Paper No 253 – Replicable Water Source Heat pumps for A Zero Carbon Future – 13th IEA Heat Pump Conference, Jeju, Korea
The United Kingdom (UK) is beginning to invest heavily in the construction of district heating networks as it recognises their potential for decarbonisation. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these are designed around burning fuel in one form or another, but with the undeniable effects of climate change being constantly reported and the surge in public awareness, alternative technologies are being sought after, primarily, heat pumps. Although there is huge success in European countries regarding heat pump projects, the UK is still hesitant in deploying the technology even though the majority of large towns and cities are built on the backs of rivers. By analysing the key sections required to deliver a successful water source heat pump (WSHP) for large urban district heating networks, a simplified methodology for repeating similar projects has been developed. Based on the learnings gathered from designing Scotland’s largest, hottest WHSP being installed in Clydebank, utilising the river Clyde as a source, real examples of design and technology will be detailed.