A new age in air source heat pump technology

Published by Lucy Blackwell for Stroma in Housing and also in Central Government, Education, Local Government

At Ecobuild 2009, Stroma LZC will revolutionise both the residential and commercial heating market with two high temperature air source heat pumps (ASHP), exclusive to the Stroma LZC product portfolio.

Overcoming all the limitations which have previously constrained traditional low-temperature ASHP technology, the Stroma HiRES is the first genuine alternative to conventional gas or oil fired boilers for the residential sector.

The high appliance efficiency, even at high output temperatures, vastly reduces the emissions generated by space heating and the production of domestic hot water (DHW), compared with those of traditional gas or oil fired systems.

Employed in the new build sector, the HiRES will improve even the poorest building fabric’s chances of compliance with the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH). High temperature outputs of up to 80°c reduce the total system capital outlay by eliminating the need for both oversized, non-standard radiators and supplementation for DHW. Thus, gone are the days of developers having to saddle future occupants with hidden bills for immersion heaters to comply with ever more stringent regulations.

However, this ground-breaking ASHP is also perfectly suited to retrofit applications. The unit is compatible with existing traditional radiator systems, removing the need for underfloor heating which is expensive and disruptive to install. Furthermore, the product improves occupier comfort levels through better DHW availability and reduced rates of storage depletion. Producing just half the emissions of a conventional gas boiler, the HiRES can assist social housing in meeting carbon reduction commitments as well as reducing the carbon footprint of a private household.

For the commercial sector, Stroma LZC introduces the ICON - an air source heat pump employing the CO2-based refrigerant R744. As well as containing no o-zone depleting substances, R744 maximises the transfer of heat energy inherent in the air around us to the heating system. This increases both the maximum output temperature of the heat pump and the overall appliance efficiency, referred to in the industry as coefficient of performance (COP). The ICON can achieve a maximum output temperature of 90°c and a COP in excess of 6, bringing to the commercial market all the advantages that the HiRES delivers to the residential sector.

Ian Watkinson, General Manager of Stroma LZC, comments: ‘These exciting new products not only meet compliance, but do so in a way that maintains comfort levels whilst minimising both the initial capital and ongoing running costs. Finally - a low-carbon solution that works not just in a computer model, but in reality.’

Correctly employed and installed, these ASHPs deliver high levels of efficiency and increased occupier comfort whilst also facilitating good EPC and DEC ratings by immediately improving the energy efficiency of the building - something not yet achieved with previous models.

The Stroma LZC product range also includes ground source heat pumps and solar thermal systems for the commercial, residential and public sector.

For further information, see www.stroma.com or visit stand 1725 at the exhibition, taking place at London’s Earl’s Court from 3-5 March.

For all enquiries, please contact:

Stroma LZC
Pioneer Way
Castleford
WF10 5QU

T: 0845 621 11 11
F: 0845 621 11 12
E: lzc@stroma.com

Notes to editors

1. Stroma LZC forms part of the multidisciplinary Stroma group, an organisation specialising in all aspects of building sustainability and compliance.

2. Established in 2002, Stroma encompasses five companies: Stroma Accreditation, Stroma Contracting, Stroma Design, Stroma LZC and Stroma Technology.

3. Stroma is a rapidly-evolving company and the preferred partner of many of the UK’s leading housebuilders and contractors.