialist we can help you deliver high quality, effective and efficient installations. Our Projects and Technical Support Team can provide product advice, on site support and full system designs for pipe supports, HVAC supports, rooftop installations, fire stopping and more. We can offer solutions for problems such as fixing to pitched roofs or surfaces, non-standard pipe sizes, corrosive environments and heavy duty installations. To get in touch today email: technical.uk@walraven.com Find out how we can support you For an overview of our project solutions and services for M&E contractors visit: walraven.com/en/contractors walraven.com 28 February 2024 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Feb 24 pp25-26, 28 Gov heat pump conference.indd 28 26/01/2024 15:27