Ground Source Heat Pumps

edwh

Ok, thanks. I've had trouble finding suppliers in Lancashire - I had one lined up for a significantly cheaper cost, but they failed to turn up on the due date.

lovesgshp

Try looking for specialist suppliers/installers, recommended by the heat pump manufacturer . Keep to the ones that do not do too many system types e.g. biomass, woodburners, gas etc, as you need a properly designed system.
We cover all of Italy, so am sure there are ones in the UK who do the same.

lovesgshp

More thoughts edwh!!!

Firstly, get the house heat assessment completed as a priority.
I do not think you require 2 x DHW tanks, unless you have a jacuzzi or run hundreds of litres of water for baths. Look at a 500 ltr unit to supply the whole house. The 17kw pump should be able to supply all your needs for this. Make sure the pump prioritises DHW production!!
With the smaller part of the house, (how many rads), which I would think is better insulated, then the pump size could possibly be reduced, plus maybe the buffer tank down to 100 ltrs or even not at all. The 8kw pump you were quoted for, should also be available in 3 phase, which does not need the softstarter, so no problem with mixed electrical supplies. That pump would then just be used for heating the smaller area.
If I think of any more, will let you know.
Edited: What length of ground loops?

edwh

I think they were looking at 1200m of trenching.

I agree we don't need two cylinders.

I don't have 3 phase at the moment. I'm getting mixed messages about whether I need this; these people say yes, but other people are suggesting that the soft start and staggering stuff could mean I don't need it. Can you help clarify that?

lovesgshp

edwh wrote: »

I think they were looking at 1200m of trenching.
Think that may be 8 x 150mtr lines with 4 in each trench. 2x 150 each out 2 x 150 return, per trench. Please correct me if I am wrong.

I agree we don't need two cylinders.

I don't have 3 phase at the moment. I'm getting mixed messages about whether I need this; these people say yes, but other people are suggesting that the soft start and staggering stuff could mean I don't need it. Can you help clarify that?

Many pumps that operate over 11Kw need to go to 3 phase, the 17Kw you have beeen quoted for does need it. Have a word with your energy supplier as to the cost of upgrading, as the quote in your spreadsheet seems high.

edwh

Yes, we've spoken to the supplier. It's a bit frustrating as we have triple phase to a pole in our garden, and they want to replace the single phase from there to the house anyway as it is too low for current standards, so you would think that the cost could be reduced. Sigh.

edwh

One supplier is talking about MasterTherm heat pumps, which apparently do something clever with inverters. Any experiences?

lovesgshp

edwh wrote: »

One supplier is talking about MasterTherm heat pumps, which apparently do something clever with inverters. Any experiences?

Never heard of them to be honest, but there are many companies about.
I looked on their site, the GSHP units could only produce DHW to 60C and work to -20C, so pretty low spec.
Did not find any details on the specific models, but may have missed something.

captainhindsight_2

edwh wrote: »

One supplier is talking about MasterTherm heat pumps, which apparently do something clever with inverters. Any experiences?

This company are doing the rounds with installers, pushing their product very hard (also with no requirements for training on their products). I would be wary of a product that is cheaper than its competition and is claimed to be better or cleverer, their sale reps must be coming to the office one every fortnight trying to push this product.

crumbleman

Hi,
I’m looking for some advice if anyone can help.
Shortly I will be having a house built in North East Scotland, where temperatures can often be well below freezing for days at a time. I am trying to decide which heating system to install. The developer has costed for a mains gas fuelled system boiler and suggests that as the property will have four bathrooms a system boiler provides sufficient hot water and heating. There will be underfloor heating installed on both floors.
I would like to install some renewables, taking advantage of the great interest free loans and RHI, I have considered ASHP, GSHP and solar thermal. Looking at the great MSE forums there seems to be great disparity between what the manufactures state these systems will provide and how they operate and what end users are actually finding.
One of the themes of the heat pump forums is that they seem to not be fit and forget technology in the way that a gas boiler would be, is this due to poor installation and specification from the start or is it just part of running a heat pump?
So as I’m going to be on mains gas should I even be considering a heat pump and if so any suggestions on which type?
Should there be any difference in the design of underfloor heating if the heating is provided by the system boiler or a heat pump?
Thanks in advance.